Book 3: Chapter 45: Harmony Eclipse

Book 3: Chapter 45: Harmony Eclipse

Zekes brows furrowed. What was he even supposed to say to something like this? Undeterred by his silence, the druid leaned over. His nose twitched like that of an animal as he took in Zekes scent.

Strange truly strange, he muttered. My nose is warning me of danger but my other senses tell me you are just a kid Its almost as if you are a druid, but not quite the same How curious!

For some reason, Zeke was getting incredibly irritated. It was more than just how the druid had invaded his personal space it was everything about him! His disgusting nose, his squishy skin, his pathetic excuse for fur, his tiny stature truly a pitiful creature

With a start, Zeke snapped back to his senses. Those thoughts had not been his own! With a growing sense of dread, he realized what was happening. It was the damn heart. Out of all the times to act up, did it have to be now? The amulet he was wearing could mask aura, but not scent.

Meanwhile, the druid had backed up slightly, staring right into Zekes eyes with a curious expression. This was not good. Had his pupils shifted just now? Had the druid seen it? How much did he know? Should he run?

With an effort of will, Zeke forcefully calmed his nerves. Panicking would do him no good. He had to pick a course and stick to it and fast. The longer he remained silent, the more suspicious he would appear. In this moment of crisis, Zeke managed a feat he had never known he was capable of. In a display of perfect harmony, his Blood and Mind Magic cooperated seamlessly to kick his brain into overdrive. It felt like time was standing still.

Whereas the world was in a frozen state, Zekes own thoughts were crystal clear. In fact, he had never felt as level-headed and logical as he did at this very moment. He could not waste this chance.

His first action was to investigate his current condition. His calculations revealed that he could not hold this state for longer than three heartbeats before his brain would start to take damage. However, with his current perception of time, that was an eternity.

Next, Zeke reviewed the current situation. What was the best way to handle the druid? One thing was certain: the Irrochian could not be allowed to learn of his heart. Zeke only had limited information about the druids, but the few things he did know were highly disturbing.

First, the druids were Flesh Mages. However, instead of using their power to change into other humans, they turned into monsters. Compared to the stealthy approach of most of their kind, the Druids were fearsome warriors.

Second, the druids shifted more than their appearance. They were able to copy a monsters abilities when taking their form.

Third, and this was the part that worried him, druids consumed monster hearts. Zeke had limited information, but his current theory was that they performed some sort of ritual that fused their souls with that of a monster. This would explain why the mans body had diverged from his original human appearance. Even if the changes were slight, he couldnt be called a pure human anymore.

This third point was where Zekes predicament stemmed from. If the druid learned of the Dragon Heart beating in his chest, Zeke would be in trouble. Where else would the druid find such a perfect present? Zeke had no illusion of being able to fight the man off for even a second.

Would the three Valorians protect him? Maybe but then again, Irroch and Valor were neighbors. It was possible that their relationship was a lot closer than Zeke had originally thought. The druid had gone to war with them, after all.

Zeke had no doubt that the man would be killed before escaping Tradespire if he actually tried to eat his heart. But that was a weak consolation to a dead man. He couldnt and wouldnt risk betting his life on the bear-mans rationality. The druid had already proven that he acted more on instinct rather than logic.

Zeke realized that he was thinking about this the wrong way. It would be much easier to approach this situation from the druids point of view and then decide on the best possible route. The question was, how much did the man know?

The druid had definitely been able to detect the scent of a monster. But he didnt seem to be able to pinpoint the type only that it was something strong. He might have also seen Zekes pupils turn vertical. And even if he hadnt, it was better to plan with the possibility in mind.

Was this it? If this was all the information he had, there were plenty of possibilities to escape this situation. What did the man say earlier? Almost like a druid, but not quite? He could most definitely work with that. As all the pieces came together, a plan started to form in Zekes mind.

