Title: Shadow of the Eternal Flame - Chapter 15 : The beginning of the disaster

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Chapter Fifteen The Beginning of the Catastrophe

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....................

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Two days passed...

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Yet time inside the Village of Aros seemed to have come to a halt.

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The training grounds were no longer filled with the sounds of sparring swords as they once were.

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The children no longer ran through the alleys, pretending to be knights.

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Even the wind...

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Moved slowly between the wooden houses, carrying dry autumn leaves that danced through the air for a few moments before settling upon the damp ground.

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The village...

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Was quieter than it should have been.

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....................

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Inside the dark room...

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Khaled was still sitting in the very same place.

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He had not opened the window.

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Nor had he lit the lamp.

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The morning sunlight slipped through the cracks in the wooden walls, drawing faint lines across the floor...

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Yet none of them reached him.

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He sat with his back against the wall.

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His head lowered.

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His eyes fixed upon the floor.

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As though they had lost the ability to see anything at all.

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There was only one voice he could still hear...

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"You have failed, Khaled."

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Then...

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"You did not keep your promise."

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And every time those words echoed inside his mind...

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His fist tightened even more.

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....................

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Meanwhile...

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The scene at the training grounds was different...

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And painful in its own way.

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Abdulrahman stood before a wooden training dummy.

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His hand gripped the sword...

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Yet it did not move.

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Long moments passed...

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Then he let out a heavy sigh.

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And slowly returned the sword to its sheath.

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One of the trainees looked at him in confusion.

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Then asked quietly,

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"Aren't you training today?"

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Without turning around, Abdulrahman answered,

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"No."

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Then he walked away.

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His steps were slow...

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As though every single one made his heart heavier.

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He no longer felt that fire which used to burn inside him every time he held his sword.

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Instead...

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He felt only an unbearable emptiness.

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An emptiness...

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He had never known before.

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....................

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Catalina watched him through the infirmary window.

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She let out a quiet sigh.

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Then returned to her table of herbs.

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Dozens of medicinal plants were neatly arranged before her.

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The scent of wild mint and lavender filled the room.

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She began grinding several herbs inside a stone mortar.

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Then added a rare blue powder.

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Followed by a transparent liquid that emitted a faint glow.

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The mixture slowly stirred...

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Until it became a clear emerald color.

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She carefully poured it into three small glass vials.

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Then sealed them tightly.

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She whispered to herself,

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"I hope..."

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"We'll never have to use these."

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....................

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She stepped outside.

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And found Abdulrahman sitting alone upon the infirmary steps.

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Silently staring at the sky.

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She sat beside him.

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Then extended one of the small vials toward him.

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He looked at it with curiosity.

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She smiled gently and asked,

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"Do you know what this is?"

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He shook his head.

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She replied,

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"An antidote."

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"For poisons... and curses."

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Then she took out the other two vials.

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"These as well."

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"I spent the last two days making them."

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He looked at her quietly.

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Then asked,

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"Why?"

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Her usual gentle smile returned.

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She answered,

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"Try one someday if you ever need it."

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"I want to know whether they really work."

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Then, trying to lighten the mood, she added,

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"And you're the one person I know..."

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"Who always finds trouble."

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She waited...

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Hoping he would laugh.

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Or answer the way he always did.

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But instead...

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He simply stared at the vial.

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Took it silently.

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Placed it inside his bag.

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Then said softly,

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"Thank you."

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He stood up...

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And walked away.

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The smile slowly disappeared from Catalina's face.

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She watched his distant figure.

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Then whispered,

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"Even you..."

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"You've lost your passion..."

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....................

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Far in the northernmost reaches of the continent...

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Where the sunlight barely touched the earth...

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Violent winds howled across endless frozen peaks.

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There stood a magnificent castle...

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Carved entirely from blue ice.

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Its towering walls reached toward the heavens...

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As though they had become part of the eternal mountain itself.

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Inside the throne hall...

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Silence ruled.

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Dozens of commanders stood in perfectly ordered rows.

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Their heads lowered.

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None of them dared raise their eyes.

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At the very end of the hall...

