Chapter 305: Respecting Elders (1/2)
They all stared down at the spot for a few seconds without saying anything. Finally, Morris broke the silence.
”Do you mind explaining what's going on?”
Mike glanced over at Sera, tacitly asking permission to let them know the situation, however, she was blankly gazing at the now discolored portion of the stone floor, and didn't seem to notice what was happening.
Guessing that he was not going to get a clear answer there, he decided to explain. ”There was a magic item implanted in Sera that was sending its location to another similar item. Based on our history and the way things have been going over the last few months, I can only assume that the Cabal is responsible for it.”
”Tracking? Are safe?” Tal asked, evidently inquiring about whether or not they were in any danger at the moment.
”The operational range of the item is, or was, limited. Unless they had a team following us by ship, which I haven't seen any sign of over the last week, we probably exited their scanning radius shortly after leaving Almir. So, besides whatever signal it sent out at the end, I think we can safely assume that they haven't been aware of us for quite some time.”
”What's the plan, then?” Morris asked quietly. ”Do we need to leave?”
He thought about it for a few seconds before shaking his head. ”No. I don't think they've been following closely enough to know precisely where we are. I'm not sure, but I believe that the final signal was a kind of alert, making them aware of the item's discovery. Chances are, we should still be safe. That being said, the less time we all spend in this exact location, the better overall. Once we've completed our business here, it would probably be our best interests to move on.”
”What about the Asani?” Sera asked suddenly with a hollow voice. ”Won't they become a target now?”
[Ah, so that's what's bothering her.]
”The Cabal would have a hard time doing much of anything to these people. In the short period of time that I've spent here, I can already say with confidence that they are capable of defending themselves. Especially since they will be repairing their method of flying in the near future.”
She nodded, but didn't appear to have any other response.
Mike coughed. ”Ahem, well, as interesting as all this is, I should probably get back to what I was doing. Would you mind holding still for a second.”
The Oracle nodded again, but said nothing else, her eyes still focused on the spot where the item had dissolved. He placed his hand on her shoulder again, and made use of his new enhancement method. There was another flash of light that lit the room, and he was done.
Sagging slightly under the fatigue of expended mana, he asked, ”Well, do you feel any different?”
She finally glanced up for a second, then down at her hands, clenching and unclenching them repeatedly. In a quiet voice she answered. ”Yes…”
[Hmm, I was hoping that would have cheered her up a bit. Not much I can do about it now except wait for a chance to speak with her one on one. We'll definitely need to clear the air.]
”It seems you have finished your preparations.” Sahel announced from the door where he was still standing. The Asani warrior had been so quiet up till this point that Mike had almost forgotten he was in the room.
”Yes, that is correct.”
”Very well, then I will inform the Elder you are ready for your meeting.”
Mike blinked, ”What? They're already here?”
”Indeed. I believe Elder Marcosias arrived approximately ten minutes ago. He has been waiting in the wings until you were ready.” He replied. ”Fear not, though. The Elders tend to be patient beings, he will not begrudge you the extra time.”
”Well, I certainly appreciate the forbearance, but I thought you said they would be locked up in the Sanctuary for a few hours at least.”
”I did indeed, but it appears that the Loremaster was able to rouse them faster than I anticipated. Truthfully, his order has many secrets that a lowly guard like myself is not privy to. It does not surprise me in the slightest that he was able to bring the Elder here this quickly.”
He gave a small nod, and then marched out of the room.
”Alright, everyone ready?” Morris asked, sounding a little nervous.
”Be fine.” Tal reassured him, although Mike caught the surreptitious glance she gave Sera. It was clear she wasn't as confident as she suggested.
Before anyone else had a chance to comment, the doors opened and Sahel entered again, followed by a second person. The newcomer looked very similar to the other Asani he'd seen since coming to the island, with only one notable exception. Whereas the rest of the species appeared to have plumage in various shades of grey, this particular individual was clad in midnight black feathers.
Mostly out of instinct, he used Appraise once the Elder came into view.
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Marcosias
Age: 21,0156
Race: High Asani
Class: Elder
Title: Asani Elder
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[I'm a little surprised that it even worked, but that's a hell of a long time to be alive. What would you even do with 20 thousand years of existence?]
The Elder surveyed the room and then casually walked up to one of the chairs that were apparently set aside for him. Then, in a calm, but authoritative voice, he said. ”Please, have a seat. I've found that makes it a bit easier to bear.”
Mike was confused for a second, but he glanced around at the rest of his party and noticed that they were suffering under the effects of the Elder's presence to varying degrees. Lily seemed to be handling it the best. There was only a slight frown on her face to indicate any inherent discomfort.
Tal, on the other hand, was paler than normal, slight tremors running through her arms as she stood stiffly in place. Although still emotionless, he thought he could detect a hint of grim determination in her face.