The Endless Forest

"So," Felix started, looking at the group that had come together. Aluin was there, along with Oralyn, Kyrith, and Zira. He had called upon them after speaking with Zira and made them aware of the situation. "What do we do?"

They were deep enough into the forest to not worry about being overheard. And, as an extra layer of caution, the Sage had cast a bubble around them, hiding them completely. There was also an agreement to keep this concealed from Eri, given that this could easily over-stress her.

As he waited for someone to speak up there was quiet shuffling from the dragons and Aluin let out an audible hum. Oralyn took on a sour expression.

"And is Watcher certain of this?" she asked.

Felix answered confidently, "Yes. There is a reason why his name is Watcher."

"You covered the entire clearing?" Aluin added to the questioning.

He nodded. "And the Sanctuary– Both above and below ground."

"Impressive. And you found nothing?"

"I haven't, and that's what worries me. The incident this morning is all I have to go on as proof."

"Strange that they would be so careless, yet have some way of hiding or masking their…mana." The way in which the Sage spoke the last word felt as if it were a euphemism. Felix, though, had no qualms about speaking bluntly.

"I know, but Hanzel had the taint of miasma in his soul. I felt it, destroyed it."

Oralyn gave him and Aluin a confused look. "Miasma, you mentioned that and corruption before. What is it?"

"Something dangerous," Aluin answered quickly, however, he did not elaborate.

"Very dangerous," Felix added. "But as I said, I can destroy it. I only need help finding the source."

Aluin nodded. "I do not know how one would go about hiding miasma but if one were to do so with mana, there is only one way."

"And that is?" he asked, staring intently at the Sage.

"An enchantment. A powerful at that, especially with your abilities."

Zira spoke up for the first time. "Perhaps I could help? I can taste mana, so surely–"

"No!" Felix answered too quickly, fear appearing in his eyes. "Zira, there is no telling what would happen if you ate it. I… I can't risk it."

She looked ready to argue but Aluin beat her. "I am in agreement with Felix on this. But even if I weren't, I doubt that your taste, as you put it, would be any more effective." As if to prove his point, the Sage turned his attention back to Felix.

"You said Watcher did not receive a vision from Mirezabeth, correct?"

He gave him a slow nod.

Aluin addressed Zira once more. "If a Goddess cannot detect this invader, then I doubt you would be able to. And I do not speak lightly of you or Felix's abilities."

"But there must be some way to detect them!" she shouted before turning her ire onto Felix. "And why then did you even call me here if I am useless!"

He flinched away from her anger, both physically and mentally. "I… I remembered what you said. What Eri said. That I should rely on you all for help."

That gave her a moment of pause, her jaw hanging open in shock. "Oh."

Felix continued, "What I asked for help on is to come up with a plan. I don't wish for anyone to go near this person. Not just you. You've seen my memories, you know how insidious it is. You may be a void dragon but I don't want to find out what happens if you consume miasma. If we can safely locate them, I can remove it. I know how to do that at least."

She closed her snout and thought long and hard before letting out an exhausted sigh. "Sorry," she muttered, looking away in shame.

He felt her flood his mind with emotions, enough to make him smile. "Thank you."

Oralyn cleared her throat before bringing everyone's attention back onto the topic on hand. "What other ways can we detect this miasma?"

Aluin looked thoughtful but it was Kyrith, of all people, who spoke up. "Oh! I have an idea!"

The group all looked to the ember-colored dragon with a mixture of surprise and interest.

"And what idea do you have?" Aluin questioned seriously.

"You can see magic!" Kyrith shouted excitedly at Felix as if that was the solution.

He frowned. "I can, but I fail to see how that will solve the problem. They're masking their presence–"

"With magic!" Kyrith finished for him.

The sage nodded. "I was going to suggest that, actually."

"Wait a second. How would my mana sight help? If they are hiding themselves with some sort of powerful enchantment, wouldn't that defeat it?"

Aluin smiled, but upon seeing Kyrith practically vibrating he gestured for the dragon to speak.

"You just have to see what's not there!"

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He blinked, stunned. Huh, that could work…

Eri stretched, letting out a yawn. Her conversation with Niri had ended and it had done wonders to clear her head. The poor kobold, on the other hand, had left in a rush, too confused and anxious to stay there a moment longer.

She'll come to accept it in time, she thought, peering down at her work. Watcher is getting old and someone will have to step up to take his place. Why shouldn't it be her?

Lifting the parchment up, Eri scrutinized it one final time. She was hoping that she had finally gotten it perfect.

She let out an audible, Tsk! There was a minor mistake, one that normally she wouldn't have worried about. But this is far too important… I need to get it–

"Your Majesty?" The sound of Oralyn's voice startled her.

"Y-Yes?! Oh, it's just you."

The other woman cracked a smile, something that was unfamiliar to her. "Indeed, it's just me. Well, me and Morzan." She gestured down to her partner.

