17 The Kingdom of Eorin (4)

"The numbers increased a lot", Klyran whispered, but was clearly heard by both blondes.

"Numbers?" Ildurin asked and looked at the now white-haired Aldryn for an explanation.

"Do you still need us in this form?", the Thrae then asked, ignoring the King.

Upon receiving a negative reply from Klyran, the fox sighed and returned back into its host. Following suit, Ildurin released the powers of Aesthir and set the sword aside.

"What do you mean the numbers increased?" the blonde apostle asked excited, "Does it mean that I am stronger when the Thrae takes over? I do always feel different", he said with a grin while looking at his hands.

"Would someone explain to me what is happening here?" Ildurin finally snapped, a scowl marring his face.

After receiving a nod of approval from Aldryn, Klyran begun to explain. He told the two blondes about the strange skill that he got upon entering this world. He described to the best of his abilities the window that he was able to see and his observation regarding the numbers. At this, Ildurin remained astonished.

"So you are able to see a person's details? Their name if you know it, their race, again, if you know it, occupation and a status with numbers on it. Amazing" the blonde muttered.

"As I said before", Aldryn then decided to step in, "There is a skill in this world that is rather common to get, but it does not show that much information."

"For one, it doesn't work on other people, only on yourself" Ildurin then interfered, "It also shows us different information."

Then, upon seeing the confused look, the two blondes begun to explain to Klyan the skill known as the Enthral Eyes. There, they also had to explain to the Ryan that the skill was named like that because many people would fall obsessed with it. Many would constantly use it and grow restless in their quest to increase their skill level.

The Enthral Eyes allowed a person to see their own proficiency with their skills, be it magical or physical. It was the only skill known in this world that was somewhat similar to Klyran's. Despite this, the Enthral Eyes was not able to show the information of others, but only of the user. It also couldn't show a person their "status" in numbers.

After the brief explanation, the two blondes demanded that Klyran tell them their "status". The Ryan happily complied to the request. He first looked again at Ildurin and told him everything that he was able to see. Then, Ildurin took Aesthir and his status raised again, while Klyran dutifully told him the new numbers that appeared. The same process was repeated on Aldryn.

"So a normal human has mostly their status within the range of 0 to 5. While someone who trained themselves could reach up to 10. But Aldryn and me have our status between 10 and 20 and it increases even more when I use Aesthis, while Aldryn the powers of the fox. And Aesthir even changes my race to Half-Ryan... Amazing", the King then made a summary, astonishment still visible in his voice.

"Sounds about right" Klyran confirmed.

While the two of them spoke, Aldryn could not help but think of a certain element that Klyran could see about him.

"He said that ?? appeared along with my name when you came forward", the blonde spoke in his mind, hoping that the Thrae would reply.

"What an interesting ability he has", the fox said back, curious about the skill.

"Could it be your name?", the blonde continued, "I never asked, but what is your name?"

"I…", the Thrae begun, but then hesitated, "Would it be strange if I said that I don't remember it?" the fox asked.

"I'm sorry", Aldryn simply thought and then fell silent.

Meanwhile, the young Ryan waited patiently for the King to overcome the shock. He wanted to ask Ildurin to teach him, but was unsure how.

In that moment, the door to the room opened again. It caused all three of them to turn toward its direction, interested in whom it might be that disturbed their chat. Only to see two guards giving them apologetic looks as a woman passed them. She looked stunning. Each movement seemed to be calculated and appeared graceful. Her blonde hair was tightly tied up in a ponytail, with a few braids visible among the flowing hair. Her white dress was hugging her form, accentuating how thin she was. Sapphire blue eyes quickly found the three men gathered around the table.

"Lunahera my dear" Ildurin quickly jumped and nearly ran toward his wife.

"While I know that you wish to speak with Aldryn, a King should not ignore his duties" the Queen spoke with a soft voice.

It might appear quiet stern, was it not for the easy smile that stretched across her lips.

"The Knights have been waiting for you in the courtyard for some time now", she said then, causing him to look guilty toward the window.

"This is actually excellent", the priest quickly jumped and joined the two of them.

"I wish to speak with Queen Lunahera regarding some matters and Klyran here was quite excited when I told him about the Knights training. You wouldn't mind taking him with you?" he asked and then looked at Ildurin.

After hearing those words, the Ryan breathed with relief and nodded in gratitude toward Aldryn, who only smiled in return.

"You are more than welcome to join our session today" the King simply said and glanced at Klyran, who also stood up and nodded.

After the two men left to train, Aldryn extended his arm to Lunahera, who grasped it gently and locked their elbows.

"And what does the great oracle of Light might wish to speak with me about?" she asked with a small laugh.

"I heard some worrying news on my way here. Word is, the Nalrits managed to cross the mountains and attacked the Kingdom of Eorin", those words caused the Queen to quickly change her attitude. The smile was now gone from her face and her back straightened. She led the two of them back to the table and sat down in one of the chairs, making sure to face Aldryn.

"Unfortunately, those news are entirely true. Ildurin send a few troupes of his men toward Byorin and used one of the falcons that Lord Zevram was kind enough to give us to send him a message. He also wants to send word to the Rangers and ask them to join him in defending the lands beyond the great river. We also got the message from King Evock who told us where they set camp after their city was taken", Lunahera calmly explained.

"How unsettling", Aldryn commented and nodded, "The Nalrits reappeared after so many years of silence. It must be a sign."

"Last time they attacked it was Gilton, was it not?" the Queen asked, having heard of the great city that used to belong to the Kenmen even from her homeland far in the North.

"Yes", the oracle nodded, "At the time, they were searching for the Fox Thrae."

"Shyra is up to something", the fox then said, suddenly taking over, "Last time that witch led an army of Nalrits into Gilton with the assistance of the last Kenman. We know that she wanted to test a spell-breaker, but never managed to find out her true aim. She disappeared after I was released. And now she is back with an undead", the Thrae said and then faded.

"There were no words about the oracle of Darkness being among the Nalrits", Lunahera said with a sigh, unsure if she should ask about the undead comment.

"It does not mean that she had no role in it. She helped the invaders cross the mountains with her spells. I know her well, she is trying to force our hand. Make us concentrate solely on one point, while she herself will be elsewhere", the priest said making the Queen nod in understanding.

"She is succeeding as well. Many went South, to help King Evock. Or at the very least, prevent the invaders from crossing the great river", she gave a sad sigh.

"I will soon go to Zevram and Ylvis, to see if they have any news for me", Aldryn said and stood up, not wishing to reveal anything more.

"She may be trying to draw you away from here, but don't fret. Ildurin will take care of the problem in the South, while you concentrate on finding Lady Shyra's whereabouts", Lunahera said and stood up as well, gently taking the oracle by the arm and leading him out of the room.

"I hope that the troupes of the Silver City will be able to push the Nalrits back", the priest sighed, truly thinking about going there himself.

"Don't think of any nonsense. If it comes to worst, Ildurin will go help his men. With Aesthir by his side, the invaders stand no chance. And you are needed here my Lord" the blonde woman said and gave him a smile.

The two of them talked for some time more, both about trivial and important subjects while taking a stroll around the castle.

"Now then, shall we go and see what those men are up to?" she asked after a while, as she led Aldryn to the training ground.