The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade
Chapter 18: Denial of the Heart

With much dejection on their minds, the group continued on, knowing only that they had to reach the elven city Ami Asari. The burden of Callon’s death was lifting, but for Epheldor it hadn’t. He would hide it, but at times, one of them would catch him off guard. No one questioned it. It was only best to leave Epheldor to his own path of closure, even if it meant doing it alone.

The forests of Ivsaar were much different from those of the lands of the east. The sheer structure of the wood was inhuman, but with the wood elves preserving them for so long, it only seemed likely. The strength and vitality of the forests added to its mystic atmosphere. But with the mysticism, there were also strange creatures lurking about; some with the frontal of a lion, but the back of a stag, wolves two times their original size, and the occasional small creeping insects and amphibians that had the deadliest of poisons.

Aside from having to sneak by the most dangerous of beasts, their journey was rather peaceful. No one was put into harms way, and the group managed to easily maneuver in the terrain. The warmth of the air was rather comforting and soothing. Anyone would give to have this place to themselves, but every piece of gold or diamond or ruby wouldn’t be able to amount to what this forest was worth. Every king of every kingdom must have lusted for these woods at some point in time.

The group trudged on, climbing up to a small flat area within the trunks of the trees. Kate walked along, breathing in the smell of flowers. She looked up at the streams of sunlight falling like waterfalls through the leaves. Her mind drifted, as it had before, back to the memories of the caves. I am the seventh one… It is a gift of the Creator. It was given to me in order to destroy you and the rest of the Seals. Orin’s words rang through her head, echoing and vanishing. He had a chance, but why didn’t he take it? She showed him compassion, yet he turned his back. Kate knew there was good in him; she knew there was still that spark of humanity in him. Now for sure she felt like she was going a little crazy from thinking about him. Kate felt a nudge in her side.

“Hey,” came Travis’ low voice. “You alright?”

Kate blinked and looked up at him. “Alright?” she asked. “Yeah, perfectly fine. Why do you ask?”

Travis smirked a little and shrugged. “Oh I don’t know,” he said. “I saw you staring up at those trees very sadly. Maybe its just me, but you have feelings for trees.”

Kate shook her head and almost laughed. “Yeah, of course,” she replied sarcastically.

“No, but really, is something on your mind?”

Kate exhaled deeply. “I’ve just been thinking about Orindir,” she said a bit more quietly.

Travis looked this way and that, as if someone was watching. “Oh— you mean pretty elf boy prince?” he said, meeting her gaze again with a playful look.

“Travis!” she scolded, rolling her eyes. “Yeah…him. I don’t know, that encounter I had with him…he’s not all bad.”

“But didn’t you say that he had someone kill a villager once?”

“Yes, but Travis— he may have done something terrible but he still has a shot at redemption! Orin is conflicted, very conflicted.”

Travis squinted. “Conflicted? How so?”

“Well…the last time we spoke he showed me I had a strong connection with the Creator. He serves the Creator but in a different method and he’s confused about what’s right or wrong. I— I want him to recognize that what we’re doing is for the Creator…not against him. I tried doing that but he refused to listen to reason!”

Travis thought for a moment, crossing his arms. “If you think about it, defying those traditions of his would be defying his kingdom, right? Maybe he just has the pressure of royalty.”

“But Travis, if he stopped killing humans and bashing on their existence, then maybe the kingdom would do so too. I’m very sure his people love him to bits and pieces.”

Travis nodded. “Hmm, that is true.”

Kate looked down, stepping over a root. “I just need to find a way to persuade him, something to convince him…but what?”

“It’ll come to you,” Laela said, walking by Kate’s side and smiling up at her. “You just need to have…patience! It’s all about understanding and revelation, right?”

Kate smiled and chuckled a little. “I sure hope so, we just need Orin to understand the real conflict here.”

“He will, one day—”

“No he won’t.”

All three of them looked up to see Kirith walking ahead of them. “His head is too stuck in the idea that his beliefs are right. At least a hundred years of believing is in him, so I suggest you just give up.”

Kate furrowed her brow. Give up? “But I can’t, Kirith. I know him!”

