Chương 10: Aelira the Seer

Xia was sitting in the center of the room, her legs crossed and her back straight. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and controlled. Around her, the air itself seemed still, as though even the forest was holding its breath. The door opened quietly. Felicity stepped back inside, dragging two dead white rabbits tied to her belt.

"What is she doing?" she asked in a low voice. Leah motioned for her to lower it even more.

"She said she needs maximum concentration to locate the legendary swords. She says she can sense their position through…feelings. Vaguely".

"Vaguely?" Felicity muttered, placing the rabbits on the table.

"Very reassuring". Leah lowered her gaze to the animals.

"Did they suffer?"

"Throats slit", Felicity replied as she sat down.

"So I'd say yes". Leah grimaced, then picked up the knife and began skinning them with slow, precise movements.

"Have you already thought about what you'll ask for once we unite the swords?" If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Yes".

"Will you tell me?"

"No". Leah let out a faint sigh.

"Do you want to know what I'll ask for?"

"No. But I know you're going to tell me anyway". Leah smiled bitterly.

"Honestly, I'm undecided. I'd like to bring Flavio back to life…but the idea of bringing someone back from the dead unsettles me. Or I could ask for eternal youth, but that also goes against the natural order of things". Felicity stared at her.

"This whole thing goes against the natural order of things".

"True", Leah admitted.

"You're right". Silence fell. Only the sound of the knife against flesh and Xia's slow breathing filled the room. Suddenly, Xia's eyes flew open.

"The Southern Lands". Felicity turned sharply.

"What about the Southern Lands?"

"A legendary sword", Xia answered with certainty.

"It's there. I'm sure of it". In the Southern Lands, the white-haired mage entered a large tent. Inside, waiting for him, was a woman with very long blonde hair and red eyes, dressed in an elegant purple gown. Her gaze was weary and all-knowing.

"Xarath the Void Atlas", she said with a faint smile.

"You finally come to visit me". Xarath knelt without hesitation.

"Seer Aelira. It is an honor to meet you".

"Empty words", she replied with a short laugh, immediately followed by a coughing fit.

"From someone who feels nothing. Still, I must admit you're doing excellent work. Thanks to you, the coalition is gaining territory day after day. The kingdom's soldiers tremble at the mere sound of your name". Xarath remained silent.

"However", Aelira continued, staring at him, "I'm still not convinced of your loyalty. Tell me: why is a mage like you helping us?"

"To avenge the genocide of the mages one hundred and fifty years ago", he answered without hesitation.

"I believe we should return to power, as we were in ancient times". Aelira laughed, then coughed again, harder this time.

"Are you alright?" Xarath asked.

"Yes", she replied, taking a deep breath.

"It is the price of manipulation. Maintaining control over every human soldier slowly consumes me". Then her gaze hardened.

"I know you are not acting for me. Nor for the cause. You are acting for yourself. I only hope you do not betray us, because if that happens, you will be the one to suffer for it. Not us". Xarath rose to his feet, pulling his hood back over his head.

"Until next time, Seer Aelira". Then he vanished into the desert.