The Elemental Aspect (Book 1 of the Caster Project Series)

Chapter 12: The Arrival of the Five

said. Damian turned to face the mage as the other listened. "The Region Stone chose you all for a reason. Sure, there may be hardships, and the weight of the world may feel overwhelming, but you're not in this fight alone. Heroes survive by relying on the strength of each other. But you must ask yourself, what makes you that hero. Why were you chosen, out of anyone in the entire universe? What do you have that no one does?"

The question stunned them all. Even Aliana remained silent as she pondered the question. Immediately soon after, the stablemen called for Vitiate and the others. The Peisil's were ready for flight. The mage and Damian quickly mounted their rides, with the latter grabbing a hold of the reins. He looked at his friends as they slowly approached the remaining creatures. One by one, with the help of the stablemen, they mounted the Peisil. They each had mixed reactions. Joseph was skeptical, his face holding doubt that the Piesil could fly. Teresa was smiling as she pet the winged beast. Catherine seemed to be petrified as she gripped the reins as if her life depended on it. And Max looked like he was a kid in a candy shop. His doubt and fear had quickly disappeared the moment he mounted his own Peisil.

As his friends prepared themselves for takeoff, Damian noticed that Aliana had not joined them. "You're not coming?" He asked.

She shook her head. "I don't think now is the right time for me to meet the King."

"On the contrary," Vitiate interjected. "His highness does want to meet you. Remember, you were touched by the Shadow. We don't know how long you were in contact with it. He wants to see if he can help you regain your memories."

"Do I have a choice?" She asked.

"No, you don't."

Aliana sighed and said, "Give me a few minutes to change out of this dress."

Moments later, Aliana returned wearing a white long sleeve blouse, a brown vest, brown leather leggings, and black knee high boots. Over her blouse and vest, she wore a green cloak. The others looked over at the young woman as she walked to Max's Peisil and sat behind him.

The other looked at each other with knowing grins. Vitiate stared at the two and said, "Well then, I guess we're ready to go."

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Far from the Stronghold, the Shadow floated through the natural cave system, passing dark armored soldiers and creatures too hideous to describe. Torches strapped against the stone cold wall flickered in the dark, shining it's dim light as the Shadow continued through the cave. The sounds of water dripping echoed through the system as it continued on its way. It stopped at a wooden door and took the form of a humanoid once more. The creature passed through the door and only to find Veranim.

"What are you doing here?" It hissed.

"Figuring out what's behind this door. Now I know," the soldier said. "But the question is, why do you have children here?"

Two dozen pairs of innocent, scared eyes stared at the two figure before them. Their ragged clothes and metal cages was enough even for Veranim to feel sympathy for the children.

"These young...specimens, will help us to take control of the Region Stone. Their purpose will serve a higher power to help free our lord from his imprisonment."

"But to use children? Are you mad!?" The soldier exclaimed angrily. "War is not place for a child."

"The enemy is using children against us!" The Shadow snapped. "We must not show weakness. We must use every resource available to obtain the Region Stone. Must I remind you that your men were defeated by those children as well?"