“I was a fool. I sought to break Madia’s spirit, but I have only provoked her. I’m fortunate that she was distracted by the princess’s death, otherwise she may have woken up then and there.”

Rell

“Brother, does my hair look alright?” Filera’s voice pulled Rell from her thoughts as the four of them rode up the hill towards the castle.

“They aren’t likely to care about your hair, sister. I imagine they have bigger problems,” Elkin responded quietly.

“But I’d like to at least be presentable!” Filera huffed.

Kenta pulled up beside Rell. “Your majesty, look out there.” He pointed out towards the eastern mountains. Rell followed his finger to see the cloud of fog creeping across the woods and spreading slowly between the trees.

Elkin and Filera joined them, now pulled away from their less significant concerns. “It’s getting worse,” Filera whispered.

“We do not have much time; the sun hangs low,” Kenta pointed out.

“The Keeper of Time is still here, isn’t he? Lord Aevum?” Filera asked.

Rell nodded. “He should be.”

“Could he not slow down time?”

Rell scratched her head. “Yes, but I think he can only control our own realm... the Realm of Dreams is surely beyond his scope.”

Elkin leaned forward to speak to his sister. “Remember, they are bound by Harmony’s laws. They are Keepers, meant to maintain balance, not play with it.”

Filera lowered her head a bit, before perking up again. “But there’s always exceptions!”

Kenta sighed as he looked up at the castle. “I hope he will listen to me. The situation is quite dire.”

“And what about Kay-el? Y’know, the Keeper of Magic?” Filera continued.

“It’s pronounced Say-el,” Rell corrected. “And Flain said she has gone to Muurin, so she isn’t present at the castle. She’s not even in Alarulin right now.”

“Princess Rell! Is that you, your majesty?” A voice called from above. Simultaneously, the traveling party looked up to the castle walls to see Durian the gatekeeper. His eyes were wide in surprise and perhaps shock as he turned to his comrades on the walls. “Open the gates! Her majesty has returned!”

With a loud clang of metal, the barred gate began to rise. “Where is your sister, and Master Flain? What happened to you?” Distress was starting to rise in Durian’s voice, clearly noticing the torn clothing and her unusual company. He disappeared behind the wall, appearing moments later just in front of the gate as they entered the castle courtyard. “By the sky, look at you-! I trust you have an explanation for this, Dragonkind,” Durian spat.

“Durian, it’s okay! Kenta rescued me,” Rell insisted.

Durian looked taken aback as he narrowed his eyes. “And these hunters, what are they doing here?”

“They helped escort us, they are the Eranor siblings,” Rell introduced them. Durian tilted his head as he looked to the other two.

Filera smoothed out her clothing frantically before landing an awkward smile. “P-pleased to meet you, sir,” she stammered.

Elkin said nothing as Durian sized them up. “Likewise,” The gatekeeper turned around and shouted to a passerby. “Call on Lord Aevum! Tell him the young heir has returned without her sister, he must come immediately!”

The servant, who was cleaning windows outside the castle, dropped their rag and bucket before running towards the inner castle. Moments later an older woman walked up to them and took the reins as Rell dismounted, the other three doing the same as they left their horses behind. Durian quickly returning to his post as their footsteps echoed throughout the halls.

Rell ignored the confused and surprised muttering from watchers as the unusual group continued forward. It did not take long for Aevum to quickly round the corner, no doubt coming from Madia’s chambers. “Princess Rell!” he exclaimed as he ran towards them.

As he got closer, Rell suddenly noticed the state he was in. His light brown hair was rather unkempt, and there were bags under his eyes. His clothing was untidy and wrinkled, as if he had worn the same garb several days in a row. Not even his chin was exempt, some light stubble appearing along his jaw. His gait was more akin to a speed-walk than an actual run as he approached.

He slowed to a stop in front of the princess, kneeling immediately and examining her garb. He spoke with a heavy sense of urgency, despite his clearly exhausted state. “What happened? Where are Flain and Rune?”

“Flain stayed in Keshkin. He repaired the barrier but wore himself out and wasn’t able to come back,” Rell started.

