The streets aurik glowed with firelight from the towers, warmth spreading through the winter air. Lamis had barely crossed into the city when exhaustion claimed her. She fell from her horse, snow gathering on her body as Brado barked desperately.
From the crowd, two figures appeared—Klen and Rose.
Rose: "A dog? Strange..."
Klen: "A noble hound, surely trying to tell us something. Shall we follow?"
Rose: "Why not? We've finished our mission early."
They followed Brado to where Lamis lay bleeding, her belongings scattered.
Klen raised his hands dramatically toward the shadows. Assassins of the Kurta Accord lingered nearby, silent watchers.
Klen: "I thank you, assassins, for guarding this poor lady! Whatever your dishonorable deeds, this act is noble, righteous, and grand!"
The assassins said nothing, their eyes cold.
Rose, alarmed: "Klen! We must take her quickly—her body is freezing, her head bleeding. This wound is fresh!"
Klen: "Very well, Lady Rose! The Red Knight answers the call of mercy!"
He lifted Lamis, tied the horse, and looked at Brado.
Klen, loudly: "O noble, loyal hound! I grant you the title of Red Dog, for your devotion!"
Lamis stirred faintly.
Rose, irritated: "Klen, silence! She's injured—we must reach the healing center!"
Klen, softly: "The Red Knight feels... embarrassed."
Rose gathered Lamis's belongings. From the shadows, she felt a familiar gaze. She looked up—there stood Jamah, leaning against a wall, drinking, eyes fixed on them. Rose trembled, forced a smile, and hurried away.
---
The Healing Center
They arrived at the health center, half-rebuilt, workers replacing furniture and fittings. A man in fine clothes muttered over scrolls, frustrated.
From Lamis's perspective, blurred by pain, she saw Klen place her down while Rose registered her details.
Healer: "She has no Flak card. We must take her information."
Rose: "Do it."
Lamis's eyes opened briefly. A towering knight stood before her. Behind him, a young woman tried to pay with coins, but the healer refused.
Her vision dimmed again. Voices echoed.
Healer: "I told you ten times, Rose! Royal orders—we don't need your coins!"
Rose: "Are you certain?"
Healer: "Certain? What do you mean?"
Then another voice rang out, theatrical and booming:
"What a noble, righteous, and grand struggle this is!"
The words filled the chamber, absurd yet strangely comforting, as Lamis drifted back into unconsciousness.
Awakening in Aurik
The next day, Lamis stirred. Her head was wrapped in bandages, the ache dull but steady. The healer leaned over her, relief in his voice.
Healer: "At last! You're awake. It seems you've slept well... you needed the rest."
Lamis rubbed her eyes, blinking at the unfamiliar room. Across the chamber, a man leafed through scrolls, his elegant clothes marking him as someone of importance.
Healer: "Ah... I'll need your name."
She hesitated, gaze drifting.
Healer: "If you're looking for the dog—the Red Knight took him. He said he'd care for him until you returned."
Lamis jolted upright. "What? Where is he?"
The healer raised a calming hand. "Peace. He's a good man. Don't worry."
Lamis: "I collapsed from exhaustion..."
Healer: "Yes, I can see that. But you're fine—only bruises. You needed rest."
Lamis: "I have no money... to pay you."
The healer opened his mouth, but another voice cut in. A man with scrolls in his arms, dressed in fine desert silks, stepped forward.
Jaber: "Don't worry. Treatment here is free."
Lamis: "What? Who are you?"
Jaber pressed a hand to his forehead in mock despair. "By the sands! Are you sure her head isn't damaged, healer? Has she lost her memory?"
The healer chuckled nervously. "No, no... she's fine. She's simply from outside the city."
Jaber: "Ah! That explains everything. But it saddens me. I am Jaber—the merchant who crosses the Seven Deserts!"
Before Lamis could reply, a woman entered briskly.
Laika: "Jaber! You're here. I need to discuss something urgent. You requested an audience with the king? With Jamah, the last of the Golden Trio?"
Jaber's face hardened. "Yes. We must speak of Princess Sarah. There is someone who can heal her, but he has gone to Leona... to treat their plague."
With that, Jaber and Laika departed swiftly, their voices fading into the corridors.
Lamis watched them go, words rising in her throat but dying unspoken. She gave her details to the healer, gathered her belongings, and stepped outside.
There, waiting with solemn courtesy, stood Klen and Rose. They bowed as Jaber and Laika passed, their eyes following the merchant and the woman as they vanished into Aurik's streets.
