Chương 71: We Shall Wait
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Land of Centaur transformed into a fortress of anticipation. Tensions hung in the air like the dense foliage of the forest, the looming threat of the Umbric Coven casting an unsettling shadow over the realm.
Centaurs moved with purpose, fortifying their borders and reinforcing their defences. Arrows were carefully fletched, and shields were polished to a gleam. The rhythmic clinking of armour and the soft murmurs of centaur guards echoed through the forest, a testament to their unwavering determination.
The centaurs' eyes scanned the darkening woods, their senses heightened to the subtlest rustle of leaves or snap of a twig. They knew not when or where the enemy would strike, but the signs were clear: the Umbric Coven had targeted their land, and they could not afford to be caught off guard.
Amara, Eamon, and High Wizard Malvora, now an integral part of the centaur community, shared their knowledge of rift magic and the tactics of the Umbric Coven. The centaur mages, under Malvora's guidance, honed their magical abilities, preparing to conjure protective barriers to shield their land from the impending threat.
Galandor, the centaur leader, lay in the rehabilitation centre, his injuries a stark reminder of the danger they faced. Lirella, his wife, rarely left his side, her gaze filled with a mix of concern and unwavering resolve.
Lyra and Callahan, standing amidst the centaur archers, exchanged knowing glances. Their bond with the centaur leaders had grown, and the weight of responsibility rested heavily on their shoulders. They were determined to uphold the alliance and defend the Land of Centaur.
Amongst the preparations and the tense air of anticipation in the Land of Centaur, Thalas, the son of Galandor and Lirella, stood tall and resolute. His youthful determination mirrored the steadfast resolve of his people. Thalas had taken it upon himself to assist in the defence, learning the ways of war from his elders. His eyes shone with a mixture of fear and courage as he prepared to stand alongside his family and allies in the face of the looming threat.
But the true key to their defence was the pending arrival of Queen Elara and King Adric with the Faerundale army. The centaurs knew that their strength united with that of their Faeran allies, would be their best chance against the Umbric Coven's malevolent forces.
As the night deepened, the anticipation became almost palpable. The Land of Centaur stood poised on the precipice of a battle they knew was inevitable. The stars above bore witness to their unity and determination, and the forest held its breath, waiting for the impending storm.
In one corner of the camp, the centaur leader Galandor, his wife Lirella, and their son Thalas gathered beneath a great tree. The family spoke in hushed tones, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Galandor's deep voice resonated with authority as he addressed them.
"Our guests from Faerundale and Shadowglade have shown great courage in coming to our aid. We must stand together to defend our land."
"We are fortunate to have them by our side, Galandor. Our strength lies in our unity," Lirella nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with unwavering support.
"But Father, what if they bring more danger to our realm?" Thalas, the young centaur, chimed in with a hint of worry in his voice,
"Fear not, my son. The bonds we have forged are built on trust. We will face this challenge together," Galandor rested a reassuring hand on Thalas's shoulder.
Meanwhile, Eamon and Amara found a secluded spot to rest, their whispered conversation filled with a sense of shared purpose. Eamon's voice held a note of concern as he said.
"Amara, we need to stay vigilant. I have a feeling the Umbric Coven will come for us soon."
"We'll be ready, Eamon. We won't let them harm anyone here," Amara's gaze met his, her determination unwavering.
"Amara, promise me you'll stay safe," as their fingers lightly intertwined, Eamon whispered.
"I promise, Eamon. We'll watch each other's backs," Amara turned to him, her eyes reflecting the starlight above.
Not far from them, Callahan and Lyra sat close, their fingers entwined as they gazed at the stars above. Lyra broke the silence, her voice soft and filled with warmth.
"Callahan, this alliance between our realms is a remarkable feat."
"It's thanks to your wisdom and strength, Lyra. It's time we show how unstoppable we can be so we'll see this through, together," Callahan smiled, his love for her evident in his eyes.
As the night wore on, Callahan found himself in conversation with High Wizard Malvora. The two sat by the flickering campfire, and Callahan couldn't help but voice his curiosity.
"High Wizard, what can you tell me about Lord Vortannis and the Umbric Coven?"
"Lord Vortannis is a formidable adversary, a master of this unknown evil magic. He seeks power at any cost. I will use a spell to gain insights into their actions, but we must remain vigilant. The darkness they bring is not to be underestimated," High Wizard Malvora's eyes held a somber wisdom as he replied.
"We will stand firm, High Wizard. For the safety of our realms and the hope of a brighter future," Callahan nodded, his thoughts filled with a sense of responsibility.
As the night unfolded, each conversation carried with it the weight of the impending challenge, but also the strength of unity and resolve among this unlikely assembly of allies.
As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the camp stirred to life. The tranquillity of the night was shattered by the urgent blast of a horn, its echoing call reaching every corner of the Land of Centaur. Startled from their slumber, the alliance members sprang to their feet, adrenaline coursing through their veins. This was the moment they had dreaded, and it had come all too soon.
They rushed to the outskirts of the camp, their eyes widening with trepidation at the sight that greeted them. A formidable line of Rifters and the sinister figures of the Umbric Coven stood as a dark, foreboding wall on the horizon, slowly advancing towards their position. The land seemed to tremble under the collective weight of evil that approached.
The absence of Queen Elara and King Adric's reinforcements weighed heavily on their minds. Would they arrive in time to bolster their defences, or would they be left to face this perilous threat alone?
Just when despair threatened to consume them, a small, crooked Rifter broke away from the sinister assembly. It scurried toward the alliance members, a piece of parchment impaled through its mangled ears. Hope flickered briefly as they realized that this might be a message, a sign of communication from the Umbric Coven.
But their hope was crushed as swiftly as it had arisen. Without hesitation, a member of the Umbric Coven aimed and shot down the Rifter, ending its tortured existence. They had used the creature merely as a messenger, discarding it ruthlessly once its purpose had been served.
This macabre display sent a chilling message: the Umbric Coven was relentless and remorseless. They were here, and they were ready for battle. The alliance had no choice but to prepare for the impending confrontation, their fates hanging in the balance as they awaited the inevitable clash with the forces of darkness.
Before any of the Centaurs could reach the mysterious note carried by the ill-fated Rifter, the parchment ignited with an otherworldly, greenish flame. Smoke billowed from the parchment, coalescing into a shadowy figure.
It was none other than Lord Vortannis, the enigmatic leader of the Umbric Coven. After the shadowy form materialized, he spoke with a voice that seemed to echo from the depths of a bottomless abyss. The words dripped with a sinister amusement, sending shivers down the spines of those assembled.
"Ah, the valiant alliance of Ethoria," he began, his tone laced with dark mockery. "You have come so far, seeking to thwart our plans. But you underestimate the power of the Umbric Coven."
His eyes, pools of darkness, settled on High Wizard Malvora, whose expression remained unwavering despite the foreboding presence before him.
"And the High Wizard himself, Malvora," Lord Vortannis sneered. "You have always been so persistent, probing and prying into our secrets. Yet, even with your vast knowledge, you cannot comprehend the true extent of our abilities. You cannot win this war."
His words hung heavy in the air, a haunting proclamation of the challenges that lay ahead. The alliance members exchanged determined glances, their resolve steeled by the dire warning. Victory might be uncertain, but their determination to protect Ethoria remained unshaken.
The eerie horn from the Umbric Coven's line cut through the tension, signalling the start of their relentless advance. The alliance was now faced with an enemy they could neither underestimate nor defeat easily. They were poised on the precipice of a battle that would determine the fate of Ethoria, and their only choice was to stand and fight against the encroaching darkness.
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực