Chapter 287 - The Siren’s Call (1) (1/2)

”We are always here to help our masters.” The two familiars said in unison.

Snow stepped back and white light flashed around her.

*SWISH*

Snow has now turned into her white tiger form. Tempest on the other hand took flight. Red light engulfed his body while flying upwards.

*SWISH*

Tempest has turned into his red phoenix form.

I looked at the direction of the lake with determination etched in my face.

”I will get my husband and the others back safely.” I said full of determination.

When I looked around, it was eerily quiet. The few men that we saw walking slowly in a daze were now nowhere to be found. A mysterious fog has started to envelope around the lake. It was thick that we can only see a few feet in front of us.

”Tempest, can I lend your eyes for a bit?” I asked.

”As you wish, my lady.” Tempest replied.

As I recall, as Regaleon's familiar, Tempest was connected to him in a different way. I remember Regaleon telling me that he can see what Tempest can see if they were in sync. This was a feature Tempest has a familiar.

”I will make a temporary contract with you for now so that I can lend your abilities.” I said.

Tempest was towering over me. He bowed down his head to come closer to me. I outstretched my arms and held his head carefully. Slowly, our foreheads connected to each other and I started to connect with him. This was the way how I can forge a temporary contract with other familiars. With the permission of the familiar, someone that had magical abilities with high aptitude can forge contracts with beast. Beast that have masters can also forge temporary contracts with other magic users like what I was doing right now. Being connected with the temporary contract, I can use his abilities that only he can lend to Regaleon.

”Now fly to the sky and help me see what is beyond this fog.” I said.

Tempest took a step back and flapped his huge wings. The fog that was around us was blown away with his ascent, but it still came back after Tempest has flown up.

”So, I cannot use my magic to blow this fog away.” I realized.

I thought of using wind magic to blow the fog away, but with what just happened I knew the fog will just return.

”This is really no ordinary fog.” I concluded.

”What can I do to help, your majesty.” Tricia was standing close to me.

I looked at Tricia, deep in thought. I knew that Tricia was not a warrior or a fighter. Taking her with me will be dangerous but leaving her here without any certainty that she would be safe was more dangerous.

I am sure that the ancient creature that Snow was talking about is at the direction of the lake, but I did not know what other dangers there are in these woods. There might be other ancient creatures that I do not know of lurking in the darkness.

”It would be best to stay with me Tricia.” I replied. I saw a sword belonging to the men in our group lying nearby the tent. ”Here, I am not sure if you know how to use it but the basic is just to thrust the pointy end to an enemy.” It was an odd advice, but I do not have the time to teach her how to use a sword.

”I-I understand your majesty.” Tricia nodded and took the sword.

”Snow, I will count on you to guard our rear.” I ordered.

”You can count on me.” Snow replied.

”Okay then, let us survey the surroundings first.” I said and closed my eyes.

I concentrated with my eyes closed and in no time, I was connected to Tempest's eyes. I slowly opened my eyes and saw what Tempest saw.

”Y-Your majesty… your eyes.” Tricia said with a startled voice. ”It is the same as that big birds.”

”That just means that their temporary contract was a success.” Snow said. ”Alicia can now see from above. Tell us what you can see.”

Using the link with Tempest, I saw the clouds in the sky. It was like I am the one flying, it was a thrilling feeling. The vision slowly looked down below. His eye view was wide, and I saw the vast trees in the vicinity. The clearing that was near the lake was covered with thick fog. As I can see, the fog only reached until the edge of the woods and only filled the clearing.

'So, this fog was concentrated in the clearing.' I concluded.

At the center of the clearing, I can see the lake. The lake was clear from the fog, and the clouds also have a large whole just on top. The moon was being reflected on the lakes surface. It was like a mirror in this view.