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.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo4Skj0l09

Then calmly placed her basket upon the ground.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I6xciBQgO

And asked,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rMgyQpnAs

"Who are you?"

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAq5l7QzJq

He gave no answer.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY9TQZzy61

Instead...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB1eHteSRh

All four charged toward her at once.

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

Catalina remained perfectly still.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmDlpDZqfO

Waiting...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UYTh44j1A

Until the first soldier drew close.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq5ZYMoZvG

Then she raised her hand.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAfCEHDeNq

A radiant barrier of light instantly appeared before her.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAIWAKQQH8

The soldier's sword crashed against it...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgxzLB639Y

And shattered.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBDfCqSIlP

His eyes widened in disbelief.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNFbiZ8obq

In the next moment...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaxRdt885A

A wave of brilliant light burst outward.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyMdoZAFCN

Throwing the other three soldiers backward.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlxm45WHxd

One of them leaped from atop a nearby boulder.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH5yN40q2B

But dozens of glowing threads wrapped tightly around his legs.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpFXoZww9T

Sending him crashing violently to the ground.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBvpNQOYcf

The fourth attempted to attack from behind.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFfD7cqAuu

Yet Catalina spun around instantly.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgjmgbrv7I

Striking him in the chest with her staff.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3Yl5wbmBn

He collapsed unconscious.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOabY88UP0

She calmly looked at the four defeated soldiers.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0mHgZESu

Then took a slow breath.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV74UdIlmEn

And quietly said,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz390OT6nVf

"If you're merely scouts..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSjOwWfCjy

"Then where is your commander?"

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

Silence.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrbtSlDujn

Then...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCeNC4ZyG7

The sound of footsteps.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcFJ5iEjzS

Slow.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3WKgTISuF

Steady.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3enhbq9kgw

Without the slightest hint of urgency.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxu4PttyBE

A man emerged from the darkness.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMn0Y7zswc

He wore no armor.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWayeSu3URV

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn60SD7VrrS

His long silver hair flowed across his shoulders.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ5wkggIxy

His eyes...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hGZDNrfAi

Were as calm as a winter sky.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb4DyuAfaN

Yet beneath that calmness...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYsC48Xmq8

Lurked a lifeless cold.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ574RH81Mvl

The wind itself stopped.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3JgxUmyCa

As though the entire forest...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ngzl3Eqof

Had begun watching him.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Q0paOnoK

He glanced briefly at the unconscious soldiers.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRCNEpQHCG

Then looked back at Catalina.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5IdPRn6as

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGowdb3YH7i

"Enough."

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

A chill ran through Catalina's entire body.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZYYwTtCU8

His voice was not loud.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiF8PGl9b5

Yet...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzL3IODb34

It carried a presence unlike anything she had ever experienced.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0KRQ7MH5P

She tightened her grip upon her staff.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvvtxJil9h

Then cautiously asked,

"Who are you?"

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCjtornjwj

The man calmly raised his eyes toward hers.

Then answered simply,

"I..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVDE87wBwW

"Am Salman."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG4tqGz12M

"The Ice King."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0o3xKzQON

Catalina's eyes widened.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtIowcxgHN

At that very instant...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm513doiOAi

She remembered the stories the Sage used to tell.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAiCRTy42v

The king who never left his frozen kingdom.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF94fOU8tr

The king before whom mountains themselves fell silent.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5boUL1RDL

The king beneath whose snow...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvxtsPh6xM

Entire armies disappeared...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7quHyW7Fj

Without him ever raising his voice.

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

She tightened her grip upon her staff.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAFW33jspP

Then unleashed dozens of spears of light toward him.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyELEdukCp7

But...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiocXeyDmg3

Before they could reach him...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiVm44leRX

Every single spear froze in midair.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIRoDRvSHZ

Transforming into crystal-clear ice.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKQ0x82EjX

Then...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOVvzt5dfr

Shattering.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlViVLYbmpA

Without Salman taking even a single step.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYmTBNZgAi

Catalina felt her heart tighten.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4di5zG3bBU

"Impossible..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoDxnVf147

A faint smile barely appeared upon Salman's face.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnS8N5aJiR

Then he quietly said,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5o575Lpmw

"It is over."