“And your sister, she stayed with him?” Aevum said as he turned Rell around, getting a look at her.

Rell winced. “N-no… she came with me and Celendrin.” Her voice trailed off as she answered.

As Rell turned to look back at Aevum, his expression had darkened further, a look of fear on his face.

“Where is she?”

Kenta cleared his throat, causing Aevum to snap his head upwards to look at the Arden man. “My Lord.” Kenta’s voice cracked as he opened his mouth. “D-during their return to Elra, they were ambushed by my people, and taken to Tuulin’s camp.”

Aevum shook his head a little in disbelief. “Kidnapped… they kidnapped Rune?”

“Yes sir, I was only able to rescue the heiress.”

“Is Rune safe?” Aevum said, standing up and leaning in close to Kenta.

“Y-yes sir. Tuulin is holding her captive. I don’t think he intends to hurt her,” Kenta replied.

Aevum narrowed his eyes, before looking towards Filera and Elkin. He did a double take as his expression shifted. “Elkin… Filera?”

Filera squeaked as she suddenly stood tall and smoothed out her dress once again. “Y-yes sir!”

“No, please. Call me Aevum,” his voice had softened. “How did you two get wrapped into this mess?”

“Durin’ their escape, Kenta and Rell were attacked by a sizable pack of mountain wolves. I arrived just in time to save them. Filera here patched ‘em up when we got to the cottage,” Elkin answered solemnly.

Filera nodded in acknowledgement, ignoring the confused looks of Rell and Kenta.

“Do you know each other?” Rell questioned.

Aevum flinched as his attention returned to the princess. He looked around to see if anyone else was listening. “Not here, we will talk in the throne room.”

Rell blinked in bewilderment as he suddenly made the odd request. She simply nodded, and all five of them continued down the hall until they came to the mighty wooden door where the council was held; the very same room Kenta had been interrogated in almost a week ago.

As they entered, Aevum closed the door behind them and sighed. “Filera and Elkin were among Armeil’s chosen pupils; the five who destroyed the Revrian Amulet two years ago.” Aevum explained. “Furthermore, they brought me and Madia to Lady Harmony, who granted us the Keepers blessing.”

Kenta shook his head. “Who is this ‘Harmony’ you keep speaking of? She is mentioned often.”

Aevum looked a little surprised. “Lady Harmony; the first Keeper?” Aevum said. When Kenta seemed uninterested, the Keeper continued. “The Mother of Magic? Creator of Balance? Come now, you have been here long enough to know of her, surely?”

Kenta simply shook his head, crossing his arms. Aevum sighed and looked back to Rell. “These two are responsible for guiding Madia and I during the Reckoning.”

Rell’s eyes widened as she quickly looked at the two. Filera immediately turned red with a blush as Elkin placed a hand on his sisters’ shoulder.

“Truly?” Rell wondered aloud.

Aevum nodded with a slight smile. “Though they and the rest of their comrades chose to live the lives of a commoner, they have done much for this kingdom.”

Kenta cleared his throat again. “F-forgive my impatience my lord, but I believe we have some very urgent matters to discuss.” Kenta was trying his best to sound professional, but around Aevum he seemed to be cracking a little.

Aevum noticed this as he walked over to the table, placing his hand on it before beckoning them forward. “Then let us all have a seat. It sounds like there is much to discuss.”

As the conversation dragged on, Aevum appeared more and more distressed. “So, there is no way to awaken her that we know of… Kenta, do you know what Tuulin’s ultimate goal is by doing this?”

Kenta bit his lip. “I’m afraid I can’t make any guarantees. All I have are educated guesses.”

“It’s better than nothing,” Aevum reasoned.

Kenta sighed. “He took a political stance in front of Rell, trying to convince her he wants what’s best for everyone.”

Elkin snorted. “Fancy that, the one lockin’ Madia in a nightmare wants what’s best for everyone.”

Filera elbowed her brother. “Sometimes bad things have to be done to make the world a better place.”

Aevum narrowed his eyes. “Be cautious with that form of idealism, Filera.”

