Harry Potter: The Last Exodus

Emberfang Rises

As the sun climbed over the hills of Eldoria, Marcus, one of the Lost with the golden core, stood atop a small rise, gazing down at the land he and a few others had selected for their new village. To him, it was the perfect place—a rugged terrain surrounded by forests and creeks, with a sense of wild strength in its stillness. His thoughts swirled with visions of the community he hoped to create, a place honoring the fierce protector they had come to revere: the guardian Garmr.

Turning to the handful of villagers who had joined him, Marcus called out, "Welcome, everyone, to the site of Emberfang! From today, we're building a village to honor Garmr—a place where we can cultivate strength, unity, and loyalty."

The small crowd murmured with excitement, sharing nods and smiles. They had all felt a pull toward the guardian Garmr, who symbolized protection and judgment, and they believed that living in Emberfang would allow them to deepen their bond with this powerful presence.

Laying the Foundation

Standing by Marcus was Lydia, an older witch with years of experience in building and crafting charms. She gestured toward the rough clearing below, marked with stakes and ropes. "This land has good bones for a village," she said thoughtfully. "And, Marcus, I've got plans for a central plaza around the shrine, so we can host gatherings or ceremonies in Garmr's honor."

Marcus nodded, his face thoughtful. "Yes, that sounds perfect, Lydia. I'd also like to see if we can arrange a guard post near the edge of the forest. Since Garmr is our protector, it's only fitting that we carry that role forward."

One of the younger men, a wizard named Allen, raised his hand. "Marcus, I'd be honored to lead the guard. I've trained in protective charms, and if Garmr's taught us anything, it's to stand as shields for our community."

"Thank you, Allen," Marcus replied, nodding approvingly. "Your skills will be invaluable here."

Constructing the Shrine

The group moved toward the center of the clearing, where the future shrine to Garmr would stand. Marcus held out a rough sketch of his vision: a towering statue of Garmr, three-headed and imposing, with intricate runes inscribed along its base. He wanted the shrine to be a place of reflection, yet also serve as a symbol of their dedication to protect one another.

"Lydia," Marcus said, "can you handle the stonework for Garmr's statue? It's the heart of Emberfang. I want it strong enough to last centuries."

"Absolutely," Lydia replied, a gleam of determination in her eye. "We'll source the finest stone from Eldoria's cliffs, and I know a few earth wizards who can help shape it with the detail Garmr deserves."

The others joined in with ideas and plans, each person's enthusiasm feeding the group's energy. One young witch, Serena, volunteered to paint runes on the shrine that would bless the village with Garmr's protection. "I'll make sure every stroke is a reminder of his strength," she said softly, her eyes alight with devotion.

Naming the Leader

As the morning continued, it became clear that Marcus was the heart of this project, guiding each person with focus and respect. His natural leadership drew admiration from the others, and as the group paused to rest, Allen turned to him.

"Marcus," he began, "it seems only right that you lead us. You've had this vision for Emberfang and guided us here. I think I speak for everyone when I say...we'd be honored to have you as our mayor, or whatever you'd prefer to be called."

There was a round of approving murmurs and nods from the group.

Marcus's face flushed slightly with surprise, but he nodded, accepting the weight of their trust. "If you all feel that way, then I accept. But this village isn't just mine—it's a place for all of us, united by our devotion to Garmr. I promise to lead with that strength and loyalty."

Building the Heart of Emberfang

With the decision made, the work continued at a lively pace. Some villagers gathered stones for the shrine, while others began laying the foundations for homes and pathways. By midday, they had started shaping a small plaza around the shrine, marking out a clear space for the gatherings Marcus had envisioned.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, Lydia, exhausted but elated, stood beside Marcus to survey the progress they'd made. "It's remarkable," she said, wiping sweat from her brow. "Today, Emberfang is more than a dream—it's real. And I have to say, Marcus, this village feels...alive. It's as though Garmr himself is watching over us."

Marcus looked over the village with pride. "Perhaps he is," he replied thoughtfully. "We're his followers, after all."

Consecrating the Shrine

That evening, with the shrine partially built, Marcus gathered everyone around it. He held a small stone idol of Garmr, which he had brought with him as a token of their dedication.

"This is only the beginning," Marcus said, his voice steady and strong. "Tonight, let us consecrate this shrine and this village to Garmr. May he watch over us, guide us, and keep us safe. And may we live up to his example in all we do."

With that, he placed the idol at the base of the statue, and Lydia traced her fingers along the runes she'd carved, speaking a quiet incantation. The idol glowed faintly, casting a soft, protective light over the villagers.

One by one, the villagers each whispered a word of gratitude to Garmr, sealing their devotion to both the guardian and the spirit of Emberfang.