A few hours later, the massive wings of the Storm Griffin King, Tempest, beat rhythmically, throwing the landscape below into a rapid retreat. The jagged, grey-black stones of the Blackstone Mountains were gradually replaced by vast, lush expanses of emerald green. The air lost its mountain chill, growing humid and fragrant with the scent of wild flora.
Leylo looked down at the winding Blackwater River, which cut through the earth like a dark silk ribbon, nourishing the soil on both banks. At the horizon, a wide expanse of water shimmered with a strange radiance under the sun—Amber Lake.
The water was not the usual azure; it glowed with warm, varying shades of amber, as if molten gemstones from deep within the earth had filled the basin. On the northern shore stood a circular castle with white walls and pointed steeples that stood out sharply against the landscape: Amber Castle, the heart of the Amber Territory.
To the north of the lake lay an endless, primeval forest; to the south, flat plains dotted with orderly fields and peaceful villages.
"Tempest, descend," Leylo said softly.
The Griffin King let out a low cry, folded his wings, and began a smooth glide toward the castle. Moonlight, in her silver cat form, lay lazily in front of Leylo, her pale gold eyes scanning the scenery with curiosity.
As Tempest touched down on the open ground before the castle, a lithe young woman in hunting gear emerged with several attendants. Her golden hair glowed like flowing honey in the sunlight, and her face beamed with unrestrained joy.
"Brother!"
Lillian's voice was clear and melodious, carrying a childlike excitement. She ran to Leylo just as he dismounted.
"Lillian," Leylo smiled warmly, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
"Moonlight came too!" Lillian reached out to scoop up the big cat, but Moonlight deftly tilted her head away, merely sweeping her tail across Lillian's hand in a gesture of high-born indifference. Lillian laughed, long accustomed to the cat's pride.
"Let's talk inside," Leylo suggested.
The Herald of War
Inside Amber Castle, the decor was more refined and brighter than the rugged Blackstone Castle, reflecting the delicate touch of its female lord. In the parlor, maidservants brought out juice and pastries. Once they were dismissed, Lillian looked at her brother with curiosity.
"Brother, why the sudden visit? Is something wrong?"
Leylo's smile faded, replaced by a grave expression. "Lillian, war is coming."
Lillian's hand froze mid-air as she held her juice glass. As a member of the Thunder Dragon family, she understood the weight of that word. "Is it... the Sun Kingdom?"
"Yes," Leylo nodded. "The Grand Duke has issued a general mobilization. All Northern lords are to form a coalition and muster at Red Leaf Territory in one month to intercept the Sun Kingdom's southern invasion. Their vanguard has already clashed with the eastern lords."
Lillian's brow furrowed. "So soon..." She murmured, then looked up with a determined gaze. "Amber Territory will answer the call. I will lead the troops myself."
The Mammoth Harvest
"Aside from warning you," Leylo continued, "I have something else to discuss. While Tempest was hunting in the Blackstone Mountains, he discovered a migrating herd of Mammoths."
"Mammoths?" Lillian's eyes lit up.
Mammoths were massive Tier 3 magical beasts unique to the North. They were incredibly strong and possessed thick, armored hides. However, they were notoriously violent and difficult to tame, usually staying in the frozen northern wastes.
"How many?" she pressed.
"According to Tempest's observation, about twenty. A mix of adults and calves," Leylo lied smoothly, crediting the griffin for the find.
"Twenty!" Lillian gasped, her amber eyes shimmering. "That is a massive fortune. If we can capture them all..." She could already see them trampling through enemy lines.
"The herd is moving south due to sudden climate shifts and food shortages," Leylo explained, dangling the bait. "Their route passes right through the wilderness between our two territories. They should arrive in three or four days."
Lillian was sharp. "You want us to team up and trap them."
"In times of war, these beasts are invaluable—whether for a heavy charge or transporting supplies. But this must stay secret. Such a prize would draw unwanted trouble if word got out."
"I understand!" Lillian stood up excitedly. "What's the plan?"
"We use the griffin flock to drive them into the canyons in the southern wastes. We'll prep boulders at both ends. Once they enter, we seal the exits. We'll need our best knights, heavy ropes, and reinforced nets. Coordination is key."
"Leave it to me!" Lillian promised, her face flushed with excitement. "I'll have Lady Elena and her students prepare magical traps as well."
After a warm lunch featuring Amber Lake's specialty "Golden-Scale Fish," Leylo prepared to leave. The urgency of war meant he couldn't linger.
"I must return," Leylo said as he mounted Tempest. "Three days from now, we meet at the designated spot."
"See you in three days, Brother!" Lillian waved.
Tempest let out a piercing cry and beat his wings, kicking up a gale as he soared into the blue sky. Lillian stood in the courtyard, watching the silhouette of her brother and the griffin shrink until they became a tiny black speck in the distance.