Chapter 13
Old Esther stepped forward onto the rocky ledge, her aged eyes scanning the sea of brave, eager faces. There was joy in her expression—but also sorrow, as if she could see both victory and sacrifice ahead.
She raised her voice.
"Warriors of Aethelgard! We will not sit and wait for the enemy to strike. No—we will strike first! We will take the fight to them!"
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"I know what you're thinking," she continued. "How do we reach the land of the Dark Tribe? The answer is simple—don't worry about the how. My daughter here, young Esther, will lead you through the mountain paths."
Gasps erupted, but Old Esther held up a hand.
"She knows the mountain paths. She'll lead you into their heart. Once you reach their power house, you must remove the Seven-Colored Gemstone from the crown of their tabernacle. That stone fuels their dark magic. Remove it, and they fall."
The crowd murmured again, this time with growing confidence.
"But it won't be easy. This mission requires stealth—no more than three people. I've chosen Cynthia, Clare, and Philip. You three will take the gem."
She turned to Eric.
"You and I will head to the Fire Tribe—and then to the Earth Tribe. We need their strength. As for the rest—those who cannot fight—stay here in the mountain. It has protected me for decades. It will protect you too."
The gathering nodded. Hugs were exchanged. The forces split—Eric and Old Esther heading south, while Cynthia, Clare, Philip, young Esther, and a few others began the journey through the mountains toward the dark land.
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Cynthia, Clare, and Philip – The Stealth Team
As they trailed behind the larger group, Clare teasingly leaned into Cynthia, keeping close.
"Even with Eric gone," Clare whispered, "someone's still acting like a fragile little egg."
Cynthia snorted. "You're the one cradling me like I'll break."
Philip rolled his eyes. "And someone's still lonely, even with a whole army beside him."
Clare turned to him sharply. "Are you talking about yourself now?"
Cynthia burst out laughing.
Clare sighed, then softened. "I'm sorry, Philip. Can you tell me what really happened in the Nature Tribe that day?"
Philip smirked. "Sure—but it'll cost you."
"What cost?"
"You have to make sure none of the dark freaks touch me."
Clare scoffed. "So you won't even protect yourself? Coward. Go to hell."
Cynthia laughed even harder, but their banter was quickly hushed when a commotion up front silenced the march.
They had reached a shadowed clearing near the base of the mountain—and standing there, waiting, was Miss Jane.
Clare gasped. "Jane? That's Jacob's mother…"
Philip tensed, and Cynthia stepped forward, uncertain. But before anyone could speak, young Esther calmly raised her hand.
"She's on our side."
Everyone stilled.
Jane didn't speak. She simply raised her hand—and the shadows in front of them twisted open, revealing a dark swirling portal. A gateway into the land of the Dark Tribe.
Without a word, Jane stepped through.
Cynthia looked to Philip and Clare.
"No turning back," she said.
Philip nodded. "Let's finish what our parents started."
They followed Jane, disappearing into the shadows, Cynthia, Clare and Philip —took the
secret path toward the dark power house while others heed to dark hall.