Chapter Seven

It's been about two weeks, and I am finally meeting the Elder Counsel, the advisor who held the keys to the ancient knowledge and secrets of this realm. I hoped they would provide the answers I needed to find a way back to my world and contact my team. My anxiety was through the roof, waiting for the council to get back wherever Kaden said they went. He said something about having a retreat at Crystal Springs of Kulnarah.

After a quick breakfast, I made my way to the grand hall, where Kaden awaited me. He greeted me with a warm smile, but I could see the seriousness in his eyes.

"Are you ready to meet the Elder Counsel?" he asked, his tone gentle but firm.

"I am," I replied, trying to steady my nerves. "I hope they can help."

Kaden led me through the palace's winding corridors to a large, ornately carved door. He pushed it open, revealing a circular chamber where several elderly figures sat around a massive wooden table. The room was filled with the scent of incense, and the walls were lined with ancient tomes and scrolls.

"Welcome, Astrid," one of the elders, a woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, greeted me. "I am Elder Elandra. We have been expecting you."

"Thank you," I said, trying to keep my nerves in check. "I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you."

Kaden took a seat beside me, offering silent support as the elders began their inquiries.

"We understand you possess the Amulet of Aranthor," Elder Elandra continued. "A powerful artifact indeed."

"Yes, I do," I replied, holding the amulet in my hand. "But I need answers. I need to know how to use it to contact my team and let them know I'm safe. And ultimately, how to return to my realm."

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions serious. Elder Thalor, a man with a long, white beard, spoke next. "The amulet's magic is ancient and complex. It is said to bridge realms, but using it to contact your world is fraught with danger."

I felt a surge of frustration. "I've heard that before. But what I need is a solution, not just warnings. My team and my family need to know I'm okay. And I need to understand how to get back."

Elder Elandra nodded slowly. "We understand your urgency, Astrid. But the magic of the amulet is unpredictable. Any attempt to use it could expose both our realms to great peril."

I clenched my fists, feeling my patience wear thin. "With all due respect, repeating that it's dangerous doesn't help me. I need actionable advice, not just warnings. There has to be a way to contact my world safely."

The elders fell silent, their expressions thoughtful but noncommittal. I glanced at Kaden, who gave me an encouraging nod.

Elder Thalor finally spoke again. "There are ancient texts that may hold the answers you seek, but they are hidden in the deepest parts of our archives. Accessing them will require time and careful study."

I sighed, my frustration boiling over. "Time is something I don't have in abundance. My team could be in danger, and every moment I'm here, they could be getting further from finding me. I appreciate your caution, but I need more than just theories and warnings."

Kaden placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Astrid, I understand your frustration. We will work together to find a solution. The elders have the knowledge we need, but it will take time to uncover the right information."

I took a deep breath, trying to rein in my emotions. "I'm sorry if I seem impatient, but this is overwhelming. I just need something concrete, something that tells me we're making progress."

Elder Elandra's eyes softened. "Your determination is commendable, Astrid. We will do everything in our power to help you. Let us begin our search in the archives immediately."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a mix of relief and lingering frustration. "I appreciate your help. I hope we find answers soon."

As the meeting concluded, Kaden and I left the chamber. The weight of uncertainty still hung heavy on my shoulders, but I was determined to keep pushing forward.

"I know it's not the answer you wanted," Kaden said softly as we walked back to the library. "But we'll find a way, Astrid. I promise."

I nodded, feeling a flicker of hope despite my frustration. "I trust you, Kaden. Let's get to work."

As we delved into the ancient texts, I couldn't shake the feeling of urgency. Time was slipping away, and the answers I sought seemed just out of reach. But with Kaden by my side, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Together, we would find a way to bridge the realms and uncover the secrets of the amulet.

The library was a sanctuary of knowledge, its shelves lined with countless volumes that chronicled the history and magic of Rathguard. Kaden and I spent hours poring over the ancient texts, looking for any clue that might help us. Despite the frustration of not finding immediate answers, Kaden's presence was a constant source of support and comfort.