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Stood the throne.

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A throne carved from a single crystal of pure ice.

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Upon it sat...

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A man.

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His long silver hair flowed over his shoulders.

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His royal blue robe swayed gently...

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Despite the complete absence of wind.

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And his eyes...

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Were the color of the winter sky before the snowfall.

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Calm...

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Yet within that calmness...

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Lurked enough terror to silence an entire army.

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It was...

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The Ice King...

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Salman.

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He slowly opened his eyes.

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Then, without raising his voice, asked,

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"Are the preparations complete?"

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One of the commanders bowed.

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"Yes, Your Majesty."

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"The Ancient Gate has stabilized."

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Silence followed for a brief moment.

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Then Salman rose from his throne.

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The instant his feet touched the frozen floor...

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The temperature throughout the hall plummeted.

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Even the soldiers' breaths turned into white mist.

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He walked forward with calm, measured steps.

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Then raised one hand.

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A gigantic magic circle of ice formed before him.

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Covered in ancient runes...

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Whose meanings had long since been forgotten.

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The circle slowly began to rotate.

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Then split open through its center...

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Revealing a glowing blue portal.

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Beyond it...

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Lay a forest...

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At night.

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A faint smile appeared upon Salman's lips.

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Then he said,

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"I will not send anyone..."

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"This time..."

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"I shall go myself."

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He stepped through the portal.

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The elite Frost Knights followed immediately behind him.

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And in the next instant...

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The portal closed.

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As though...

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It had never existed at all.

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....................

Night quietly descended upon the Village of Aros.

The moon was only half full, hiding behind scattered clouds, while the cold wind gently brushed against the branches of the trees, producing a faint rustling sound that resembled whispers.

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On the outskirts of the forest...

Catalina walked alone.

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A small woven basket hung from her shoulder, while an oil lantern in her hand cast its warm glow across the dew-covered herbs.

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Every now and then, she knelt to carefully gather medicinal plants before placing them inside the basket.

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She smiled as she looked at a small blue flower.

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Then whispered to herself,

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"This one will help wounds heal much faster..."

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Before gently picking it.

....................

Only a few minutes earlier...

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Abdulrahman had intended to accompany her.

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He stood outside the infirmary carrying his sword.

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Then said,

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"I'm not letting you go out there alone."

Catalina smiled softly.

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"It's only the nearby forest."

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Before either of them could continue...

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They heard one of the healers calling from inside.

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"Abdulrahman!"

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He immediately turned around.

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"We need your help moving one of the injured!"

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He looked back at Catalina with hesitation.

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She smiled once again.

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"Go."

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"I won't be long."

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He slowly nodded.

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Then entered the infirmary...

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While she continued her journey alone.

....................

The forest was silent.

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Far quieter than usual.

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Even the sounds of the night insects...

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Had disappeared.

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Catalina suddenly stopped walking.

She slowly lifted her head.

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Carefully looking around.

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Then whispered,

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"Strange..."

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"Where have all the animals gone?"

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At that very moment...

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A freezing breeze swept past.

Far colder...

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Than it should have been.

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Every branch trembled at once.

Then...

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A tiny drop of dew froze upon a leaf.

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Catalina's eyes widened.

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"Snow...?"

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She slowly raised her hand.

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A single snowflake landed upon her palm.

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Then another...

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And another.

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Even though...

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It was nowhere near winter.

....................

Suddenly...

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Four men stepped out from between the trees.

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Their armor shimmered with pale blue frost.

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Their eyes were emotionless.

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And a thin layer of ice covered their swords.

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None of them spoke.

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The first merely stepped forward.

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Then said coldly,

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"Do not resist."

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Catalina narrowed her eyes.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvbXNp4lYp

Then calmly placed her basket upon the ground.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRDa37bl8t

And asked,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3RJ65oSZA

"Who are you?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaTxAa06Fv

He gave no answer.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOxtBFwXgy

Instead...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfasuSawL3

All four charged toward her at once.

....................

