Journey through the forest of eldoria Part 2

Kael, breathing heavily, met his gaze with defiance. "What are you waiting for? Kill us and bring glory to your nation."

Aerion chuckled. "Now, now. I'm not here to kill you. I have orders to bring you before the Queen herself. You should feel honored."

Verena’s eyes blazed with fury. "Take me and let the others go! They don’t mean any harm!"

Aerion regarded her with amusement. "Ah, I like your spirit, but unfortunately, it's not my decision to make. The Queen will decide your fate." He gestured toward them. "You look exhausted. Rest. We have a long journey ahead of us."

With a flick of his fingers, a surge of elven magic coursed through the air. The Progenies barely had time to react before darkness overtook them.

Journey to Elandor

When they awoke, they found themselves inside a moving carriage, its interior finely crafted with elegant elven designs. The rhythmic sway of the vehicle indicated they were already on the road.

Lyra was the last to wake. She rubbed her eyes before glancing at Aerion, who rode alongside them. "Where are you taking us?"

Aerion responded without looking at her. "To Elandor, the capital of Eldoria. We’ll arrive within a few hours."

Malrik frowned. "I searched for the capital before. Why couldn’t I find it?"

Aerion smirked. "Because it has been hidden since ancient times, safeguarded by our elders to prevent intrusions. Only elves know how to enter."

Malrik exhaled, shaking his head. "That explains a lot."

Kael, ever suspicious, narrowed his eyes. "And what about the soldiers who were captured before us?"

Aerion’s face remained neutral. "We killed them."

A sharp silence filled the carriage.

Verena’s body tensed, rage bubbling to the surface. "You did what?"

Aerion chuckled. "Relax, kid. That was a joke. They’re in the carriage behind us."

Verena scowled. "You’d better not be lying."

Aerion smirked, shaking his head. "Kids these days… so intense."

The journey continued in tense silence as the towering trees of the forest gradually gave way to a breathtaking sight.

Entrance to the Hidden City of Elandor

As the convoy slowed to a stop, Aerion dismounted his steed and gestured ahead. His voice carried a hint of amusement. "We have reached the city of elves—Elandor."

Draven frowned, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "You must be joking. It’s just a giant tree. How can this be a city?"

Aerion smirked. "Just watch."

Stepping forward, he raised his hands and began to chant in the ancient tongue of the elves. The air trembled with unseen energy, and a faint golden glow traced through the bark of the colossal tree before them. The ground rumbled, and with a deep, resonant hum, an enormous doorway emerged from the very heart of the tree, its intricate carvings pulsing with life. Mist coiled around the entrance like enchanted wisps, revealing an ethereal pathway beyond.

Draven’s eyes widened. "That’s… unexpected."

Aerion chuckled. "This is the Divine Tree, the heart of Eldoria. It sustains the life of this forest, shelters the Dryads, and guards the hidden passage to our capital. Only those who carry elven blood or are granted passage may enter."

A gust of wind rustled through the ancient branches as the doorway fully formed, its runes shimmering like captured starlight. The entrance to Elandor awaited.

With a happy gace Aerion said

"Welcome to Elandor—the city of the elves."

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To be continued.....

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