Companions in Aurik
Lamis pointed at Klen, her voice trembling but firm. "You... where is the dog, Brado?"
Klen's eyes lit up. "So! His name is Brado! A noble name indeed! He sleeps at my house!"
Rose stepped forward with a gentle smile. "Welcome. I'm Rose, and this is the Red Knight, Klen."
Klen bowed theatrically. "An honor! A privilege! A glory beyond measure!"
Lamis blinked at him, bewildered.
Rose raised her hand, embarrassed. "Ha... he's always like this. You'll get used to it."
Lamis bowed her head. "Thank you. You carried me here. I am Lamis... from the Kingdom of Leona."
Rose's eyes widened. "Leona? ... I'm from Lenovard."
Lamis stared at her. "Lenovard..."
Rose nodded. "Yes. We're all outsiders here."
Lamis whispered to herself, shaken: "Her kingdom was erased... her homeland destroyed... yet she smiles and speaks so calmly?"
Klen waved his hand. "Don't worry about such things!"
---
The Gambler Arrives
A young man stumbled toward them, breathless.
Rose: "Look who's here—the fool gambler."
Semher: "Wait... I wanted to talk about—"
Rose: "Lamis, let me introduce you. This is Semher, the gambler fool."
Semher: "Stop! That's not true!"
Rose: "He nearly got us all killed. Even his mother."
Lamis turned to him, startled. "Your mother?"
Semher: "No! That's not how it happened!"
Klen laughed loudly, hands on his hips. "I told you, Lady Rose greets everyone with fire!"
Rose sighed. "Enough. Let's go to the Mercenary Guild. We can take missions—you'll need coin for your card, right?"
Lamis lowered her gaze. "Yes... I need the card."
Rose smiled. "Don't worry. You can do it. I'm close myself—only four marks left."
Lamis blinked. "Wait... you don't have a card either?"
Rose grinned. "No. But the guards and people here are kind."
Lamis looked at them, astonished.
Klen shouted, voice booming: "What say you all—we feast on fresh meat at my house! Then we begin our missions! Surely Lady Lamis is hungry!"
Rose chuckled. "A fine idea."
Semher: "Well, I—"
Rose: "Silence, failure."
Lamis touched her thin stomach and nodded quietly.
Together, they set off for Klen's home, the promise of food and warmth ahead, and the path toward Aurik's mercenary guild waiting beyond.
Beyond Aurik's Walls
Four hours later, the group had split their tasks outside the walls of Aurik.
Lamis hunted with precision, chasing beasts across the snow and gathering their hides, while Semher stumbled behind, arrows missing their marks.
Meanwhile, Rose and Klen scoured the frozen fields for herbs.
Klen, shouting: "Lady Rose!"
Rose: "What? Did you find it?"
Klen, proudly holding a chamomile bloom: "No, something better! We can make tea!"
Rose raised her hand, a green aura shimmering around her fingers. "Tea?"
Klen froze, theatrically retreating. "The Red Knight withdraws his statement!"
---
The Hunt
Lamis worked with sharp skill, her blade cutting clean, her movements efficient. She stacked hides neatly, her breath steady despite the cold.
Semher, wide-eyed: "You! You're incredible—I didn't expect this level of skill!"
Lamis, dryly: "And you... haven't hit a single target. I'm starting to think you're missing on purpose."
Semher, stammering: "Yes! Yes! That's it—I'm testing you!"
Lamis: "Testing me? Then aim at me."
Semher raised his bow nervously, sweat on his brow. "No, no... no need for that."
Lamis stepped closer, blade in hand, her eyes narrowing.
Semher, panicked, shouting: "Klen! We're done with the hides!"
He glanced over—Klen was sprinting away from Rose, who chased him with her glowing green hand.
Semher swallowed hard, then looked back at Lamis, who stood before him with her sword. "Damn..."
But she lowered the weapon, gathering the hides calmly. "Let's do it --
Semher fumbled in his pack, pulling out bandages. He offered them awkwardly. "Here... for the bruises on your hand."
Lamis paused, then accepted. "Thank you."
Semher straightened, relief in his eyes, and hurried to follow her as they carried their spoils back toward the city.
---
The Guild and the First Day
Lamis watched Rose chasing Klen around like a storm, her lips curling into a faint smile.
Lamis: "They... enjoy it. Look at Rose's face—she's having fun chasing the big knight."
