19 Chapter 18
As Xerneas approached the abode of the Three-Eyed Raven, Brynden screamed in agony. The roots of the weirwood tree seemed to merge with his body, pulling at him fiercely. His cries echoed through the cave, sending shivers down the spines of the children of the forest who watched in fear. They trembled at the thought that perhaps the gods were punishing them or anyone connected to them. Fearing the wrath of the divine, they hesitated to move closer to the source of Brynden's suffering.
Reluctantly, they emerged from the cave, their hearts heavy with dread, willing to offer themselves as sacrifices to save the last greenseer. However, as they distanced themselves from Brynden's side, the situation took an unexpected turn.
Slowly, Brynden fell to the ground, released from the grip of the roots that had caused him such agony. With each passing moment, he felt himself growing younger, the pain fading away. As he regained consciousness, he looked around, astonished to find that his vision had sharpened, and he now possessed the eye he had lost in the war. He examined his arm in disbelief, realizing that he had returned to his prime.
With vigor, Brynden rose to his feet and stepped outside the cave, drawn by the whispers calling out his name.
As Brynden emerged from the cave, he beheld a sight that would remain etched in his memory for eternity. Before him stood a majestic stag emanating an aura of tranquility that touched every heart. Unable to believe his eyes, Brynden recognized the same being he had seen in his visions, a creature whose power had terrified him with its potential for destruction.
Despite his initial disbelief, Brynden's emotions overwhelmed him, compelling him to kneel before the awe-inspiring presence of Xerneas. In that moment, he surrendered to the will of the divine entity before him.
As Brynden gazed down, he saw his long-abandoned sword materialize before him. Raising his head, he beheld Jon standing in front of him, instead of Xerneas. "Pledge your loyalty to me," Xerneas spoke through Jon, "serve the realm as my men, as my family, Brynden Rivers."
Confusion clouded Jon's mind as he found himself under Xerneas's control, but he hoped it was the Xerneas will guiding his actions. Despite his uncertainty, Jon had gleaned wisdom from Xerneas, and he understood the gravity of the moment.
With resolve, Brynden grasped the Dark Sister and shifted into a kneeling position, ready to pledge his loyalty. "I pledge my loyalty to you, Jo..." he began, only to be corrected by Jon, "Aegon."
Realigning his words, Brynden solemnly declared, "I pledge my loyalty to you, Aegon Targaryen of House Targaryen, as my king and my family. I vow to serve the realm with devotion, to protect it from darkness, and uphold the values of honor and justice. My allegiance is yours, now and forevermore."
Raising his gaze to meet Jon's, Brynden envisioned Jon seated upon the Iron Throne, a symbol of his destined rule.
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With slow, deliberate steps, Ygritte closed the distance to her target, her fingers tightening around the bowstring, which stretched as she prepared to release the arrow aimed at the unsuspecting rabbit. Just as she poised to strike, the rabbit, alerted by some unseen disturbance, darted into the snow, eluding her. Weariness clouded Ygritte's expression, having spent a considerable time hunting only to lose her catch.
In her fatigue, she failed to notice a massive shadow gliding past her. Instinctively, she sought refuge behind the cover of trees, her eyes fixed on the spot where the shadow disappeared. As she peered into the distance, her eyes widened, and her mouth hung agape in disbelief at what she witnessed in the sky.
While in the haunted forest, Xerneas finally released its hold on Jon's body. Jon, feeling the return of control over his own form, spoke solemnly, "Rise... uncle!" Brynden, moved by the gesture, rose to his feet with a warm smile. Jon, wearing a slightly embarrassed smile, extended his arms for a hug. The Children of the Forest observed the interaction between these distant relatives in silence.
In the midst of the moment, everyone momentarily forgot about the presence of Xerneas, who had momentarily disappeared. Unnoticed, Xerneas started walking into the distance, gradually transforming into its majestic battle form. The antlers changed their color to a golden hue, radiating brilliant colors as they adorned Xerneas' antler.
Pressing onward, Xerneas approached a harrowing scene. A child, cradled in her mother's protective embrace, faced the imminent threat of a White Walker. This White Walker had ruthlessly slain their entire clan, transforming them into wights. Now, the White Walker sought to claim the child, adding another innocent soul to its army of the undead.
But it was already too late, for Xerneas had arrived. The mother of the child recoiled in fear as she witnessed the approaching White Walker, trailed by another of its kind. She beheld the heartbreaking sight of her family, once vibrant and alive, now transformed into wights, standing among the undead horde.
Tears streamed down her face as she gazed upon her child, who reached out to her with a hopeful smile. Yet, the White Walkers suddenly paused in their advance, sensing a powerful presence focused upon them. They felt their strength wane inexplicably, unable to comprehend the source.
Then, they noticed a radiant fairy aura enveloping the mother and child, causing the White Walkers to recoil, taking a step back in astonishment and uncertainty.
Soon, Xerneas emerged from the woods, his antlers glowing with brilliant light as he let out a soothing voice that caused the wights to lose control, their undead aura dissipating and leaving them to fall to the ground. The White Walkers glanced around, bewildered by the sudden turn of events as they witnessed their army collapsing.
The mother stared at Xerneas with her mouth agape, unable to comprehend what she was seeing. Meanwhile, the child giggled in the presence of Xerneas, the fairy aura dancing around them both.
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