Chapter 427: Naha

Chapter 427: Naha

From the Shadows

The dragon brought them to a forest, then pointed in the distance.

The Castle is that way, he said. Be careful, I shall remain here if things go awry. I cannot act within the Castle, but if you can leave I will be able to.

Naha nodded, but she didnt put much faith in the dragon, it was apparent to her that their relationship with the dragon was not that of close allies. She stepped into Ereclaws shadow, and he made his way through the forest. She leaned on her passive senses and those that made her harder to be noticed. She could feel the shadow that the Castle cast and she wondered how that was even possible. There was no real light in the Ethereal Realm, everything, or at least most things, were made out of some type of Ethereal Essence. Yet shadows still existed, even though they didnt feel quite real to her senses.

She didnt dwell on that for too long, what mattered was that it worked.

It didnt take long for Ereclaw to reach the Castle. He walked up to the gates, and immediately the air above the arch shimmered revealing the giant snake spirit, its obsidian scales glimmering in the ethereal light.

Who goessss there? The Gatekeeper asked, its voice echoing through the forest.

Ereclaw bowed respectfully, I am Ereclaw, and I seek entrance to the Castle of Knowledge.

The Gatekeeper looked him up and down, I do not recognize you. What businesssss do you have here?

I have come seeking knowledge, Ereclaw replied. As all that come to your gates do.

The Gatekeeper hesitated for a moment before answering. The Casssstle of Knowledge issss not admitting new visitorssss at the moment, return later.

Would you deny someone seeking knowledge the opportunity to learn? Ereclaw asked. I though that the gates of Castle of Knowledge are open to all?

The snake leaned down, looking at Ereclaw intently before tilting its head. No, I would not. However, knowledge comes with a price. What will you offer in return for entrance?

I offer the knowledge of who I am, the Emissary of Twilight.

The snake paused, and then the grinding sound of the gates opening sounded. Then enter, Ereclaw, Emissary of Twilight. Be welcome to the Castle of Knowledge.

Ereclaw bowed and stepped in, walking down a long corridor until he stepped into a large courtyard. Naha kept her senses focused, trying to locate Zach, but there were areas that she couldnt sense within.VIsit n0(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

As he stepped into the yard, Naha noticed the spirits all around them. They were so many of them everywhere, each more different than the last. Ereclaw walked through the courtyard, marveling at the variety of spirits that inhabited the area. Some spirits appeared to be elemental in nature, taking the form of crackling flames, swirling gusts of wind, or even living water. These spirits seemed to interact with the environment, causing small, localized phenomena such as a gentle breeze or a tiny rain shower.

Other spirits represented different aspects, like blades, growth, or nature. Blade spirits moved with fluid grace, their edges sharp and their forms ever-shifting, as if they were constantly honing themselves. Growth spirits were a fascinating sight; they seemed to be in a constant state of change, with vines and flowers blooming and withering around them, a never-ending cycle of life and decay. Nature spirits took on various forms, from majestic tree-like beings to creatures that resembled the animals of the Real Realm. These spirits appeared to be in harmony with the environment, acting as guardians and caretakers of the ethereal plants and creatures that inhabited the courtyard.

The spirits moved about, conversing with each other in ways that Naha couldnt quite understand, and observing Ereclaw with curiosity. As he continued his journey through the courtyard, Naha could sense the power these spirits held, as well as their connection to the Castle of Knowledge. There was a sense of something connecting them all together, something building up all around them that reminded her of how Zach felt when he touched the Plane of Time. It was clear that they were all part of a vast, interconnected web that was somehow bringing a connection to the Aspect of Knowledge closer into this place, making the Castle a truly awe-inspiring place.

Nahas senses caught someone approaching, and Ereclaw turned his attention to them as well. It was, to Nahas surprise, a demasi man. He reached Ereclaw and inclined his head.

Welcome to the Castle of Knowledge, I am Lisin Bi Fal, Ill be your guide, he said, then tilted his head. I must say that this is a rare sight, I have never seen one of your kind come to the seek Knowledge amongst us.

Ereclaw leaned his head to the side. Is knowledge not a pursuit that all should aspire to?

The demasi gave Ereclaw some directions and then bid his goodbye, leaving them in the room. Ereclaw walked through the forest as spirits milled around, some flying above them, and others entering alcoves beneath the trees. Somehow, Ereclaw seemed to be able to tell what knowledge the trees contained, and he made his way to one then crouched and entered an alcove.

Within, a large wolf sat on its haunches, waiting.

Greetings young pup, the wolf said. Sit and listen to the story of my hunts.

Ereclaw didnt looked at the wolf for a long moment. Its been so long since I last sat and listened to an elders story.

For a moment, his eyes grew fond, but then he shook his head. The wolf seemed to be waiting for something, just staring straight ahead, and Ereclaw moved away to the corner. The wolf didnt reactof course, it wasnt real, it was just a way to relay knowledge in a way that Ereclaw was comfortable with.

Naha, he whispered, too low for anyone to hear. She moved her presence closer to the surface of his shadow, just below his ear.

I hear you, she said.

Do you know where he is? He asked.

No, my True Link perk is not telling me anything, other than that he is still alive. And I cant sense the entirety of the castles shadows. There are areas that are somehow shielded. What about you?

Ereclaw grimaced. I caught his scent.

Really? Where is he? Naha pressed.

It is faint, old, but he was in this place, the Repository.

Naha felt her heart skip. Old?

Days old, I cant tell where he is now, Ereclaw said.

Days old? That she had feared that, with the way the Ethereal seemed to flow at different rates of time Can you find him?

Not unless I find a fresh scent, Ereclaw answered.

Naha grimaced. In her senses she still followed the presence of the demasi walking away.

I am not going to just sit and wait for something to fall in our laps, Naha said slowly, anger slipping through, overtaking her fear. Zach had been gone for days, and she didnt know what happened to him. She couldnt let that continue.

What are you thinking? Ereclaw asked.

Im going to scour this place for clues, and if I dont find them Then I will take what I need from them, Naha said slowly. Are you with me?

Ereclaw paused, and then nodded. Betrayal is the worst offense one can give, he answered.

Ill be right back, with that decided, Naha took out an item out of her storage, still hidden inside of the shadow. And then she activated the Mirror of Reality from within the Castle of Knowledge. The world shifted around her, then pulled her in. And then she was no longer in the real Castle, but a mirror image of it.

She stepped out of Ereclaws shadow and glanced at him, only to see empty space. His powers interfered with him being copied. But that was fine. She walked out, searching for any signs of Zach.