New Alliance

   The raven’s shadow spread below, covering the forest like a dark veil. --- Moris (in a voice louder than the wind): “Gurgaria… why does your king want to speak with me?” Gurgaria (coldly): “Don’t ask more than you need to know, human. You’ll see everything with your own eyes when we arrive.” Moris (putting his hands into his pockets): “I’m human. And I know your people don’t like humans. Do you really think your king trusts me?” Gurgaria (smirking slightly): “You don’t need to trust the king. No one dares defy him. So don’t worry.” Moris chuckled inwardly. > “Interesting… even sorcerers bow to one king… but power without trust doesn’t last.” --- The night thickened, and the raven began to descend. 

  From afar, lights appeared—the village of the beast-eared folk. Under the glow, their homes made of furs and wood shimmered, with lanterns swaying gently atop some roofs. The raven landed heavily in the center of the village. Dust and wind swirled outward. The villagers stared in shock. But the moment Moris stepped down, their expressions changed—growls, threatening eyes, some even baring their fangs like beasts. Moris (clenching his fist): “I can see there’s no warm welcome here.” One young warrior stepped forward, pointing his spear at Moris. But Gurgaria caught the tip and shouted in the beast-tongue: “Stop! He is the king’s guest! Lower your hand!” The warrior’s face turned pale, and he bowed. “Forgive me, Lady Gurgaria… I didn’t know…” Moris remained silent, his eyes showing a mix of anger and calculation. --- They walked through the village toward the royal hall. The palace was a massive structure of black stone, with the figure of a wolf with golden fangs carved above. Armed guards stood at its doors. From inside came Ragnar, wearing a great cloak made of wolf fur. His body was massive, his eyes sharp like those of a brown wolf. He stared at Moris for several seconds in silence. The pressure in that gaze alone could make a man kneel. Ragnar: “Hey, human. We don’t seek war with you. But I’ve heard much about you.” Gurgaria stood behind Ragnar, bowing her head. Moris: “You’ve heard, huh? Interesting… Some call me a scientist, some a destroyer of magic. What have you heard?” 

   Ragnar (chuckling): “I heard you can turn the sky into fire and make metal obey you. That’s why I called you here—to talk, not to kill.” Moris (coldly): “Kings like to talk… but most don’t know how to listen.” Ragnar paused, stepping closer to Moris. He was taller, yet Moris didn’t move back. When their eyes met, the air itself seemed to tremble—their auras clashing. Ragnar: “Aren’t you afraid, human? Most who stand before me kneel, begging to live.” Moris: “I stopped fearing death long ago. The only thing I fear is losing my humanity.” The hall fell silent. For the first time, Gurgaria lowered her eyes, as if acknowledging Moris’s words. Ragnar (nodding): “Perhaps you truly are different. Sit. I have much to say.” Moris nodded slightly and sat down. Thus began their first conversation—the meeting of man and beast, science and nature, reason and instinct. The hall was filled with heavy silence. Only the flicker of flames from the torches cast golden light on the stone walls. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed—Moris stepped closer to the throne. He opened his palm, summoning his hammer. In an instant, the air rippled, and a great metallic hammer formed from dim light. When Moris placed it on the ground, the stone beneath cracked loudly. Ragnar’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Gurgaria stood silently beside him, a faint smirk on her lips—she had seen Moris’s power and thought, “This is why I chose him.” --- Moris (coldly): “So, king, tell me—what do you wish to speak about?” Ragnar took a deep breath and set his gold-engraved goblet on the table. The light reflected in his brown eyes. Ragnar: “Here’s what, human. Our race—the beast-eared—has suffered much under the kingdom of Ostania. Like the elves, we’ve endured centuries of pain. We’ve fought countless wars… but to no avail. Because we lived apart—divided.” Ragnar rose and walked to the window. Moonlight poured in. He gazed at the moon. 

  Ragnar (thoughtfully): “We can defeat Ostania only by uniting. Our enemy is the same. That’s why I called you here. We need an alliance.” --- Moris leaned back, silent for a moment. The light fell across his face, casting long shadows. Moris: “But I’m human. How can I trust you, and how can you trust me?” Ragnar (grimly): “We trust you. Completely. That’s why we offer this alliance.” Moris frowned, turning the metal ring on his finger slowly. Moris: “Trust… an interesting word. Why do you trust me? What if I’m not the man you think I am?” Then Gurgaria stepped forward. The red torchlight illuminated half her face. Gurgaria: “Because I’ve been watching you. For a long time. I’ve seen what you do, what you fight against, and most importantly—who you fight for. Your intentions are pure. Your goal is to stop Ostania. That’s why I recommended you to my king.” Ragnar nodded. --- Moris stood, pacing slowly. Each step echoed across the floor. Moris (calmly but firmly): “Alright. Now I understand why you trust me. I can place my trust in you… but I’m not sure if the elves will. If they agree, I have no objection. In fact, it would be a good thing.” Moris paused, lowering his gaze slightly. Moris (softly): “But…” Suddenly, the air changed. The light flickered, and the sound of metal filled the room. Every piece of iron began to move—swords, spears, armor, even the hinges on the door trembled. The next moment, all the metal rose into the air. The guards stepped back in shock. The blades pointed toward the king. The air grew heavy. Moris (stepping forward, voice cold): “If there is betrayal, I forgive no one. Consider this a warning.” Ragnar narrowed his eyes, then a faint smile crossed his lips. He laughed softly and raised his hand. Ragnar: 