“Regardless,” Kenta interjected. “I doubt that is his true intent, and that he is actively encouraging discord between our people. Having said that, there are those who aren’t totally convinced about his motives, myself among them,” Kenta continued. “He has been trying to take advantage of my sensitivity, and it has been succeeding until now.”

Aevum tilted his head. “And now you have, indeed, had a change of heart?”

Kenta looked down towards the ground. “After meeting with the Keepers, and especially the princesses in person,” He glanced to Rell. “It’s easy to see who truly has our best interests in mind.”

Rell could not help but smile back at him. Aevum seemed to do the same. “Allegiance aside, if he is not trying to further a political agenda, what is his desire?”

Kenta frowned. “I believe he has heard of this ‘Harmony’ your people often speak of.”

“I would be surprised if he hadn’t,” Aevum responded. “But what would he want with her?”

“I am not sure… but if she is as ancient and powerful as you claim, then – knowing him – he may desire her knowledge.”

“But Harmony is the most potent wielder of magic in the entire realm,” Rell spoke. “If Tuulin found himself face to face with Harmony, he would surely meet his end.”

“No…” Filera whispered quietly.

Those around the table all looked at Filera and Elkin as the young girl spoke. She raised her head. “Harmony is not like that. She would not harm Tuulin.”

Kenta tilted his head. “Even after all he has done?” he questioned.

Filera nodded solemnly.

Kenta sighed as he looked down. “Would that our own First Keeper in Muurin was so virtuous…”

Rell opened her mouth to inquire, but Aevum was the first to speak. “What knowledge does Tuulin desire?”

“Tuulin has ever been a studier of deep and impossible magic, despite being such an advocate against its use,” Kenta explained. “And what better way to find out more about it than to speak with this ‘mother of magic’ herself?”

“He would go to such lengths for an audience with Harmony?” Aevum questioned.

Kenta looked down. “I have seen the kind of foul deeds desperation can drive a man to do… I saw it in Mennic when he came to Alarulin first, and Tuulin’s actions bear resemblance, though why he is so desperate, I do not know…”

“Perhaps he has inherited the desires of the late King Mennic,” Aevum wondered aloud. “To find and rescue Mennic’s son, said to have been consumed by magic.”

Kenta’s eyes seemed to light up as this prospect. “Lord Aevum, you might just be on to something. Know you of the Circle of Truth?” Kenta questioned.

Everyone else in the room exchanged glances, including Aevum. Kenta stood up. “Bring me a paper and a quill… I am sure you will recognize it when I show it to you.”

Aevum seemed confused, but he did as was requested and brought over a piece of parchment, along with a feather and small bottle of ink. Kenta took what he had been provided and leaned far forward into the middle of the table where all could see. The others followed as they tried to see what he was doing.

He drew one small circle in the center of the page, and then three larger ones connected by a line to the center. Finally, he drew a third circle that encompassed the entire symbol, connecting all the outer circles.

“This is the Circle of Truth, conceptualized by Suundra, first born son of Mennic, shortly before his disappearance,” Kenta began. “It is composed of the realm of magic, here.” He pointed to the smallest circle in the center. “And three realms, which are these larger circles around the outside.”

Filera and Elkin simultaneously took a breath. “That is identical to the symbol that was once etched into Harmony’s very own instrument…” Elkin murmured methodically.

“Which would explain Tuulin’s interest in Harmony.” Kenta said.

“Alarulin has known a symbol identical to this… but each circle connected to the center was thought to symbolize a common form of magic,” Aevum commented as he gazed intently at the symbol. “We know of two realms - Alarulin and Muurin - but what is this third realm?” Aevum questioned.

“We have no definitive knowledge, but I heard talk in the castle of it being a realm overflowing with the most powerful of magic. It was theorized that Suundra ended up in one of these realms, and when Mennic could not find him here in Alarulin he began turning his attention to this third realm,” Kenta said. He paused for a moment as though in thought. “Perhaps that is why Tuulin desires to overthrow the Keepers and the royal family…” Kenta’s eyes widened as though he had realized something. Aevum seemed to catch it too, as he suddenly stood back from the table.

“He plans to make for this third realm by repeating exactly what Mennic attempted; sacrificing the magic of others,” Aevum said. “He must be stopped, and he must be stopped now.”

