Sapherial was called the Land of the Sapphire Trees. Ashaedia saw why this was so. The land of Sapherial was filled with sapphire trees of all kinds: Ash, Oak, Maple, Cedar, and many other trees all in the color of sapphire or light sapphire. Ashaedia and company traveled to Sapherial’s capital, Mayu, and landed in the city square. All of the citizens that passed by steered clear of the four great dragons’ descent and the laguz kings and queens entrance. The citizens stared in awe as Firoh and Malikinth descended on their dragons. When they hopped off their mounts, all of the residents bowed before them.
“How come they didn’t bow down to you guys?” Ashaedia asked Ashnero.
“Elves are very loyal to their kings and queens. They will not bow down to any foreign ruler even if they demand them to bow. The Elves will stubbornly disobey and say triumphantly, ‘We are the followers of Aenarion. We will only bow down to our mighty Phoenix King. Only we have the Faith of the Phoenix. You can destroy us, but our loyalty will always be in Asyran and the Phoenix King.’” Ashnero said.
“That’s correct.” Firoh said.
“The Shadow Elves will always have their loyalty in their king and Prince Marikai.” Malikinth sneered.
“Oh yeah? Say that to a Light Elf’s face –”
“Will you two please get along? Honestly, for both of your sakes, you need to work together! Be friends until we save Tellios, please?” Ashaedia pleaded, stepping between the quarreling kings. Firoh and Malikinth stopped their bickering and looked down at Ashaedia. Her pleading eyes softened their hearts a notch. Malikinth sighed.
“Ashaedia’s right. We must unite our people in order to protect this world. If we don’t do so, we will fall to the hands of darkness. That is why I have been asking you to rejoin our people so we may fight our enemies as a large group and not a shattered army,” Malikinth said, and held out his hand for Firoh to shake. “King Firoh, will you accept my offer?” Firoh looked down at the waiting hand, but he shook his head.
“I am sorry, King Malikinth, but I’m afraid cannot accept your offer yet. I need to get along with you. I need to learn that I can trust you.” Firoh said, and Malikinth lowered his hand.
“That is a wise choice, Firoh. I would have done the same thing if you were to propose me such an offer. You never know . . . I can betray you at any moment and pounce when the time is right.” Malikinth said. Firoh laughed.
“Oh, Malikinth, I wouldn’t even think that you would do such a thing after asking me to rejoin our people. But I really do doubt that you’re the type of Elf to betray so quickly.” Firoh said heartily. Nalia yawned.
“Oh, I’m bushed. I’ll wait here while you guys take Ashaedia on the rest of the tour.” Nalia said.
“No, Nalia. We have to stick together. Like a pack of wolves. You’re capable of walking around a lot.” Cailehis said, folding his muscular arms.
“But I’m exhausted! And I have to carry Rafial everywhere when we travel great distances! And how come you’re not burning up under all that red fur?” Nalia whined.
“Nalia, don’t act like you’re fifty years old. You’re not a little laguz child anymore.” Cailehis said.
“Look, how about I take Ashaedia on the tour while you guys can hang out and rest up.” Marikai suggested. Sethos glanced nervously at Malikinth.
“I don’t know about this, King Malikinth. What if he gets lost or kidnapped?” Sethos said.
“Sir Sethos, I’m sure Marikai is capable of not getting lost. And the odds of getting kidnapped? Look around you. Would these kind Light Elves even try to steal a Prince of the Shadow Elves? I think not. But thank you for the concern.” Malikinth said. Sethos stared at the passing Light Elves. Yes, the odds of getting kidnapped in a city like this is very unlikely, Sethos thought. The Light Elves would wave hello to them when they passed the large group.
“Oh, alright, but you be careful, Prince Marikai. Don’t wander out of the city limits, understood?” Sethos said.
“Yes, Sir Sethos.” Marikai said, and he and Ashaedia ran away from the group.
“Oh, and Ashaedia! Don’t burn anything with your newly developed dragon fire!” Ashnero shouted.


“So where are we going?” Ashaedia asked. Marikai and she were dashing down a white-tiled street filled with numerous crowds of Light Elves. They weaved in and out of a sea of white-robed mages and turned a corner down yet another crowded street.
“We’re going to my favorite place to relax. I thought I could show you it before we leave for Faein again.” Marikai said. He led Ashaedia down the street towards a cul-de-sac lined with large, important looking buildings. They walked past the buildings to one large one at the back surrounded by sapphire oaks. Marikai stopped in front of a large white marble building. It kind of resembled the Lincoln Memorial, but instead of President Lincoln sitting in his stone throne at the front, a large brown door with an entwined vine design on it stood at the entrance. Two Light Elf guards stood by the door holding large silver axes. They wore white fur capes, brown boots, silver helmets, grey overcoats, light blue pants, and grey gauntlets. The two guards looked down at Marikai and Ashaedia while they walked up the stone steps.
“Morning Kyrt, Tylo, how’s the city?” Marikai asked the guards once he reached them.
“Sapherial is suffering, unfortunately. There have been many deaths in the residential areas that blame an illness that causes these deaths. I don’t know much about the mysterious illness, but maybe you can talk to Alor about them.” The guard on the left said.
