Sanctuary: Safe Haven

The sanctuary was alive with energy as preparations for the upcoming strike began. Kael was busy organizing logistics, gathering supplies, and ensuring that everyone understood their roles. Canna, too, had his own task. He needed to convince Dravos to join their cause.

Summoning the red portal, Canna prepared to return to Clan Varran. He stepped through, emerging back into the dining hall where a group of startled guards stood, unsure of what to do with his sudden appearance.

"Where's Dravos?" Canna asked, his voice calm but commanding.

The guards exchanged nervous glances. They were unaccustomed to anyone, let alone an outsider, addressing their revered saint so casually. Canna sighed, realizing they were too stunned to offer any useful information. Without another word, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and shot through the clan grounds toward the arena.

Arriving at the ruins of the arena, Canna found nothing but rubble and stone. No sign of Dravos training. He thought for a moment, then smiled to himself. If he couldn't find Dravos, he'd make sure Dravos found him.

Condensing his mana, Canna let out a deafening shout. Lightning bolts struck the ground all around him, illuminating the night sky with brilliant flashes. The once-darkened area now glowed with the fierce light of the storm. The noise and light were impossible to ignore.

His plan worked—too well. Not only did Dravos arrive within moments, but the entire clan was roused from their slumber. Clan members hurried out of their homes, some clutching weapons, others simply curious about the commotion.

Dravos appeared first, his eyes sharp as he took in the scene. Not far behind were Kargan, the clan leader, and Lira, the vice clan leader. More and more people gathered, watching as Canna stood in the center of the storm.

"What's the meaning of this, boy?" Dravos barked, his voice booming across the arena. "You've woken up the entire clan."

Canna didn't bother with explanations. "We need to talk," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Dravos frowned, sensing the seriousness in Canna's voice. He walked closer, narrowing his eyes at the red portal that Canna summoned once again.

"This isn't a good place for a conversation," Canna continued. "Come with me."

Dravos eyed the portal warily, his instincts warning him of the unknown. But Canna's expression remained calm, his confidence unwavering. With a grunt, Dravos nodded, ready to follow.

"Father, wait!" Kargan stepped forward, his face full of concern. "What if this is a trap? Don't go. You could be endangering the entire clan."

Dravos considered his son's words. From his storage ring, he pulled out a set of armor—ancient, battle-worn, and imbued with protective magic. He donned the armor and slipped on a pair of powerful gauntlets. In his hand, he carried an artifact that would teleport him back to Clan Varran's base if needed. Satisfied with his precautions, he reassured his son with a nod.

"I'll be fine," Dravos said, his voice calm but firm. "Stay here and keep the clan safe."

With that, Dravos stepped into the red portal, crossing over into the sanctuary.

As soon as Dravos set foot in the sanctuary, he was greeted by the scent of flowers and fresh earth.

The air was thick with the essence of nature, a peaceful energy that was both calming and disorienting. But before he could fully take in his surroundings, his body tensed, instincts screaming that danger was near. He raised his fists, scanning the area for any threats.

It was then that he saw Vorgrim, standing calmly in the moonlit clearing.

"You sense the guardians, don't you?" Vorgrim said, his voice low and steady. "They're watching you, but they won't attack unless you pose a threat."

Dravos remained on guard but lowered his weapon slightly. He had fought Vorgrim before and respected him as a warrior. If Vorgrim said there was no danger, he would trust him—for now.

Vorgrim turned and gestured for Dravos to follow. "Come. My liege is waiting."

As they walked, Dravos couldn't help but marvel at the sanctuary around him. The night sky above was vast and clear, the stars shining brighter than he had ever seen. The trees were enormous, their leaves glowing faintly in the moonlight. Strange creatures roamed the grounds—massive turtles with shells that seemed to shimmer in the darkness.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

And here and there, Dravos spotted children, no older than 12 or 13, lying on the soft grass, sleeping peacefully under the open sky.

"What is this place?" Dravos asked, his voice full of awe.

"This is why my liege fights," Vorgrim answered without turning. "It's a sanctuary. The people here come from dark pasts, rescued by my liege or brought here after being abandoned by the world."

Dravos felt a pang in his chest. As a saint of Clan Varran, he had seen many things in his lifetime, but nothing like this. There was something undeniably pure about this sanctuary, a place of healing and peace, far removed from the chaos of the world outside.

Vorgrim continued, "My liege may be a harbinger, but he chooses to preserve rather than destroy, to save rather than kill."

Dravos fell silent, contemplating Vorgrim's words as they approached a massive building in the distance. It was unlike anything Dravos had seen before—a structure of stone and wood, illuminated by the glow of the surrounding trees. The building seemed to pulse with life, as though it were part of the land itself.

The meeting hall stood tall, its grand entrance framed by intricate carvings of beasts and nature. It was a place of both strength and serenity, a fitting representation of the sanctuary's purpose.

As they reached the doors, Vorgrim stopped and turned to Dravos. "This is where we discuss our next steps. My liege will explain everything."

Dravos nodded, still trying to absorb everything he had seen. The sanctuary was a world apart from anything he had ever known. And now, he would learn why he had been brought here—and what Canna's true intentions were.

As the doors of the meeting hall creaked open, Dravos braced himself for what lay ahead. He had entered the sanctuary as a wary saint, but now, he felt something stirring inside him—something that told him this place, and this man named Canna, were unlike anything he had encountered in his long life.

The saint of Clan Varran was about to witness a revelation that would change everything. Experience more tales on empire