Semher laughed, leaning closer. "You chased me too, remember?"
Lamis gave him a sharp look of disgust. "Stop that."
Semher: "Alright, alright... you're scary."
---
Inside the guild, Lamis handed over the hides. Razzan's eyes narrowed with disdain as she accepted them. Lamis lowered her voice, uncertain.
Lamis: "Did I fail...?"
Semher: "No, no... it's just—"
The doors burst open. Rose and Klen strode in, the wind howling behind them. The mercenaries turned to watch. Razzan halted mid-step, smiling slyly. Across the hall, Jalmoud stopped eating, his massive frame tense.
Rose walked forward, Klen behind her. Their eyes locked with Razzan's, silence filling the room. The wind outside seemed to sing through the cracks.
Rose delivered the herbs. Klen's gaze fixed on Jalmoud, neither blinking.
Razzan suddenly tossed a handful of coins before Lamis. Semher bent to pick them up, while Lamis stared in shock.
Razzan: "I knew you would come, witch."
Rose: "Witch? And you, mummy? Why don't you ask your giant ghoul to feed you bones before famine strikes?"
Jalmoud: "What?"
His fist clenched, the table beneath him groaning.
Razzan: "Jalmoud, no!"
---
Klen turned to Lamis and Semher, voice booming. "The noble, righteous evacuation!"
Semher grabbed Lamis's hand. "Come on!"
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Jalmoud smashed the table, splinters flying. Rose and Klen bolted outside, dragging Lamis and Semher with them.
---
The Merchant's Street
They hurried into a shop, Semher and Klen ducking into an herbal store. Rose laughed breathlessly, then stopped, waiting outside.
Lamis looked at her, smiling faintly.
Rose: "So? How was your first day?"
Lamis, softly laughing: "It was... fun. I didn't expect it to be this enjoyable."
Rose's smile warmed. "I told you—don't go alone. I used to, until Klen came. Since then, we never take missions apart."
Klen and Semher emerged. Semher blinked at Lamis's laughter, surprised. "You're laughing? After all this?"
Rose: "What do you mean, failure?" She turned to Klen. "Klen, train him harder. Break his spirit."
Klen: "He shall endure the Ten Trials of the Red Knight!"
Semher raised his hands in panic. "No, no! It was just... a little scary!"
·
---
End of Lamis Journey!
The Divide — When the Snow Tests the Flame
In the Valley of Wonders, the child walked ahead.
Behind him—refugees from Elpha followed.
Beside him walked Venzel.
The child looked up.
Above—
The green comet shimmered beside the blue star, Eklat.
He smiled.
"Boy?" Venzel asked.
"What?"
"You keep staring at the sky.
Is something wrong?"
The child shook his head.
"No...
Everything's fine.
They're fighting."
"Who?"
The child pointed at Venzel.
"And soon...
You'll join the sky of Silva."
"Me?"
"Yes."
Venzel smiled.
"I hope that means something good."
The knights behind them exchanged glances.
They emerged from the desert—
Into barren land.
"We've left the Valley," the child said.
"We're heading to a place you can settle."
Venzel looked around.
"This place...
It's worse than the valley."
"Naturally.
We're nearing the lands of the knights—
The Kingdom of Linovard."
"Linovard?"
"Yes!"
The child ran ahead—toward towering mountains blanketed in snow.
"Are you sure?
How will we survive in this cold?"
"Don't worry.
A little frost won't harm your bodies."
One knight halted—his name was Filonti.
"Venzel...
I don't think following a child is wise.
We have elders, children...
People who can't fight.
We can't risk their lives."
The child spoke calmly.
"Silva is testing you.
Those who follow me and believe—
Will find joy.
Those who don't...
Will face what this world offers."
Filonti drew his sword.
Venzel stepped forward, blocking him.
"Filonti!
Are you mad?"
"I should ask you that.
You've led us behind a child—
Into frozen mountains!"
The knights fell silent.
The people behind them grew tense.
"You speak as if we have another choice," Venzel said.
"You saw the villages.
They're starving.
They're fighting the ones who destroyed our world—
Who killed our emperor."
"I know!
But this is madness.
There must be kingdoms resisting—
Better than chasing a lunatic child."
"And do you think we can walk farther?
We're exhausted."
"We've come this far—because of you!"
"I chose to follow him.
You trusted me.
I can't promise safety—
Not from kingdoms, not from this child.
