The youngest swallowed at the statement; he saw it coming, but even so, he somehow wished he wouldn't have to make that journey. He looked at his brother, his face was as usual, not many things fazed the man.
"Do the leaders know of this?" the Legate asked
"Of course not, why would I tell those old fools anything?"
He kept quiet at that and looked to his companions. He trusted them and they him, that's why they had revealed what had occurred in the human lands the minute they got back. Yes, he had found it interesting that there was a human bearing an ability long forgotten to time, but he assumed it was bound to happen at a point, so he wasn't too alarmed after all the two had made sure to erase her memories, or at least they thought they did
"You do know this will be risky, bringing a human here without alarming anyone else will be difficult after all the leaders' magic is attached to the gateway."
"You don't worry about that, the Paisios and I will make a way."
"He knows about this."
"Of course, he is the servant of the heavens, and he's the one to determine if truly she is who we think".
"So only the five of us know?"
"Yes, and it shall remain that way."
"What happens if she is indeed the chosen?"
"Then we train and prepare her as best as we can, I'll be expecting your help even at that."
"Hmmm, very well then, how soon should they leave?"
"The day after tomorrow, make your preparations."
"So soon," it was the youngest brother who now spoke, surprise in his voice
"Yes, we need to make haste; the sooner we get her, the better her chances."
"How will we even convince her to come with us?"
"That will be your problem, young one of the Drakon family."
The woman left them without a word more, Darius's mouth twisted in distaste; she always acted arrogant. Yes, she was a mighty being, an important one at that, but he, too, was important and held a high position in this world, yet she still talked to him as though she was his boss, ordering them around
It had been a while since anyone had referred to him as a member of the Drakon family; many just referred to him by his first name, and he preferred it that way, not because he was embarrassed by the name, quite the contrary, their family was known all over their realm. A family of warriors and protectors blessed by the heavens with mighty power that was honed towards keeping their realm safe
His family had birthed great warriors, many who went down in history as heroes, legends were still taught about them, and songs were sung of their bravery. He was proud, but the pressure of holding the name of such beings was sometimes too much; those who knew him by that name looked to him in awe, others in jealousy. Such was the life of a descendant of a legendary bloodline
His brother, too, preferred being called just by his name; he had his reasons why. Reasons that the younger brother didn't ask about, although he had his suspicions
They arrived at the official quarters of their legion, where the Legate's office was situated, and the guards at the front bowed deeply. Darius nodded and walked on, his mind occupied with the situation at hand
As soon as they entered his office, he put up a ward ensuring no one would hear what would be discussed in that office
"This girl, tell me about her."
"She's young, perhaps seventeen or eighteen, she just finished what the humans call high school, a stage in their education. She has a mother and younger brother; there doesn't seem to be a father around. Her other closest human relationship is with a girl, a friend. She doesn't seem to be very social.
She's smart and kind, willing to do anything for those she cares for, although she does have a bit of an attitude, but I'd say she is overall a good human. Oh, and she handles a bow pretty well," the eldest responded
"She's also really good at riding a horse," his younger brother quickly added
Darius took in their words while nodding before directing a question to the youngest, "Do you think she'll be willing to come?"
"Honestly, I can't say for sure, she was willing to help with the wendigo, but leaving her life behind is something else. I'm not even sure she'll trust us."
"How do you suggest you go about it?"
"I suggest we be honest with her, tell her everything, and let her make the choice. We can't be sure how she will react to seeing us again, and after what I tried to do, I don't know if she'll be angry or not. So being truthful would be safer, there's no need to make her any angrier and feel as though we deprived her of choice and freedom, especially if she is the chosen"
"Mmm, I see your point, but what if she refuses. If there is any chance that she is truly who we want, then I'm afraid the matter of choice would be out of her hands."
"Are you suggesting we kidnap her?" the youngest winced, although deep down he knew that would have to be their last resort
"Only if she isn't willing, you have to understand what she symbolizes; the fate of our world rests on her hands. We can't take chances. You'll be leaving as agreed, do your best to convince her, but if she refuses, do what you must. If she is the chosen, she will have to understand, but if she isn't, we'll send her back, and if she hates us, then that is the price we pay. Understood?"
"Yes," the two said in unison
"You may go and prepare, I'll send for you when the time is right."
The two bowed and walked out. Darius sighed. If that girl was who they thought, then war wasn't far, he needed to prepare his legion without raising any alarm
The brothers headed back to their shared house just outside the city, although many thought it was just for the convenience since they had a vast estate left to them by their parents further outside the city
The two didn't bother talking as they each went to make their preparations. How they would break the news was still foreign; there was no way to plan for such a thing. They could only hope that the heavens were merciful enough to make things work out
Night and day passed and it was finally time. The five met at the Keepers house and she led them through a secret passage. Darius and the Drakon brothers were rather shocked that there was a tunnel leading to the gateway but they chose not to ask any questions.
"You two will have to be quick, as soon as we make the gap, you have only ten seconds to pass; otherwise, the leaders will be alerted, and remember, you have three days to bring her back, we'll be here at the agreed time."
The brothers only nodded and bid their Legate their goodbyes. The Keeper and Paisios harnessed their power towards the giant tree, and they all watched as a small space was formed enough for one person to fit
"Go, may the heavens guide you," the old man said, and the two dashed for that gap, landing in a familiar forest