Kirith spun around, an infuriated look on his face. “No you don’t! Kate, you were only with him for what, a couple minutes? You don’t know him. Orin led you into a trap! He led all of us into a trap! He’s a good for nothing elf who only wants to kill the impure such as ourselves!”

Kate stepped toward him, fists clenched. “But I saw something you didn’t! I saw the hope in his eyes, the good in him!”

“Hush!” Derenil shushed them as she lowered herself to the ground. Everyone looked to her questionably as she surveyed the area. There was a small rumbling far off. The birds in the trees flew from their spots, heading in the opposite direction. Derenil looked back at them, standing up. “Something is coming.”

Rossiel dashed through the tree branches, swinging and bending to get around them easily. She slid down a thick branch and jumped, flipping and landing on another branch. In her hand was her trusty bow of her Seal in hand. The world around her went by in a blur of motion as the wind brushed passed her.

The young elf occasionally glanced down to the massive monstrosity that ran below, crashing through terrain and forestry. It snapped at anything that got in its way with a layer of darkness surrounding its body like a fungus. At least a dozen or so arrows protruded from its body. A nandi…or at least that was the looks of it. This was the third cursed being she had seen in the past month, and it was beginning to make her grow anxious as to why. The elders had spoken of a dark time that was approaching, but she didn’t think it would affect the forests. If these cursed ones were the result of it, Rossiel feared it would taint the spirits of the wood.

She glanced over across from her where another Ivsaarian ran along with her. Fandir. He met her gaze, signaling her to attack. Rossiel nodded and lunged up onto a higher branch. She reached back and pulled out an arrow, knocking it into the string. Filling her lungs with air and feeling the fibers of the fletching in between her fingers, she pulled back and aimed for the beast. It was a clear shot, then and there. Rossiel jumped and released, letting the arrow fly like a hawk to its prey. With the added wind, the arrow pierced deep into the nandi. The nandi let out a roar of pain but didn’t seem to stop running.

Another arrow left both the wood elves’ quivers and shot into the nandi, and yet the beast continued to rampage and destroy. Shouts of the elves on ground came from below. The other elven hunters had ridden on horses and they didn’t seem to be catching up with the nandi, but with no luck of subduing it.

Rossiel furrowed her brow. If their motives weren’t working, she would have to use her Seal powers. Biting her lip, she clenched her fists as the wind began to kick up around her. The gusts danced along with her as she effortlessly maneuvered through the trees. Rossiel grew faster, lighter, and was beginning to gain on the beast. Feeling the power through her body, she lunged down from the trees, and into the path of the nandi.

Everyone stood still as they felt the vibrations rise up into their feet. Something was coming, and it was coming fast. The vibrations came in rapid motions as if it were running, and began to grow in intensity. Kate looked around at them. Don’t tell me this is another one of those demon things… she thought, remembering the time her, Kirith, and Travis had to fight the Taurus.

Far ahead of them, the sound of branches and vines snapping could be heard. Everyone turned in that direction and almost went pale at the sight. A large malformed creature with a hound like face and was covered in a black substance came rushing towards them. It roared madly and lumbered through thick and thin. With its large size, it was surprising to see that it could move so fast.

“What is that?!?” Travis stammered.

“Get out of its way!” Earidon yelled.

But as he commanded that, a figure dropped down from the treetops above landing perfectly. It stood up straight, revealing its features in the light. It or she was an elf with long elegant dark purple hair and a yellow ribbon tied in it. She wore an assortment of belts, along with a light tunic. In the elven girl’s hand was a bow, and around her back was a quiver. She stood calmly as the beast charged right towards her. Pulling out and arrow, the elf put it into the bowstring and pulled back before firing it at the creature. The arrow struck right into the face of the cursed beast, causing its legs to give way from beneath it. At this rate, the thing was going to crash right into the elf.

Putting the bow back behind her back, the elf whipped out a sword from her hip and jumped at an inhuman height over the beast. The creature tried to nip at her but it missed. Flipping in the air, the elf came down on the beast’s back, sword pointing down. She came down on it, forcing the blade into the creature’s back. The beast let out one more loud and painful roar before flopping its head down and growing motionless.

