Mamir, remembering Trawen's last words, turned to Eavar.
— "My friend, which of those six dark commanders is the closest to us?"
Eavar took a deep breath and unrolled an old map across the table, pointing at a mark upon it.
— "The nearest is here… Erak Island. The homeland of the sea people. Their lower halves are fish, their upper halves human, and they dwell in vast caverns beneath the waves."
Mamir studied the map, his eyes narrowing.
— "I cannot take the army. The true enemy is Ostomas. We must keep our forces for the war to come. To lose soldiers now would be reckless. This task belongs to us alone."
Eavar nodded. With a gesture, his guards brought forth a small chest. When it was opened, silver bracelets were revealed, each adorned with shimmering blue-green stones.
— "These are the Sea Bracelets, forged in ancient times. Whoever wears them can breathe and speak beneath the ocean. But without a sorcerer, their power could never be awakened."
Runya took the bracelets into her hands. Closing her eyes, she whispered the ancient words. At once the stones came alive, glowing with a radiant blue-green light that spread across the silver bands.
— "Now they are ready," Runya said softly.
Mamir, Ener, and Necor slid the bracelets onto their wrists, each feeling the warmth of the enchanted stones pulse against their skin.
When all was prepared, a small boat was brought to the shore. Mamir went to his mother, Kirarya, who held his hand tightly, unable to hide her tears.
— "My son… do not let the darkness defeat you. I will be waiting for you."
Mamir placed a hand over his heart and looked deep into her eyes.
— "I will return."
Bete laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, smiling quietly.
— "You are our pride, Mamir."
That night, Mamir, Ener, Runya, and Necor boarded the small vessel. The sea stretched out in silence and shadow. The stars reflected on the water, while the stones on their wrists glimmered faintly in the dark.
As the distant silhouette of Erak Island appeared on the horizon, Runya whispered:
— "Now, we enter the true unknown…"
And the chapter closed with these words:
The four travelers — Mamir, Ener, Runya, and Necor — guided by the light of their enchanted stones, sailed onward into the depths, where the secrets of darkness lay hidden beneath the waves.
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