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At dawn, the three nobles prepared to continue their journey.
A faint morning mist rolled over the plains, and beside the horses, Elvÿ squatted on the ground, carving something with intense focus.
Princess Raina: (Studying the Map of Sacred Leads) We are near...
Elva: (Raising the carved bow) Yes!
Duke Balin: [What has she done again?]
Elva: (Standing and admiring her work) This is the first weapon I've ever made—aside from daggers and aixles.
Princess Raina: You're a—
Elva: Exactly. In the future, if you ever need daggers or aixles to fight, just come to me. I'll satisfy your demand.
Alf, looking unbothered, climbs onto his horse. Balin walks up to the girls, his horse following behind.
Duke Balin: But what are you going to do with that?
Elva: This? (Examines the bow carefully) This is for a great purpose—[to take the life of the one who took my father's.]
Raina's bracelet gives off a faint glow, her face tightening.
Princess Raina: We have to move faster.
They both mount their horses.
Duke Balin: (Extends his hand) Let's go.
Elva: I won't ride yet. I'll go on foot.
Duke Balin: Huh?
Elva: For training.
Duke Balin: But—
Before he can finish, Elva spanks the rear of his horse, and it takes off at a wild pace.
Duke Balin: Whoa! (Grips the reins tightly)
The others charge forward, and Elva follows on foot—her movement quick, her agility almost unbelievable.
She fires an arrow at Balin; he dodges, and the arrow whips back toward its master. She fires again, faster. This time Balin spins mid-gallop and redirects them toward Raina using Energy.
Raina reacts instantly—she drops flat against her horse, kicks upward, and deflects the arrows back toward Elva.
Elva flips to avoid them, then channels Energy into a single arrow before her. She steps on its tail with her left foot and kicks its head with her right—launching herself into the air.
She spins midair, landing behind Balin on his horse with a wild grin.
Elva: 👐 Whoo-hoo—eh!
She nearly slips off but grabs hold of him just in time.
Duke Balin: (Chuckles softly)
Princess Raina: (Shakes head) 😌
---
By dusk.
A different tension hung heavy in the air.
Far ahead, Inikhadan and his circle of sorcerers struggled against a massive, natural seal of power.
Inikhadan: Hit it harder.
The sorcerers raised their staffs, readying another strike—but a burst of fire descended upon them.
They quickly formed a massive Energy barrier above their heads. Inikhadan turned slowly toward the direction of attack—his expression froze.
Princess Raina: Thraen Inikhadan Kniove ēn Mûrkal Mûrkalë. Lofren haën'd Iyūng Kniove thaërra.
NOTE: "Thraen Inikhadan Kniove ēn Mûrkal Mûrkalë. Lofren haën'd Iyūng Kniove thaërra." in FōLa translates as
"Chief Inikhadan Kniove of the Caverns Cave. Braggart grandson of Iyūng Kniove the Fourth."
Elva's grip on her bow tightened, her eyes burning with restrained fury.
A Sorcerer: The four Dragon Successors...
Princess Raina: Bai rulen nūa mein, iërma ge'lūm sū dhaen.
NOTE: "Bai rulen nūa mein, iërma ge'lūm sū dhaen." translates as
"By the authority I possess, I command you to yield."
Elva: Or else we'll use force to compel you—something I'd gladly apply.
The world went silent. Then— Inikhadan's booming laughter echoed through the field.
Inikhadan: Compel? How? You've only just received your Dragon Spirits—you're weak! How could you possibly?
Princess Raina: And that's why we came prepared. (Turns sharply) Your Majesty!
Alf draws out a plaque, channeling Energy into it. The plaque shatters—releasing a surge of light. An army of Imperial Knights materializes behind them in perfect formation.
Elva: (Smirking, to Inikhadan) Got a second thought?
But instead of fear, Inikhadan smirks and strokes his chin thoughtfully.
Inikhadan: Aye... how good it is to be young. You never really know who your enemy—or ally—is.
Princess Raina: 🤨 What do you mean?
Then Balin steps forward—beside Inikhadan.
Elva: Balin?
Princess Raina: Balin... W-What are you doing?
Duke Balin: (Lets out a low cackle)
Inikhadan: Heh-heh... now tell me, what do you think of my partner?
Alf narrows his eyes. The world seems to slow.
Princess Raina: (Mumbles, shaking her head) No... hm-mm... Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking. That's absurd.
Balin's face becomes unreadable. Raina stares into his eyes, desperate.
Princess Raina: Don't explain. Just tell me that what I'm thinking right now is absurd.
Silence stretches.
Balin's gaze lingers on her for a few seconds—then shifts to Elva. The corner of his lips lift into a grin.
He places his hands on Inikhadan's broad shoulders.
Duke Balin: So tell me, Lady Elvÿndia Wood. Now that you've finally seen this crook, I trust your vengeful desires have reached their limit. Hah... sure goodness.
Elva's bow quivers in her grip. Her fist tightens, eyes shadowed with disbelief.
Elva: How could you...?
Duke Balin: (Light chuckle) Hm. I know. As a good friend— (his hand moves upward to Inikhadan's head) —allow me to relieve you of your burden.
Without warning, he twists Inikhadan's neck—a sharp crack echoes through the silence.
Everyone stands frozen.
Duke Balin: (Sends a cold glare at them) That done...
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