Chapter 60 - The Shadow Game of the Six Crowns - I
** Heart of Feralthar
The wind sang a melodic tune as it brushed against the rocks and trees that stood tall and majestic within the great suspended city. Homes and buildings rested upon an intricate network of platforms, connected by rope bridges that shimmered under the moonlight. A luminous fluid flowed within the ropes, giving them the appearance of being alive.
The trees were so massive and thick that entire structures had been built inside them. Every aspect of the city had been designed to minimize its impact on nature: trees grew through the buildings, streams flowed freely, and the beastfolk lived in harmony with the forest.
From a grand structure adorned with raw stone and polished wood, the sounds of a heated argument echoed. It was a vast meeting hall, constructed within a natural cavern that pierced the ground and extended to the top of the tallest tree. Moonlight reflected off the stone walls, illuminating the interior with a mesmerizing beauty.
At the center of the hall, three prominent chairs seated imposing figures: two men and a woman, all with muscular builds and striking beastly features—pointed ears, tails, sharp claws, and prominent fangs.
Before them, an assembly buzzed with overlapping comments, making it difficult to discern what was being said.
"ENOUGH!" shouted the woman seated on the central throne, silencing the chaos.
About twenty beastfolk, mature in appearance and with sharp gazes, turned their attention to the three leaders.
"How much of this rumor is true, and how much is fantasy?" asked the leader on the right, whose imposing, curved horns stood out on his head.
A feline-featured beastfolk, well-dressed, stepped forward. "Initially, we assumed it was all lies. But since a royal decree was signed by the queen herself, we've come to believe the story holds some truth. Over thirty battles have been reported in the last month alone," he replied respectfully.
"Why does this matter? Why concern ourselves with a brat who still smells of milk?" interjected the third beastfolk abruptly, seated on the left. His most striking feature was a fiery red mane in place of hair.