Guardian Of Ancient Wood

Chapter 36

The trail leading to the Queen's castle was a narrow, winding path that hugged the steep mountain's slopes. As the group ascended, the trail became more treacherous, with sharp turns and occasional sheer drops that made Furie uneasy. The mountain's peak seemed an unlikely location for such a grand structure, yet perched majestically at the summit was the Queen's castle. The castle itself was a breathtaking sight, with towering spires and intricate architecture that reflected both elegance and strength. Its presence at the mountain's pinnacle, seemingly defying the laws of gravity, added to its mystique. Furie couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer beauty of the castle, even if the climb up had left her legs aching and weary.

Curious about the lack of a portal, Furie questioned Rain and Leaf about the inconvenience of the steep path. Rain acknowledged the difficulty but explained that only significant Guardians and advisors were permitted to use the portals within the castle. Furie, however, protested, finding it unfair that guests had to endure the strenuous climb when a more convenient option could exist. Her wish for a more accommodating reception at the Queen's castle lingered in her mind as they reached the summit.

As Rain, Leaf, and Furie approached the grand gate of the Queen's castle, they were greeted by a row of Guardian soldiers standing in formation. The soldiers wore impeccably tailored uniforms that spoke of discipline and order. The uniforms were adorned with emblems symbolizing their allegiance to the Queen and their role as protectors of the castle.

Four soldiers stood behind the gate, their eyes keenly focused on the approaching trio of Guardians. When the group reached the gate, one of the soldiers stepped forward, a stern expression on his face. He inquired about their presence and demanded to know their business at the Queen's castle. Leaf was about to respond when Furie, growing increasingly irritated by the unwelcoming atmosphere, took a step forward with a determined frown. "We have been invited by the Queen. She is expecting us," Furie declared, her voice firm and direct. The Guardian soldiers exchanged surprised glances, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected revelation.

One soldier, skeptical, addressed Furie, "I don't think so. The Queen never receives guests through the main gate." Furie turned to Rain and Leaf, a hint of smugness in her expression as she remarked, "See, I told you! Even the Queen's soldiers agree that this is not how you treat guests." Leaf rolled his eyes at Furie's sarcastic commentary.

Furie, annoyed by the skepticism of the Guardian soldiers, swiftly reached into her pocket and retrieved the message from the Queen's Water advisor. "Here, look!" Furie handed the note to the soldier with a hint of frustration, her impatience evident in her movements. The soldier took the note, examining it closely. After reading the contents of the note, the soldier handed it back to Furie. "Alright, I am going to check this," he announced, creating a message sphere of his own using earth magic. The sphere was surrounded by leaves, reminiscent of a miniature forest encapsulated in a magical ball.

Five tense minutes passed, and then a water sphere returned to the soldier. He read the response, scrutinizing the contents before casting a scanning look at Furie. "Fine, it's legit. Let them come in," the soldier declared, giving Furie a nod of approval. Furie let out a sigh of relief. "Finally!" she exclaimed, striding confidently through the gate. Rain and Leaf followed closely behind as the soldiers grudgingly allowed the trio to enter the Queen's castle grounds.

The entrance to the Queen's castle was a grand spectacle of magic and enchantment. As the massive doors swung open by itself, Furie, Rain, and Leaf were greeted by an otherworldly display. The air was filled with an ethereal energy, and the trio could feel the magic weaving through every inch of the surroundings. The entrance was adorned with cascading vines, their leaves creating mesmerizing patterns that seemed to come alive with every breeze. Canvases framed within the vines displayed scenes that shifted and changed, telling tales of the Guardian world's rich history. Flowers, carried by invisible currents of air, danced gracefully, and droplets of water floated upward, defying gravity in an enchanting display. The ambient magic responded to the presence of the three Guardians. Little flames flickered into existence, casting a warm and comforting glow around them.

Furie, Rain, and Leaf stood there for a couple of minutes. Then Leaf asked, "Should we make our way into the castle or wait for someone?" Rain had no idea what to do either. "It is my first time in Queen's Guaya Castle. I don't know what we should do." Furie looked at the two men and decided to take the lead. "Alright, I decide that we should try this way." Furie started walking toward a door on her right, but a voice coming from upstairs stopped her. "This is not the time to get lost, Furie"