The elven girl ripped the blade out of it back and jumped down, wiping the black inky blood from her face, causing it to smear. Several other elves on steeds caught up and halted near the carcass.

Kate watched in a bit of awe at the sheer skill. From what she could tell, the elven girl only looked to be about her age or maybe older, but with a confidence she never had. The elf had single-handedly taken down a creature that was ten times her size.

The other elves dismounted and came around the beast, speaking to each other quietly in another language. They looked troubled and concerned, giving small glances to the carcass. A male elf climbed down from one of the trees and approached the one who had taken down the beast herself. But right before their eyes, the body of the creature began to decay, or perhaps, blow away in the wind. Its black skin drifted like ashes until the entire body disappeared, leaving only its bones. This received some stifled gasps from the elves. They looked to each other, inquiring and beginning to speak even more quietly.

“Wow…” Travis murmured dreamily, still in awe of the performance that was made to defeat the creature.

The elven girl whipped her head around, her gaze landing right on Travis. Some of the others followed her gaze and looked at the group somewhat surprised. She looked around at them before her eyes grew somewhat wide and her brow narrowed. Taking in a breath, the elf looked away and darted off in the direction they came, like a small animal disappearing from sight. The male elf, which had spoke with her tried to reach out and grab her, but missed. “Rossiel!” he yelled.

The other elves, along with the group watched her go, somewhat confused by her departure. Travis looked to Kate, eyebrows raised. “You saw that look, right? What was with that?”

Kate shrugged and shook her head. She was just as puzzled as he.

One of the elves approached them, a tall one with long deep black hair. Though he tried to look calm, it was evident the elf was quite troubled. “I apologize for Rossiel’s sudden disappearance,” he said, bowing and standing back up. “But it is an honor to have you and your team back, Earidon, along with the Seals.” The other elves bowed deeply in a graceful manner. Everything about their actions along with looks was perfect and sophisticated. And in the light of day, it was almost as if they glowed.

Earidon bowed in return. “There is no need for such formality. And it is fine, I understand the situation she is in. Rossiel just needs time.” He looked towards the carcass questionably. “What has happened here?”

The wood elf sighed, turning his attention to it. “This nandi came crashing through some of the outer villages and caused destruction to the crops. We were lucky to have driven it out in time.”

Earidon crossed his arms. “A nandi? But no beast has sought to harm the villages.”

“It was cursed.” The elf said and paused for affect. “We know not of how this happened or where it came from, but it surely wasn’t the doing of the Wood. Something is amiss, the elders were right about these dark times.”

Earidon shook his head lightly. “This is not a good sign. Not good at all.”

The wood elf cocked his head to the side. “But aside from that, I must question… I know you have been on a long journey, but you all look quite ill if I must say.”

“It’s complicated,” Derenil sighed. “But it is imperative that we inquire with the King and Queen.”

“Indeed, we were just to do the same. Come, we shall guide you to the great tree.”

They gladly began to follow the elves, relaxed now that they were in good hands.

Laela furrowed her brow and looked up at Kate, completely puzzled. “Who’s Rossiel?” she whispered.

“That girl who ran off,” Earidon interjected, looking at the two of them, “that was Rossiel. She is the fifth Seal.”

In their walk through the forests, Kate swore she could hear a soft singing far off. And her claims were correct, as the singing had grown louder and echoed in the forests. The birds had even begun to sing along with it. The treetops swayed in the wind with its tune. It wasn’t like ordinary singing, like chanting in a perfect unison. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever heard since the singing stones.

Laela began to hum with it, swaying a bit with the melody. She reached down and plucked up a purple flower in contentment. Earidon looked towards her as a small smile formed on his lips. “Careful, Laela,” he warned. “They say those flowers have the ability to pull your soul right from you if you put it close to your face for too long.”

Laela gasped a little and looked back down at the flower perplexed. She giggled lightly before putting it into her small satchel. “Better save it for an important time then!” Laela said and winked.

Travis laughed and crossed his arms. “For what? Who’s soul are you going to take, Laela?”

