Mamir rode northward, Kabur's hooves thundering softly over the mossy earth. The air itself seemed to change as he left the First Forest behind. The trees grew taller, their leaves shifting from deep green to shimmering turquoise. The sky vanished under their vast crowns, and everywhere around him floated sparks of radiant light.
It was as if the forest itself breathed magic.
Then, the sparks moved. They swirled, spun, and formed into shapes—delicate figures with wings like crystal and hair that glimmered like starlight. Mamir found himself surrounded by fairies.
A silence fell, broken only by a melodic voice that rang like silver bells:
— "Traveler from the realm of men… you tread upon the sacred heart of Elandur. None may pass without the blessing of the Fairies."
From among the lights descended the Fairy Queen. Her gown shimmered like woven moonlight, and her eyes burned with an ancient wisdom. Even Kabur bowed his head at her presence.
Mamir dismounted, placing a hand over his chest in respect.
— "Great Queen, I seek passage north—to the Elven Kingdom. If I must earn it, I will."
The Queen's face darkened with sorrow.
— "Our forest bleeds, son of Harland. A beast dwells within our woods—Karangul. It feeds on the essence of my kin. Every night, more of my children vanish into its belly. Unless it is stopped, the Forest of Fairies will fall into silence."
A chill ran through Mamir's spine.
— "Then I will face it."
The Queen extended her hand. In her palm shimmered a blade no longer than Mamir's forearm—a dagger of pure light, its glow pulsing like a heartbeat.
— "This is forged from our blood, our song. Only with it can Karangul's darkness be pierced. But beware… it will show you visions, illusions that claw at your heart."
Mamir took the weapon. His reflection shone in its glow, but for a moment he thought he saw Seiren's broken face, then Harlax's furious eyes, then the weeping image of his mother. He clenched his jaw.
— "No vision will sway me."
The forest grew still. Then came the sound.
A low, guttural screech that made the earth tremble. From the shadows of the turquoise trees crawled Karangul. Its body was a monstrous fusion—eight legs like a spider's, leathery wings like a bat, and a belly that glowed faintly, as if tiny stars were trapped inside. Mamir realized in horror: they were fairies, still alive, their light fading in the beast's stomach.
The Fairy Queen whispered one last time:
— "Free them. Free us."
Karangul shrieked, charging forward. Mamir raised the dagger of light, Kabur stamping the ground beside him. The battle for the Forest of Fairies had begun.
---
✨ End Note:
Mamir's journey grows more dangerous with every step—but also brighter, with allies found in even the most magical corners of Elandur. 🌌
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