The celebration was in full swing in Potalu. Every five years, the city hosts an extraordinary council. Representatives from all nations gather in the city-state of Potalu. This city, an economic and cultural center of the world, had always remained neutral in conflicts between different countries. It was only natural that this place was chosen to host their leaders and discuss matters around a table peacefully. This congress is also a good opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the peace or trade agreements that are signed there. However, beneath all this excitement and euphoria, serious events are unfolding. While the majority rejoices at the sight of the royal processions arriving shortly, others are preparing. It was dark, and the air was rather humid, and between the sound of two raindrops, a man appeared in the shadows.

- You haven't forgotten anything, have you? he asked with a firm and deep voice. He was addressing another silhouette, barely more illuminated than him, who turned around in a start and dropped what she was holding with a metallic clatter.

- I've placed everything as you instructed, except for the last one. We'll have to find a way to get through, she said as she stepped closer to her interlocutor, revealing herself in the faint pool of light that separated them. She had a feminine silhouette but appeared disproportionate, as if she had been sculpted by a child. The crowd emitted a muffled clamor as the man turned around.

- Don't worry about that, he said. With what I plan to do, you'll have all the time you need.

- Are you sure about this? the woman asked, visibly concerned.

- It will be worth it.

Meanwhile, the processions began to arrive in the city. In the front row, right by the road, a group of children marveled at a series of enormous war machines.

- Look! exclaimed a teenager as he climbed the protective barrier: This cannon is huge. I thought they could only make small ones, but look at this one! It must be at least twice my size!

A young woman approached and took him down from the barrier.

- Careful, Ori, don't get too close. If you fall and get hurt, it'll be me who gets scolded by Gran'ma. You're lucky I managed to convince her to let you watch the parade.

- Thanks, Hana!!! all the children said in unison, except for Ori, who seemed upset. He was the only one who stood out in the group. Ori was at least two heads taller than the other children but wasn't much wider than them, and now that the floats had passed, the smile that had stretched from ear to ear had faded.

- Ori, Hana said accusingly, giving him a scrutinizing look.

- Thanks, Hana, Ori replied with a big smile that Hana knew was fake. It was his specialty - flicking a strand of his long brown hair behind his ear while sporting an insolent grin. It had a way of irritating Gran'ma, but it amused - Hana, and he knew it well. So, she returned his fake smile before whistling a few notes to gather the children. The sound was soft but surprisingly powerful, drowning out the noise around them.

- Come on, kids, hold hands; we're going home.

- But... we haven't even seen Banshalla's procession! protested Ori.

- You're right... they must have gone straight to the palace on Pegasus, I suppose.

- I'd love to have a Pegasus too! a little girl behind Hana chimed in.

- Me too, Zoé, but you know they're reserved for the Valkyries, my dear. But once we get back to the orphanage, I can make you a Pegasus plushie. How does that sound?

- Yeah!!! Let's go home quickly! she exclaimed, grabbing Ori's wrist to pull him along. Ori, seemingly dejected, allowed himself to be led by Zoé.

- Thanks, Ori! Hana said with that same insolent smile before leading the way for the group.

A few streets away, a magnificent carriage, pure white, struggled to advance in a crowded street, pulled by two winged horses ridden by women in glistening armor... also with wings. A voice came from inside the carriage:

- Ylva, what's taking so long? We were supposed to arrive fifteen minutes ago.

- I apologize, Mother, one of the two riders responded. But a merchant's cart blocked the main street after its wheels broke. So, we had to take an alternate route. However, we weren't supposed to pass through here, so the guard didn't clear the way.

- These men, a bunch of incompetents, grumbled the woman inside the carriage. And what are our Pegasi for, then? Fly!

- I'm sorry, but given the weight of the carriage and all these tall buildings, it's impossible to maneuver properly. I apologize for the inconvenience, Mother. I will inform General Taeg of the problem.

- Do it as quickly as possible. It would be a shame to arrive after that oaf Drakus.

- Of course, Mother, Ylva replied, continuing through the crowd.

Then, after a few minutes of travel, the ground began to shake, as did the buildings, and the sound of an explosion echoed a few streets away. Two more winged women emerged from the carriage, positioning themselves all around in an instant, drawing spears and shields.

- Valkyries, stay with Mother! Ylva ordered. I'll see what's happening.

They all complied instantly as Ylva skillfully climbed onto the carriage's roof. However, despite being a few meters higher than the others, she couldn't see anything but a panicked crowd and dozens of people shouting and trying to make their way through the general chaos. Ylva then took advantage of a balcony a few meters away and, in an instant, found herself ten meters above on the building's roof. She then unfurled her pair of silver wings and dove forward.