Shadow Bands

XL. Parallax

Kaelen's head perked up once he heard the echo of the front door shutting. His eyes watched the doors to Aeris' office intently as footfalls came closer. Once they opened, Lyra stepped through, breathing a sigh of relief.

"How did the gathering go?" His eyes scanned her, looking for any signs of distress.

"I think it went well. . ." She gandered at the two Lycrans standing behind him. "Are they the ones you're looking for?"

One Lycran stood proudly with his arms crossed. His skin was dark as night, and he had braided his dark hair into fine strands with white hairs woven in. He had many scars on his arms, and a finger was missing.

The other Lycran seemed timid. She had a small frame, but her muscles were toned. Her tan skin was peppered with freckles, and her hair was blazing orange.

Kaelen stood to introduce them. "This is Tulk, the blacksmith. And his apprentice Yarma. She has a brilliant mind, like yourself."

Lyra walked up to them to shake hands, but Yarma was the only one who took it.

"Great to meet you, Ms. Algernon," said Yarma. "I've heard so much about you!"

Tulk's posture remained reserved and observant.

Kaelen cleared his throat.

"We have already made plans to infiltrate our fallen kingdom. We will execute this task tomorrow when the moon is high. That will be our greatest chance."

"Just you three are going? I don't think that's the best course of action." Her foot tapped on the floor. Kaelen could practically see her thoughts rushing through her head.

"I understand your concerns, but this will be enough. You will have to trust us that we can do this."

"I can get Helen to go with you-"

"Humans will slow us down." Tulk finally spoke. His voice was like rolling thunder. "With Kaelen, our chances of surviving have risen significantly."

"And besides, all we need is specs of our forge, and the Nighlstone. Not a big job, if you ask me." Yarma's hazel eyes gleamed.

"You have other battles to fight; this is ours."

Lyra took hold of Kaelen's hand, and her green eyes stared deep into his.

"Just come back safely—all of you." She gave them all a concerned look, then walked behind the desk, setting a jar of ink next to parchment.

Kaelen nodded his head at the two Lycrans, and they went to prepare for the journey ahead.

"Will you be okay?" Lyra asked, dipping a quill in the ink. Kaelen tilted his head and gave her a puzzled look. "You haven't been to your kingdom since its ruin. I'm sure it will be hard for all of you."

"I cannot say for certain what I will feel. But my people are our kingdom. As long as they stay strong and prideful, Lycra hasn't truly fallen. . . at least, that's what my father would say."

His hand pressed against his chest in respect of his father.

"The journey will be long and difficult for all of us, but please do not feel like you have to travel alone."

"The same goes for you, Lyra."

Just before he turned away, she called out to him.

"One moment, Kaelen. I need to discuss with you something of importance."

Her eyes went back and forth between Tulk and Yarma.

"Go ahead," said Kaelen to both of them. "Make preparations. I won't be too far behind."