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZxFEt4Usg

Catalina instinctively stepped back.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS3eVI0P0w

Then another step.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdec97rMlw

She never lowered her staff.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClSDFCxYqJ

Yet she understood...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBisqjX79Dw

The man standing before her...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA6xaMpezq

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkXfZ87LQC

He stood there in perfect calm.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf9vu7a1tH

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡced0fDf8Fu

His eyes...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc5yPdBmLy

Held neither anger...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOBJ0chej7

Nor hatred...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1U6DugrUW

Nor even the desire to fight.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uC71KQRsN

Only...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kTimuKgcR

A terrifying serenity.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBtDvNQ2kc

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXVynhqvvI

Catalina raised her staff once more.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqjAHuisls

Dozens of radiant magic circles blossomed around her.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ7DL7fXvF

Spears of light rained toward him from every direction.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZgpTLdwRZ

At the same time...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRrz1VKVfT

Walls of light surrounded him.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K3mSxXYob

She even prepared a healing spell in advance.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq7KhvsMyn

She was fighting with everything she had ever learned.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFgQheYDjx

But...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDn2ifrrjE

Salman did not move.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ1N1YVZsm

He merely raised a single finger.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6j7pDtNRR

The air froze.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtGqoYYuUD

Then...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFJHlwqAfn

Every spear of light stopped in midair.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2mJXclLdi

As though time itself...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJJesOcmh3

Had ceased to exist.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5KG7beIna

Catalina's eyes widened.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2idKonHl0D

"What... is this?!"

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg9W38wOjc

The next second...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZFBvfYcnU

The spears transformed into frozen crystals.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpiFHdvkY8

Then...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjESWhkPSg0

Every one of them shattered.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G3JHTbZ6U

As though they had never existed.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxHM4hZZ5o

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYicwf5Oh6Q

She refused to let herself hesitate.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K0LqsrFlw

She rushed toward him.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimbLZuZ6cp

Gripping her staff with both hands.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2RhFpCcNf

Then struck the ground with all her strength.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk77t0pwug

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUsZ1SaKvQ

But...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBvRWLRD93

He disappeared.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ61tEhVRA

In the very next instant...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykbDrsTNT3

She felt a freezing breeze...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJvJ36MqHS

Behind her.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1p1iHoHna

Her entire body froze.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlg13NseUu

She tried to turn around...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxIHKeuOlC

But she couldn't.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVlazUHGq7

Her eyes dropped to her arms.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAYr1RkLlj

Ice was rapidly spreading across them.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzogV224xI

Then over her legs.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb4sTuVtCE

Then across her shoulders.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVd91kvgra

Within moments...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG47QgPfMW6

She was completely unable to move.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Py2Jhosol

Salman's calm voice echoed behind her.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRGV4BPFFj

"I told you..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNpCSNbrYx

"Enough."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeFp3WeiMc

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqLW3ZBz5S

Catalina struggled desperately against the ice.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvlohuSESV

Light burst from within her body.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6XIJYfKa3

The frozen shell cracked slightly.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0AMImeSPh

But...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TkyXHpQvv

It froze solid again the very next instant.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDT1gDQY28

Salman slowly raised his hand.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vz0cwUpS5

Then...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DN9PcI7dx

Delivered a light strike to the back of her neck.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6NaNHTcJS

It wasn't a violent blow.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJZJY13prm

Yet it carried enough force to make her vision spin.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb8YTYthck

Her body trembled.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR3vmAY9No

Then she collapsed...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaizSMw6P27

Unconscious.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39v04SodH0

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbQwA5iNLa

Salman looked down at her for several silent moments.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotCdzsBt4G

Then calmly said,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OIFgyA6ut

"Take her."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hr0Iag1Hl

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ24GK0AFY2

They had not been there a moment earlier.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenSqtODeNK

Each one bowed respectfully before his king.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdfENGeszy

Then carefully lifted Catalina.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYXggrAssZ

One of the commanders asked,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6JTbqoz5j

"Your Majesty..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y6Mz3JEFr

"Shall we return now?"

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x7y0suPhx

Salman slowly lifted his gaze toward the night sky.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QvTlQCfx1

Then answered,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSIjSaXmYM

"Our mission is complete."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEwYvA5fB5

He raised one hand.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IRhTUec97

The glowing blue portal appeared once more.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRFoUTr18E

The soldiers entered first.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw4npeqzZa

Salman stepped through last.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRtpwGKIGR

Just before the portal vanished...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PdKzWY9Bq

A brief snowstorm swept across the forest.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Hhde5ERj

And when the wind finally settled...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhMlVwKb0n

Nothing remained...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt96htKEVv

Except the abandoned basket of herbs.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbrfd06phz

And fragments of ice...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmYUqZSfYz

That had never belonged to the forests of Aros.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6jFW2xW9e

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5RtaI9sls

An hour later...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzDKZusME2

The Sage arrived.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfVDyVx1k7

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw1z85pcMf

He stopped in the empty clearing.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI2ipmFkyZ

Then slowly bent down.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqf8jSS5Ot

He picked up the basket.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39qMj4EgLZ

His fingertips brushed against the ice.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgexFHU9Ct

He closed his eyes.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGokw53tFXw

Then whispered,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyWLVv3YWp

"Royal magic..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvw3LHl522

His eyes suddenly opened.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubZ3Tjv1a3

For the first time in many years...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEwyq3MQbU

They widened.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymg8Nkkfap

"Salman..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJniMytgLMQ

He immediately turned around.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwyVV2a9iF

Then rushed toward the village...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg6QD7WZnZ

Faster than anyone had ever seen him move.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdsXpyJqZH

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mlgzQg2oz

BANG!!

