"I pray unto the mountains and that they would bestow upon us their stability." Seren's voice was clear, like a light wind on the mountaintops.
"I pray unto the rivers and that they we would be gifted with their clarity of mind." Branwen's voice was a slow drawl, like a stream in the Valley.
"I pray unto the forests and that they would offer us their wisdom." Eir's voice was raspy, like the branches of a tree swaying.
Then, the sisters spoke in unison, "We unite the mountains, the rivers, and the forests together that we could reap knowledge from each. We have sworn our oath of allegiance to our queen, Isseria, and sworn to our order of protection upon her land. On this day, we request her favor to shine upon us at this meeting of the three.
Praise be to Isseria."
The sisters were seated around a large, square table, each sister having taken a side. Above them, a circle in the roof allowed the moon to cast its glowing light upon them, highlighting their table. They stood, their faces turned high to the moon. The trio waited, and waited. Their eyes were shut, minds void of distracting thoughts. Though the silence roared in their ears, they did not become anxious; the sisters knew their prayer would be heard. Then, a screeching wind blew suddenly through the room, whispering that their request had been granted.
Immediately after the wind passed, Seren lowered her chin to look closely at her sisters. With quick , graceful movements, she seized a scroll from the floorand, with a flourish, rolled it across the table. Eir and Branwen crowded to her side and set their sights on the atlas of Isseria. With nimble fingers, Seren took a piece of charcoal from a fold in her gown and circled Elarein.
"The journey from Elarein to the Valley takes how long, Eir?"
"If they took the path through the Greenwood, it would only take four days on horseback, two if they were in a hurry." Eir showed her sisters the path with her pointer finger before tapping her chin, "However, if they took the Sivildr passage, then it could take upwards to seven days at the minimum. I think it's rather obvious that The Verndari would avoid that passage."
Branwen leaned in, pointing to a river that led from Elarein into the mountains base, "Unless they held to the Rivertowns, then that would only take a couple of days. It would be the wisest choice, seeing as they have water along their entire route."
Seren nodded with her brow furrowed in deep thought. She turned, pacing to and fro from the table. Eir stepped forth, "When did you two learn of all this? That the Verndari were coming, that is."
"Tuesday." Branwen said, seeing as Seren was still lost in her own thoughts.
Eir paused and ran a hand through her mane of dark hair. She loomed over the map, her finger tracing invisible lines across the crinkled paper. Then, she straightened with her back to her sisters. Her voice was dry, close to cracking, "The earliest they would be here is tonight, possibly sooner." Eir looked to Seren, "We need a plan."
Seren quit her pacing and held her head high, "Indeed, we do, my sisters."
They circled together, their meeting shone upon by the white light of stars. The sky was clear, no cloud passed before the moon that night. The light was pure and bright; surely a sign of favor and blessings, the sisters thought.
Branwen spoke, her level tone barely concealing anticipation, "What do you think they're coming for?"
Eir scoffed, "Are you dense, Bran?"
The middle sister hissed, revealing teeth that had elongated into sharp fangs before they shrunk to their original state, "I know they're coming for us, little sister. What I'm inquiring about is what for? Isseria is at peace – has for been for half a century. We're not needed for battle, surely. We'd have heard rumors weeks ago if anything weren't right in the East."