Their conversation went on, the two laughing softly. Kate looked ahead to the elves walking in front of them. Their movements were fluid-like as they guided their horses. Not to mention their extraordinary beauty, these beings seemed beyond such a life in a mortal world, heaven sent at most. Kate sighed and rubbed her eyes. If I saw this back on Earth, then I really would’ve believed I was dreaming.

Earidon looked over to her curiously and stepped to her side. He put his hands behind his back, looking in her direction. “My kin are quite fascinating aren’t they?”

Kate sighed. “And I almost thought they weren’t real when you first described them.”

“Understandable. Many outsiders would say the same about us. Our existence is unbelievable if only described, since we do not have that same air about us when not in our home.” Earidon sighed and crossed his arms. “Being far from the forests can do a lot to a wood elf.”

“Yeah…I would know,” Kate replied. “But…at least we’re here now, right?”

A pained smiled emerged on Earidon’s lips. “Of course.”

As they walked on, they came across a stone path and followed it over a ridge. Crossing over a river they turned to face an astonishing sight. Far off amidst the trees was one tree that stretched higher than the rest. Unlike the other trees, this one’s trunk was by far the thickest, taking up most of the area. Its roots rose from the earth and traced far through the forest. Along the trunk and the other trees were small oval like structures, some even hanging far up close to the canopy. A small village of the structures sat around the trees. It was an almost unbelievable sight, something that couldn’t possibly be real.

Kate’s jaw dropped, trying to fathom what she was seeing. She had seen many odd and impossible things, but this by far surpassed them all. Kate couldn’t have enough of the sight; it was too breathtaking.

“It’s so pretty,” Laela marveled, her eyes alight.

“Welcome to Ami Asari,” Earidon said, almost a bit proudly.

They continued to walk towards it, the Seals nearly tripping over their own feet just to get a good look at it. It wasn’t till after they entered within the walls of the city that things became even more interesting. Though the great tree was hanging right above them, giving a threatening look of falling, the town was beautiful in itself and the singing was louder. Elves walked to and fro with swiftness and gentleness, all garbed in silky long robes. All of which they walked by gave them a slight glance and a bow of the head. To their right, in a small courtyard area were many elves standing in rows in loose fitting clothing, all practicing fighting techniques with an instructor. The air around hem was light and smelled of many different blossoming flowers. Taking it all in was almost too much for the Seals, but nonetheless, it was relaxing.

The elf who had spoken with Rossiel looked around at them, a worried expression on his face. And before the group even knew it, he disappeared within the crowd.

They approached the tree, seeing it in its full strength up close. An opening was carved out of the tree, giving way to another area within the tree. Not a sound of creaking or bending could be heard. It stood in its complete form, unmoving by any gust of wind. It wasn’t dead, but it sure was strong enough to be as still as the city structures.

The inside was circular and almost vast room. Two staircases of white led up the sides of the tree and up to another floor high up. Small alcoves lined the wall, a blue flame burning inside. Fire?

Kate furrowed her brow. How was that not burning the tree down? She looked to Earidon, walking up next to him. “Earidon, that fire…”

“Should be burning the tree.” He nodded. “You see…no flame can burn this tree. Many have tried to burn it themselves, but no flame would catch. It is because of a certain stone below us that the tree still stands in one piece.”

Kate nodded slowly. “Hm…”

They were guided up to the staircase, ascending into the tree several stories more. Each story had its own use and purpose, one held a blacksmithing area along with armory an weaponry, another had magic with tables, bookshelves and brewing pots, and another was one full library filled with all kinds of books of different assortments and sizes. Elves conversed and roamed these levels, talking lightly amongst themselves. Here and there were openings from the tree that led to bridges stretching from tree to tree.

After observing the varieties, they finally reached the last staircase. Kate gripped the railing, straining her legs to continue on. Walking up through the tree was the longest walk she had on a staircase. It pained her legs, but she knew she had to continue; this was their last set of stairs. I sure hope we won’t have to walk back down… Kate thought.

They emerged from the lower level, coming up onto the very top of the tree. Beyond was a large flat area of carved wood with a soft turquoise carpet leading up. The branches of the tree extended from the side with a canopy of leaves above them. Sunrays shed through the cracks in the leaves, causing multiple showers of light here and there. What they could only describe as fairies flew about, glowing lightly. At the very end, elevated on a small platform with stairs, were the two most elegant looking elves.

