The talk of Caelumn nearing the forest spread through Hearthmere like wildfire.
Whispers slid through narrow alleys, curled around the docks, and clung to the market stalls like smoke. Some villagers shook their heads, muttering that the tide should have claimed him. Others crossed their chests and warned that no one tested sacred borders and lived long enough to repeat the mistake.
He had broken the law.
And the village had noticed.
Fear had found its excuse.
The Shaman's house glowed with low firelight.
Elders sat in a loose circle, their worn faces half-swallowed by shadow. Old incense burned low, filling the room with a bitter, watchful scent.
Seris was absent — tending the outer wards.
"This is the opportunity we have been waiting for," the Shaman said quietly, his fingers resting against his staff. "The boy has tested the boundary."
Korrin Hale, robed in travel sigils, frowned.
"Punishment is expected," he said. "But killing him outright would be… hasty."
"I do not plan to act blindly," the Shaman replied, his grip tightening. "Law is law. He has defied it. That makes him a criminal — and deserving of correction."
Bram Thorne leaned back, scarred arms folding across his chest.
"If only he'd crossed the barrier fully," he muttered. "The forest would've done the work for us."
A thin smile touched the Shaman's lips.
"He will be removed," he said softly. "Or rendered harmless."
High above them, within the palace halls, Momon pressed his fingers to his temple.
"It's becoming harder to defend the boy from the elders," he muttered.
Turak stood beside him, arms crossed.
"They will return. They'll demand something severe — a limb, a crippling punishment. Something that proves he is no longer a risk."
Momon's jaw tightened.
"Scheming vultures."
"He should undergo the Warrior's Trial," Turak said evenly. "A youth may earn forgiveness by facing a forest beast. Survival proves worth. Failure becomes the lesson."
Silence stretched between them.
"…Not a bad idea," Momon said slowly. "He went near the forest because he's begun sensing spiritual energy. But without proper shielding, he was pulled by the monsters' own aura. He has talent — but Brenner is teaching him poorly."
A quiet snort escaped him.
"That fool didn't teach him how to protect himself from external spiritual pressure."
He straightened.
"He'll need proper training before he ever steps beyond the barrier. Send word to my sister. Tell her the elders are closing in — and that I will not be allowed to openly support his training."
A faint sigh escaped him.
"My niece has taken a liking to the boy. Hurt him too much… and I will have her fury to contend with as well."
Turak inclined his head, one fist resting lightly over his chest.
"Then I will proceed with caution, my lord," he said evenly. "The trial will be prepared — not as a sentence… but as a path."
He turned and strode from the chamber, his footsteps fading into the stone corridors, leaving Momon alone with the weight of the decision.