A purple portent

Authors note: 300 chapters, what the hell am I doing?! If you’re still reading, thanks for sticking around so long!

It’s almost nighttime when you and Lynn ride home. She clings to you as you ride, a smile on both of your faces. The sun setting ahead of you makes it feel like a scene from a movie, and you resist the urge to gallop, though it’s hard with the promise of an evening with Lynn ahead of you.

You’re almost back to the city when you stop. Over the western horizon is a purple glow, visible even in the fading light of the sunset. “Lynn, is that normal? I’ve never seen that before.”

She looks around you and shakes her head. “No…that’s definitely not normal.”

As you watch the purple glow seems to pulse, but doesn’t grow stronger. You continue to ride to the city, watching the ominous light. When you arrive, less attention is paid to you than normal, as the glow is even visible from the city. Murmurs and whispers among the people ask the same question you’re thinking. “What could that be?”

You reach the castle, and you’re greeted at the door by a nervous looking Clarissa, and a typically stoic Yura. You dismount and help Lynn down, as the pair approaches. Clarissa glances towards the glow before speaking. “Josh, that’s…not good. There’s a branch of the prophecy that speaks of a glow like that heralding both the beginning of the war against the demon lord, and the rise of a new power in the west.”

You look to Yura. “Have you been able to see anything?”

Yura nods. “Only a bit. There is much power there. It is far to the northwest. I can not tell much more beyond the fact that it is necromantic in origin. I was hoping Lynn could help me, with her help maybe I could see more.”

Lynn nods. “Gladly. Let’s go. Josh, don’t forget, we have more to do, later.”

She winks at you as she leaves with the little selkie. You chuckle despite your worry, and turn to Clarissa. The two of you walk inside as you continue talking. “What else can you tell me about this branch of prophecy?”

Clarissa sighs. “Not much, really. It speaks of ‘The return’, but doesn’t explain what is returning. Forgefather Unir may know, though most of the prophecies predate even him.”

You nod. “It’s worth asking anyway. I should contact our allies anyway. Maybe one of them has some insight. Meanwhile, could you ask the girls if they have any idea?”

The fiery dwarf nods. “Of course! Maybe someone knows something. I’ll let you know.”

She pulls you down to kiss you before briskly walking off to find the others. You smile as you watch her go, admiring her form as she leaves. Turning, you make your way towards the communications room.