Chapter 14

• AERA
• The elders had been deliberating on how to handle the SS Babylon crash site. Without evidence, Seth and I could not confirm whether the imprints we saw were indeed Serpion's. Though I had suspected that the markings were theirs.
• I had spent many nights going over my dad's notes. I wanted to learn as much as I could. The Serpions were no joke. The elders were on edge. Everyone was under curfew. Anyone who went hunting had to state how long they'd be gone. And the hunting trail they were going to be on. Who was going and what they were hunting.
• This behaviour change told me that the elders were scared.
• The last time they reacted this way was when a werebear had thrown the ecosystem off balance. Yet, somehow this event seems to unsettle them more.
• As I read the last page, I rubbed my eyes. Rereading the journals had been fruitless. I hadn't overlooked anything the first time I read them. Tired, I put all the material away.
• Glaring at the fireplace, I pondered my next move. The fire's crackle was broken by rapping at my door. Opening the door, a messenger stood there looking up at me.
• "The elders know it is late, but they have asked for you to come and see them."
• "Give me a moment." I let the young girl enter. "You shouldn't be outside at this hour." I scolded her while I grabbed my weapons. With everything going on. I wasn't going to take any chances. "Let's go," I motioned toward the door.
• My eyes kept scanning the area. My hand never left the hilt of my blade. The second we reached the door, I told the messenger to go straight to her parents' place. Though there was reluctance, I wasn't going to back down. The hairs on the back of my neck tingled. Whatever was watching me, I wasn't getting a good feeling about this. The last thing I wanted was this youth in my way if I had to defend myself.
• Walking down the hallway by myself, I reached the chamber the elders had occupied.
• "Sorry for the late summons."
• I shrugged my shoulders as I closed the door. "It wasn't like I was doing much."
• "We are going to get straight to the point. No hidden messages. No explanations. Just transparency."
• I sat on the floor. Crossing my legs, I waited for the elders to continue with what it was they had to say.
• "The seers are on edge, troubled by visions they cannot fully comprehend. While some of their predictions remain consistent, as you already know. A notable one involves you crossing paths with Emperor Arion. This impending confrontation unsettles them. You are poised to challenge Emperor Arion, and they foresee dire consequences for those living in the border regions. The population of Silver Viper is expected to decline and suffer for a decade. The seers unanimously agree that there are ample reasons to go to war against Emperor Arion, and many will rally behind you in this campaign.
• However, one factor complicates matters.
• The seers also foresee an external threat approaching. The Caininites are an ancient bloodline exiled from this land a thousand years ago. Once thought to be extinct, they are returning to reclaim what they believe was taken from them.
• If you encounter them in a hostile manner. Let's just be honest. Your words in the past have been taken the wrong way. It could lead to dire consequences. Their sights may turn to us for conquest. A war between each other would not benefit either of us in the end. The conflict between our factions would take a staggering toll on both sides. Engaging in battle will yield no advantages for either party. "
• "Summing everything up. I can attack Emperor Arion and no one will blink an eye. But I am not to piss off the Caininites? That almost seems unfair. I have gotten under everyone's skin at least once in their lifetime."
• "The Caininites may have forgotten, but we have not. Once there was an alliance between us. Though our ways varied, we found a balance in the name of the ecosystem."
• "And Emperor Arion, why do we tolerate his existence?"
• "Simple child. You need to learn if dying on the hill is worth the effort. If you are attacking out of anger and rage. That isn't strength. It is pointless noise. Learn the differences. Attacking Arion would be a pointless attack, his bloodline would still remain on the throne."
• "Duly noted. I just don't understand what it is that you wish me to do with this information. It seems like you are contradicting your emotions?"
• "You have always been too smart for your own good. There is another path. One that we can't tell you. It is yours to forge. As you have always done. You have never been one to listen to what you are told. You make your own path regardless of the risks and hardship."
• "So much for transparency."
• "You will understand when the time comes. For now. Head to Ironvalley. Four males will be there soon. They have caused the trade root a great deal of issue. We want you to deal with this disturbance to the ecosystem."
• "I will leave first thing in the morning."