Upon thrones that looked like they had grown from the tree itself they sat, both sat listening to another female elf that stood before them. A king and a queen from the looks of it, garbed in silver robes with complexions that were soft and young but told of much wisdom and knowledge. The king had a firm set brow with the brightest blue eyes. His faded purple hair was pulled back behind his ears with an intricate circlet weaved around his head. The queen had a rather merciful yet powerful look in her grey eyes, with braided hair cascading down her shoulders. The two sat in a pristine manner, like there was not one second they would be slouching.

“The shipments from our ports have come to their destination successfully, Your Majesty,” said the female elf, holding a scroll in her hands.

The King nodded. “Any word of our other shipments in the Gildeac Isles?” His voice was that of a soft flowing brook, but the power of a raging rapid. The queen next to him turned her attention to the newcomers before gripping his hand tightly and standing. Soon, both his and the other elf’s attention was turned to them as the king stood with her.

A smile spread across the female elf’s lips. “Y-you’re back! Brother!” she stammered before leaping into Epheldor’s arms and wrapping hers around his neck. Epheldor was somewhat surprised by this, but a grim look was on his face.

The Queen was looking over them, her gaze almost hypnotizing. “So you have returned, along with the Seals,” she said. “But it seems you have one missing.”

Everyone stood there, almost awkwardly but nervously, looking down. Epheldor’s sister began to catch on. She pulled back and looked around at them, her smile fading. His sister looked back at her brother. “Where’s Callon…?” she asked.

Epheldor tried to utter the words, but nothing escaped his lips.

Earidon sighed, taking it upon himself to explain. “Milady Faeleth,” he began, directing his attention to the Queen. “We encountered goblins on our way here. To spare the details, they…finished off Callon themselves. He died knowing he could stand up for his kin.”

Epheldor’s sister simply stared at Earidon, the color draining from her once rosy cheeks. A single tear ran down her cheek as she averted her gaze. “So death…has taken him…”

The other elves there with them shook their heads, mumbling things to each other. Epheldor guided his sister away and down the stairs, speaking words of comfort to her.

Faeleth tilted her head down and closed her eyes. “Unbelievable.” She opened her eyes again. “The goblins will pay for their actions. Callon will assuredly receive a place in Paradise.” Faeleth’s expression softened. “So what of your journey? I see some new faces…and powers I have never laid eyes upon before.” Her gaze landed on the Seals.

Kate gulped. Now that he was looking at them, she felt somewhat unnerved. It was like she was staring right into them, and it almost made her wobble on her feet.

Earidon recounted the events of their journey; the northern elf attack, the presence of Obligators, their detour into Onn Dorei, the encounter with Orindir, their captivity under the goblins, and their final escape from the mountains.

Faeleth nodded softly, her brow furrowed. “I see…and what do these Northern elves want?”

“I am not entirely sure,” Eardion replied. “Their prince has been leading a movement to free all dragons through violent means while killing any other humans involved. But his driven force to attack the Seals…I know not of.

“Though I have learned of something great to which their prince plans, and I fear for the worst. Rumors have spread that on the seventh day of the ninth month that all seven moons will align in the heavens and all dragons will be at their full strength. Prince Orindir plans to free them from captivity in the city Atara. He knows that destroying the city would weaken all the surrounding kingdom’s economies, including Vasnidale, as long as free his supposed “brothers and sisters” from captivity.”

Rivornor, the king, stroked his chin. “Hm…the Felorians have always been attached to the dragons, it is no surprise they would go to such lengths. And to have a destined day of power for the dragons would only give the prince the upper hand. It is true that this so-called moon myth is indeed a natural event for many thousands of years. Are the eastern kingdoms aware of this?”

Earidon shook his head unknowingly. “I do not know for sure, your majesty. These are only rumors, so no one really believes that it will occur.”

“It would be best to warn the Council of Atara what might unfold. Though I am indeed greatly against foreign relation, I do not wish to see our world crumble beneath our distant brother’s foot.”

