Chapter 141: Norne, a Candle in the Wind
The return journey, compared to their previous travels, was filled with a new sense of urgency. Rhodes was worried that Norne wouldn't be able to hold on. The life-signature magic circle in his palm was now a flickering candle in the wind, a light that seemed as if it could be extinguished at any moment. But they were getting closer to the human kingdom.
The Kingdom of Ersten was no longer just a single city. Its borders had expanded to include several surrounding villages, and even a few tribes of other races had joined them.
As they passed through one of the towns in Ersten's territory, Rhodes and Serie overheard a conversation between some of the townsfolk.
"Have you heard? His Majesty... hasn't been seen in days."
"Shh! Be quiet! We're not supposed to talk about that!"
"I hope he's alright."
Similar whispers could be heard throughout the town, and a deep worry was etched on everyone's faces. And that worry was confirmed when they arrived at the capital.
The atmosphere at the city gates was tense. The number of guards had been significantly increased, and they were keeping a close eye on everyone who came and went.
And at the palace, as expected, they were stopped.
"Halt! This is the royal palace, the residence of His Majesty, Holy King Norne! No unauthorized persons are allowed!"
The lead guard's voice was stern, his gaze lingering on Serie's distinctively elven features for a moment, and then turning to Rhodes with a look of suspicion.
Rhodes was at a loss for what to say. Should he announce himself? Or should he, as he had before, just sneak in with his levitation spell?
Just as Serie was about to step forward and reveal her own identity, a surprised and disbelieving voice called out: "Is that... Lady Serie!?"
They all turned and saw a mage, dressed in a white robe and holding a staff, walking quickly towards them. Her face was still as beautiful as he remembered, but the corners of her eyes were now creased with fine lines, and there were a few streaks of silver in her hair.
"Lady Lisa? What are you doing here?"
The guard had called out her name, and hearing it, both Rhodes and Serie remembered the little girl from all those years ago.
Lisa's gaze first fell on Serie, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of complex emotions. Forty years had passed since they had last seen each other. The little girl was now a grown woman with a few silver hairs, but the elven miss was as beautiful as ever. The long-lived races, she thought with a pang of envy.
But her thoughts were cut short when her gaze moved to the man beside her. A look of profound shock replaced all other emotions. Her eyes widened, her mouth fell open, and she almost cried out his name: "Are you...? Rho—"
The name of the hero, the name that had been carved into a monument and had been sung by the people for forty long years, was on the tip of her tongue.
"Ahem!" He reacted instantly and cut off her cry with a cough and a subtle gesture. His meaning was clear: Don't reveal my identity.
He had only seen Norne on his last visit, and had spent the entire time in the basement. He had heard about Lisa, but he had never expected to see her again, after so long.
She understood. She swallowed her words, and quickly suppressed her shock, though the excitement was still making her hands tremble. She took a deep breath and turned to the guard, her voice now calm and composed. "Captain, these two are very important guests. I will personally escort them to see His Majesty."
Seeing her serious demeanor, the guard immediately relaxed his guard and gave a respectful bow. "Yes, Lady Lisa! Please, go ahead!"
She just nodded and, after giving him one last, meaningful look, turned and led the way. "Please follow me, Lady Serie. And you, sir." She couldn't bring herself to say his name.
After they had gone, the guard suddenly realized. Lady Lisa's 'Serie'... could it be the legendary elven mage!? To have seen her in person... he was filled with an incredible excitement. But then he wondered, who was that human with her? To be so close to such a legendary figure... and even Lady Lisa had been so respectful of him... he couldn't imagine who he could possibly be.
They walked through the long corridors of the palace, the atmosphere growing more and more oppressive with each step. They finally reached Norne's chambers. She pushed open the door, and the thick, heavy smell of medicine wafted out.
"His Majesty's old wounds," she explained softly, "they've all flared up at once. Ordinary healing magic has no effect. I had to find some very rare and precious magic potions."
Rhodes just nodded and walked over to the bed.
His once vibrant companion was now lying still and silent. His breathing was shallow, and the hero of the human race was now a frail, withered old man, ravaged by sickness and time.
But when his eyes fell upon them, and especially on the figure beside Serie, the flickering flame of his life was suddenly rekindled.
"Rhodes!?" his voice was hoarse, but filled with an inexpressible joy. He struggled to sit up. "And Miss Serie? I thought... I thought I would never see you again!"
The sudden surge of emotion sent him into a fit of violent coughing, and an unhealthy flush spread across his pale cheeks.
"Norne!"
Rhodes rushed to his side and gently pushed him back down. "It's us. We're back. Don't get excited. Just lie down." He looked at his old friend, at the man he had once fought side by side with, and his heart ached.
Serie also came to his bedside and looked at him, a rare look of pity in her eyes. After all, they were partners.
Lisa quietly slipped out and closed the door behind her, leaving the three of them, old friends reunited after a long, long time.
(End of chapter)
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