A storm brews

Your awakened in the morning by a gentle shake from Ferra. You didn’t hear her come in, but knowing her, she was standing guard all night anyway.

“Master. Sorry to wake you, but lady Lira is here, and asking for you. She says that it is urgent.”

You nod, wiping your eyes as you sit up, sliding free of Sarah and Melora. As you do, Melora sits up suddenly. She looks at you, wide eyed, and speaks as if in a trance.

“Something has happened. Something big. I can feel a major change on the horizon. Smoke and fire, steel and blood. Darkness, corruption…”

Her voice trails off, and she blinks. “That was…I’m sorry, Nicholas, I need some time. Go with Ferra, I’ll collect myself.”

You nod, and kiss the trembling seer. “Take your time. I’ll go see what’s so important.”

Melora nods, and takes a deep breath. You climb out of bed, careful not to disturb Sarah, still fast asleep. You throw on some clothes and make your way out of the guest quarters. Ferra follows close behind, as always. Outside, you see Lira, pacing back and forth, clearly agitated. She sees you come out, and immediately walks over to you.

“Good, that didn’t take long. We have a problem. A big one.”

You look around, seeing troops and others rushing about. “That much is obvious, even to me. What’s happening?”

Lira sighs. “I tried to contact Harald. I got no response, not even a refusal.”

You cross your arms. “That’s hardly surprising. He doesn’t talk to anybody.”

She shakes her head. “It’s different for a noble. Until now we were at least cordial, if not completely friendly. Regardless, I sent someone to check, and his compound was empty.”

You look at her in confusion. “Empty? Was there a fight?”

Lira shrugs. “My scout says no. It just seems like everyone…left. But Harald hasn’t left his compound in years. And someone would have seen him leave, if he took everyone with him.”

In your mind, Lilith stirs. Something is happening. I can feel magic building up. Cover your eyes.

You shrug, and cover your eyes. “Apparently we need to cover our eyes, Lira.”

You can hear her confusion. “What are you talking about? What do you mean? Why should…”

Even with your eyes covered, you see the flash that stops her short. There’s a rumble, and a rush of air. You even hear a couple of windows breaking.

When you open your eyes, you se Liras guards rushing over to protect her, as she rubs her own eyes, blinded by the flash. They stop short, however, when they see the source of the magical burst.

Towering between you and Lira stands Samus, standing as straight as you have ever seen him. He turns to you, his eyes unclouded by the pain you usually see there.