Catalina remained perfectly still.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2KCJT1ap8

Waiting...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAsWgTqoDf

Until the first soldier drew close.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FdwWXrcOd

Then she raised her hand.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCYbZcM1ry

A radiant barrier of light instantly appeared before her.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHKkylG6IN

The soldier's sword crashed against it...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb67P2SsMJL

And shattered.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQctD7s8HlM

His eyes widened in disbelief.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXKFE8VtKt

In the next moment...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAdKEvelH8

A wave of brilliant light burst outward.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLmUs5SgXG

Throwing the other three soldiers backward.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1GHE5z2mC

One of them leaped from atop a nearby boulder.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yruGigrdq

But dozens of glowing threads wrapped tightly around his legs.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSv0dEnYMR

Sending him crashing violently to the ground.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uj7ObYpfu

The fourth attempted to attack from behind.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXic2uUCvk

Yet Catalina spun around instantly.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmhaCeWwBi

Striking him in the chest with her staff.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1gdf0O0Ps

He collapsed unconscious.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvMaQl5NdN

She calmly looked at the four defeated soldiers.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yCmEQ8WX0

Then took a slow breath.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3m64olonU

And quietly said,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqswLTBg7sU

"If you're merely scouts..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUI66EvIwo

"Then where is your commander?"

....................

Silence.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXzCoMy2wb

Then...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O1quleoFq

The sound of footsteps.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4WC4UZG0E

Slow.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE5kZbwGD6

Steady.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIaO6c1yhJ

Without the slightest hint of urgency.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcoIi0b8yW

A man emerged from the darkness.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypARvMLWCd

He wore no armor.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfhkorLYgP

Only an elegant royal robe of deep blue that swayed gently with the wind.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjdxeu00Ao

His long silver hair flowed across his shoulders.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQkWC8wQbD

His eyes...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjEYyNYmNa

Were as calm as a winter sky.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQUHieGSbT

Yet beneath that calmness...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Qsq4RRuc

Lurked a lifeless cold.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR49Em5r76

The wind itself stopped.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsSx4H1ozm

As though the entire forest...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcId63kQxVM

Had begun watching him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqhOiybxkc

He glanced briefly at the unconscious soldiers.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6KKwbvref

Then looked back at Catalina.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHQ5UAtHwy

Finally, in a calm voice devoid of all emotion, he said,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47jgTqBrrc

"Enough."

....................

A chill ran through Catalina's entire body.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAViH5dt4b

His voice was not loud.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt5kBQGKcO

Yet...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbSEIBW1Zm

It carried a presence unlike anything she had ever experienced.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm8ZqORv4I

She tightened her grip upon her staff.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZUQ2tOsSO

Then cautiously asked,

"Who are you?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnw8G7TW16

The man calmly raised his eyes toward hers.

Then answered simply,

"I..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eaIVkY6YH

"Am Salman."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxvzRkkTQo

"The Ice King."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURXQwk52qA

Catalina's eyes widened.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqTjVoutej

At that very instant...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2bfkfF70Y

She remembered the stories the Sage used to tell.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sZDVhQoaj

The king who never left his frozen kingdom.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT29SevtcET

The king before whom mountains themselves fell silent.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnc7eXxGs5

The king beneath whose snow...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGraCX7Vaa

Entire armies disappeared...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCRp4yvefY

Without him ever raising his voice.

....................

She tightened her grip upon her staff.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9WGx3et1v

Then unleashed dozens of spears of light toward him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFNav8HjfA

But...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsGnf4p1tW

Before they could reach him...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuuYnvtaqu

Every single spear froze in midair.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEVpcbJobL

Transforming into crystal-clear ice.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9aoyiRn2L

Then...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7hzVHg98U

Shattering.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5MglHeHbT

Without Salman taking even a single step.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnHdGZucGK

Catalina felt her heart tighten.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OW0CCHCgF

"Impossible..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVFojoKtmV

A faint smile barely appeared upon Salman's face.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yIFvHB6OQ

Then he quietly said,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJJUAZEiU1

"It is over."