  “Don’t confuse us with Ostanians, human. Betrayal is not in our nature. We are beasts—but not without honor.” Moris raised his hand and snapped his fingers. “Clang!” All the swords and spears fell to the floor with a thunderous sound. --- Ragnar (laughing): “Gurgaria told me of your power… but you’re stronger than I imagined, human.” Moris: “I didn’t do it to boast, but to warn. Trust and caution must walk together.” Ragnar (nodding): “Well said. Then our introduction is over. Let’s move to business. You will convey this alliance to the elves.” Moris: “Alright. If they agree, tomorrow will mark a new page in history.” Ragnar: “I’m glad to have you as an ally, human. My name is Ragnar.” Moris (extending his hand): “I’m Moris.” They shook hands. At that moment, the flames rose high, and their shadows merged upon the wall—as if to symbolize the dawn of a new era. --- Ragnar (to Gurgaria): “Gurgaria, see that our guest is treated well.” Moris (raising his hand): “Thank you, king, but I have matters to attend to. I must go.” Ragnar: “As you wish. Then, Gurgaria, escort him.” Gurgaria nodded. When Moris stepped outside the palace, moonlight fell upon him. He looked up at the sky and murmured to himself: > “Alliance… trust… But is it real, or just a temporary peace?” He mounted Gurgaria’s giant raven and vanished into the darkness.

   The night returned to stillness. The sky was deep blue, stars glittering like silver. The full moon’s light poured through drifting clouds. From afar, a black dot approached—it was Gurgaria’s giant raven. Its wings, when spread, eclipsed the moonlight. Moris and Gurgaria sat side by side upon its back. The raven was silent, but the rush of wind roared in their ears. --- Moris (thoughtful): “Gurgaria… your king Ragnar placed his trust in me. But… what about his people? Will they trust me too? A king may command, but hearts don’t always obey.” Gurgaria (softly): “Yes, the people are not a king’s shadow. But you have a chance to prove yourself. The elves trusted you, didn’t they? My people recognize those worthy of trust. They will feel your intent.” Moris (smiling): “Let’s hope so…” [The wind grew stronger.] A shining light appeared in the distance—the city of the elves. Even at midnight, it glowed brightly: the city illuminated by electric lights powered by endless energy from the generator Moris had built. 

   Moris looked down and smiled. “The generator… still running. That means the system is stable.” Gurgaria: “It’s your work. The city sleeps peacefully for the first time at night.” [The raven descended, landing in the city square.] The elf people were waiting. Silence fell for a moment. Everyone gazed at Moris. Then from the crowd stepped Queen Mia, wearing a white dress, her long golden hair shining in the moonlight. --- Mia: “Moris… what happened? Why did they summon you?” Moris (taking a short breath): “Not here. Let’s go to the council hall. It’s an important matter.” --- The council hall—between marble pillars beneath a great dome. At its center stood a round table. Mia and the elders were seated. Moris stood on the opposite side. Moris: “The beast-eared folk have offered us an alliance. I told them that if the elves agree, then I agree as well. So this decision cannot be mine alone.” Mia (thinking): “This could be dangerous, Moris… We know little about them. 

  We must not rush into a decision that could affect our people’s fate.” Elder Eldran (in a deep voice): “Your Majesty… I think this is an opportunity. They too suffered from Ostania. If we unite, it strengthens both sides.” Elder Dari (in opposition): “But what of trust? Who can guarantee they won’t betray us? This might be a trap.” Another elder (calmly): “I agree with Lord Eldran. The beast-eared suffered under the same enemy. There is no reason for betrayal. If this alliance is made wisely, the risk will be minimal.” Mia (after a short silence): “…Very well. By council decision, we shall begin the alliance. Moris, this is thanks to you.” Moris (bowing): “Thank you. Then I’ll inform them.” --- In his laboratory on the city’s edge—a structure of metal and crystal—Moris sat at his desk, connecting a small communication device. He took the receiver and sent a signal to Ragnar. 

  Ragnar, waiting, had another device—one Moris had left for him. He accepted the signal as Moris had taught him, then heard Moris’s voice. Ragnar (astonished): “This… what is this? I can hear your voice… from afar?!” Moris (smiling): “The power of science, Ragnar. Distance is no barrier. The elves have confirmed the alliance. Now we step into a new era.” Ragnar (smiling back): “Yes… may it be so. For the future of both our peoples.” Moris (taking a deep breath, to himself): “My goal is coming true… Science is not just a tool—it is the bridge that unites nations. Ostania… your time is running out.” [The light of the device slowly faded, leaving only the gentle hum of the generator.] 

  The camera rose beyond the window into the night sky—the city of the elves and the distant homeland of the beast-eared shone beneath the same heavens. The breath of a new era could be felt. – The beginning of a new alliance.