“Understandable. I would not wish to see it either. But that leaves the other question.” Earidon looked towards the Seals. “What do the northern elves want with the Seals?” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

All attention seemed to turn the Seals. They looked on at them as if they had just now realized it was the Seals in flesh and blood.

Faeleth stared down at them, her eyes becoming glassy. She let out a low hum and paused. “One can only think… Perhaps it is the lust for the power they hold.”

“Our previous encounter was quite unexpected to say the least,” Earidon continued. “The prince himself was there.” He looked towards Kate. “Kate, would mind describing what had happened? I believe you were the one who spoke with him.”

Now Kate was put on spot as every pair of eyes looked directly at her. She fidgeted and looked down. “Well he ah— he told me that he was struggling with the fact that I have a…“strong connection” with the Creator. Orin even showed me too.” Kate looked up, gaining some confidence. “Yeah, that’s what happened. You see, Orin possesses the ability to sense the Creator within objects or living things, it’s mainly dragons… He was very puzzled about it and that he was questioning everything he believed in.”

From the side, Kirith let a small “tch” escape his lips. He wasn’t at all pleased hearing this, but Kate kept her stature.

Faeleth raised her eyebrows. “A strong connection with the Creator? The Felorians believe they are the perfect servants of the Creator, and this ability he has is allowing him to see on a whole other level. It would not be surprising that he would be troubled, young one, but his reasons for being against you or the rest of the Seals don’t make sense.”

“Well…” Kate began again. “The thing is, he is a Seal himself, the Seventh Seal. Orin believes that we’re in some way corrupted and unholy…”

Earidon closed his eyes and nodded. “I presume it is the lies he has been fed throughout his life. I doubt he would in any way change his ways.”

“And what of the goblins?” Rivornor asked.

“I do not know, your majesty. But I suggest we keep an eye out for them if they decide to cause any trouble. After what happened, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did so.”

One of the elves from the hunting party stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Milord Rivornor, Milady Faeleth, I do not mean to interject, but I have unsettling news of what we encountered while hunting.” He stood straight back up. “It’s another one of the cursed.”

Rivornor looked to him, as his expression grew sullen. “Thank you, we shall speak of this soon, but allow us to finish.” He turned his attention back to the group. “There are dark times coming, and it is important that we prepare to fight against it, particularly you Seals. The next Seal you seek is here, the daughter of general Thannor Bethaniel. Convince her to accompany you and find the sixth Seal. The kingdoms of Vasnidale do not have much time left before the Seven-Moon Alignment.”

Rossiel fast walked across the bridge, the long fall down bellow not at all affecting her. Her mind was on other things, many other things. She felt like her blood was burning her from the inside out, but it mattered not. With fists clenched, Rossiel approached the intricately built structure along the tree’s trunk. She knew they were there in Ami Asari, Earidon’s group, along with the Seals. Rossiel knew what they wanted, and that was to take her away from Ami Asari. She couldn’t bear the thought of it, no, it made her infuriated. The city that she promised to protect for as long as she lived, and now they were expecting her to leave it all behind. Absurd! Rossiel thought. I cannot leave my people unprotected. They need me! She recalled the meeting that took place before Earidon and the others left, her father telling her that she would need to accompany them. Rossiel refused, and there it was established that they would return and she would join them then. But she knew she wouldn’t join them.

Upon nearing the door, Rossiel grabbed the side of it and easily slid it open. She carefully stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. Rossiel set her quiver and bow down next to the wall with other assortments of bows, but hers stood out from the rest with its bird-like designs. She turned back around to face another room, which was elevated and closed off by the same paper and wood doors. Rossiel slid open the nearest one and closed it behind her. A large mat was spread across the wide area of room. Candles flickered here and there along the sides, illuminating the room. The smell of burning incense wafted through the room. A tall male elf stood at the far end with his back to her, adorned in dark green clothing. He examined a long sword to which he held.

Rossiel quickly sat on her legs in a spot near the center of the room, placing her palms on her knees. She tried to breath softly, but it was obvious she had rushed her way there.

“I could hear you coming from a mile away,” the elf said in their native language, but she could easily understand it. He twisted the blade in his hand.