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3lSr16rU1

Catalina instinctively stepped back.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2YVvgLciD

Then another step.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBqDtI5Ygc

She never lowered her staff.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPAUO6bPBE

Yet she understood...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulBeafKrNn

The man standing before her...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJeKBA4bYo

Was not an opponent who could be compared to anyone she had ever faced before.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBtsg4lkeM

He stood there in perfect calm.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgOQ31GdPg

As though the entire world around him was beneath his concern.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQGO0QyMSa

His eyes...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7EnPPMZCN

Held neither anger...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m9eiKEwDI

Nor hatred...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MZbk65j3T

Nor even the desire to fight.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxGgoYoPvD

Only...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyJE4YC9Am

A terrifying serenity.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAevkpKswi0

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyomZRpkMu

Catalina raised her staff once more.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7qIho8gph

Dozens of radiant magic circles blossomed around her.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBet7zHQ9f

Spears of light rained toward him from every direction.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wZhzyTpok

At the same time...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi5dxOUW8v

Walls of light surrounded him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDRnWzdPj4

She even prepared a healing spell in advance.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcB9BlA2cZ

She was fighting with everything she had ever learned.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfsAtydvy3

But...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGcf8tbxb8

Salman did not move.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnqtXuucPC

He merely raised a single finger.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw3EesMF5y

The air froze.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0ips8V0cu

Then...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7H8yr2PDV

Every spear of light stopped in midair.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j3pnpycnp

As though time itself...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qdSsWXjz6

Had ceased to exist.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VzCUSrH1N

Catalina's eyes widened.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vqRGhnX2d

"What... is this?!"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEBOgIvz1C

The next second...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLETIup20C8

The spears transformed into frozen crystals.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi3a1vlQh2

Then...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmwzIhsNhN

Every one of them shattered.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPyoWFvJyW

As though they had never existed.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubVHtQa2vt

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvOU3XgJLR

She refused to let herself hesitate.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBFdxMwQ82

She rushed toward him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpFT2t0i0i

Gripping her staff with both hands.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNYYBQu65e

Then struck the ground with all her strength.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPINvF8yJzy

Dozens of pillars of brilliant light erupted beneath Salman's feet.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OwgT56pgb

But...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYh7oQb9Pl

He disappeared.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2p6Gt6518

In the very next instant...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8RvJvttfa

She felt a freezing breeze...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjPIvM4SmD

Behind her.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzLdNNIvDy

Her entire body froze.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqRdDTqKcd

She tried to turn around...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmdytc3lj6

But she couldn't.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwTwR3y2yH

Her eyes dropped to her arms.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dysM2XWXv

Ice was rapidly spreading across them.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4MnFpcMrA

Then over her legs.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJg7AFZT6X

Then across her shoulders.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgeMpKQGqG

Within moments...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi94h0rpnH

She was completely unable to move.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRB0zmzrNU

Salman's calm voice echoed behind her.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUS5oYboG1

"I told you..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNdXVF3pqV

"Enough."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyR4frmrHi

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSSBxiZGRJ

Catalina struggled desperately against the ice.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDLzKRslQ8

Light burst from within her body.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsF44J3mDR

The frozen shell cracked slightly.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiNu7Anhbn

But...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJojkzPGATc

It froze solid again the very next instant.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAQGI83jwW

Salman slowly raised his hand.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn77JKHTUkE

Then...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXfNd9Mn3Z

Delivered a light strike to the back of her neck.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzzfDTROtX

It wasn't a violent blow.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwaQPBmFXl

Yet it carried enough force to make her vision spin.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41BTvYC5ER

Her body trembled.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJha88nx8x

Then she collapsed...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipgX0WTYlo

Unconscious.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjrBiqqJXO

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytYcheOOCS

Salman looked down at her for several silent moments.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZHkrFSbJB

Then calmly said,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiWW0P4w4X

"Take her."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRHgYAahLt

Four more soldiers emerged from a small icy portal behind him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuceVLsg3YR

They had not been there a moment earlier.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheLGMhpdu8

Each one bowed respectfully before his king.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O9yvcpuBf

Then carefully lifted Catalina.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoFEjgfont

One of the commanders asked,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9KZZ0ppkd

