It was a Monday morning and I felt that something bad was to happen. Zabulo floated over and snuggled to my shoulder. He was always there for me when I’m down. Of all our times in the city he was always the kindest familiar I’ve ever seen, I feel lucky almost every day to even have him.

“Thank you.”

“pluur!”

I walked out of my round hut and breathed in the icy air, it was odd for the time of year. There was a meeting at town hall this morning so I walked off the platform onto one of the many lanky bridges that connect the place. The scent of morning dew and awakening leaves promised a good day for our small treetop village. A few droplets fell on us and the wooden planks as we stepped off the bridge. The slightly crowded doors of the room slowly allowed me to enter. There was a bit of commotion and talk as people greeted each other and settled down in their seats.

“I’m sure you’re all familiar with the tale of the nine kings… It was sooner than expected but the prophecy has come true, the stars aligned last night.”

Our elder then coughed and gasped for breath.

“We need to send out a champion and connect to our brethren for the coming times”

After a bit of conversing with the others it was decided that Veatren and Malum would duel and the victor becomes the champion. They were the guardians of the village and both were capable of defending it on their own.

“Showhen!”

I turned around to see the elder waddle over to me.