Chapter 201: The Brothers

Chapter 201: The Brothers

Iras children lay sleeping, waiting for him to return. Well, at least two of them were.

Valeryn slowly sat up and climbed down from the bed without disturbing his siblings. Zephyr and Raveria stirred, sensing the change but neither of them woke up.

Seeing that, Valeryn quietly slipped out of the room and as soon as he did, Zephyrs eyes opened.

Valeryn? Zephyr called out in a whisper. He rubbed his eyes before following after his brother.

It seemed that Raveria was the only to remain asleep. Usually, she wouldve been awake but it was likely that she had overexerted herself at some point and was filled with fatigue.

Zephyr crept down the low-lit halls of the Fortress following Valeryn who had long since noticed him.

Come on. Valeryn turned on his heels and urged Zephyr to hurry up to which his brother eagerly complied.

Um...Valeryn? Zephyr spoke in a low voice while keeping alert. Even though Ira had made sure that the fortress was impenetrable, the Valkyries still patrolled regularly.

Hm? Valeryn hummed. It seemed that he already knew his destination as his steps were certain.

Where are you going? Zephyr asked.

Outside. I want to see the sky.

ButShouldnt we at least tell Ravi? Zephyr questioned.

She wouldnt let me go out if I told her. Ravi doesn't like us going off on our own anyway. Valeryn answered clearly before stopping in front of a set of double doors. In here.

As the door opened, the small storeroom was exposed in its entirety. Zephyr sensed something strange with the temperature of the air.

Its colder in here. Zephyr voiced his thoughts.

Yes, it is. Valeryn agreed as he shut the door. Then, he brought out his sword and slashed downward, cutting empty air.

Zephyr watched curiously but his eyes slowly widened as he watched the air split. The scenery of an entirely different place could be seen through a breach that was floating in the air.

Ryn! Zephyrs jaw dropped but it was quickly covered by his brothers hand.

Shhh. Valeryn waited for Zephyr to calm down before uncovering his mouth.

Its amazing Ryn. Zephyr was still full of excitement as he looked at the opening in space that led to an area just outside the Underground City.

No, it took me a few days to get it just right. It isnt like what Father can do. Valeryn evaluated himself with disappoint.

The two of them climbed to their feet and waited for the dust to settle. And slowly a smoldering rock, with bits of metal sticking out of its surface, was revealed to them.

Zeph...Did you do that? It was Valeryns turned to be surprised. In his eyes, it looked like Valeryn pulled a star out of the sky.

Not on purpose, I swear! Zephyr panicked. He made a simple gesture while his daydreaming and it turned into something dangerous.

"It was amazing." Valeryn's eyes shined.

He summoned his saber and poked the meteorite a few times.

...But we should really go back, Valeryn said as he put his sword away.

Zephyr nodded and the two hurried into tear that Valeryn opened up. As they traveled through it, Valeryn performed another slash and the portal dissipated, making it seem as if it was never there.

You arent going to keep it around? Zephyr questioned.

With the whole continent targeting the Dark Elf Empire, it would be while before they could leave the Underground City.

No, we could get in trouble if someone found it. Valeryn didnt seem to be attached to the idea which was good news as a secret two-way entrance into the Underground City would be an extremely bad idea.

Valeryn opened the door and waiting right outside of it was Harper. They met eyes and both wore surprised expression. Harper was surprised because she had picked up their scents and decided to follow but she was unaware of where they went. The room appeared empty at first so she was surprised when Valeryn suddenly appeared. Her senses hadnt dulled so it was strange to see something get past them.

Hey, whatre you doing here, Ryn? Harpers ghostly blue eyes scanned Valeryn and then she spotted Zephyr behind him. And Zephyr?

Aunt Harper Zephyr started.

We were looking for the bathroom, Valeryn said, interrupting his brother.

Is that right? Harper appeared to buy into it. She raised her hand and patted Valeryn on the shoulder with a smile. You would think that after being born here you would remember where the bathroom was.

We were a little tired. Valeryns face didnt change at all as he lied.

Oh? Harper removed her hand and rubbed her fingers together, letting little grains of sand fall to the floor. I wonder how you ended up getting so dirty then?

We were only gone for a second, Aunt Harper. Please dont tell Dad. Zephyr pleaded with a pitiful expression.

Harper showed some consideration. It seemed like they left the Fortress somehow but she couldnt figure out the exact method and she doubted that Valeryn would be the one to tell her.

Ill let it go but if Avery or Ira find out dont expect me to help you out. Harper ruffled Valeryns neatly divided hair much to his dismay.

You two should get back quickly. Harper sent the two of them off, keeping their brief adventure secret for a little while longer.