Chapter 309 — Tides of Change
The gates of the Hollow opened wide when Rogan, Varik, and Zerathis returned, a procession of weary but hopeful souls trailing behind them. Some were little more than skin and bones, others bore scars that told of years in chains, yet all walked with something few had known in a long time—freedom.
Kael stood at the entrance, flanked by council members and guards. He stepped forward as the first freed woman stumbled across the threshold, clutching a child to her chest. His gaze swept the crowd, then moved to his companions.
"You did well," Kael said, his voice carrying a weight of authority and warmth. His eyes lingered on Rogan's shield, battered but unbroken; Varik's blades, slick with the memory of battle; and Zerathis, whose crimson gaze met his without flinching. "More than well. You carried out my will and brought back not only lives… but hope."
For a moment, silence reigned. Then cheers rose from the Hollow-born, shouts of praise for their leaders, for their strength, for their victory over cruelty.
The freed captives were ushered toward the healing tents. Azhara's apprentices swarmed them, cleaning wounds, wrapping bandages, murmuring soft assurances. Food was pressed into trembling hands, bowls of steaming stew and fresh bread that made some weep as if tasting it was a miracle. Others were given clean clothes, simple but warm, the Hollow's mark of belonging.
Kael watched it all unfold, his chest tight. Not from sorrow this time, but pride. This was what they fought for. This was why the Hollow mattered.
He turned back to the three warriors. "Your mission proves what I already knew—this council is the strength of our people. You've earned more than my thanks. You've earned my trust, again and again."
Varik grinned, wiping his blade with a cloth. "Just doing what needed to be done."
Rogan gave a short nod, his heavy arm resting on his shield. "The Hollow stands taller today."
And Zerathis—Zerathis did not grin, nor boast. He only inclined his head toward Kael, his words deliberate.
"I served. I obeyed. And I saw what you meant, Kael. Chains broken are heavier than chains worn."
Kael gave him a measured nod in return. "Remember that."
The celebration of victory was tempered by Kael's thoughts of tomorrow. As the freed captives were welcomed and the Hollow buzzed with the bustle of tending to their new brothers and sisters, Kael retreated to the council chamber.
Maps and scrolls were spread across the table. His mind was already shifting to the ocean kingdom, to Thalren's message.
Lyria entered quietly, setting a hand on his shoulder. "You've barely stopped to breathe since they returned."
"I'll rest when I know the Hollow is safe," Kael replied, eyes fixed on the parchment where he had begun drafting notes. He tapped a sketch of a small device drawn in ink—an armband, sleek and simple, with runes inscribed along the surface. "This could change everything. Communication without crystals—worn on the wrist, powered by mana, linked between devices. If Thalren's scholars can refine it, every council member, every outpost, every ally could speak as one."
Lyria studied the sketch, her eyes narrowing with thought. "If it works, it will knit us tighter than any wall or sword. But it will also draw eyes. Dangerous eyes."
Kael exhaled through his nose. "Let them look. Let them fear. We build, while they waste their strength trying to tear us down."
He gathered his notes, rolling them into a leather tube. "I'll travel to the ocean kingdom. Speak with Thalren's head of research myself. This needs to be more than an idea—it needs to be reality."
Lyria's hand squeezed his shoulder, firm and grounding. "Then go. But come back. The Hollow needs you."
Kael met her eyes, and for a moment, the weight of command slipped away. He nodded. "I will."
That night, as the Hollow settled into uneasy rest, Kael stood upon the balcony overlooking the lantern-lit streets. Freed captives slept under fresh roofs, children played in the shadows of stone walls, and laughter rose in places where once there had only been silence.
Behind him, the rolled parchment of his invention lay waiting. Before him, the future stretched out like the darkened sea.
Chains had been broken. Blood had been spilled. And now, new tides were coming.
Kael tightened his grip on the railing. "Let them come. We'll meet them on the waves if we must."
The Hollow was ready. And so was he.