The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) A. Kay (best management books of all time .TXT) 📖

Before Ruwen could respond, the shorter woman spoke.

“There are no Dark Clan here, but you are welcome.”

Ruwen removed the hood, realizing he should have done that sooner. The two women stiffened.

“You’re Ruwen,” the tall woman said.

“I am,” Ruwen said with nod. “May I please speak with your leaders?”

“Follow us,” the short woman said, and they strode into camp.

This camp reminded Ruwen a lot of the one in the Spirt Realm. Only the colors here were more vibrant. In the camp’s center stood a larger tent, and the three of them entered. Phoenix, Willow, and Thistle were there, along with four others, all sitting around a large tub of sand that displayed the surrounding area like a three-dimensional map.

Phoenix stood from his chair and bowed to the women in thanks before facing Ruwen. “Greetings Child of Uru.”

“Well met, Phoenix, and welcome to you all,” Ruwen said, bowing with a palm over his fist.

“You said you had a city,” Thistle said. “Ruins are more accurate.”

“We are working hard to rectify that,” Ruwen said.

Phoenix nodded to the east. “You need to work faster. The army has increased its pace and not stopped moving for days. If they march through the night again, we might see them tomorrow.”

That was news to Ruwen, and he wondered if Elder Drivyd and Vachyl knew as well. “You are welcome to join our War Council as we find a solution.”

Phoenix shook his head. “Life is too valuable to waste on war. Ascendancy has made death irrelevant, and by extension, life. You have lost sight of what is precious in this universe.”

“That might be true,” Ruwen said. “But your philosophy will not shield you from the enemy.”

“Unfortunately, we have experienced that truth,” Phoenix said. “Which is why we will help how we can. Healing, fortification of your city, and enchantments are what we can offer.”

Ruwen had hoped that the Cultivators would fight with them. Their Spirit based magic would be devastating. But he respected their beliefs and wouldn’t force them to offer more. “Your help is valued and appreciated.”

Willow stepped up and whispered to Phoenix. “The mountains.”

Phoenix nodded. “When we last met, you spoke of a home for us.”

“I did,” Ruwen said.

“Have you decided where?” Phoenix asked.

“I have not. The Shattered Sun owns a two-mile radius around its portal, including the insides of the mountains behind the dungeon. This protects New Eiru’s northern flank.”

“That explains all the creatures we’ve seen patrolling the area,” Phoenix said. “The lake consumes most of your eastern side, and your followers will resent us if we take the prime farming area that stretches from the lake to the sea. The foothills and dense forest of your southern side will also be competitive. What we want more than anything is isolation. Which is why we have found a network of valleys in the mountains of your western flank that would suit us.”

“You will protect the western flank then?” Ruwen asked.

“Yes,” Phoenix said. “We will defend what is ours.”

Ruwen pointed to the box of sand. “Show me.”

Phoenix nodded at a woman sitting next to Thistle, and the map reappeared, only smaller, as if viewed from thousands of feet in the sky. Fire encased Phoenix’s right hand as he pointed at the map. Red lines of flame carved out an area that started west of New Eiru and expanded outward like a triangle.

Rami can you please show Lir this map.

Sure.

Lir, do you recognize the area this map represents?

I do, Lir responded.

In the past, did the city or its people have any interest in the region outlined?

Twenty-three mines, none profitable, and some summer grazing. Recreational hiking, fishing, and hunting. Nothing of any economic significance.

There were still hundreds of miles of mountains that his people could use for all those activities.

Ruwen held out his arm. “I agree.”

Phoenix gripped his arm, and for a moment he looked startled, but it passed in a blink. “We will move camp immediately and secure the western section. I will send help as soon as I can.”

“Excellent,” Ruwen said and replaced his hood.

Thistle frowned, Willow looked happy, and Phoenix studied Ruwen.

Ruwen bowed and used the Cultivator farewell. “May the True God light your path.” Then he turned, left the tent, and headed for New Eiru.

The city walls were covered with people as they worked hard to refortify the stone before the attack. As Ruwen entered the city he saw thousands more, all frantically building. He spotted his parents, Bliz, and Tremine nearing the temple, and immediately took off his hood, yelling to stop them. Channeling two Energy per second into Dash, he sprinted toward the group.

The four of them looked tired and Bliz seemed more subdued than normal, but everyone appeared safe. He gave each of them a hug. “I’m glad you’re back.”

Tremine rubbed his forehead. “Us too.”

“Glad we beat that army,” Clarysa said.

“That would have been awkward,” Colyn added.

Bliz remained quiet.

“Were you successful?” Ruwen asked, his stomach turning in anxiety. If they’d failed, it would complicate everything.

Tremine glanced at Bliz. “Eventually.”

“Can we please unload?” Bliz asked.

Bliz’s comment gave Ruwen a good idea what had happened. Once Bliz had seen the payload he’d been brought to transport, he would have put it all together. Including the murders. They had obviously convinced him to help, but he couldn’t hide his displeasure.

“We need Niall,” Clarysa said. “He’s part of the quest.”

“Follow me,” Ruwen said. “He’s with everyone else at the Council meeting. You should all come.”

They still used the same dining room for their meetings, and Ruwen strode there, anxious to get the terium into the temple. When he arrived, Hamma, the Elders, and Niall were already there. Niall stood as they entered.

“We have it,” Colyn said to Niall. “We can finally complete our quests.”

Niall nodded.

“I thought you’d be happier,” Clarysa said. “You must be eager to get home. You’ve been gone from your family far longer than us.”

Niall looked confused.

Hamma jumped up, her chair tipping backward. She took three long steps toward Niall and slapped him. Niall touched his cheek, his confusion