"Your Majesty..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY45xU8ASRw

"Shall we return now?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaMx3KNqiu

Salman slowly lifted his gaze toward the night sky.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtziH0wXHBz

Then answered,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaCgCVbg8P

"Our mission is complete."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d41ThLvgZ

He raised one hand.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PIKNqVDA1

The glowing blue portal appeared once more.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhYd0DVVCr

The soldiers entered first.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDaCKQBKxS

Salman stepped through last.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2fFnJMYNu

Just before the portal vanished...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrEinhT7a1

A brief snowstorm swept across the forest.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5ZlaixPhz

And when the wind finally settled...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4JcouEyCF

Nothing remained...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejzwWBj9bX

Except the abandoned basket of herbs.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHL2lrZyC0

And fragments of ice...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYaIsgbwN8

That had never belonged to the forests of Aros.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MfYw1jq0G

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBiLz6Rrbd

An hour later...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxXx3Q3Shh

The Sage arrived.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijHK9LJyqR

He had sensed something strange since the beginning of the night.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCkuuF0jrq

He stopped in the empty clearing.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhMg84vgft

Then slowly bent down.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHE6c9VvGA

He picked up the basket.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMWQ66TyeF

His fingertips brushed against the ice.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH5wfhjMuj

He closed his eyes.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo3NAeFncs

Then whispered,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4JKozPO0F

"Royal magic..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf9O5wm1Jh

His eyes suddenly opened.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSULS57lRns

For the first time in many years...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93FkQUG2yk

They widened.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Pz97XR8r

"Salman..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNcesY3Xmg

He immediately turned around.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZq0uSMyTg

Then rushed toward the village...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X50FrFo7j

Faster than anyone had ever seen him move.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQmXlTXht7

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmty0s3zls

BANG!!

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK75a29nk1

Khaled's bedroom door burst open.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl99u9eHwBY

The Sage entered without hesitation.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8PZj2kzEM

Khaled immediately stood up.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG4SbnvQnu

Anger flashed across his face.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAAwpEh1RV

"What are you—"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYRmqNrWza

But the Sage cut him off.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM93hySPBZ

"Catalina has been kidnapped."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaxZBqu0dB

Silence.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebMy5kicOq

Khaled froze where he stood.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEXdbCF5Tb

Then...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDALkZFm0Rl

Slowly lowered his head.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj6djymoQI

And quietly said,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEKm7aPKGY

"Go..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQyQPBvrdq

"Without me."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef5W3U7LXo

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNRqANhG0Q

A sharp slap echoed through the room.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAemXEdRYNa

Khaled staggered back a step.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdddl2RokV5

His hand instinctively rose to his cheek.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1BjfOyaDg

His eyes filled with disbelief.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ684dPFY45C

It was...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbctmQ9WNqI

The first time...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEk7tEAGZc

The Sage had ever struck him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOxZDUK6Dd

The Sage stepped forward.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVCQc6VO8e

His eyes burned with anger.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteKKUKHpom

"Enough."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaxMBm1ISP

"I am no longer..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nddqyUlgI

"The Sage of this village."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsy2WsYS07

Then he moved closer...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHKeAnc10K

Until they stood face to face.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVmydCOKUD

Khaled instinctively lowered his head once again.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOADwHPcGxy

The Sage firmly grasped his chin...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ3EJNs0ha

And lifted his head, forcing him to meet his eyes.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPmcEWik2Z

Then he said,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNniosLiFJr

"I am..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFnEcuaY7c

"Your grandfather."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaf65H2Wch

Silence filled the room.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDhuFNZV8V

Then he continued,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz94HlE5b1f

"Are you planning to run away again?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22wvYOYKkl

"Is this the Khaled who promised me he would protect his companions?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9edxfd3yO

"Is this where your journey ends?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMNurknW4u

Khaled lowered his eyes.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqCHjRBmHB

But this time...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI8ccN1Pum

He could not lower his head.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32xkXLmNC3

Because his grandfather was still holding it up.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiyYQ8gTug

He couldn't answer.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1P4hsgJYM

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUETtxzQM0c

The Sage spoke more calmly.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IlsPc9tST

"I told you before..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG6wsUW1gB

"A leader does not carry the whole world alone."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYzRvxAZFB

"And I also told you..."

