Chapter 584: Their Plea
The three figures lay contained within the crystal cube. They look exhausted and dissoriented. Saeldir and his apprentices gathered closely, their gazes sharp with curiosity and caution.
Saeldir had already informed King Gulben of the intruders a few minutes earlier and he said his desire to observe them first before taking any drastic measures. The king who also intrigued and choose to be careful, granted them time for an initial inspection before he would come to see them himself.
The three strangers' dark armor appeared fused to their bodies, as if made from molten rock that had cooled and hardened into seamless plates of protection. That still makes them baffled because all of that seems painful.
Saeldir and his apprentices could discern that one of the figures was a woman and the other two were men, their shapes resembling those of humans but obscured by helmets that hid their faces. Yet despite the strange and ominous armor they seemed eerily similar in build and stance to the Elves themselves.
The subtle yet potent energy radiating from them held Saeldir's attention most of all. The aura was complex — a dark, cold presence that bore hints of hardship and weariness.
Saeldir's brow furrowed as he studied them, his mind running through the possibilities. They seemed powerful but depleted, not like a force poised to attack.
Elendir, Saeldir's apprentice that act as the scribe before, finally broke the silence.
"Master, should we heal them? They seem... weakened by their journey. Perhaps we'll be able to speak with them if they're restored," he spoke with soft voice.
Saeldir considered this, weighing the risks. He sensed no immediate danger from them, only a guarded defensiveness and exhaustion. After a moment, he nodded.
"Alright. Let's revive them, but cautiously. Maybe they're not in a condition to attack," Saeldir said.
With careful gestures, Elendir and the two other apprentices began channeling a soft, steady flow of healing energy through the crystal. Its not that complicated and the effect is not going to heal them fully, but just enough to make them talk.
It seeped into the three figures, easing the aftershocks of their inter-dimensional journey. The woman stirred first, her fingers twitching before she lifted her head with effort.
Her eyes, though partially obscured by her helm, seemed to glint with wary awareness. The two men followed, each lifting their heads slowly, their posture shifting as strength returned.
The room grew silent again as the three strangers regained their bearings. Saeldir kept his hand raised, still holding the containment spell on the cube and took a steadying breath.
"We've revived you, travelers," he said, his voice calm but guarded. "Can you tell us why you've come to our realm?"
Elena, the woman in black armor, turned her gaze directly to Saeldir. "We came seeking help and we have little time. But... we are not here as your enemies," Her voice, though hoarse, was strong.
The apprentices glanced at each other in surprise, as Saeldir's instincts were proven correct. He nodded, his curiosity deepening.
"Then tell us," Saeldir said, meeting her eyes. "Who are you, and what help do you want?"
Elena shifted slightly, taking a slow and shaky breath before beginning. Her exhaustion was plain to see, her voice roughened from the strain of their journey, yet she forced herself to focus knowing how much weighed on her words.
They had risked everything on this journey, and if she failed to explain now their last hope might slip away.
She cast a glance at her companions, Darek and Tovan, who still seemed barely able to lift their heads. She could see the exhaustion in their eyes, and feel that if she couldn't carry this conversation now there might not be another chance.
Gathering what little strength she had left, Elena faced Saeldir.
"There's... a force," she began. "A being from another world. It's unlike anything we've ever encountered. They wants to consume everything. Our land, our people.
We have fought, but… we are close of losing the war. Nothing we throw at them has managed to stop them."
Saeldir's eyes narrowed with focus, a mixture of caution and sympathy growing as he processed her words.
His apprentices exchanged uncertain glances, the weight of what she was saying slowly sinking in. They could sense she wasn't exaggerating. Her voice held too much pain, too much desperation for that.
Elena continued, her gaze drifting as if she were seeing a scene miles away.
"We've tried everything in our power with every weapon and every spell. But they are really unstoppable." She struggled to steady herself. "Our only hope is... the Dragonborn. The one said to wield powers even the gods respect. We came here because we've seen the appearance of this figure.
If the Dragonborn truly exists then maybe we can save our world."
Saeldir's brow furrowed further, his gaze piercing but thoughtful. The name Dragonborn clearly struck a chord with him. Erend and Eccar really a figure so powerful that their legends are coming from another world.
His apprentices leaned in, their eyes filled with confusion and intrigue.
"The Dragonborn?" Saeldir repeated slowly, considering. "You came here — to our world — just for this Dragonborn?"
Elena nodded, though even that small movement seemed to take effort.
"Yes. We had no choice. It was our last hope." Her voice softened, a hint of desperation slipping through. "Please, if there's any chance… tell us where we might find him."
Saeldir held her gaze, a hint of sympathy softening his eyes, yet he maintained his caution. He let her words sink in, his mind racing through options and the risks involved.
Finally, he turned to his apprentices. "It seems our guests have come a long way and are in need of rest and restoration. We must speak with the king and make him aware of this... situation." He paused, glancing back at Elena. "For now, you will remain here under our protection."
Elena lowered her head slightly, her eyes dimming with exhaustion. "Thank you," she murmured. It wasn't victory yet, but perhaps it was the first step.
As Saeldir and his apprentices departed to consult with King Gulben, the weight of the journey began to catch up with Elena. She slumped again to the ground, her thoughts clouding, but a single hope kept her focused: the Dragonborn is here.
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