Chapter 628 - The Third Harvest Moon Ⅷ (2/2)

”Shaman,” Marcellus gasped in courtesy.

”Wizard,” the Shaman murmured in reply.

There is a lapse of silence as both centaur and wizard study their surroundings for a moment. The portion of the forest surrounding them lay in tatters. Tress broken in half, crushed and splintered, some charred and half-burnt from the flames with others baring marks and gouges across their tree trunks from cast curses and hexes. It would take some time for this portion of the forest to heal but heal it would until one day the destroyed clearing would cease to exist.

The centaur female Shaman at long last spoke first, ”The winged lion is dead.”

”Yes,” Marcellus croaked in agreement.

”The Forest is unguarded,” the Shaman matter-of-factly stated.

”Yes,” Marcellus muttered again.

”Then shall we abide by the promise which was given by ye wizard?” The Shaman harshly inquired to the centaurs at her side, who gripped their bows and arrows that more tightly.

”A promise was given, and the promise shall be kept,” Marcellus vehemently said. ”These lands shall be yours to reside in until Hogwarts exists no more. No wizard shall ever abide therein, and in these lands, all centaurs shall be safe and remain free as neither slave nor beasts of burden. In exchange, I only ask that you protect the forest from the likes that would bring harm to us all.”

”It shall be done, wizard,” the Shaman said with a tilt of her head, before turning away to return to the herd.

”Wait,” Marcellus called out causing the elderly centaur to pause mid-step.

”What more do you require of us, wizard? A bargain was struck, and we are no longer indebted to you,” the Shaman pointedly said.

”Leonidas,” Marcellus sadly whispered. ”I will not allow his body to be desecrated. I ask that he be returned to nature, and in exchange, his claws and teeth may be taken.”

The shaman's expression softens at the wizard's words. ”Aye, wizard, it will be an honor to return such an honorable being to nature once more.”

”Thank you,” Marcellus said with sincere gratitude, and the scene is torn away like the page from a book, and everything turns black once more.