The wooden wheels of the horse carriage creaked rhythmically over the shimmering crystal roads of Caelora.
Inside the narrow compartment, filled with the scent of old wood and lingering tobacco, Elara sat with her back straight, though her hands could not stop clutching the hem of Ardan's white-and-gold robe she now wore.
Beside her, Sylveras sat silently, his eyes fixed on the window, making sure there was nothing suspicious among the crowds of capital citizens busy with their own affairs.
Elara's thoughts were still fixed on the map she had seen at the inn.
The black ink lines that defined the territories of the Kingdom of Urtz felt like fresh wounds.
Her hometown, the place where she had grown up and learned the meaning of peace, had been erased as though no human foot had ever stepped upon that land.
"How could they do this, Syl?" Elara whispered, her voice trembling softly. "Erasing a place from a map is one thing, but erasing it from the kingdom's memory… it feels like killing its people a second time."
Sylveras turned toward her. His usually cheerful face now appeared more mature and vigilant.
He took Elara's hand, offering warmth that contrasted with the cold air seeping through the cracks of the carriage window.
"They can erase ink from paper, El," he said softly. "But they can't erase the truth. We're here to make sure they can't hide it any longer."
At the front, Wan Sin, the old coachman who had seemed completely absorbed in guiding his horses, cleared his throat softly.
His calm baritone voice cut through the noise of the streets.
"Don't be too sad, Miss," Wan Sin said without looking back. "Your village isn't gone. Nothing is truly lost as long as it remains in the hearts and memories of those we love."
Elara froze for a moment.
The words sounded simple enough, like the advice of an old man who had experienced far too much in life.
Yet she felt something strange—a sudden sense of peace that calmed her racing heart.
Wan Sin adjusted his worn hat, hiding his sharp eyes.
"Well then, the road ahead is starting to clear, and we'll be picking up speed here. Hold on tight, you two!"
Suddenly, Wan Sin snapped the reins with practiced confidence.
The horses neighed loudly and surged forward far faster than Sylveras had expected.
The wooden carriage shook as it sped down the empty roads toward the center of government at high speed.
Despite its aged appearance, Elara felt that this journey was smoother than any luxurious carriage she had ever seen in Kozto.
They passed Caelora's glass towers and hanging gardens in only a short time.
Within minutes, the carriage came to an incredibly smooth stop right in front of the grand staircase of the Council Hall.
The building stood proudly, its white marble pillars seemingly piercing the heavens, adorned with seven-star symbols glowing beneath the afternoon sun.
Wan Sin jumped down from the driver's seat with agility that did not match his age.
He opened the door for them and gave a warm, friendly smile.
"Hope your meeting goes well. I'll be off now!"
Sylveras reached into his pocket and took out a silver coin.
"Here, sir. Five Gurtz, just as promised."
Wan Sin accepted the coin with a wink.
Then, with remarkable speed, he turned his carriage around and disappeared beyond the main gate, leaving behind a faint cloud of dust and a curiosity Elara had no chance to voice.
Before Elara could even catch her breath, a royal servant dressed in impeccably formal attire approached.
The servant bowed deeply, showing immense respect toward the Sage emblem now pinned to Elara's chest.
"Ah, Lady Elara? I'm the royal attendant assigned to guide you," the man said with a voice both friendly and efficient.
He glanced at his silver pocket watch.
"Your first meeting, right? Come this way, no need to worry. The meeting starts in ten minutes. You're not late."
The servant led them through a long corridor lined with thick red carpets.
Along the walls stood statues of heroes and past Sages, their gazes seemingly following Elara's every step.
"The protocol is fairly simple, my lady," the servant continued as they walked. "As a Sage, you have a permanent seat at the round table. Simply sit there, do not speak before Grandmaster Vaelion does, and if there's a vote, raise your hand firmly. You are one of the voices of law here, so remain calm."
Elara listened carefully to every detail.
She could still feel Sylveras following behind her, his passive protection giving her courage.
Eventually, the servant stopped before a pair of gigantic double doors made of pitch-black wood.
"This is the place, my lady," the servant whispered, his tone now more serious.
"Sylveras, as her official protector, you may wait with the guards inside, directly behind Lady Elara's seat."
Elara stood motionless before the doors.
Beyond this black wood, the thirteen most powerful mages in the world were waiting for her.
There was Helmir, who could read minds, Fenrath with his keen instincts, and Zorzax, a man filled with secrets.
She was no longer the healer girl from a lost village.
She was the Fourteenth Sage, bearer of Heavenly Harmony, and she now had to face political intrigue and the very real threat of demons.
Elara took a deep breath, letting the cold air of the corridor fill her lungs.
She glanced at Sylveras, who gave her a firm nod.
"Whatever happens in there," Sylveras whispered, "keep calm. i will protect you no matter what happend."
With hands that no longer trembled, Elara placed her palm against the cold surface of the door.
Slowly, it began to open, releasing a heavy creak that signaled the beginning of a new chapter in her life—
and the future of Urtz itself was about to be decided.