Do what you will."
Filonti turned.
"Those who want to live—follow me!
Those who want to chase a mad child—follow Venzel!"
He walked away.
A group of knights and civilians followed.
The larger group remained with Venzel.
Venzel called out:
"Filonti...
I don't care what happens to you.
You're a knight—you bear your choices.
But if anyone behind you suffers...
I'll never forgive you."
"That goes for you too," Filonti replied.
Venzel turned to the others.
"If you want to follow him—go.
While the path is open.
I promise nothing."
An old woman spoke.
"Are you mad, Venzel?
Who doesn't know you'll protect us?
We trust you."
The knights nodded.
Venzel looked at the child.
"I'm in trouble now.
Don't drag me into more."
The knights laughed.
The child ran toward the snowy peaks.
"I love trouble!"
"You little menace," Venzel muttered.
He followed.
The knights followed.
The people followed.
Into the mountains.
Into the cold.
Into the unknown.
The Skyward Path — When the Mountain Opens
The wind howled.
Snow lashed their faces.
The cold was merciless.
Yet Venzel noticed something strange—
He felt no fatigue.
His knights marched without complaint.
The people trudged forward, sharing the last of their food.
He glanced at the child—walking barefoot across the ice, his feet red with cold.
"Boy...
Do you need warmer clothes?
We have a few."
"I wish we did."
Venzel chuckled.
"You're a strange one.
I don't blame Filonti."
He wrapped the child in oversized garments.
"Forgive me.
They're far too big...
But they'll do."
The child walked on—his cloak dragging through the snow.
"It's fine!
Let's keep going.
We're close!"
They reached a towering pass—
A long, jagged path of ice and stone, battered by wind.
"Venzel...
This is impossible," one knight said.
"I hate to admit it...
But you're right.
Still... haven't you noticed?
We've walked for miles—without food, without rest.
And we're not tired."
The knights looked at their hands, their bodies.
"You're right..."
Venzel turned to the child.
"Boy...
I hate to say it—
But crossing this pass is impossible."
The child looked up.
His eyes glowed sky-blue.
"Not impossible!
The Knights of Linovard crossed this every day—without fatigue!"
"Who are they?
You speak of them often."
"An ancient kingdom.
It's gone now."
He laughed and pointed.
"Look!
The last village of Linovard—buried in ice.
It was destroyed not long ago."
The knights turned to Venzel.
"We're finished..."
The boy stepped forward, placing his hand on a block of ice.
A radiant blue light burst forth—
Skyfire and celestial flame.
The ice melted.
A tunnel appeared.
The child waved.
"Come on!"
Venzel hesitated—then entered.
The knights and people followed, wary.
"Hold on tight," the child said.
"What do you mean?" Venzel asked, gripping a rock.
A rumble echoed beneath them.
The child clapped.
"It's time!"
"Time for what?"
"Is this an avalanche?" a knight cried.
"Are we going to be buried alive?"
Panic spread.
Venzel closed his eyes—
And trusted.
"You closed your eyes.
Are you scared?" the child teased.
Then—
Water exploded from the ground.
They rose—
Lifted by a geyser of magic.
Screams filled the air.
The child laughed.
They soared—
Until they reached the summit.
The waters stopped.
They stepped onto the peak.
No snow.
No ice.
Only green.
Grass blanketed the land.
The air was warm.
The child ran through the field.
"Perfect!
It's ready!"
The knights dropped to their knees, gasping.
·
The Heart of the Flame — When the Mountain Breathes
Venzel stepped forward, awestruck.
"Where are we?
Inside the mountain?
These rocks... they surround us from every side.
And this warmth...
It's rising from the ground."
The child laughed.
"No!
We're inside a volcano!"
"A volcano?!" Venzel shouted.
"Are you insane?"
The child laughed louder.
"Don't worry!
I spoke to it.
It won't erupt—
As long as your intentions are pure."
"Intentions?
What kind of magic is that?"
They walked deeper—
Until ruins emerged.
Shattered homes.
Collapsed towers.
Ancient fortresses, buried in ash and stone.
The child raised his hand.
His face changed.
"Here...
This was the birthplace of the Knights of Linovard."
Venzel and the knights looked around.
The people wandered, inspecting the ruins.
A waterfall cascaded from the summit—
Feeding streams and a strange lake filled with glowing fish.
Beside it—
A small pool of molten lava.
The child turned to Venzel.
