The battlefield was eerily quiet now, the aftermath of the intense battle leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Canna, having calmed down, stood at the center of it all, his mind still processing the events that had just transpired. Grimruk had already returned to Canna's domain, his duty fulfilled for the moment.
Nyx, who had also emerged from the domain, stayed in the shadows, his massive form blending with the darkness as he silently observed his master. He could still feel the remnants of Canna's rage through their connection, and it gnawed at him that he had been unable to help during the fight.
Tiberius, now back at Canna's side, couldn't help but steal glances at the man he had pledged to guide. What he had witnessed was something no one was meant to see—the raw, terrifying power of a Harbinger. The very title struck fear into his heart, for a Harbinger was an entity of chaos and destruction, a force of nature that could not be tamed.
The thought that he had come so close to such a being, and now held knowledge that could endanger his entire tribe, weighed heavily on him. If word got out that Canna was a Harbinger, the Lightbringers and other forces would surely hunt him down. For now, Tiberius decided to leave it to fate. He knew Canna wouldn't destroy his village or enslave him—at least, he hoped so.
But the uncertainty gnawed at him, making him question everything he thought he knew about the man.
Mortem, however, was far from calm. The rage that simmered within him was barely contained. Of all Canna's subordinates, it was Mortem who felt the most fury. The fact that someone had dared to lay hands on his master, to humiliate and harm him in such a manner, was unacceptable.
Mortem's mind raced with the possibilities—he could have summoned a protective barrier to shield Canna from that initial blow, but he had held back, respecting Canna's command to stand down and allow him to handle the situation himself. But now, he regretted that decision. The sight of his master being harmed was too much to bear.
Nyx, ever loyal, remained in Canna's shadow, ready to emerge at a moment's notice should his master need him. He was more cautious now, having seen the wrath of his master and the extent to which the Verdant Wardens had pushed him. He would not be caught off guard again.
Kael, on the other hand, was desperately trying to mend the broken ties. He had spent hours in tense negotiations with the elders of the Verdant Wardens, doing everything in his power to smooth over the disastrous turn of events. He knew that if they couldn't salvage this meeting, their entire journey would have been in vain.
Flora had rejoined the conversation after healing herself, her demeanor more subdued but still wary. The hours ticked by as they discussed and debated, Kael trying to convince them that Canna's actions, while brutal, were a result of their own provocations.
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When the meeting finally concluded, Kael returned to Canna's side, his expression heavy with disappointment. "I tried," he said, his voice laden with regret. "They appreciate that you didn't destroy their village, but they see it as too risky to continue this alliance after everything that's happened."
The elders of the Verdant Wardens huddled together, their voices low as they debated their options. But there was no debate to be had—they all knew what had to be done. Survival was their only priority now, and to ensure the continued existence of their people, they would have to submit.
Flora, her voice shaky but resolute, finally spoke up. "We... we will move to your master's domain," she said, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. "We will serve him and ensure that our people survive."
The decision sent ripples through the gathered Verdant Wardens. Many of them had lived their entire lives in this village, their connection to the land and the forest deep and profound. The thought of leaving it all behind, of serving a Harbinger no less, was almost too much to bear. But they knew that the alternative was death, and so they bowed their heads, accepting their fate.
Canna, who had been silent throughout the exchange, felt a pang of guilt. He had never wanted to rule through fear, to force others into submission. But he also understood the necessity of Mortem's actions. The Verdant Wardens now knew his secret, and there was no guarantee that they wouldn't betray him. It was a harsh reality, one that he had hoped to avoid, but now it was staring him in the face.
As the Verdant Wardens began to gather their belongings and prepare to move, Canna looked at Mortem, who stood tall and unyielding. He knew that Mortem had acted with the best intentions, to protect him and ensure his safety. But it didn't make the situation any easier to accept.
With a heavy heart, Canna turned to the Verdant Wardens. "I promise you this," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "In my domain, you will be safe. You will be valued, and your knowledge and skills will be respected. I may be a Harbinger, but I do not seek to destroy without cause. Together, we can create something greater than what we have lost."
The words offered little comfort to those who were leaving behind everything they had ever known, but they clung to the hope that Canna's domain would be a place where they could rebuild and thrive.
And so, with the decision made, the Verdant Wardens began their exodus. The forest that had been their home for generations would now be left behind, and they would enter a new chapter in their lives—one filled with uncertainty, but also with the promise of survival.
As the last of the Verdant Wardens departed, Mortem turned to Canna, his expression softening. "You did the right thing, Master," he said quietly. "It was the only way to ensure their loyalty."
Canna nodded, though his heart still felt heavy. "I just hope that in time, they will come to see me as more than just a Harbinger."
Mortem smiled faintly. "They will, Master. In time, they will see the truth."
With that, the group began their journey back to Canna's domain, the echoes of the battle left behind as they looked towards the future. The Verdant Wardens had chosen survival over destruction, and now they would face whatever came next together.