Rossiel didn’t reply. She clenched her knees a bit tighter as she tried to push back her troubled thoughts.

“You usually enter so quietly I wouldn’t have thought you were really there,” he went on. The elf quietly sheaved the sword and placed it back on the wall with the others. He turned and looked to her, devoid of emotion. “What of the nandi?”

“It was cursed, master Egnasson,” Rossiel answered, bowing deeply in respect. “I took it down.”

Egnasson approached her slowly. “You are agitated,” he said skeptically.

Again, Rossiel didn’t reply.

Egnasson circled her, stroking his chin. “Ah…I know what this is all about,” he enlightened. “Earidon and his group have returned. You do not wish to accompany them.” Egnasson sat down in front of her and cocked an eyebrow. “‘The forest comes first’ is what I recall you saying, isn’t it?”

Rossiel evaded his gaze and continued to stare down at the floor. “It is true.”

Egnasson let out a low hum. “Indeed, protecting the forests from the goblins and the darkness is the main priority.”

“And they should know that,” Rossiel answered quickly. “I wasn’t given this power to leave, this power is needed for the Great Tree.”

Egnasson sighed. “Rossiel, whether you like it or not, you will leave with them, and contribute to the world’s safety. The forest doesn’t need you every step of the way.”

Rossiel felt like her hands were shaking. She didn’t want to hear a lecture, and Egnasson seemed to notice that.

He paused for a moment. “You are dismissed.”

Rossiel was back in the outer room before she knew it, replenishing her quiver with arrows agitatedly. She was somewhat glad she didn’t have to hear another lecture like that. Though, Rossiel still felt anxious and unsettled. And for the first time in her life she felt alienated in her own home. Many knew that she had to leave; she was a Seal after all. But did the world really depend on Six Seals? Weren’t they powerful enough as they were? They could manage themselves.

As Rossiel threw the quiver over her shoulder, the door slid open. She didn’t bother to look over her shoulder, she already knew who it was.

“Rossiel!” came a voice.

“Do not bother me, Fandir,” Rossiel warned and stood up. She turned around to walk to the door, but Fandir stepped in her path.

Fandir glared at her, his bright blue eyes gleaming with determination. “You can’t give up this quest, Rossiel,” he scolded. “You can’t run from it!”

Rossiel felt her grip tighten. This was the one displeasing thing she had with Fandir; he agreed with the rest that she must join the Seals. Her own fiancée, and he was the one who wanted the marriage to happen faster…

“It would bring your family great honor!” he went on.

Rossiel held her stoic expression. “Honor? Is it honor to leave your kin to possibly be attacked and killed?”

Fandir’s arms hung at his sides. “Rose, nothing will happen to us!”

“Have you been listening to the elders at all?! They sense a darkness coming over the land. And what about the forests? The beasts are becoming cursed. What if more come here?”

“Then we’ll fight back!” Fandir exclaimed. “We’ve done it once before, we can do it again! We’ve protected these forests for so many years, we’ll know what to do.” His expression softened and became saddened. “Rossiel, I know past events have left you scarred, but do this for your mother.”

Rossiel’s lips began to quiver as she felt her entirety shake. That look in his eyes, the soft gesture. And how dare he bring up such memories! Rossiel couldn’t stand looking at him. She simultaneously shoved passed him and walked to the door.

“You know, Callon died just so you could go and join the Seals!” Fandir said angrily, his voice beginning to break.

Rossiel froze in place as she grabbed the side of the door. Every hair on her body stood up, as her legs grew weak. Dead…? One of her closest friends gone forever. He died on the journey, but how? Rossiel didn’t want to believe it, she felt as if her emotions were piling up inside. Her world began to spin out of control, and she couldn’t keep up with its inhuman speed.

“If you’re not going to go, then fine! Do what you want! But know that Callon died for your sake and that it’s going to waste!” Fandir growled.

Rossiel couldn’t take it anymore. She yanked the door open and stepped out, slamming it shut. She quickly ran across the bridge, wiping her face of tears.

The Seals followed Earidon through several small homely structures and bridges through the trees. Walking far above the ground was unnatural for them, but they got used to it eventually, taking in the vast scenery around them. It was strange that anyone would live this high up, but it did have its benefits of protection.