“Thank you, Kyrt; I will make sure that I speak to Seer Alor about this sickness. Is Tylo alright? He seems to be very quiet.” Marikai said.
“Oh, him? Our mother is a – beg your pardon – but a racist to the Shadow Elves. She told us that if she were to catch us speaking with a Shadow Elf, young or old, she will tell the Court that we were involved in Dark Magic. Such a threat, yes? Really, and she’s our mother!” The guard called Kyrt said. He looked over at his twin brother Tylo. Tylo had his eyes closed.
“Well, maybe her heart can soften up when one day our people can be united once more. Oh, and this is Ashaedia. She’s from California which is a coastal state.” Marikai said, pushing Ashaedia forward. Tylo opened his eyes and looked down at her.
“I’ve . . . heard of you . . .” Tylo whispered.
“Um . . . yes, I seem very famous around Tellios –” Ashaedia said timidly.
“Alor is true . . . you did come . . . you are real . . .” Tylo whispered once more. Before Tylo can say another word, Kyrt covered his mouth with an armored hand.
“I’m sorry, he sometimes whispers strange things.” Kyrt said, almost hysterically. Marikai nodded and he led Ashaedia inside. The large interior of the building was magnificent. The walls were a pearly white marble and the polished floor was obsidian black. Paintings of Elven royal families hung on the marble walls. Ashaedia saw a very large painting of a handsome looking Elf with long dark blue hair and light blue eyes wearing gold and snow white armor, a white cape, white boots, and gold gauntlets. He held a gold sword with a ruby handle. The Painting hung above a light blue door. A brown wooden desk was near a pair of green oak doors. Sitting behind the desk was a beautiful Light Elf woman who was scratching away at a long sheet of parchment with her quill. She looked up at Marikai and Ashaedia when they walked up to her desk. The woman gave a warm smile.
“Why, hello, Prince Marikai. How may I help you today?” The woman said warmly.
“I have come to show my friend Ashaedia around. Would Seer Alor mind if I showed her the Blazery?” Marikai asked.
“Seer Alor will allow you to give Ashaedia a tour around here. But she’s not . . . you know . . . an enemy right?” The woman asked suspiciously. Marikai chuckled.
“Oh, heavens no. She is very honest and kind. You can feel her presence is a blessing to be before you right?” Marikai said.
“Yes, I feel mightily blessed to be before her,” The woman said, and stretched her hand out over her desk. “My name is Nifra. Tis’ an honor to meet you, Ashaedia.” Ashaedia grasped her hand and shook it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Nifra.” Ashaedia said. The green oak doors opened and a handsome skinny man with long cobalt blue hair tied back in a ponytail stormed passed them followed by an old man with thinning and graying hair and a little white beard on his chin.
“Sir, is there a problem?” Nifra asked the man. He stopped and turned around to face her. The man had dark blue eyes and on his left pointed ear was a red loop earring. He wore a black and grey tunic with the shirt unbuttoned at the top, black pants, black boots, a black cape that’s split down the middle, and a silver belt. Two large feathery black wings protruded out of his back.
“I don’t know, you tell me! I have been trying to find Seer Alor for almost three hours! Do know where that old Elf is?” The man said very irritated. The old man next to him limped forward with his long walking stick.
“I am so sorry; King Nesilian is in a terribly bad mood today. He has been trying to find your ancient seer for some time.” The old man said. He wore blue robes and over his robes was a black tunic. A very large blue bandana was tied around his shoulders, a white sash was tied around his waist, and he wore teal shoes. A pair of large black wings stuck out of his back.
“Hmm . . . well, he went on a journey to Aelia to visit his nephew. But I’ll ever so kindly tell him that you request his presence.” Nifra said. The younger man harrumphed and looked down at Marikai and Ashaedia. He narrowed his eyes.
“Oh, it’s you. What are you doing here, Marikai?” The man sneered.
“Hello, King Nesilian. I never thought I’d meet you here.” Marikai said. Nesilian looked down at Ashaedia.
“Hmm . . . you must be that Ashaedia girl everyone’s been talking about. I’ve heard you’ve got dragon fire in you. Very well,” Nesilian said, and held out his hand. “My name is King Nesilian of Kivlos. I was gone for some time because I had to do some . . . errands.” Ashaedia saw a tear form in his eyes. The older man looked up at him.
“Is something wrong, King Nesilian?” The man said. Nesilian quickly wiped the tears away.
“No, no nothing’s wrong. I just got dust in my eyes.” Nesilian said.
“Okay, well if you don’t mind . . .” The man said, and held out his wrinkly hand. “My name is Narluke. I am the king’s royal advisor and sometimes I teach young Ravens to fly.”
“Wait a minute . . . I’ve heard of you! Princess Lillina spoke of you. You used to teach her how to speak in the modern language.” Ashaedia said. Narluke smiled.
“Ah, yes. The Falcon Princess. She was a wonderful student. But alas, I became too busy to teach her because King Nesilian began to travel a lot and when he goes somewhere, I must go with him.” Narluke said.
