With the magic circles shining brightly on the ground, the other four members of the group emerged, their outlines enveloped in a halo of pulsating energy.
As a precaution, Alina had painted a connecting magic circle on each of her colleagues, so that if an emergency happened, she could transport them no matter where she was. This also included their last plan, which consisted of Alina giving herself up and being taken to the Citadel of the Magi, thus overcoming their greatest challenge.
Vorian watched in awe and apprehension as these strange people appeared before him. They were all strangers in his eyes.
One of the people was a short girl with curved horns on her head and a lizard's tail. She had red eyes and a serious expression on her face.
"Well, Alina's magic has ended the effect of the disguise potion," said Xisrith, placing a fingertip on the tip of one of the horns.
Next to this girl was a young man in shining golden armor. He had a kind of crown over his short, slightly curly hair and a very flashy sword at his waist.
"What? Where are we?" Andrew asked, confused. He was strong and clever, but a bit uninterested in plans, so he didn't even remember making the magic circle.
Parallel to Andrew, there was a long-haired man in light black armor, whose gaze was very rigid, and also a tall boy with blond hair and a lute on his back, but who, unlike the others, seemed more concerned about how his hair was slightly messed up from the teleportation.
Kaizen slowly rose from his chair, his eyes fixed on the newly arrived group. "These are the members of my group, Vorian.
"So this time you didn't just invade Olaynore on your own, but brought a whole group?" Vorian's voice trembled slightly, a mixture of suspicion and curiosity coloring his words. "How do you expect me to trust that you just want to know more about Týr? For all I know, you may well just be thirsting for revenge for what Egelza and the Elder Morgado did to Alina."
Vorian stood, looking at the group of newcomers with a mixture of suspicion and intrigue. However, his eyes were particularly fixed on Alina, whose expression showed no anger despite what he was accusing them of.
Kaizen, with his serene posture, began to explain:
"It's not about revenge, Vorian. Olaynore is a story of the past for us, and being here is not something I would like. However, Týr is the key for us to find a way to access the other worlds without problems, and Olaynore is the only place in all the worlds that may have the answer to his whereabouts, even if they are only legends and tales."
Vorian crossed his arms, pondering Kaizen's words. His gaze flicked between each member of the group, trying to decipher their intentions. Alina, for her part, remained calm, facing the wizard's gaze.
"If I agree to help, what do you promise in return?" asked Vorian, his voice laced with caution. He wasn't willing to get involved in anything that could compromise his position or bring unwanted consequences for Olaynore.
Kaizen smiled, understanding Vorian's hesitation. "It's the same as before. We promise to respect the peace of Olaynore. We won't bring chaos or political instability. Our search is discreet and aimed solely at gaining knowledge. However, if we don't get what we want here for good, we'll try other ways."
"You would dare..."
"Yes, I would, and you know that, unlike my first visit, I can now fight Elders and beyond. That's why we're still here, in front of you, isn't it? You, the moment you saw me, noticed how much stronger I've become and that's why you didn't try to intimidate me."
The wizard took a deep breath and bowed his head. After a brief silence, Vorian nodded, indicating reluctant consent. "Very well. However, be aware that any deviation from these promises will have consequences. Even if you have reached the ascended Psyker, you are still a hostage to your own ignorance."
Vorian then looked back, raised his right hand and made the wall in front of him start to open. He then began to explain:
"As only Elders obtain marks to access the Citadel from anywhere, there are many secret passages throughout the City of Tears that lead to the Citadel. Some are known only to the oldest and wisest mages. Most of them are hidden in the shadows, protected by enchantments and illusions."
He led the group down a narrow corridor that opened into the meeting room, where magic circles glittered above their feet.
"This is an ancient city, full of secrets and mysteries," Vorian explained as they walked. "The passages to the Citadel are intrinsically connected to the flows of magic that run through the streets and alleys. The magic here has a history of its own, shaped by the millennia of study and practice of the mages who inhabit it.
Therefore, we need to use one of the passages that is not commonly used, so that you are not seen, and also a passage that has not been completely forgotten, so that the other Elders do not find the energy emanating from it strange."
"And is there such a passage?"
"There is, and it's the passage I usually use for... recreational purposes."
At the time there was no way of knowing, but Kaizen and the others were entrusting the most dangerous mission they had ever had to face to an Elder who was commonly disrespected by the others and who had the reputation of not only being a party-goer, but also a drunkard and who always took women and men from the Citadel of the Magi to his 'chambers'.
…
Edited by: DrHitsuji
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