As they sat down to discuss their dreams, Lee and Jason began to recount every detail, every scene, and every second of their experiences. They were determined to find a pattern, something that might give them a lead to the mystery that was unfolding.
In the midst of their conversation, Lee suddenly asked Jason to check any hidden places on his body for any unusual marks. Jason didn't hesitate, removing his shirt to reveal his torso.
Sol, who was sitting in a corner, looked on with a mixture of confusion and boredom. "You both look crazy," he muttered, shaking his head. He got up and announced, "I'm going up to my space, Dad."
But before Sol could leave, Lee suddenly paused Jason. "Wait, wait," he said, his eyes fixed on Jason's back. "You also have a brand, and it's labeled Alkarene."
Jason's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to ask, "Where? I don't see it." Lee's response only added to the confusion. "It's at the middle of your back."
Just then, Sol appeared behind them, his presence unexpected. "I thought you went upstairs," Lee said, surprised.
Sol shrugged. "I thought no one noticed me." Lee and Jason exchanged a glance, and Lee asked Sol to take a look at Jason's back. But Sol's response was definitive. "There's nothing on his back, Dad. And also nothing of yours."
Jason's face contorted in confusion. "But I saw his," he insisted, his eyes locked on Lee's back. Sol just rolled his eyes. "You both sound crazy, with all this conspiracy theory stuff." He shook his head and muttered, "I don't know what's going on, but I think I'm out of here."
As Sol turned to leave, Jason suddenly clutched his head, overcome by an intense headache. He crashed to the ground, his back exposed, and in a shocking moment, the Alkarene tattoo vanished from his skin. Lee's eyes widened in astonishment as he turned to Sol. "Did you just see that, Sol?" he asked, his voice trembling with excitement.
Sol, however, shook his head. "No, but we need to take him to the hospital," he urged, quickly heading upstairs to grab his jacket as the sound of rain filled the air.
Moment later:
"He's waking up already," someone said, their voice gentle and soothing. As Jason's vision cleared, he found himself surrounded by four female elves in his room. Three of them were tenderly cleaning his body with towels, while the fourth stood watchfully at the corner.
Jason's eyes widened in confusion as he quickly sat up, folding his legs onto the bed and pushing away the elves who were touching him. "What the...? Am I back here?" he exclaimed, his mind racing with questions.
The elf standing at the corner smiled calmly. "Good, you're awake," she said, then turned to leave. As she reached the door, she paused and added, "You have so many questions. Once you're all dressed up, Sia will bring you to me." The other elves responded in unison, "Yes, ma'am."
With that, the mysterious elf disappeared from view, leaving Jason with more questions than answers about his situation and the strange world he seemed to be in.
In the castle's training grounds, Gary Scar, a seasoned human archer, stood patiently as he guided a group of young archers, including a little elf named Shila, through the art of marksmanship. "Chest up, let your aim guide you, take a breath and shoot," he instructed, his voice calm and reassuring.
Shila, with her bright green eyes and pointed ears, looked up at Gary with a mixture of determination and fear. "Master Little Scar," she called out, her voice trembling slightly.
Gary smiled warmly and walked down to Shila, squatting to meet her height. "What is it, Little Pie?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I'm scared," Shila admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gary's expression softened, and he gently adjusted Shila's aim. "I know you're scared, but how do you want to be good if you don't try?" he encouraged, his words echoing the wisdom of his own father, who had taught him the same lessons when he was a child.
As Gary guided Shila's hands, he couldn't help but think back to his own childhood, when his father had pushed him to excel in archery. He remembered the countless times he had failed, but his father's words of encouragement had always motivated him to keep trying.
Just as Gary was about to offer more advice, a group of six kids came running towards them, their faces flushed with excitement and fear. "He's coming!!" one of them shouted, disrupting the training session.
Gary's expression turned worried, and he glanced around to see what might be chasing the kids. Not long after, three guards armed with weapons appeared, hot on the kids' heels. "Not so fast," Gary exhaled, his eyes narrowing as he pulled out four arrows from his quiver.
With swift precision, he aimed the arrows at the guards' path, ready to put a stop to the chase. The kids, realizing they were safe, slowed down and watched in awe as Gary's arrows landed perfectly, blocking the guards' way.
The guards, however, were not deterred. They drew their swords and began to argue with Gary, who stood his ground, his eyes flashing with a mix of amusement and annoyance. "You can't just shoot arrows at us," one of the guards growled.
Gary smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, I think I just did," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
As the guards drew closer to Gary and the young archers, the leader of the group snarled, "You asked for it!" He charged forward, but before he could attack, he suddenly stopped short, his eyes fixed on a figure standing behind Gary.
The figure, Luna, an elf and a skilled warrior, emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding attention. Her voice was like a gentle breeze, but it carried an authority that was unmistakable. "As you can see, you foolish drunks decided to pick a fight with anybody, not knowing what status they hold," she said, her eyes flashing with amusement. "That useless archer you see there is my colleague, the same man in charge of the seven divisions of 80 thousand soldiers guiding this castle."
The guards' faces paled as they realized their mistake. Luna's eyes sparkled with mirth as she waved her hand, and a gentle breeze carried her voice to the guards. "Now, run along," she said, her voice like a soft whisper, but it sent the guards scurrying away in fear.
"We're sorry!!" they shouted as they fled, their footsteps echoing through the courtyard. The young archers burst into laughter, and Gary smiled, relieved that the situation had been diffused.
Luna approached Gary, her movements fluid and effortless. "How is the new Alkarene doing?" Gary asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Luna's expression turned serious, and she replied, "We don't know yet, but he will be present at the dinner tonight. However, that's not what I came to discuss with you." She paused, her eyes locking onto Gary's. "I've been to the hills, and the connection I feel with the sun is dying little by little. I don't think he's ready."
Gary's smile faltered, and he felt a sense of unease. "What does it mean?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Luna's expression was grave. "It wouldn't be long before the Silkrene gains his full strength, and if he does, the sun will die, leaving total darkness. We should be ready without him." With that, she turned and boarded a horse, her movements swift and decisive.
As she rode off, Gary watched her go, his mind racing with the implications of her words. He felt a sense of weight settle on his shoulders, knowing the fate that awaited his people if they failed.
"I'll be expecting you at the high table when the sun sets," Luna called out as she rode away, her voice carrying on the wind.
Gary nodded, his eyes following Luna's retreating figure. He turned to Shila, who was still looking up at him with wide eyes. "Master Little Scar, you're so brave!" she exclaimed.
Gary chuckled, ruffling Shila's hair. "It's all part of the job, Little Pie," he said, smiling. "Now, let's get back to practicing our aim." But his mind was already elsewhere, preoccupied with the weight of responsibility and the uncertainty of the future.