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJmIG7pJqz

Khaled's bedroom door burst open.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzROJCcxx02

The Sage entered without hesitation.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvje7KjoL1f

Khaled immediately stood up.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8AYMcAOkS

Anger flashed across his face.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa4fM2GgfZ

"What are you—"

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9wNZIzG99

But the Sage cut him off.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w34TrP92Z

"Catalina has been kidnapped."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5sUxIADN7

Silence.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0auyMWa3Eg

Khaled froze where he stood.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxcKnwgDs6

Then...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhdOs3t7fG

Slowly lowered his head.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMYd9uupbm

And quietly said,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKRGHOb2OL

"Go..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBxwFkyEqO

"Without me."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttNhtw0FNR

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf45Haw0l0n

A sharp slap echoed through the room.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIO1VcfWWm

Khaled staggered back a step.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6qkBhdrDa

His hand instinctively rose to his cheek.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiVFkYjFXT

His eyes filled with disbelief.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kk1GTLajD

It was...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYMbJihzy0

The first time...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2ooavrIWC

The Sage had ever struck him.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyEYARkD4e

The Sage stepped forward.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQHBqA0Lu2

His eyes burned with anger.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkoUojMXyq

"Enough."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5ZKQIyR24

"I am no longer..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguyOivQQBX

"The Sage of this village."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlah6gEVk4h

Then he moved closer...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7g4rBJOGV

Until they stood face to face.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB5kgsKg0v

Khaled instinctively lowered his head once again.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vNkHvVxnO

The Sage firmly grasped his chin...

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozM0yoq2I2

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

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCBTBqFsNO

Then he said,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQaa8OI3P5

"I am..."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvnGktwV8z

"Your grandfather."

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFjSVmbzjh

Silence filled the room.

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5jwVm7zwm

Then he continued,

34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGCbAn18rr

"Are you planning to run away again?"

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

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"Is this where your journey ends?"

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Khaled lowered his eyes.

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But this time...

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He could not lower his head.

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Because his grandfather was still holding it up.

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He couldn't answer.

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

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The Sage spoke more calmly.

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"I told you before..."

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

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"And I also told you..."

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"To trust those who walk beside you."

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Then he gripped Khaled's shoulder firmly.

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"And now..."

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"This..."

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"Is your final step."

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Khaled looked at him silently.

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The Sage continued,

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"The final step before you..."

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"Either save yourself..."

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"And correct your mistake."

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"Or..."

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"Allow the darkness to consume you forever."

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

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Khaled remained silent.

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But this time...

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His eyes were no longer empty.

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Deep within them...

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A tiny spark appeared.

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Something...

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That resembled determination.

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The Sage noticed it.

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Although his expression did not change...

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He quietly whispered to himself,

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"He still has emotions..."

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"Then..."

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

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

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Outside...

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Abdulrahman had arrived.

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He glanced at Khaled.

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Then immediately looked away.

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He said nothing.

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Not even a greeting.

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The wound inside his heart...

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Was deeper than the wound upon his shoulder.

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The Sage spoke,

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"Prepare yourselves."

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"We leave immediately."

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Abdulrahman looked toward him.

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"And you?"

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The Sage sighed.

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Then turned his eyes toward the infirmary.

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Where dozens of wounded villagers still rested.

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"If I leave..."

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

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"And the portal Salman used..."

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

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He pulled out an old map.

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Pointing toward a long northern route.

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

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"It will take you..."

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"Three days to reach them."

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He extended the map toward Khaled.

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But Khaled...

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Did not reach for it.

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So Abdulrahman silently took it instead.

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

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The two of them walked through the gates of Aros.

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Between them...

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Hung a crushing silence.

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Neither looked at the other.

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Neither spoke.

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Each one...

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Walked alone.

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Even though...

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The journey had begun with two people.

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High above the village walls...

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The Sage watched them until they disappeared among the trees.

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Then he slowly closed his eyes.

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And quietly prayed,

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"Bring her back..."

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"And bring yourselves back as well."

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The wind rose.

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The branches of the forest swayed.

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

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The most difficult adventure of their lives...

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Had begun.

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To be continued...

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34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSiAEtCFQy

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