The little dragon let out a defiant squeak, causing both women to smile and lightly chuckle.

"How is everything going?" Eri asked after a moment. "Has the new group arrived yet? I'd like to greet them."

"Not yet," Oralyn answered.

"Then…has something happened?" she pushed, starting to wonder if there was an issue that had popped up.

"In a way, yes. However, nothing for you to worry about. The situation is being handled."

That response made her stand up, her expression turning serious. "What do you mean? What situation?"

Her aide let out a deep breath. "Felix doesn't want to concern you. But…" Trailing off, Oralyn snapped her fingers and a moment later the sound of rushing boots echoed through the hall. The entirety of her guards appeared and flooded the room.

"What's going on?!" she demanded, shouting at the sudden intrusion.

"Just for your protection, Your Majesty." Oralyn gave her a bow before turning to the captain of the guards. "Keep her safe. Do not let anything happen to her." There was a pause as she considered something. "If you hear any fighting, take her and run. Find somewhere to hide, if things settle down then we'll send someone for you. If things don't… Head for the dwarfs' mountain home."

The captain gave a salute but a question came to him. "How will we know if…things don't go well?"

The woman's expression softened, almost becoming somber. "Our Majesty will know." She began to make her leave but stopped at the door. "Your Majesty, I hope you will forgive me for this but I have a duty to see you safe."

She vanished.

Felix slowly walked through the clearing, his mana sight active. High above, mere specks in the sky, Kyrith and Zira circled. They were watching all movement within the area with their incredible vision. If someone tried to run, they'd see it.

But they were not alone. Aluin had gone off to speak with Josphel, the only other Sage currently here. Master Realgar was all the way back in Bernel, handling the soon-to-arrive group. A message was sent out to him to delay his return.

The only other people who knew what was going on were the kobolds and Oralyn. Felix had sent Gern to deliver an order to Watcher, lock down the sanctuary. Oralyn, meanwhile, would distract Eri and keep her from finding out.

That last part was important to him, more so than anything else. He feared what the stress would do to her if she were to find out. And for that reason, he, Kyrith, and Zira decided to keep their minds shut to her.

Better to ask for forgiveness than for permission, he thought grimly. There was no doubt something was going to happen and he only prayed that everyone would come out unscathed.

Now I just need to find the bastard… Felix had no idea the gender of the invader, but his gut told him it was an elven man. Still, he would not let his biases get the better of him. He would rely on his mana sight and the two dragons.

"Just look for what's not there…" he muttered to himself, slowly scanning every person who got near. The new crowd forming at the portal was easy and he worked his way from there.

The world around him swam in hues and rainbows, every light breeze or motion jostling it. Even now it still gave him wonder, a new insight into life. However, now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts. He had a job to do, a duty to perform.

Fel…ix?!

He came to a sudden stop. Eri was calling for him, barely making it past the barrier he had. Even more concerning was that she sounded alarmed.

A curse escaped him and he wanted to ignore her. That, though, would be a mistake. He decided to let down his barrier…

FELIX! WHAT IN THE HELLS IS GOING ON!? she roared into his mind.

Wincing, he tried to play it off. W-what do you mean–

ORALYN HAS BARRICADED ME IN THE MANSION WITH THE GUARDS!

Fuck, he thought. Their plan to keep her in the dark was completely ruined and worse still, she was absolutely furious.

Eri continued, NEITHER KYRITH NOR ZIRA WILL RESPOND AND ALL I KNOW IS THAT SOMETHING IS HAPPENING!

He steadied his nerves, she was freaking out and for good reason. Eri… Listen, there is someone…dangerous here. We believe they are connected to the bastard who sent Hanzel and inspired Calsen. I don't know what Oralyn did, though. I only told her to keep you away.

Silence. Felix held his breath, hoping she would calm down. At least she has her guards with her, he said to himself. If something were to happen to her…

She finally responded, no longer screaming. Why?

Her question caught him off-guard. Huh? What do you mean?

Why were you keeping it a secret from me? Were you worried about my health?

I was, he admitted, waiting for her to lash back at him.

It didn't come. Instead, he felt her presence as she entered his mind. A shiver ran down his spine.

I don't want you to fight alone, she responded. I'm just as worried about you as you are of me.

Felix allowed a slight smile to form, however… I know, but I'm not just worried about you. You're carrying our son and I want both of you to stay safe. I cannot stand the thought of losing either you or him.

He allowed his love to flood his mind, causing her to mentally shudder. Eri, I know this is hard for you. I know you want to be here, to be with Kyrith and Zira. But I cannot and will not risk you. If something happens to me–

Don't say it! Damn it, Felix… Please, do not say such things. I can already feel your worries, your fears, but don't ever say something like that. Don't ever suggest it, either.

Okay, I promise. He gave her consciousness a hug. A few seconds passed before they separated and with that she pulled away, but not without one final message.

I love you.

His smile grew. I love you too.