Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)

Covert Expedition - Chapter 72

"So, Zach, is it?" Evelori inquired, her gaze piercing yet enigmatic as she addressed the leader of the Shadowed Symphony, who sat among his comrades.

"Yes, I come seeking your wisdom and mastery of necromancy," Zach replied earnestly, his voice steady despite the weight of his inquiry.

"And what exactly draws you to seek my counsel?" Evelori questioned further, her demeanor composed as she sat cross-legged, her eyes betraying a depth of insight.

In response, Zach hesitated momentarily, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "I seek knowledge that could aid my comrade, Nert. His left arm has been paralyzed, and I believe your understanding of necromancy may hold the key to his recovery," he explained, his tone tinged with a hint of desperation mingled with hope.

"Evelori, can you help him?" Zach inquired, his voice laced with hope as he awaited her response.

Evelori nodded solemnly, her eyes alight with determination. "Yes, Zach. I can craft a potion that may restore movement to Nert's arm," she replied, her words carrying a weight of certainty.

Zach leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "How do you plan to do it?" he asked, eager to understand the intricacies of her craft.

Evelori smiled faintly, a glimmer of mystery in her gaze. "Necromancy is not merely about controlling the dead; it's about harnessing the essence of life and death," she explained, her voice carrying a melodic quality as she began to delve into the depths of her knowledge.

"First, I will need ingredients imbued with the energy of both life and death," Evelori continued, her hands moving with a grace that belied the complexity of her task. "These must be carefully selected to balance the forces at play."

Zach watched intently, absorbing every detail of her explanation. "And then?" he prompted, eager for more insight into her process.

"Next, I will perform a ritual to channel the energies of the ingredients, infusing them with the essence of healing," Evelori elaborated, her words resonating with ancient power as she described the intricate steps of her craft.

"In order for the potion to be effective, it must be infused with a essence uniquely belonging to Nert," Evelori explained, her tone serious yet determined. "It is this personal touch that will grant it the power to restore what has been lost."

Zach nodded, a sense of awe washing over him as he witnessed Evelori's mastery of necromancy. "Thank you, Evelori. We are forever in your debt," he said sincerely, a newfound hope kindling within him for his comrade's recovery.

Evelori rose gracefully from her seated position, her movements fluid as she beckoned for Selene to join her side. The sisters exchanged a silent yet knowing glance, their shared bond palpable as they prepared to undertake the task at hand.

As Evelori and Selene began to gather the necessary ingredients, the rest of the group watched in quiet anticipation, their gazes fixed on the intricate process unfolding before them. Despite the air of tension that hung heavy in the room, there was an unspoken trust in the sisters' abilities, a faith that they would succeed where others had failed.

"Hey, Leeani, did you hear Jiighual drooling over the necromancer?" Andhur teased with a grin, nudging Leeani playfully.

"Seriously? I mean, yeah, she's kinda... enchanting," Leeani admitted, her cheeks still tinged with a hint of pink as she stole a glance at Evelori.

"Enchanting? More like mesmerizing! Did you see the way she flicked her hair? Like something out of a bard's tale," Jiighual whispered with awe.

"Yeah, and those eyes... I could get lost in them for days," Andhur added dreamily, earning a playful eye-roll from Leeani.

"I guess she's... fine," Leeani muttered, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide her jealousy.

"Aw, come on, Leeani, don't be jealous. You're beautiful too, in your own rugged, crossbow-wielding way," Jiighual teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

Leeani smiled faintly, grateful for their words but still feeling a twinge of envy as she watched Evelori and Selene work their magic.

Leeani forced a smile, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she attempted to brush off Jiighual's compliments. "Thanks, Jiighual. I... I appreciate that," she replied, her voice slightly faltering as she avoided his gaze, hoping he wouldn't notice her discomfort.

"Anyway, let's focus on the task at hand and be quiet, shall we?" Leeani quickly changed the subject, trying to steer the conversation away from her own insecurities. "We're here for a reason, after all," she added, hoping to regain her composure and shift the attention away from herself.

Jiighual couldn't resist a smirk, nudging Gargeal playfully. "Hey, master, what do you think? Isn't she something?"

Gargeal's expression remained stoic, his gaze fixed ahead as he responded in his usual serious tone. "We're not here to admire beauty, Jiighual."

Andhur joined in with a light-hearted chuckle, trying to ease the tension. "Come on, master, lighten up a bit. We're just appreciating the scenery, that's all."

But Gargeal's demeanor didn't waver, his focus unwavering as he reminded them of their mission. "We have a task to complete. Let's not get distracted."

Ruby'ck chuckled, amused by their banter, before turning her attention to Zach, who seemed lost in thought.

"Zach, are you alright?" Ruby'ck's voice was gentle, carrying a tone of concern.

"I'm fine, just worried about Kazaks and Yzavynne," Zach responded with a furrowed brow, his worry evident in his voice.

"Don't worry too much, Zach. Kazaks is tough, he'll look out for Yzavynne," Ruby'ck reassured him softly, inching closer to him, intending to offer comfort.

Feeling Ruby'ck's gentle touch on his hand, Zach's tension began to ease. Her presence was like a soothing balm to his worried mind, and he couldn't help but smile at her.

"You're like an angel," Zach remarked, his voice filled with warmth.

Caught off guard by Zach's unexpected compliment, Ruby'ck blushed slightly, her confusion evident. She withdrew her hand, momentarily flustered by his words.