Nalani Is A Threat

Nalani 41

As dawn struggled through the dense forest canopy, a lone rider approached the Ruteron border.

The rider’s silhouette was barely visible in the darkness before the light of the sun rose from the east, but the vigilant guards of the region quickly intercepted him.

A small group of men, cloaked andarmed, emerged from the shadows, their movements seemingly alert.

“Stop! Who goes there?” one of them demanded, stepping forward with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

The horseman, who wore a thick coat that covered his face, led his horse and raised his gloved hand in a sign of peace. “I seek Err Seldam, your chieftain,” the horseman’s voice was muffled by the scarf pulled up to his mouth, but his tone sounded urgent.

The guards exchanged suspicious glances. “And who are you to request an audience with our chieftain in the middle of the night like this?” another man asked, his tone sharp.

The horseman reached into the folds of his cloak and pulled out a small object, holding it up for the guards to see. It was a crystal, glowing with an inner light that pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat. The men drew back slightly.

“Tell him,” the horseman said, his voice low and commanding, “that Arynwyn wishes to speak with him.”

The mention of the name and the sight of the pulsing crystal made the guards pause. One of them, having regained his composure, nodded quickly. “Wait here,” he instructed, before turning and hurrying back to their camp.

The horseman sat silently on his horse, the eerie crystal light casting shadows on his hooded face.

The guards remained onguard, though now they were less hostile, colored with curiosity and respect.

A few minutes later, the guards returned, accompanied by a gray-bearded old man with a stern expression and an aura of authority.

Err Seldam, chief of the Ruteron tribe, approached without hesitation, his eyes fixed on the mysterious horseman.

“You have come a long way, Arynwyn,” Err Seldam said, his tone sounding respectful. “What brings you to my lands at this Hour?”

Arynwyn lowered her hood, revealing her sharp, elfin face and cold, black eyes. All the Ruteron border guards were surprised that she was a woman. Her silver-white hair shimmered even in the absence of light. “Very important matters, Chieftain,” she replied. “There is much to discuss, and little time. May we speak in private?”

Err Seldam looked at her for a moment before nodding. “Very well. Follow me.”

Arynwyn and Err Seldam moved through the dense forest, the thick underbrush muffling their footsteps as the crystal light in Arynwyn’s hand provided enough light to guide their way.

The air was cool and still, filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures and rustling leaves.

They came to a secluded clearing, where the light of dawn was beginning to penetrate the treetops. Err Seldam turned to face Arynwyn, his expression wary but curious. “It is safe to talk here. Now tell me what was so urgent that you came toRuteron, Arynwyn?”

Arynwyn took a deep breath, her face serious. “It is about gOrdas, Bermund.”

Err Seldam’s eyes narrowed. “What is wrong with her?”
“She has been given a task,” Arynwyn began, her voice low and measured, “a task that, if completed, could alter the balance of power in ways we cannot.”

Err Seldam crossed his arms, his face seemed to be skeptical. “Ordas is a mercenary, a sword for hire. Her duties are many and varied. Why should this one concern me?”

“Because this one involves the murder of Nalani.”

Err Seldam’s eyes widened slightly, before being replaced by a mask of calm.

“Nalani? That Morvena girl? Yes, I already know. The alpha of Mond came to see me, trying to find out who paid Ordas to kill that girl.”

Arynwyn nodded. "That is fitting, for the girl has become his."

Err shook his head. "I never liked your terms. Humans are not objects. We are not owned like something that can be exchanged or replaced."

The elf smiled faintly. "Do you prefer the term mate? Because That is what Karyan has been doing to Nalani without the innocent girl's knowledge."

Err's eyebrows rose. "And that's a problem?"

"Potentially a problem, yes. She's not supposed to be a werewolf's mate."

Arynwyn nodded. "But I can't say much about that yet. I'm here to ask you a favor."

***

In his large tent, Err leaned against the rough-hewn table, his brow furrowed in deep thought.

The sun had risen long ago, long after the elf had left Ruteron territory. His conversation with Arynwyn still echoed in his mind.

"Let me get this straight. You want me to convince the Alpha of Mond to release Ordas and let Ruteron take his rightful custody?"

Arynwyn nodded, her expression earnest. "Yes. Ordas is a threat to the Nalani as long as she is in Mond. If we can transfer him to Ruteron, we can better control the situation."

"What exactly is Ordas' ultimate goal?"
Arynwyn hesitated, her eyes flickering with anxiety. "Nalani's Life. She was tasked with weakening her, by any means necessary. Killing her is the main task, but otherwise, weakening her until she’s killed by something is enough. There's more at stake here than you realize."

Err's eyes narrowed, a realization dawning. "Is Ordas working for Sivandell?"

"Not really," Arynwyn admitted, biting her lip. "She works for the elf who wants Nalani gone."

"Why?" Err demanded, leaning closer.

"What does an elf care about a witch's child?"

Arynwyn sighed, her gaze falling to the floor. "I can't tell you everything, Err. Not yet. It's too complicated. We need to be absolutely sure about Nalani's potential. I promise you'll be the first to get my explanation in due time. On the other hand, the Elf is already very sure Nalani is a significant threat to what he believes, enough to act recklessly."

Err clenched his fists, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. He had always known there was more to Nalani than meets the eye.

He once had some kind of vision that the innocent girl given by Inverno to Mond was no ordinary girl.

She was not Mirean. She had magical abilities that were still latent. But the connection with the fae world? His third eye had never seen that far.

"I need more than that, Arynwyn," he said. "I can't go to the Alpha with half-truths and vague threats. He would never agree to it."

"Please. Just make a reason. We can't let that elf have it. If Ordas stays here, it's only a matter of time before something terrible happens."

Err sighed, the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders. He had always been the protector of his people, and now he was being asked to protect a young witch. He had to tread carefully, using all his diplomatic skills to persuade the Alpha without revealing too much.

"All right," he said finally. "I will speak with Karyan. But if this is wrong, if Nalani is in greater danger because of this, her blood is on your hands, Arynwyn."

Err decided to leave for Mond that very day. Mond was located in the Northern Mountains of Ferburn, a day's journey from their territory.

"Athar!" he called out.

A tall, handsome man in black robes entered his tent. He was his eldest son.

"Yes, Father?"

"Prepare some of the best soldiers to accompany me to Mind Right now."

Athar's black eyes flashed. "I'll come with you."

The chieftain seemed to think for a moment. "All right, son. We must leave immediately."
***