The Prophecy

The Council | Meanwhile...

*****

In one of the stables of the immense Golden Palace, Fenril awoke from a long nap. Strangely, he had the impression that something was shaking. He couldn't tell what exactly, but it was shaking. All around him, the various mounts, creatures, familiars and companions were also on the lookout. Flavie, wearing the purple hairball on her back, was coming back from another part of the gigantic stables and she had a look that did not bode well.

_ It's happening again, she said. Help us convince the squires to let us out.

_ What's going on? he said, unable to hide his growing concern.

_ It was the strongest tremor so far. I'm surprised the others didn't wake you up. The panic is beginning to spread among the Clouyas nest. One of them is threatening to break everything if they are not allowed to take off as soon as possible. Elsius claims that an earthquake is coming. He wanted to warn the Wise Elves Men but the magic of the Council Chamber prevents his call from going through. We will have to rely only on ourselves...

_ Yes, very dangerous what's coming, Cling! suddenly said Firefly with a strange-sounding voice. We'll have to get out very quickly, otherwise the ceiling will fall on us!

_ Firefly! Shut up! Imagine if the others could hear you! They are nervous enough as it is! They would be able to break everything here...

Flavie was telling the truth. The bustle in the barns and stables was skyrocketing. From time to time, intrigued squires passed their faces through the dormer window trying to see what was causing such an uproar in the animals realm. But none of them understood. In the end, it was one of the dragons who had the last word. With a powerful paw, he smashed the double door that was blocking their way. And the stables emptied in an instant, producing the greatest panic ever known in the ranks of the domestics.

In the midst of this unspeakable hubbub, Flavie headed towards the exit of the Palace. Fenril at her side stood still, looking back over the high roofs of the Palace. He turned towards the mare; his eyes animated by a strange glow.

_ Go and take shelter at Irving's Tavern. I'm going to look for Half Moon.

_ Don't worry! She's clever and she'll be fine! Trying to get through the Gates is madness!

_ Yes, he said simply. But she's like my sister and I won't abandon her without at least trying something. You, with your stature, you couldn't sneak through. See, it's useless to follow me.

She was going to interject but Fenril had already turned away. And sadly, as helpless as she felt, she knew he was right. Firefly, who had taken refuge in one of the bags, pretended to want to follow Fenril.

_ Where do you think you're going, little gloumy? Flavie asked sharply before grabbing her by the skin on her back.

_ We can't let him go alone! Cling! Flavie!! she answered determinedly.

_ That's what we're going to do. Fly! he knows what he's doing! Trust him, he'll bring her back to us alive and well...

_But... she said, hesitating.

_Firefly! cut Flavie hard. Have faith in him for once.

Firefly made a pout of spite. Flavie sighed before putting the gloumy back in the satchel. As she dashed towards the exit, she was struggling with an anxiety she was working hard to hide.

She glanced upward at the palace and then looked down at a bulge the little gloumy was doing in one of the saddlebags hanging from her saddle. All she could do right now was to save them from what was about to happen... pouring her trust onto Fenril, believing the wolf would be successful in his own mission.

*****