His eyes glowed sky-blue.
"I want you...
No, we want you...
To restore this place.
To make it home."
Venzel and the knights stared.
The child bowed.
"Please..."
The knights exchanged glances.
Venzel smiled.
He stepped forward.
"Raise your head.
We should be the ones bowing to you.
You've given us a safe place—
A chance to gather what's left of ourselves."
The child looked up.
Venzel knelt, placing his sword before him.
The knights knelt.
The people knelt.
The child smiled.
Around them—
Flowers bloomed.
Vines curled.
Color returned to the stone.
Venzel picked a blossom, marveling.
"You're... something else."
He turned to the crowd.
"Thank you!
For trusting me.
For walking this far.
I thank you all!"
The child stepped forward.
"Let's rebuild!"
Venzel raised his sword.
"Let's begin!"
The knights raised their blades.
The people raised their hands.
And the mountain—
Breathed.
The Test of the Flame — When the Mountain Accepts
The child wandered through the shattered ruins—
Old castles, broken cottages, crumbled towers.
He heard laughter.
The clang of swords.
The murmur of voices.
Around him, knights cleared rubble.
People pitched tents.
Some stitched clothes, others gathered food.
A few began planting.
Venzel approached.
"Boy... I was wondering—
Can we fish from that lake?
Maybe use the water?"
The child's eyes glowed.
"Hmm... I'll check."
He walked to the lake.
The water rose gently.
He nodded.
"Yes. You may.
But one condition."
"A condition?"
"You must never wash blood in this water."
"Understood..."
The child turned.
"Send someone to map this place.
There are forests nearby.
Animals you can use."
"Alright."
"But another condition—
Kill only animals that are awake.
Never strike them in sleep.
Leave the young until they grow."
"Agreed."
Venzel summoned two knights to begin mapping.
The child sat.
Closed his eyes.
Then collapsed.
"Boy?" Venzel rushed over.
"You're... asleep?
Ha!
It's been a long journey...
Even for a child."
He carried him to a tent.
Then stepped outside—
Removed his armor.
And joined the workers.
He lifted beams.
Cleared debris.
A full day passed.
The child awoke.
He stepped outside.
People cooked.
Wood was stacked.
The first ruined building was being rebuilt.
Venzel approached with food.
"You're awake?"
The child smiled.
"Here. Eat."
He took the food, watching the morning bustle.
"They were few...
But they came for you."
The child ate.
Venzel noticed—
His teeth.
Long canines.
"Well...
You're not exactly normal.
I'm not surprised."
"Need help?"
"No...
We've found everything.
Repairs are underway.
We even found old chests."
The child looked up.
"You didn't open them?"
"Not until you woke."
The child smiled.
"Good.
You've passed the test."
"Test?"
He stood, finishing his meal.
"You may open them now."
The Naming of the Flame — When Linovard Breathes Again
Venzel watched in awe as the boy wandered toward the harbor, where wooden platforms had been raised and men cast their nets into the shimmering waters.
The boy slowed, his gaze lifting skyward. His expression shifted—serious, intent—as the green comet flared above.
"What is it?" Venzel asked.
The boy's voice was urgent.
"We must hurry."
Venzel nodded sharply, his voice ringing out like steel.
"Men! Move!"
Knights and refugees scattered, resuming their labors. Days passed, and at last the first great hall was complete.
The boy stepped inside, astonished. Tables lined the chamber, chairs set in order. Fruit and wine were served, roasted meats laid out. Above, on the second floor, beds of mountain cotton awaited the weary.
Venzel stood behind him.
"Do you like the work of the knights? Truth be told, we only carried the rubble. The rest was the refugees."
The boy smiled.
"It is beautiful."
Venzel leaned closer.
"We've noticed the crops grow faster than they should."
The boy winked.
"Do not worry. That is my doing."
"You?" Venzel asked, incredulous.
The boy strode outside, pointing to the ruins.
"Here—the barracks. And there—the training grounds."
Knights followed, scribes recording his words on leather scrolls.
He pointed again.
"Here we will raise a healing hall. And there—fields for farming."
"They will grow quickly, won't they?" Venzel asked.
The boy's smile was radiant.
"Of course."
Venzel shook his head, half in disbelief, half in admiration.
They walked until they reached the lava lake.
The boy's eyes gleamed.
"From here, we will forge our weapons."
Venzel's voice faltered.
"This lake... it could erupt."
The boy laughed.
