Leo landed on the rocky shore with a painful grunt, barely suppressing the urge to vomit. His stomach churned from the magical portal.
"I thought assassins were supposed to be as tough as wild beasts," Edward mocked, a smug smile on his face.Leo ignored the jab. Instead, he gazed out at the northern sea, soaking in the cold breeze and the rhythmic crashing of waves.
"I'll give you magic freaks one thing," Leo muttered. "You sure know how to pick beautiful spots."
Edward puffed out his chest with pride. "Of course. This castle was designed by ancient elven architects."
To Edward's surprise, Leo nodded in genuine approval—no snark, no insults. Just appreciation.
The group made their way to the shoreline, where several mages and royals were gathered, awaiting transport.
Two enormous serpents were expected to carry them across the sea to the castle.
"Assassin, you'll be required to drop your weapons at the castle gates," Gregory stated sternly. "And try not to snoop around too much while you're inside."
Suddenly, a red-bearded dwarf with a gold monocle appeared out of thin air, his presence commanding silence.
"For those unaware of our protocols," the dwarf boomed, "any outsider without a permit attempting to board the serpents will be eaten, regardless of his or her status."
He scanned the crowd to ensure his words sank in. "Also, no magical artifacts capable of spying are allowed. All official members of the Sun board first—outsiders follow."
With that, a small conch shell appeared in the dwarf's hand. He blew into it, producing a deep bellow that echoed across the shore.
Two mighty roars responded from beneath the sea.
From the depths, two colossal serpentine necks emerged—one crimson, one azure. Their scales shimmered under the sun, and their eyes, large and intelligent, gleamed with beauty and menace. They opened their massive jaws, revealing fangs like carved ivory.
Then, in voices of startling eloquence, the serpents spoke:
"All visitors, please step forward for authentication."
The crowd moved into formation, mages at the front. The serpents' eyes emitted violet beams that scanned each person, sorting mages from guests and detecting any hidden magical items.
After what felt like an eternity, wooden platforms with a hundred seats each unfolded upon the serpents' backs. The crimson serpent carried the official members; the azure serpent was reserved for outsiders.
Leo and the mage brothers were assigned to the very back of the crimson serpent—seats reserved for low-ranked mortals. The higher-ranked mages lounged at the front in comfort, but Leo didn't mind. Unlike a ship that rocked with every wave, the serpent glided through the sea with smooth precision.
The wind was cool, the sea tranquil. Leo leaned back and enjoyed the ride.
---
When they reached the castle, a tall elven mage in a brown tunic and tawny cloak approached them.
"You'll have to drop your weapons, assassin," the elf said.
Leo opened his cloak, revealing... nothing.
The elf blinked. "Nice trick," he said with a grin.
As they entered, Leo took in the architecture. Crimson carpets and banners gave the castle a warm, regal aura. White spiral staircases added elegance, and the ceilings were painted with murals depicting the legendary battle against Camhyr the Destroyer.
"To your right, assassin, is the office of Redbeard, the gatekeeper," Hamilton pointed out.
Edward scowled. "No offense, Senior Hamilton, but shouldn't we be meeting the Supremes instead of getting a castle tour?"
"Oh, please," Hamilton chuckled. "They specifically told me to give our highly esteemed guest a proper tour before he gives his report."
He clapped a hand on Leo's shoulder and led him up the stairs. The brothers trailed behind, bristling as higher-ranked mages gave them puzzled, even disdainful, glances.
"They must've broken some sacred law," whispered one mage.
"Or maybe they're his illegitimate sons," another said, noting Gregory's slightly pointed ears.
After what felt like an hour, they reached the golden double doors of the Supreme Lodge. Hamilton smoothed his robes, cast a stern glance at the brothers, and stepped inside with Leo.
Gregory and Edward were left fuming.
Inside, Leo knelt respectfully before five mages cloaked in radiant gold. Hamilton did the same.
"My elders," Hamilton began, "this assassin was engaged in battle with the banished mage, Vilfortz."
One of the Supremes, a dark-skinned elder with a deep golden voice, spoke. "You may rise. But it would be best if the Panther told us the full tale himself."
Leo smiled. "With pleasure."
And so he recounted the harrowing battle against Vilfortz and the crimson demon—every detail, every blow, every cursed word. The Supremes listened in grave silence. Then, in hushed tones, they conferred among themselves.
Finally, one of them spoke. "Hamilton, summon the heads of all the Orders. This threat... may rival the days of Camhyr."