Hours passed as we delved deeper into the ancient texts. Finally, Kaden came across a passage that seemed promising. "Astrid, look at this," he said, excitement in his voice.

I leaned over to see the passage he was pointing to. It spoke of a ritual that could potentially open a portal between realms, but it required precise conditions and powerful magic.

"This could be it," I said, feeling a surge of hope. "But how do we perform the ritual? And is it safe?"

Kaden's expression grew serious. "It's risky, but it might be our best chance. We'll need the elders' guidance to perform the ritual correctly."

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Then let's talk to them. We need their help to make this work."

As we made our way to the council chamber, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This could be the breakthrough we needed, but it also meant taking a significant risk.

The elders listened carefully as Kaden explained the ritual and its potential to open a portal between realms. Elder Elandra's expression was thoughtful as she considered our proposal.

"This ritual is indeed powerful," she said slowly. "But it is also dangerous. If not performed correctly, it could have catastrophic consequences. You may not survive this, as far as we all know, you are human. Doing this could possibly end your life. We are not willing to risk your life."

I took a deep breath, meeting her gaze. "I understand the risks, Elder Elandra. But I need to contact my team and find a way back to my world. I'm willing to take that chance."

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions serious. Finally, Elder Thalor spoke. "We will help you, Astrid."

"No," I heard Kaden next to me.

"No? What do you mean no? This is what I have been looking for."

"I am not willing to risk your life for a spell that could get bad very fast."

"With all due respect, Kaden, this is my life."

"You are being reckless and stupid, Astrid. Risking your life for a message? The answer is no. We will find another way."

I took a step back, a bit hurt by his words. "Fine," I said with anger. I excused myself and started to make my way to the exit.

An elder advisor with raven-black hair stepped forward to stand next to Elandra. He stared at me. I started to feel weird, almost as if I had to fight to keep my thoughts to myself. Light-headed, I held onto the nearest chair. "What do you really have back home?" he asked.

"Were you just in my head?" He nodded.

"Answer the question, Miss. A friend that you grew up with in the foster system?"

I let my jaw drop a bit in disbelief. "You have no right."

"Which parent left you?" I stepped back in a bit of shock and anger.

"Get. The. Fuck. Out of my head."

"Make me Astrid," He argues.

"Ronald, enough!" Kaden and Elandra say at the same time.

"No. Let her speak for herself. What else do you have back home? Who else did you lose?" Ronald pushed back.

"Get out of my head!" I shouted, my anger boiling over. The amulet in my hand grew instantly hot; then, my hand began to glow. Welcoming the heat, I felt my anger intensify. A burst of energy surged from my hand, creating a strong gust of wind that blew Ronald back with force.

I lifted my head and saw Elder Ronald pinned against the wall by a powerful gust of wind. Everyone else clung to something as the wind howled around them.

"That's the power we need! Don't you see the potential you have?!" Ronald shouted, still pinned in place.

"This is what you want?! You want me angry?" Suddenly, I felt an unfamiliar presence in my mind, an unseen companion. My voice echoed with a deeper, resonant tone, doubling each word I spoke.

The combined voice thundered, "You think this is the path to victory? Has history taught you nothing? You are fools to believe you are different from your ancestors, following the same misguided ways. Shameful elders, change your ways before history repeats itself." I turned to face Elandra and the rest of the Elder group. "Such a mortal flaw, greed. Don't you agree? Greed, envy, lust for power. Heed this warning. If history repeats itself, your world as you know it will cease to exist."

I collapsed onto the cold, tiled floor, surrounded by voices I couldn't comprehend. Two strong arms lifted me. "Hold on, Astrid. Hold on," Kaden's voice cut through the chaos, instantly recognizable. But I couldn't open my eyes or speak.

Moments later, I felt myself lying on a bed. I heard Kaden shout for the doctor. Moments after that, the heaviness overtook me, and I surrendered to unconsciousness.