1. —The Sacrifice of the Naam-Yelma
The roaring of the herd made the entire bush tremble.
The young Kulu remained frozen.
The breath of the rage-filled buffalo kicked up the red dust from the ground while its massive horns pointed straight at the prince.
"Kulu!"
Thulo's voice broke with fear.
The leader of the Naam-Kandã felt her heart skip a beat.
Even running with all her might, she would never make it in time.
Yet, her years of training allowed her to make a split-second decision.
Her gaze dropped to her belt.
At the center of her armor rested a strange oval object, sculpted in the shape of an ancestral mask. Its metallic surface seemed alive, traversed by faint, almost invisible lines of light.
Without hesitation, she ripped it from its mount.
"May the Ancestors protect us..."
She threw the talisman with all her might between the buffalo and the young prince.
The object spun rapidly through the air.
A bluish light escaped from it.
Then a mechanical voice, calm and devoid of emotion, rang out across the clearing:
— Danger detected.
One second.
— Activating protection field.
The mask froze in place.
A huge translucent barrier began to appear in front of Kulu.
But...
Too late.
The deployment time was not complete.
Barely had a part of the energy shield formed when the buffalo collided with it.
BOOOOOOM !
The impact was monstrous.
Usually, the talisman completely absorbed kinetic energy before storing it.
This time...
The incomplete activation prevented it from functioning properly.
The glowing lines running across the mask went wild.
A crack.
Then two.
Then dozens.
"No..." whispered the Naam-Yelma.
The next instant...
The talisman exploded.
A gigantic shockwave swept through the forest.
The trees bent under the violence of the explosion.
Dust rose to the sky.
The hunters were thrown in every direction.
The Naam-Kandã as well.
Some rolled for several meters before hitting tree trunks.
Others lost their weapons.
Young Thulo was ripped from the ground.
Kulu too.
Despite her oncoming injuries, the Naam-Yelma lunged forward.
She caught the two princes before they could crash against the rocks.
The impact slammed her against a massive tree.
CRAAACK !
The trunk split slightly.
The red and black armor absorbed most of the impact.
The mysterious metal it was made of absorbed nearly all the remaining power.
Almost.
For despite this protection, a trickle of blood flowed from the corner of her lips.
She fell to her knees.
Breathing with difficulty.
"Naam-Yelma!"
Several guardians rushed over.
But Kulu arrived first.
The little prince placed a trembling hand on her arm.
— Are... are you alright?
The warrior felt pain course through her entire body.
Every breath burned her chest.
Yet...
She gave the boy a warm smile.
— It's... it's nothing, Your Majesty.
— You are hurt...
— The protectors of the Naam do not fall so easily.
She accompanied these words with a light laugh.
A forced laugh.
Kulu was not fooled.
But he nodded anyway.
Around them, the other Naam-Kandã were slowly getting back up.
Some were limping.
Others were supporting their companions.
The herd, frightened by the explosion, had finally fled into the depths of the bush.
A warrior quickly approached her superior.
She struck her chest twice with her right fist.
— Naam-Yelma.
— Report.
— No casualties to report.
The leader quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
— Three seriously injured. The others can still walk.
— Very well...
She breathed in deeply before continuing.
— Use the belt talismans... turn them into energy stretchers... transport the wounded... we are returning to the palace immediately.
— By your command!
The guardians immediately executed the orders.
The masks attached to their belts left their mounts.
A few voice commands later, they deployed into floating platforms intended to transport the wounded.
Kulu watched the scene with admiration.
Despite their injuries...
None of them complained.
None thought of abandoning a sister-in-arms.
The Naam-Yelma then tried to stand up.
Her armor released a faint pulse of energy.
She managed to stand up...
Then wavered immediately.
Her legs refused to support her.
Before she fell...
Two small hands supported her.
Kulu.
And Thulo.
The two princes had each wrapped an arm around her.
The warrior looked down.
A sincere smile appeared on her face.
— Thank you... Your Majesties.
The two boys instinctively responded with the traditional salute.
The closed right fist struck their left chest twice.
They then bowed their heads respectfully.
The Naam-Yelma returned the salute with emotion.
A few hours later...
The gates of the capital opened.
The procession entered slowly.
The inhabitants immediately stopped their activities.
Silence fell.
Anxious whispers drifted through the streets.
— The Naam-Kandã are wounded...
— What happened?
— Are the princes alright?
All eyes immediately turned to the two children.
