The Hero Who Wasn't:Lord of Kingdoms

The Griffin's Lullaby… and How to Cross a Week's Journey in Two Days"

The next day, as they made their way through a rocky forest, an unexpected sight blocked their path.

By the roadside stood a majestic mythical creature—a Moon-Wing Griffin—with one broken wing, tangled in thorny vines. It screeched in pain and rage, lashing out with its claws at anything that came near.

"My Lord, beware!" Leo warned. "Griffins are fiercely proud creatures. They'll attack us even if we're trying to help."

Robert drew his sword. "Shall we end its suffering, my Lord? It will be a tough fight."

Selene studied the beast. "Its magic core is unstable from the pain. Getting close now is folly."

Arion looked at the beautiful creature in pain. A genuine pang of pity (mixed with annoyance that this thing was blocking his path) struck him. He had no idea what to do. He couldn't kill it, and he couldn't approach it safely. Then he remembered his other absurd skill: Soothing Hum.

"It works on small animals… but will it work on a mythical beast?" he thought desperately. "I've got nothing to lose."

He signaled his team to stay back. Under their puzzled, expectant gazes, Arion slowly stepped forward. He didn't draw his sword. He didn't prepare any spell. He simply sat down on a rock at a safe distance, closed his eyes, and began to hum.

"Hmmmmmmmm… hmmmmm…"

It wasn't a melody—just a low, calm sound.

The griffin stopped screeching and turned its large, intelligent eyes toward him. Its violent thrashing ceased. It tilted its head curiously. Its furious roar softened into a faint whimper. The pain remained, but the panic and rage faded. Gently, it rested its head on the ground, watching this small creature that had given it only a quiet hum.

Arion's team stood frozen in place, mouths agape.

Robert wiped away a tear that had crept from the corner of his eye. "He didn't use force… he didn't use magic… he… he connected directly with its spirit. He gave it peace."

Leo whispered in awe, "His mere presence calmed the unbreakable pride of a griffin."

Selene, meanwhile, scribbled furiously in her notebook. "New hypothesis! His peaceful aura isn't directed—it's a passive field that affects living beings in his vicinity! It disrupts primal instincts like fear and aggression! This doesn't follow the laws of magic—it imposes its own law on reality! I need a sample of his blood!"

Minutes later, Arion simply rose and continued walking, leaving the griffin to rest peacefully. He didn't say a word.

---

After a march of barely two days, the landscape changed dramatically. The trees were petrified, the air turned cold and dry, and the scent of dust and forgotten ages filled their lungs.

At last, they arrived. Before them stood two massive stone gates, carved with ancient dwarven runes worn down by time. A lingering aura of despair and old sorrow seeped from the dark entrance of the abandoned mine.

Leo checked his map, then the horizon, then the map again. His face turned pale with disbelief.

"My… My Lord," he stammered. "This is impossible."

"What is it?" asked Robert.

"According to the maps and our pace, this trek through the valley and marsh should have taken at least a week—an entire week of cautious travel!" Leo looked at Arion with eyes full of reverence. "We… we made it in under two days. We were five times faster than any expedition in recorded history!"

Robert added as he flexed his muscles, "It was a forced march, but I don't feel tired… I feel stronger. It's like his pace alone strengthened us!"

Arion stood before the dark entrance, his face hidden under his cloak's hood, looking every bit the legendary leader about to face the final battle.

Inside, though, his thoughts were very different.

"Finally! We're here—where I'll probably die. I'm exhausted, terrified, and I desperately need a very long nap… maybe forever."