Chapter 52: The Bribable Gatekeeper
“Hey there, lads. Let us in. We want a closer look at that powerful Druid,” one of the mages said to the two Druid apprentices guarding the entrance to the council’s territory.
The two apprentices looked at the three mages, recognizing them as locals who had come to observe the gathering. Two of them seemed curious, the third almost fanatical in his interest.
One of the apprentices said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Masters, but we have strict instructions. No unauthorized personnel are allowed inside today. There’s a large-scale magical working in progress, and any disruption could be dangerous.”
The mages looked disappointed. The most eager one scratched his back, then said, “We won’t cause any trouble. We just want a closer look.”
The apprentices hesitated.
As elves, they were less suspicious than humans. Human guards wouldn’t have hesitated to refuse them—after all, what was in it for them? If these mages caused trouble, they would be held responsible.
“Here, have some berries. They’re from our village. We call them rainbow berries, a new variety. No one else has tasted them yet,” one of the mages said, offering a handful of colorful, fragrant berries.
The apprentices’ mouths watered at the sight and smell of the tempting fruit.
“But our master told us…”
“Just try one,” the mage said, placing a berry in one of the apprentice’s mouths. “How does it taste?”
The apprentice, his words muffled by the fruit, hesitated for a moment, then his eyes widened.
“Delicious!”
“You try one too,” the mage said, offering a berry to the other apprentice.
“Wow! It’s amazing!”
“So, if you let us pass, these are all yours,” the mage said, smiling. “A win-win situation, wouldn’t you say?”
The apprentices exchanged glances, then nodded.
“Alright, you may pass. But don’t get too close to the Masters. Their spellcasting can be dangerous,” they warned.
“Of course, my friend. We just want a closer look,” the mage said, handing them the berries.
“Don’t get too close,” the apprentices repeated, their mouths watering.
“We won’t cause any trouble,” the mages said, then walked past them, heading towards the sacred tree, the oppressive mana growing stronger with each step. Abyss’s form, floating high above, became clearer.
“Let’s stop here. We don’t want to disturb the Druids,” the mage who had offered the berries said to his companions.
“This view is good enough. We wouldn’t see anything different from up close anyway. As they say, we’re just laymen, here to watch the show. We don’t understand these complex rituals,” one of them agreed.
“What about you? Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you mesmerized?” they asked, turning to the most eager mage, who was staring at Abyss, scratching his back rapidly.
He didn’t answer.
As they were about to watch Abyss’s work, something happened.
Rip!
The mage’s back split open, a pair of massive wings erupting from within, knocking his companions off their feet.
“What the…” the mage who had bribed the apprentices exclaimed, staring at his companion, who had suddenly grown wings. “You’re a Druid?!”
Screech!
The winged man didn’t answer. He opened his mouth and let out a piercing cry, his body transforming, his clothes ripping as his muscles bulged, feathers erupting from his skin, tearing through his flesh, his hair falling out, his face contorting, his teeth replaced by a beak.
He had become a griffin.
“That’s not Druidic shapeshifting!” the mage exclaimed, recognizing the unnatural transformation. “Something’s wrong! Run!”
The two mages scrambled to their feet and fled, their movements panicked. The mana in the clearing had been drained. They couldn’t use their magic! Their only option was to run.
The griffin ignored them, its gaze fixed on Abyss, its eyes glowing red.
It spread its wings, the force of the downdraft flattening the grass, then launched itself into the air, a feathered projectile, aimed at Abyss.
…
Leona, leaning against Flora, was getting bored. According to Rebecca, it was almost time for Abyss’s plan to conclude, but nothing had happened yet. She had been hoping for some action.
Screech!
A cry echoed from the direction of the entrance.
“Hmm? Trouble?” Leona asked, sitting up.
Flora, also alert, looked towards the sound.
As they prepared for a potential attack, a massive, winged figure, moving with incredible speed, appeared, diving towards Abyss.
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