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"To trust those who walk beside you."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDhOxgZf7r

Then he gripped Khaled's shoulder firmly.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5b385x5g6

"And now..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzEQUuai2A

"This..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyQWeNfom8

"Is your final step."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnisR85jpQc

Khaled looked at him silently.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKVDiKvAVa

The Sage continued,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdUSQtaF8E

"The final step before you..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pJrqpEKhY

"Either save yourself..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9VFijQDQW

"And correct your mistake."

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"Or..."

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"Allow the darkness to consume you forever."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf8CspANOB

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4YNRe5kJ3

Khaled remained silent.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYMf6PjzWA

But this time...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREyiaxwbir

His eyes were no longer empty.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4pHHcbDZe

Deep within them...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiUAmlsIF5

A tiny spark appeared.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7yP0OR9p4

Something...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkhB24Rco7

That resembled determination.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEPIydMLsG

The Sage noticed it.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZk7jXHLq9

Although his expression did not change...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJMBm9zDvO

He quietly whispered to himself,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbJlmrYbfA

"He still has emotions..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsckAVDiUbV

"Then..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrjuKJQ2Lp

"The darkness has not completely taken hold of him."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmfOJHrt4g

....................

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Outside...

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Abdulrahman had arrived.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjbRY27vOp

He glanced at Khaled.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnBIjFcGao

Then immediately looked away.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27ddFpqrBw

He said nothing.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9YGMbD1AH

Not even a greeting.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGaHF4WRWI

The wound inside his heart...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpAVDIOgrY

Was deeper than the wound upon his shoulder.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLRomQ7h16

The Sage spoke,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDexGq8M4Hn

"Prepare yourselves."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IFr3bRAnj

"We leave immediately."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTv0DkoNvW

Abdulrahman looked toward him.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4R5jVOj3m

"And you?"

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt83O3WIbjM

The Sage sighed.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiZHfo6rPe

Then turned his eyes toward the infirmary.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn4jlwZXQX

Where dozens of wounded villagers still rested.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkwyRIlQmQ

"If I leave..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9udb4nK1s

"There will be no one left to protect the people of Aros."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLUxpoEzaq

"And the portal Salman used..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCqUeYzgcu

"I can no longer trace it now that it has been sealed."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6je1KwBP7l

He pulled out an old map.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzaO5NHcRm

Pointing toward a long northern route.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb95uu96Pp

"He will return to the Kingdom of Ice through the northern passes."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvKVrnaCvd

"It will take you..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0Uj1KPGGI

"Three days to reach them."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpKkfxtDeV

He extended the map toward Khaled.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wZ2HuZr1D

But Khaled...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F32wPfiBF

Did not reach for it.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWwRcZwxs2

So Abdulrahman silently took it instead.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhYuiHQnU7

....................

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bQXQMZpEP

The two of them walked through the gates of Aros.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPCAikdXCl

Between them...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OqhcTaWKz

Hung a crushing silence.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfVhC4hJOY

Neither looked at the other.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW9deqWCWf

Neither spoke.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT4RFFZXY4

Each one...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpDaxsmUcG

Walked alone.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmMSi9kjUj

Even though...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDTUeQK5cN

The journey had begun with two people.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcdkAx6Wc7

High above the village walls...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFYCFo5nPg

The Sage watched them until they disappeared among the trees.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeh0P6YoB1

Then he slowly closed his eyes.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQujnziDpH

And quietly prayed,

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDcu54iv5u

"Bring her back..."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP8EzBI4YQ

"And bring yourselves back as well."

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KtyIaNYpi

The wind rose.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jQoFEcNBe

The branches of the forest swayed.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXjTKaT0rP

And with the very first step of their journey...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOLiMBwQsE

The most difficult adventure of their lives...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8RvAXOEwN

Had begun.

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTYg7vIOzG

To be continued...

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k2obU7fag

42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hIIHrEUAd
42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z6FIcNHnI

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