“Do you know where she is? I need to pass a message to her and the other kings as well.” Nesilian said.
“Yes, we can lead you to her. Ashaedia, I’m afraid I can’t show you around here today. Maybe some other time, okay?” Marikai said.
“Alright.” Ashaedia said. She was kind of bummed out that she didn’t get to see the Blazery, but she smiled anyway. Marikai and Ashaedia led Nesilian and Narluke to where Princess Lillina waited for them. She dashed over to them and, to Nesilian’s surprise, Lillina embraced him.
“Okay, let’s not get to attached, Princess. I’m only a Raven and I don’t think your brother Raylu will like to see you hugging me.” Nesilian said, glancing at Raylu. He was glaring at him. Nesilian gently pushed Lillina off of him and sighed heavily.
“Ah, King Nesilian! It has been a long time that I’ve seen you! Where have you been?” Ashnero said. He walked towards Nesilian and shook his hand. The other kings followed Ashnero. They greeted Nesilian and shook his hand.
“Okay, I’m kind of getting claustrophobia –” Nesilian said, but no one heard him except Narluke.
“Everyone! Please step away for a moment and give him some air to breathe.” Narluke said. Everyone stepped away. Nesilian sighed loudly once again and scratched the back of his neck.
“What wrong, Nesilian? You unhappy.” Lillina said.
“I have bad news everyone. Is Tearia here?” Nesilian asked.
“No, she’s not. We saw her at the library in Faein and she wanted to stay at the library when we left for Sareneth Forest.” Cailehis said.
“Okay, good. ‘Cause she wouldn’t want to hear this.” Nesilian said, and cleared his throat. Everyone became quiet. In fact, all sound from Sapherial was silenced as if all of the residents were eavesdropping on the conservation.
“Do you know why I wasn’t present for the meeting in Faein?” Nesilian said.
“No, but why were you?” Tivarion asked.
“I wasn’t present because I was helping Ultheron on his mission.” Firoh and Malikinth gasped.
“Did something happen to him?!” Malikinth shrieked. Nesilian looked down at his shoes.
“I take that as a yes.” Nalia said. She lowered her white wolf ears in disappointment.
“I’m s-so sorry, King Malikinth! There was nothing I can do . . . he wanted me to give Tearia this letter . . .” Nesilian said, putting his hand in his pocket and extracting the letter. Malikinth looked down at the white envelope. Nesilian handed Malikinth the letter.
“Oh Ultheron . . . you were always a wonderful boy . . .” Malikinth said, and closed his eyes.
“He’s not dead, Malikinth.” Malikinth opened his eyes.
“He’s not? Oh, thank the gods . . . he’s not dead . . .” Malikinth sighed.
“Anyway, this is my report of his unfortunate events,” Nesilian said, and cleared his throat again. “Ultheron has been captured and held hostage by Camp Pendleton’s general. I think he was revealed by something he mentioned in his letter called the Xerain. The military locked him in the back of one of their jeeps and took him to Yosemite Mountain which is the place where the entrance to Tellios is. If we attempt an attack on the general, he will use Ultheron to save himself some trouble and possibly use him to receive the Shadow Blade of Khaine. I doubt they will kill him because they’ll try to get information out of him. But we must rescue him and win this war –”
“WHOA WHOA WAIT!! WHO SAID WE WERE AT WAR?!” Cailehis roared. There was a loud cough somewhere within the city.
“Apparently we are at war. I am sorry to leak this information to you all. I know how much we all don’t like war, but it has to come this way.” Nesilian said. Lillina looked down at her slippers. War . . . the thing that had destroyed her home . . . come again to Tellios? Lillina looked up and Nesilian saw that she was crying. She ran forward and embraced the Raven King. Nesilian hugged her and patted her back.
“No! I-I don’t want war! I not like war! I fear fire! Torches burn! K-Killed family! Killed Falcon people!” Lillina cried. She sobbed and buried her face in Nesilian’s chest. Raylu’s angry glare slid down at a sorrowful stare. Though he was more of a Light Elf supporter, he pitied the capture of the young Shadow Elf assassin trainee. He walked towards his sobbing sister and placed his hand on her quivering shoulder.
“It’s okay, Lillina . . . we will chase away all the bad people . . . they won’t harm you or your brothers and father.” Nesilian said gently. Lillina sniffled.
“Y-You promise?” Lillina asked. She looked up at him with moist green eyes. Nesilian smiled.
“I promise. I swear I’ll protect you and your remaining family.” Nesilian said. Lillina smiled and so did Raylu. He turned to his eldest brother and, to his surprise, saw that he wasn’t smiling. Rafial had his eyes closed. Tivarion seemed to notice Rafial’s unhappiness too.
“Rafial, what ails you?” Tivarion asked. Rafial opened his eyes and in his eyes was worry and panic.
“He’s coming . . . the general has found the Portal . . . oh no . . .” Rafial whispered. Nalia’s ears perked up. Wynne flicked her wings in disgust. Ashnero and Amidia gasped. Ashaedia and Marikai exchanged frightened glances. No . . . he’s coming!