Seeing Kulu and Thulo safe and sound, many breathed a sigh of relief.
But their eyes quickly returned to the warriors being carried on the glowing stretchers.
Even victorious...
The protectors of the Naam had paid a heavy toll.
...
A distant voice seemed to be calling someone.
Very far away.
As if carried by the wind.
— ...stranger...
The landscape began to dissolve.
The city disappeared.
The soldiers as well.
The colors faded.
— Stranger...
The voice became clearer.
The young man slowly opened his eyes.
Above him...
A scarlet red sky.
The breath of a cool wind.
The steady beat of two immense wings.
Kaelios blinked several times.
He realized he was sitting on the back of a griffin.
In front of him, the mysterious elf who had saved him firmly held the braided leather reins.
A few meters behind them...
The griffin they had freed faithfully followed their flight.
The young woman turned her head slightly.
— Are you alright, stranger?
She observed his still-lost gaze.
— It seems you were very far away from here...
2. —A Divine Elf
The wind caressed Kaelios's face as the griffin cut through the air currents with an almost surreal elegance.
For a few moments, the young elf remained silent.
The images of his dream continued to replay in his mind.
The worried look of the Naam-Yelma...
The explosion...
The streets of that immense city...
And above all...
That strange technology that seemed to defy all logic.
The young elf's voice brought him firmly back to reality.
— Are you alright, stranger?
She turned her head slightly toward him.
Her long silver hair waved to the rhythm of the wind.
— It seems like you weren't really with us anymore.
Kaelios blinked several times before replying.
— Argh...
He placed a hand on his head.
— I'm fine... I just fell asleep.
The headache that followed each of these dreams was becoming increasingly painful.
As if his mind were desperately trying to remind him of a past he still refused to understand.
Without uttering a word, he spoke internally to his faithful companion.
— Aeni...
— Yes.
— What is my current status?
A faint bluish light appeared briefly deep within his pupils.
A few seconds passed.
Then Aeni's calm voice echoed in his consciousness.
«Analysis in progress...»
«Health status: stable.»
«Significant injuries detected.»
«Physical integrity: 70%.»
«Elven form maintained.»
«Mana reserves: gradual recovery.»
Kaelios let out a soft sigh.
— I figured as much...
After a short pause, he continued.
— And that dream?
— Was it... those memories again?
Silence settled for a few moments.
Aeni seemed to be analyzing thousands of pieces of invisible information.
Then she answered.
«Divine Analysis utilized.»
«Probable result: it is indeed a memory.»
«Origin: unknown.»
«Currently available data still do not allow identification of the source.»
Kaelios lowered his eyes slightly.
— Again...
Every time...
The same answers.
Memories.
Another world.
Another life.
But no explanation.
Nevertheless, he finally smiled.
— Very well.
— That story will wait.
— We have more urgent matters.
He then raised his head toward the young elf.
— By the way...
She gave him a curious look.
— Yes?
— I've never seen an elf living alone.
— And to my knowledge...
— You don't come from Havelune.
His gaze then slid toward the griffin carrying them.
Then toward the one following them faithfully.
— And it seems these griffons obey you.
— Who exactly are you?
Aeni suddenly remained silent.
Kaelios frowned slightly.
— Hmm?
— Is there a problem?
No answer.
Then the young woman let out a soft sigh.
As if she knew this moment would inevitably come.
She slowed the griffin's pace slightly.
Before replying in a perfectly calm voice.
— No use hiding it any longer.
She finally turned her face toward him.
A slight smile appeared on her lips.
— My name is...
— Nilua.
Kaelios's eyes widened.
— What?
He remained frozen for several seconds.
— You...
— You are really Nilua?
The young woman nodded gently.
— Yes.
Kaelios couldn't hide his astonishment.
— I...
I imagined you much older.
Yet you have...
More than a century.
Nilua let out a soft laugh.
— Elves live a long time.
— And we age slowly.
She paused.
Her gaze drifted toward the horizon for a few moments.
— But...
My case is a bit unique.
Kaelios tilted his head slightly.
— What do you mean?
A veil of sadness briefly crossed Nilua's gaze.
— It would be...
Very complicated to explain.
Kaelios immediately felt that she didn't want to go any further.
Yet...
Something intrigued him deeply.
He discreetly activated mental communication.
— Aeni.
— Run Divine Analysis on her.
A few seconds of silence.
Puis...