Kate was somewhat curious about this Seal. She had only briefly seen her before she ran off. Maybe she was shy? Maybe in a hurry to do something? Whatever it was, Kate hoped things would go well.

They came across a much larger home, circling the tree completely and reaching right up to the rooftops. It was made of the same white wood the other structures were made from with the elegant curved roofs and wooden walls. It rested peacefully with sunbeams gleaming down, giving it a heavenly glow.

“Here we are,” Earidon said, letting out an almost tired sigh.

“Is something the matter…?” Laela asked, looking up at him.

Earidon met her gaze with a soft smile. “It is just that I worry for Rossiel.”

“Why worry?” Travis asked.

Earidon stopped several feet in front of the door and turned to them. “There is no other way than to simply put that she doesn’t want to join you Seals.”

Kate felt her heart sink a bit at that. Not join them? This was like when they had to try to get Travis to accompany them, only Travis wanted to go himself.

“Why not?” Kirith asked a little impatiently.

Earidon shook his head. “I can only imagine…my only guess is that she feels a strong connection to the forests and that she must stay to protect her kin.”

“Is there any way we could persuade her? Get her to join us?” Travis pressed.

“I don not know…but pray that the Creator can somehow right her.” Earidon turned back to the door and grabbed the side of it. Sliding it open, he stepped inside and led the group in.

Kate entered to meet a small pair of stairs leading up to a large room. She followed behind Earidon, hearing the sound of voices grow louder. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she was faced with a cozy looking area. Two elves sat across from each other on mats with a low table in between them. A cup of steaming tea sat in front of either one of them, both not even touched once.

Kate recognized the elf to the left to be Rossiel, but had not seen this other elf to the right. Rossiel trained her eyes on the cup of tea, her brow furrowed and a scowl on her face. The elf opposite of her looked much older, but retained a youthful look. He spoke to her in a different language, leaning forward and trying to get her attention.

Rossiel whipped her head towards them, her eyes widening. She shot up from her spot, staring at them with a wild-eyed look, almost like a cautious animal. The other elf to the right noticed them too, standing up as well.

Earidon bowed to them both. “General Thannor, Rossiel,” he greeted softly, standing back up. “I apologize for this intervention but…” Earidon looked to Rossiel and took in a deep breath, “dear one, I know you do not wish to hear this, but the Seals need you, and I would very much appreciate it if we could have your council to hear us out.”

Rossiel bit her lip and didn’t say anything. She clenched her fists at her sides as if she were struggling against a force. Thannor looked to her intently and spoke, “Rossiel…”

“Please, miss,” Laela pleaded, clasping her hands together. “We don’t ask for much…”

Rossiel looked down at Laela as a sad look began to appear. But it quickly went away when she stepped back, looking at them, as her stature grew defensive. She shook her head slowly. “No…” Rossiel said coldly. She turned away and fast walked to the nearest door, sliding it open.

“Rossiel!” Thannor called, but she was already gone and out of sight. He sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead as they were left in silence. Thannor turned to them, a tired expression on his face. “She will need some time…”

Earidon lowered his head. “I see.”

Kirith crossed his arms. “Whether she likes it or not, she has to join us.”

Laela was staring down at the floor sorrowfully, holding her hands behind her back. “There was so much pain in her eyes…” she commented.

Travis patted her head gently. “I know…I saw it, too.”

Meanwhile, Rossiel was racing up into the treetops, climbing a pair of stairs and leaping onto a branch. Tears raced down her cheeks as she moved past the world in a blur. Facing them was too much; she couldn’t face what would become of her. Did that make her a coward? No! she thought. I would die for my kin! Rossiel slowed down as she reached a particular branch, going to the far end of it and pushing past the leaves.

She stopped, taking in the world around her. Far off, the sun was just beginning to touch the horizon. A soft breeze moved passed her, causing the leaves to rustle softly. Rossiel felt herself sit down as the tears continued to pour down her face. All the memories were coming back to her now, the fire, the goblins…her agonized expression and last words. Rossiel covered her face with her hands. “Mother…forgive me,” she wept.

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