With not even half the time spent, Zeke exited his focused state. In the first moment after, a feeling of exhaustion and vertigo assaulted him. He tried to manage the physical impact with his [Perfect Body Control] and was barely able to stabilize his condition after a few deep breaths. It had been a good choice not to use all the time he had. Who could say how bad the backlash would have been otherwise? This was not the time to explore this any further, however.

Zeke focused his attention on the man in front of him, who was studying him curiously. Only a moment had passed in the real world, and the druid was still carefully examining him. It was time to put his plan into motion.

Zeke raised a hand, bidding the druid to stop. Please give me some space, sir druid. My senses are sensitive. The mans eyes narrowed, but he still obliged for the moment and leaned back in his armchair. It was showtime.

Technically, the man said slowly, you could be considered a druid. Despite not being able to assume monster form, as well as your faulty Soul-Melding, you still went through the ritual. And as one of ours, you have certain duties.

Zeke didnt like the sound of that but didnt want to interrupt before knowing where this was going. If the man made any outrageous demands, he would simply refuse. His goal had been to make sure that the druid didnt catch on to the fact that he possessed a Dragons Heart. Now that the man seemed to have bought his story, most of the danger had passed.

Still, he would prefer to part on friendly terms with the Irrochian. Zeke couldnt deny that his interest had been peaked by their secret ritual. If his theory was correct, then their Magic was somehow linked to the soul. Zeke would love nothing more than to study it in detail. And this man might be his only way in

And what duties would those be, mighty Archdruid?

The man puffed out his chest and assumed a lecturing tone. Well we druids are wanderers and would naturally not restrict our members too much. There are merely three rules we are required to follow.

Zeke nodded, indicating that he was listening.

Rule number one, a druid does not fight against other druids outside of sanctioned duels.

Zeke nodded. He didnt see himself conflicting with that rule anytime soon.

Rule number two, a druid does not share our secrets with anyone not from the tribe.

Zeke nodded again. However, inwardly, he scoffed. What secrets? He didnt know any of them in the first place.

Rule number three, the man said, his voice turning somber. All druids must gather for the Harmony Eclipse Festival.

Zekes brows furrowed. A quick check in his mental library revealed that he had not come across the term before. The what?

The druid smirked. I am not surprised you never heard of it. The Harmony Eclipse is an event where the boundaries between worlds are momentarily lifted. We, druids, believe that this connection between worlds is where the ancient races stem from. It has been our job for millennia to stop them from entering our world. Its the true origin of what we call the ancient races: Phoenixes, Titans, and Dragons

Zekes heart hammered in his chest. His jaw was locked and his fist clenched so hard that he drew blood. This was not by choice. The Heart had gone out of control ever since the druid had started talking about the Harmony Eclipse. For some reason, the mans words had riled it up. Zeke thought he could even hear snarling from somewhere deep in his consciousness. All he could do for now was hold himself back from lashing out.

Luckily, the druid mistook his tense silence for something else. Dont worry, young one. It is not full-grown ancients that we have to face during the festival. For some reason, only juvenile ancient beasts come through the portal.

Zeke managed a jerky nod. An impressive feat, considering how hard he had to focus to merely keep his body under control.

So, the man asked with expectant eyes. What do you say? Are you willing to join us druids, during the next festival and officially join our ranks?

Zeke had so many questions. When was this festival? Where would he have to go? How dangerous was it? What was he expected to do? But right now, he could not utter a single word. In fact, he was afraid that the only thing that would be coming out of his mouth would be a guttural roar. Devoid of any other choice, he simply nodded again.

The druids smile widened. With one of his meaty paws, he clapped Zeke on the shoulder, almost bringing him to the ground with the force of the gesture. Excellent, excellent! Come, young one, we have to drink to this. From now on, you can consider us druids your brothers. We need to drink to this!

His steps carried him back to the manor, his gait just as fast as before. Over his shoulder, he called to the still-frozen Zeke. By the way, my friends call me Odir. What should I call you, little brother?