— Analysis performed several minutes ago.
Kaelios blinked.
— Huh?
— You couldn't have warned me?
He almost thought he heard Aeni sigh.
«Honestly...»
«It wasn't very hard to guess.»
«Even a low-level Bouf-Bouf would have
figured out her identity given the circumstances.»
Kaelios cracked a smile.
— Ah...
You're becoming more and more sarcastic.
— Just give me the results.
The data immediately began to scroll through his mind.
«Name: Nilua.»
«Physical abilities: extremely high.»
«Agility: exceptional.»
«Flexibility: legendary.»
«Magic level: very high.»
«Health status: perfect.»
Kaelios remained focused.
Then a new line appeared.
«Detection of an unknown energy.»
«Power superior to mana.»
«Density lower than that of a primordial Orisha.»
The young elf frowned.
— Another energy...
Then the final line arrived.
«Race:»
«Divine Elf.»
Kaelios's breath hitched.
— A...
What?
— Elf...
Divine?
Even Nilua seemed to notice his change of expression.
But Kaelios continued internally.
— How is this possible?
Aeni replied immediately.
«Griffins possess sufficient intelligence to develop faith.»
«Analysis indicates that they view Nilua as their protective goddess.»
«This belief, accumulated over more than a century, seems to have progressively altered her essence.»
«Conclusion:»
«Nilua is no longer an ordinary elf.»
«She has become a Divine Elf.»
Kaelios was left speechless.
A mortal...
Was actually capable of crossing such a boundary?
He suddenly understood why Segaru seemed to be so interested in her.
At that exact moment...
Nilua's voice interrupted all his thoughts.
— We have arrived.
Kaelios instinctively raised his head.
— Where?
A proud smile lit up the young woman's face.
She gently pointed toward the mountains opening up ahead of them.
Then toward an immense valley hidden in the heart of the cliffs.
— Welcome...
— To the Valley of the Griffins.
3. —The Orisha Council
The Astral Plane.
A world where neither time nor space obeyed the same laws as those of Aetherion.
Immense rocky islands floated in an ocean of stars. Auroras of unreal colors continually crossed the sky while rivers of light snaked between the suspended continents.
At the center of this timeless universe rose the Astral Palace.
A gigantic edifice fashioned from a black stone veined with gold, so vast that even the mountains of Aetherion would have seemed minuscule by its side.
A silhouette suddenly emerged at the top of an immense staircase.
Segaru.
The Orisha of Sega (evil, in Swahili) and father of the ONI.
His face was stern.
His black clothes were still marked by the residue of energy from his indirect clash with Nilua.
Hardly had he crossed the first steps when a mocking voice rang out behind him.
— Look who's back...
Segaru stopped.
He didn't even need to turn around to recognize his interlocutor.
— The eternal loser.
An overwhelming heat immediately flooded the surroundings.
Flames erupted from the astral ground.
In the midst of this blaze appeared a dark-skinned man whose long hair was made of true, living flames.
His incandescent red eyes seemed to contain an entire volcano.
Motari.
The Orisha of Moto (fire, in Swahili) and creator of the Ifrits.
He wore a mocking smile.
— Judging by the look on your face...
He crossed his arms.
— I imagine those cursed elves have slaughtered your ONI again.
A chuckle escaped him.
— That doesn't surprise me.
He shook his head.
— With an Orisha so weak...
What could one expect from them?
Segaru's gaze immediately hardened.
He replied in a cold voice.
— It's amusing to receive lessons...
He took a step forward.
— From someone who has never set a single foot on the Thirteenth Continent.
Motari raised an eyebrow.
Segaru continued.
— You are so afraid of the ocean that you prefer to keep your little fire puppies far from the waves.
A slight smile appeared on his face.
— Unlike your Ifrits...
My ONI at least know how to fight.
The flames surrounding Motari intensified.
— You are really looking to die...
Segaru sneered.
— Not today.
He continued on his way.
— I am not in the mood to listen to the nonsense of a walking torch.
Then, without even turning his head, he added in a mocking tone:
— If you continue to bother me...
I will specifically ask Barafael to come visit you.
Motari frowned.
— And why is that?
Segaru smiled.
— So she can use her ice to soak you.
He looked at his interlocutor's flaming hair.
— Perhaps a good shower will finally extinguish that ridiculous blaze you call a hairstyle.
A silence.
Then...
— WHAT?!
A gigantic explosion of flames shook the Astral plane.