"Perhaps. One day. But not today."
Shock rippled through the knights and refugees.
The boy moved on, pointing to the harbor.
"Build a strong base here. It will serve as our fishing grounds."
He led them to a cavern.
"Take resources from here to rebuild the castles and forge steel. But dig deep—always deep."
At last, they reached the ruined fortress at the center.
"This was once the seat of Linovard's king."
Venzel placed his hand upon the stone.
"We will restore it."
The boy nodded, then lifted his gaze. Above, a crimson star blazed in the heavens.
He smiled.
"A new star," Venzel whispered.
"Yes," the boy replied softly.
Warm winds swept through the valley. Refugees labored—miners in the caves, fishermen at the harbor, farmers in the fields, builders raising walls anew.
The boy climbed a jagged rock, his silhouette framed by the crimson star. His voice rang out, clear and commanding, echoing across the valley.
"This place shall bear a name...!"
The knights turned.
The refugees lifted their eyes.
Venzel's hand tightened on his sword.
The boy's words hung in the air, poised to carve destiny into stone.
The Circle of Ice — When the Past Speaks
The boy suddenly fell silent, closing his eyes.
He drifted into sleep.
"What? You fell asleep?" Venzel shouted.
The knights echoed in disbelief.
The refugees sighed.
Moments later, the boy stirred awake, rubbing his eyes.
"It shall be... Linovard. Linovard reborn.
And you... its people."
A strange sound broke the silence—
Laughter.
Cold, echoing, deliberate.
Venzel froze, scanning the shadows.
The knights stiffened.
The refugees trembled.
"Is that you, boy?" Venzel demanded.
"What? No..." the boy replied.
"Then who laughs?"
From the mist, a figure emerged.
He carried a massive hammer, each step deliberate.
Behind him marched armored knights, their visors gleaming.
The stranger's voice was heavy with memory.
"I feared you would change the name of my kingdom, boy."
The child laughed softly.
"I was teasing. I knew you were watching me from afar."
The stranger's lips curved into a smile.
"Well done."
His gaze shifted to Venzel and the knights.
They stood frozen, unable to move, unable even to blink.
"You have brought people here... people who promise much."
"Of course," the boy answered.
The stranger's face darkened.
"When the Black Calamity struck, it erased my people.
Even my king.
My people fought to their last breath.
Until one came—
And sealed Linovard in ice, hiding it beneath the snow."
His voice grew solemn, echoing like thunder across the ruins.
"We treat the ice as a challenge.
When it falls upon our kingdom, we know Bastet and Orientos dares us.
And so we hold a rite here...
A ceremony we call...
The Circle of Ice Knights."
The Legacy of Linovard — When the Past Awakens
The stranger looked down at his fading body, his voice trembling yet resolute as he fixed his gaze upon the child.
"I guarded this place until someone worthy would come... and now you have.
After so long... the blood of my knights spilled to the last drop.
Hurry... Silva needs you. The world needs you.
Make them tremble. Restore the legend of Linovard."
His voice rose into song.
The knights behind him joined, their voices echoing like steel on stone.
The child sang too, repeating their words.
"If the Knights of Linovard crossed one valley...
The invaders would be forced to take another..."
The song faded.
The stranger's voice dissolved into silence.
One by one, the spectral knights vanished with him.
The child waved, smiling softly as they disappeared.
Venzel stood frozen, armor clutched tight, his knights behind him.
"Boy! What was that?" he demanded.
The child's smile lingered.
"The master of this place... from long ago."
Venzel steadied his shield.
The knights braced themselves.
The child's tone grew solemn.
"You are the Knights of Linovard—the foundation that will shake the souls of your enemies and unravel their schemes."
He walked calmly toward the opened chests.
Venzel spoke, hesitant.
"We found ancient weapons inside. We will reforge them. And scrolls... many scrolls. We cannot read them."
The child laughed softly.
"You are like my uncle Fouad!"
He chuckled, then took the scrolls.
Closing his eyes, they began to glow with radiant light.
He handed them to the knights.
Venzel stared in disbelief.
"We can read them now," the knights whispered.
Venzel's eyes widened.
The child leapt forward, running toward a cavern.
His voice rang out:
"Inside lies a secret passage. Resources await you there. You have my blessing—take them!"
Around them, the city began to take shape.
Buildings rose from ruin.
Cottages spread across the valley.
The outlines of Linovard Reborn grew clearer with every passing hour.