Shoooooong~
The golden glow of the teleportation array faded, and the familiar sight of the teleportation chamber greeted Lord Terrace, Lord Acheon, Lord Leah, and Elder White Fang.
The chamber, located in Elder White Fang’s residence—a grand estate that doubled as their base of operations—was dimly lit by enchanted lamps that emitted a soft blue hue.
As the group reoriented themselves, a collective sigh escaped their lips. Even Elder White Fang, usually stoic, allowed a moment of visible relief to wash over his features.
“We’re home,” Lord Leah said with a smile, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. “It’s good to be back.”
The others nodded in agreement. After days spent traveling and negotiating in the Southern Atholor Continent, the familiarity of their homeland was a welcome change.
Elder White Fang motioned for the group to follow him, and they exited the teleportation chamber, their footsteps echoing through the stone corridors.
They entered a spacious room furnished with polished wooden chairs and a long table at its center—a smaller version of the conference room they had used for previous meetings.
Once seated, Elder White Fang addressed the group. “We’ve accomplished what we set out to do,” he began, his tone steady. “But the work is far from over. We’ll need to call a meeting with the other Family Lords, nobles, and rulers soon. The Emperor must also be informed of our progress.”
“Agreed,” Lord Terrace said, his deep voice resonating. “How many days do we have before the representatives meet again?”
“Two weeks,” Elder White Fang replied. “I’ll send word for a conference to be held in four days. That should give everyone time to prepare.”
Lord Acheon leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing on his lips. “At least we get a few days to breathe before jumping back into politics.”
“Don’t get too comfortable,” Lord Leah interjected, her tone teasing. “You might forget how to deal with those nobles.”
The group shared a quiet laugh, the tension of their recent journey easing for a brief moment.
Elder White Fang stood, signaling the end of the discussion. “That settles it. We’ll reconvene in four days. For now, you’re all dismissed.”
The four representatives rose from their seats and made their way back to the teleportation chamber. One by one, they bid each other farewell, Elder White Fang watching as they disappeared into the arrays.
When it was Lord Terrace’s turn, he paused briefly, looking to Elder White Fang.
“Take some time to rest,” Elder White Fang advised, his tone firm but kind. “You’ve earned it.”
Lord Terrace nodded, his usual taciturn demeanor unchanged. He stepped into the array, and in a flash of light, he vanished, on his way back to the Terrace Estate.
~~~~~
In the Southern Atholor Continent, General Saph appeared in a small, empty building near the Soulor Empire’s border. The teleportation scroll he had used allowed for discreet travel, and this unassuming structure was one of the few linked directly to the empire’s outer defenses.
As he stepped outside, the familiar sight of towering walls greeted him. The fortress-like border was a marvel of both engineering and magic, designed to keep threats at bay. Several junior officers saluted him as he walked past, their postures stiff with respect.
“Welcome back, General,” one of them said.
General Saph returned the salute with a nod. “Thank you. I’ll be delivering an important message to the Emperor shortly.”
Once inside his private quarters within the fortress, General Saph reached into his armor and retrieved two letters. The first was the sealed message for Emperor Leynard, but it was the second letter—addressed to him personally—that caught his attention.
Breaking the seal, he unfolded the parchment and began to read.
***
“General Saph,
Keep a vigilant eye on the empire. Not everything is as it seems. Strange occurrences may arise, and you must act swiftly to protect the integrity of your people and humanity at large. Trust your instincts and do not hesitate to contact me if things go south. Write to me in this same letter and I’ll receive your text immediately.
—Elder White Fang”
—
The cryptic warning made General Saph frown, though he held the old man in the highest regard. Elder White Fang had been a cornerstone of humanity’s defense during the last war, and his wisdom was unmatched. If he had deemed this warning necessary, then it wasn’t to be taken lightly.
Folding the letter carefully, General Saph tucked it away and left his quarters. He made his way toward a hidden chamber within the fortress, one known only to a select few. The path was narrow, the stone walls cold and unadorned. Finally, he reached a room housing a teleportation array.
Activating the array, General Saph was transported directly to the imperial palace’s teleportation chamber. Without hesitation, he strode through the grand halls, his destination clear.
The Emperor was already on his way out of the palace when they crossed paths. Clad in regal attire that exuded authority, Emperor Leynard paused upon seeing the general.
“General Saph,” the Emperor greeted, his tone warm but commanding. “What brings you here?”
“Your Majesty,” General Saph said, bowing deeply. “I’ve brought a message from Elder White Fang.”
The general handed over the sealed letter, and the Emperor broke it open, his sharp eyes scanning the contents.
After a moment, Emperor Leynard looked up, his expression unreadable. “He’s requested that you be assigned as a guard for the representatives from our continent”
“That’s news to me, Your Majesty,” General Saph confirmed.
The Emperor considered this for a moment before nodding. “Very well. I approve the request. You’ll join the representatives and assist them in any way necessary.”
General Saph straightened, his chest swelling with pride. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I won’t fail you or the empire.”
Emperor Leynard offered a faint smile. “I know you won’t.” He gestured toward the grand doors at the end of the corridor. “You’re dismissed. I have matters to attend to.”
General Saph bowed once more, stepping aside as the Emperor continued on his way.
As the doors closed behind him, General Saph allowed himself a brief smile. “Well, I don’t know why but thank you, Elder White Fang,” he murmured to himself before turning to prepare for his next assignment. “I’ll watch out for any oddity.”
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A/N: Updates will be back to normal as from tomorrow. I think I’m better now. Thank you all for reading regardless!