Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 50: The Return to Moon Tower

The conversation at Blue Stone Bastion lasted well into the afternoon. It wasn't until the warriors of Aether gathered at the gate to welcome their chieftain that he finally left the camp of the Lunar Essence Clan. The scrawny old man rode a black horse, but the warriors, tall and imposing, exuded an air of formidable presence.

"What did you talk about?" Aria quietly pulled Neven aside from the farewell procession and asked in a hushed voice.

"The chieftain wants you to go to Aether," Neven replied softly.

"What?" Aria hissed in astonishment, drawing the attention of the soldiers. She quickly lowered her voice, a mix of anger and confusion flashing in her eyes. "Are they all mad? Why is Felix abnormal, and his chieftain even more so? What have I ever done to offend them?"

"The chieftain is willing to exchange you for ten thousand carts of grain. Do you know how much that is?" Neven looked at her in disbelief.

"How much?"

"Enough to feed the entire Moon Tower for a year."

"Did Sage Solon agree?" Aria asked anxiously.

"Sage Solon said..." Neven deliberately dragged out his words, watching Aria's anxious expression before slowly uttering, "No..."

Aria's taut nerves finally relaxed, like a deflated balloon, her heart settling back to its normal rhythm.

"One more thing." Neven ran towards the gate and returned shortly with a birdcage and a letter. "The chieftain sent you a raven." The black bird inside the cage let out a piercing screech at Aria.

Aria opened the letter, which read:

"My dearest Aria, if you're reading this, it means the chieftain couldn't bring you back to Aether. I am truly saddened. But true love knows no price; I believe one day we will be together. If you miss me, use this raven to send me a message. — Felix."

Aria angrily tore up the letter and ordered Neven to release the noisy raven. As far as she was concerned, there was no "if" in her relationship with Felix; she would never use this annoying bird.

After seeing off the chieftain of Aether, Sage Solon called Neven into the Blue Stone Bastion for a private conversation. This talk was brief, and soon Neven walked out with a letter heading towards the watchtower. Aria eagerly followed him, waiting outside for as long as Neven was inside. She was worried the conversation might involve her, not wanting to be traded to Aether. Neven reassured her that Sage Solon would never do that. He whistled towards the watchtower, where Sable was lounging with his feet up.

"Did the chieftain mention anything about my scales? How did he know I could shoot arrows?" Aria displayed her scaled hand, holding it up to Neven.

Neven chuckled softly, taking her hand and kissing the scales. "The scales are adorable. Don't worry about the Aether people; we'll figure out what the chieftain's up to sooner or later."

The ladder creaked as Sable slowly climbed down. "Don't get all lovey-dovey in broad daylight; my eyes are going blind," he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Sable's mood brightened considerably with the task Neven brought. He danced around, waving the letter meant for the Moon Tower. Ever since arriving at the camp, he had been clamoring to return to see his dream girl. Now, Sable's wish was granted.

After that day, Aria repeatedly tested her newfound talent. She had never noticed her familiarity with archery before, yet strangely, her accuracy was astounding. As long as she focused on her target, holding her breath and staring at it, she would hit the mark with a single shot.