Motari clenched his fists.
— Say that again and see!
Segaru didn't even slow down.
— Later.
— I have other things to do.
Motari nevertheless ended up regaining his calm.
His gaze suddenly became more serious.
— Where do you intend to go?
Segaru answered without hesitation.
— To gather a part of my Astral Legion.
— The Soul-Soldiers.
Motari remained without speaking for a few seconds.
Then he burst out laughing.
— Wait...
Are you serious?
He looked at him as if he had just heard the joke of the century.
— You intend to use an astral army...
To eliminate a simple elf and a few big birds?
Segaru finally stopped.
His smile had disappeared.
— You don't understand a thing.
Before he could continue...
An overwhelming presence invaded the place.
The two Orisha immediately looked up.
A huge silhouette slowly descended from the astral sky.
Two gigantic draconic wings folded behind its back.
A gigantic dragon slowly set foot on the ground.
Each step made space itself vibrate.
Ntamaro.
The Orisha of Ntama (thunder, according to your canon) and father of the Dragons.
He observed both Orisha in turn.
— What is happening here?
His gaze then landed on Segaru.
— You're back already?
A slight smile appeared.
— I imagine this mission is finished.
Segaru bowed his head slightly.
— Not yet...
Big brother.
Ntamaro's smile disappeared.
— Explain yourself.
Segaru took a deep breath.
— Do you remember...
That young elf capable of communicating with griffins?
Ntamaro thought for a few moments.
Then nodded.
— Of course.
— Shujarok dealt with her a long time ago.
Segaru replied immediately.
— Exactly.
— She is still alive.
A heavy silence fell.
Even Motari stopped smiling.
Segaru continued.
— And the situation is much more serious than we thought.
His gaze became icy.
— This elf...
Has become an Orisha.
Motari widened his eyes.
— That's impossible.
He immediately shook his head.
— Only intelligent races possess an Orisha.
— A mortal cannot become an Orisha.
— Unless...
He broke off abruptly.
His eyes met Segaru's.
The latter finished his sentence.
— Yes.
— Griffins possess sufficient intelligence to develop a faith.
He slowly clenched his fist.
— For over a century...
They considered her their protector.
Like their goddess.
— Their belief ended up modifying her essence.
Motari's face tensed.
— I see...
Ntamaro remained silent.
His expression became increasingly grave.
— If what you say is accurate...
He stared straight into Segaru's eyes.
— Then this woman is capable of using the Gift of the Orisha.
Segaru nodded.
— Exactly.
— That is why I wanted to employ a part of my Astral Legion.
Silence fell again.
Then Ntamaro finally spoke.
His voice was calm.
But authoritative.
— Do as you see fit.
He paused briefly.
— But this woman must disappear.
Permanently.
His eyes shone with an ominous glow.
— If necessary...
We will intervene ourselves.
Segaru finally cracked a smile.
A cold smile.
Almost cruel.
— Very well.
He bowed slightly.
— I will not disappoint them.
Deep in his eyes...
A single thought remained.
Next time...
Neither this elf...
Nor the young elf with strange powers...
Would leave these mountains alive.
4. —The Griffin Valley
Hardly had Nilua's words been spoken when the griffin began its descent.
Kaelios was left open-mouthed.
The valley stretched as far as the eye could see between immense mountains covered in lush vegetation. The rays of the scarlet red Quasar pierced through the foliage, bathing the landscape in a golden light that gave the place an almost unreal appearance.
A gentle wind made the long grass dance while dozens of griffins soared freely in the sky.
No war cry.
No smoke.
No trace of destruction.
Only...
Peace.
The griffin landed with remarkable grace on an immense branch wide enough to accommodate several houses.
Kaelios climbed down slowly.
His gaze swept over every detail.
The dwellings were built entirely from living wood and intertwined branches.
Some resembled gigantic, perfectly circular nests.
Others were suspended between several century-old trees by thick plant bridges.
Further away, several natural platforms hosted young griffins learning to fly under the watchful eye of their parents.
Fruit trees lined the paths.
The scent of ripe fruit floated in the air.
Kaelios could not contain his admiration.
— Wow...
His eyes shone.
— How beautiful it is...
Nilua cracked a slight smile.
She knew this reaction.
Everyone who discovered this place for the first time was left speechless.
They advanced quietly.
Very quickly...
Several female griffins raised their heads.
They observed the young elf.
Puis...
