CHAPTER 12.4: Got informed from outside

                                    

                                          
Back at the Kingdom of God Vales, the day had started as any other. The grand capital hummed with its usual activity—citizens going about their daily lives, the scholars of Wringcaster Academy engaged in their research, and the Wringcaster Airforce maintaining a steady presence in the sky. Natasha, having returned from her latest mission, was attending a high council meeting with Alex Merkelson and the other military leaders. Discussions were focused on reinforcing the borders after the recent events involving the relic and the masked woman.
However, the room's atmosphere changed abruptly when a messenger stormed into the council chamber, breathless and wide-eyed. His urgency was palpable.
"My Lords and Ladies!" the messenger gasped, struggling to catch his breath. 
"Urgent news from Brixenburg! There's been an attack—scouts report the presence of hostile forces near the southern border. Captain Aron Lawrence is preparing to defend the relic!"
Natasha, who had been seated at the head of the table, immediately stood up, her eyes narrowing. 
"The relic of Theana?" she asked, her tone sharp. 
"What's happening there? Has the Keep been breached?"
The messenger shook his head quickly. "Not yet, Lady Natasha, but Captain Lawrence has reason to believe the intruders are after the relic. He's preparing the defenses, but he requested reinforcements from God Vales, fearing the attackers may strike at any moment."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the council members processed the information. Alex Merkelson, seated next to Natasha, glanced at her before speaking. 
"This sounds like Andrun's work," he said, leaning forward. 
"The Exiled Knight—he's no stranger to relics, and if he's targeting Brixenburg, it could mean the masked woman's network is expanding."
Natasha's eyes flashed with recognition. 
"Andrun... of course." She turned her attention back to the messenger. 
"Send word to Brixenburg that we'll provide reinforcements immediately. Inform Captain Lawrence that the forces of God Vales are at his disposal."
The messenger bowed deeply before rushing out of the chamber to relay the orders.
As soon as the door closed, Natasha addressed the room, her voice firm and commanding. "We can't afford to lose another relic. If Andrun is after Theana's relic, it's more than just Brixenburg at risk. 
The relic of time has the power to influence far beyond its borders—its loss could destabilize not only Brixenburg but the entire continent."
Alex nodded in agreement, his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand. "We've already seen what happens when these relics fall into the wrong hands. 
Phernix's connection to the relic of Azna is proof that their power is meant for those chosen by the gods. If Andrun manages to get his hands on Theana's relic, he could manipulate time itself, throwing all of Monuria into chaos."
Natasha paced back and forth in front of the council, her mind racing. She knew time was of the essence, but they needed a strategy. 
"Alex, gather the Airforce. I want the skies around Brixenburg patrolled constantly. We need eyes in the sky to track any movements on the ground." She then turned to the council members. 
"Prepare our forces. I want a detachment of the Wringcaster Elite Guard ready to deploy within the hour. We'll mobilize a full response to Brixenburg."
Alex stood from his seat, his hand already on the hilt of his sword. "I'll lead the Airforce personally, Natasha. If Andrun thinks he can slip into Brixenburg unnoticed, he's sorely mistaken."
"Good," Natasha replied, her voice firm. "We'll meet on the battlefield, Alex. Let's make sure Brixenburg stands firm, and Andrun gets exactly what he deserves."
As the council members dispersed to carry out their orders, Natasha felt a sense of urgency she hadn't experienced since the battle for the relic at Steep Mount of Azna. Losing the relic at Brixenburg would be catastrophic. Time itself was a weapon in the wrong hands, and she knew they couldn't let Andrun or his mysterious master seize that kind of power.
Before she left the chamber, Natasha's thoughts turned to Phernix. She had yet to fully understand the connection he had with Azna's relic, but one thing was clear: these relics were more than just ancient artifacts—they chose their wielders for a reason. If Aron Lawrence was the guardian of Theana's relic, it was possible the relic would reveal its own will soon, just as Azna's had with Phernix.
As Natasha exited the council room, she spotted Phernix waiting for her outside. His expression was grim, but there was a fire in his eyes that told her he was ready for whatever came next.
"You heard?" Natasha asked, already knowing the answer.
Phernix nodded. "Andrun is after Theana's relic. We can't let that happen. I've felt the power of a relic, Natasha—it's not something anyone should control lightly. If Andrun gets his hands on it..." His voice trailed off, the implication clear.
Natasha placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll stop him. The forces of God Vales are already mobilizing. We'll join the fight and ensure Brixenburg is protected."
Phernix's eyes flickered for a moment, and Natasha could tell he was listening to the voice inside his head—the one connected to the relic of Azna. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice quieter. 
"The relic of Theana is more than just a tool. It has a mind of its own, just like Azna's. If Aron Lawrence is the chosen protector, then we need to make sure he's not alone when Andrun strikes."
Natasha nodded, understanding the weight of Phernix's words. "We'll give him everything we've got. Let's go."
As they made their way to the staging grounds, where the forces of God Vales were preparing to march on Brixenburg, Natasha couldn't shake the feeling that the battle ahead was only the beginning. The relics were calling to one another, their ancient power stirring across the continent. If Brixenburg fell, the balance of power in Monuria would shift irrevocably—and the consequences would be felt far beyond the borders of the kingdoms.
With the sun beginning to set over the horizon, casting an orange glow across the capital, Natasha and Phernix joined the ranks of soldiers and knights gathering for war. The stakes had never been higher, but Natasha's resolve was stronger than ever. Together, they would face the coming storm—and ensure that Andrun's ambitions would be crushed once and for all.