Aevum immediately stepped away from the table and began storming towards the door.

“Lord Aevum!” Kenta called. “You may be playing right into his hands! What if this is exactly what he wants?”

Aevum stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Rune is with him, and the hour of the festival draws close.”

Rell’s heart stopped as Aevum spoke of her sister. “Rune… you don’t mean-”

“I will not risk Rune’s life on the eve of the festival, there is no time to waste. You say he would not harm her, but with this revelation she may be exactly what he needs; the blood of the royal family,” Aevum said urgently as he flung open the door.

The others pulled themselves away from the table. Kenta rushed to keep up with him as he speeds walked away. “But my Lord, what significance does royal blood have?”

“The late King and Queen of Fendra were of a race Harmony created centuries ago; the Risilvé. They were meant to rule across Alarulin, yet now only the princesses remain of this race. They are as much Harmony’s children as they are their parents’ children,” Aevum said.

Although Rell had heard this discussed before, in context of everything that was happening, she was struggling to keep her head clear.

Thunder cracked through the sky as they stepped out into the courtyard, Aevum holding his staff in hand as he flung a cloak over top of him, the sky was beginning to darken and flash with light. “Kenta, where is the camp?” Aevum asked.

“I-It’s just a short distance north of here, nestled beneath the rocks up near the creek. From here it is about 4 hours on horseback. But surely you can’t be planning to go now? The night is nearly upon us!” Panic was rising in Kenta’s voice.

“All the more reason for me to leave immediately. There is no time to waste. He will be acting the moment the moon is at its highest. The festival begins at that time, marking Alarulin and the Realm of Dreams as close as possible,” Aevum said as he clicked his tongue, a horse galloping over, which he immediately mounted.

“With all due respect, Aevum! Again, this could be exactly what the fiend wants you to do!” Elkin hissed. “We still need to wake Madia!”

Aevum locked eyes with Elkin, indecisiveness on his face. His breathing was heavy as he struggled to make up his mind.

“Think, Lord Aevum… what is worse? The Realm of Dreams tearing apart Alarulin, or a single life lost?” Kenta pleaded.

Rell wanted to scream as she clenched her hand into a fist. I want him to save my sister… but if the realms merge, we could lose so much more-! Conflict plagued Rell’s head as she tried to make herself say something; anything to make a difference for once.

Finally, Aevum narrowed his eyes. “I would rather face the conflict myself than let it come to us first,” Aevum uttered decisively, before whipping the reigns, his horse letting out a whinny as it sprinted out the rising gate. Kenta raised a hand and opened his mouth to protest, but Aevum was already gone.

“I-I… oh by the stars,” Kenta stammered. “This isn’t what I wanted; this couldn’t have gone any more wrong-!” he shouted as he turned around.

Rell blinked before following him as he returned to the castle. “Kenta, I don’t get it! What is it now?”

“I understand now why Tuulin allowed me to come back… I played right along without even knowing it-! He knew I’d have this figured out!” Kenta’s voice was raised as he sat down on the stairs leading to the main hall, burying his face in his hands. “He knew I would come back here and he knew I would tell Aevum about this! I get it now but it’s all too late!”

“Kenta please calm down! I don’t understand.” Rell tried to comfort him while making sense of the situation.

“Rell, Tuulin backed Lord Aevum into a corner on purpose. He wanted the Keeper of Time to be forced to choose! H-he had two plans in case one should fail! How could I have been so blind?” Kenta’s voice trailed off as he stared at the ground below.

Elkin’s voice joined them. “One plan to bring the Realm of Dreams – and by extension, Alarulin - into his grasp,” he muttered.

Filera sat down beside Kenta. “And another to harvest the magic necessary by killing Princess Rune.”

Rell staggered back as she began to get what they were saying. “So, you mean the festival hasn’t even begun and we’ve already lost?”

Kenta looked up, breathing heavily as his eyes were shaking in their sockets. His expression shifted and he clenched his teeth. He stood up with a start, a look of focus on his face. “Not yet… not as long as you’re here, your majesty.”