To Kaelios's surprise...
They all approached together.
One came immediately to rub its head against his shoulder.
A second pressed against him like a huge cat.
A third began to play with his hair.
Then a fourth.
— H-Hey...
Wait...
Another female griffin let out a short, joyful cry before coming in turn to give him a gentle, affectionate peck.
Kaelios burst out laughing despite himself.
— Please...
That's enough...
A female griffin then set about preening his hair with its beak.
Another lay straight down in front of him.
The young elf tried to pull away.
Without success.
All seemed determined to monopolize his attention.
At the same time...
Aeni's voice resonated in his consciousness.
With an unusual hint of amusement.
«Wow...»
«What a charmer.»
«You even attract female griffins now.»
«Aërya would probably be very happy to hear that.»
Kaelios discreetly rolled his eyes.
— Wait...
Are you making fun of me?
«Perhaps.»
— Firstly...
How could Aërya even know about it?
Aeni remained silent.
Kaelios continued with a proud smile.
— Secondly...
They are not animals.
They are magical creatures endowed with real intelligence.
He observed the female griffins who continued to demand his attention.
— And clearly...
They know how to recognize beauty.
Aeni remained silent for a few seconds.
Then answered simply.
«Your level of self-confidence is decidedly impressive.»
Kaelios cracked a satisfied smile.
— I prefer to call it objectivity.
At that exact moment...
Nilua crossed her arms.
Her gaze shifted from the female griffins to the young elf.
A slight, amused smile appeared on her face.
— Ladies...
The female griffins simultaneously raised their heads.
— Let this young man breathe.
She paused briefly before adding in a mock-serious tone:
— And I'm not sure your males really appreciate what you are doing.
At these words...
The female griffins let out a few short, embarrassed cries.
Then they flew away one after another.
Calm returned.
Kaelios breathed a deep sigh of relief.
— Thank you...
I was starting to think they were going to end up suffocating me.
Nilua let out a soft laugh.
They resumed their walk.
Silence settled for a few moments.
Kaelios was still observing the valley.
Griffin chicks were playing near the roots of an immense tree.
Further away...
Two old griffins slept peacefully at the top of a cliff.
No one seemed to fear an attack.
No one seemed to live in fear.
This simple sight squeezed the young elf's heart.
He slowly lowered his eyes.
— Here...
It is peace.
He took a deep breath.
— If only...
It were the same in Havelune...
His face darkened.
— We spend our lives hiding.
Fleeing.
Hoping no one discovers our refuge.
He unconsciously clenched his fists.
— Is this really living?
Nilua continued walking for a few moments before answering.
Her voice was calm.
But imbued with a deep melancholy.
— I know the situation in Havelune.
— According to the latest news...
The World-Tree continues to protect you.
Kaelios nodded softly.
— Yes...
— But until when?
He looked up at the sky.
— The other races consider us errors of nature.
— As if we had no right to exist.
His gaze became determined.
— As for me...
I refuse to accept that.
He stopped.
Then turned completely toward Nilua.
— That is exactly why I came all the way here.
The young woman's face became serious again.
— I came to ask you a favor.
She remained silent.
Kaelios continued.
— According to our spy's information...
Selindra could be on the continent of Roogaya.
— More precisely...
In the druidic kingdom of Thyamar.
He took a breath.
— To get there...
We must cross the ocean.
— And...
The elders of Havelune told us about your griffins.
His gaze rested for a few moments on the majestic creatures that populated the valley.
— I would like to ask you...
To lend us a few griffins.
Silence fell.
Nilua's smile disappeared completely.
Her gaze changed.
An old pain seemed to resurface deep in her eyes.
Her fists clenched.
Kaelios understood immediately that he had just touched a sensitive subject.
Before he could even add a word...
Nilua answered.
Her voice was firm.
Without the slightest hesitation.
— No.
Kaelios was left surprised.
She continued.
— It is out of the question...
For the griffins to accompany you.
The young elf opened his mouth slightly.
But Nilua cut him off immediately.
Her voice trembled slightly.
As if each word awakened a memory she would have preferred to forget.
— I will never let them again...
Sacrifice themselves for a war.
Her gaze turned toward the many griffins living peacefully in the valley.
— Never again.
Silence fell upon the two elves.
In the distance...
The cry of a young griffin resonated softly in the valley.
Kaelios understood then that behind this categorical refusal lay a wound far deeper than he had imagined.
End of Chapter 11