Walking down the dimly lit hallway, my head spins from hours of relentless practice. [Grimoire] offers a glimpse of hope. Unlike [Water arts], I could do alot of powerful things without a nosebleed. The only setback is that I didn't have a Grimoire. I had to summon the witch again to attempt copying out as much spells as I could but unfortunately it couldn't be copied. No matter how I try, the words come out normally and can't be used. It was a mood killer because I have that feeling that I am in my final hours. Butler's condition is getting worse and when I visited him, his skin was pale and almost translucent, making the veins beneath visible. As he coughed, it seemed as if each breath caused him immense pain. A mixture of blood and mucus dribbled from his lips, staining the pillow beneath him. He can't last much longer and It's obvious that he can't do anything for me, so how am I still alive? Is there something I'm missing? Maybe I'm just paranoid? Makes no sense. Everywhere is too damn quiet to be nothing. I arbitrarily stopped the collection of taxes yet none of the leaders of the regions under Drakoria said a thing? It's too quiet to be nothing. They are planning something, and are just laying in wait.
The knights bowed as they opened the doors to the royal dinning chambers. The two druids were seated, with the royal maids in waiting. As I entered they stood in greeting, and bowed. I silently walked to my seat at the head of the table and began to eat. [Grimoire] practice had left me famished.
Midway through my meal, I glanced up to see that the druids were eating only vegetables and fruits. Wasn't surprised. I signaled for the maids to leave. As soon as the doors closed I began, "You said you have an offer that will interest me"
"Yes" Eowyn said, as she casually dropped the apple, revealing her apparent disinterest in it. It was evident that she had been using it simply to pass the time. Meanwhile, Isadora continued nibbling on her berries, stealing a few shy glances at the tempting tarts and pastries on the table. "In the depths of the forest, there exist something the outside world needs but only known by us. Should you accept our terms, we are willing to share this exclusive information with you"
As my fingers reached for a cherry, my curiosity grew stronger, and I couldn't help but inquire, "What is it?"
Eowyn's gaze locked onto mine, seemingly measuring my interest, before she revealed the hidden treasure, "A vast, untouched deposit of crystals lies concealed within the forest."
That wasn't what I was expecting.
Crystals are something of great value to this world. Often used in magic, though not particularly rare, they are easily exhausted and quickly disposable which makes demand for them very high. The only long lasting crystal and also the most common is the quartz because of the minimal magic it requires to create lights. They often last about a month of which another would be needed. Having control of a crystal deposit is very tempting for any kingdom. Tempting enough to start a war over for.
"I'm sure you know by now I'm not in desperate need for coins " I finally said. "Moreover, if the truth of your claim stands, my people will inevitably uncover the deposit eventually. So why should I accept your compromise?"
"For sincerity." she said, her tone diplomatic. "And though you might not gain anything from it, what happens when other kingdoms find out about it?"
I would lose my farmlands. The demon forest is a neutral ground, though it has massive lands and rich with herbs, mainly because of the portal that is said to be there. It made the forest home to anything dangerous that crawls. It is largely closer to Montreal than Drakoria but they never laid claim to it because they didn't have to. It's only been a week and I've already lost 3457 soldiers, and they were not particularly low ranked. But even at that if I take it now as Drakoria's region there's no way Montreal will keep quiet, even though they don't know the worth. If I do nothing I risk losing my farmlands and that will be disastrous. All these won't be a problem if I wasn't so fucking weak.
"I can't afford a war" I said after sometime.
Eowyn's response was measured, "And you can't afford to let your people starve either. If another kingdom stakes their claim on that land, you might be forced to relinquish it."
I took a moment, then grabbed another cherry as I pondered her words. "Perhaps," I replied thoughtfully. "But it appears to me that this arrangement benefits you more than it does Drakoria. Your desire to maintain your lifestyle without interference seems to hold greater value to you than a crystal deposit."
"True"
"So you asking for a favor?"
In response, a subtle, knowing smile played on her lips. "It can be said that I am," she admitted with a hint of mischief.
"Then we will make it official tomorrow" I said with a nod. "Welcome to Drakoria".
Eowyn offered a respectful bow, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, your majesty," she responded graciously.
She continued eating and my eyes fell on my wife to be, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange. I have to believe she had live her whole life with the hood on because there's no way a beauty of this level is still unmarried. She caught my glance and bashfully averted her eyes, a subtle hint of a blush tainting her cheeks.
"When can I take in my bride?" I inquired, turning to Eowyn.
She glanced at the demure Isadora and then back at me, responding respectfully, "At your timing, your majesty."
I nodded and we continued eating.
When I was done we stood to leave and I decided to try my luck with the main question I wanted to ask.
"Do you know of a witch without a kin? "
As Eowyn moved away from the grand dining table, her countenance became thoughtful, indicating that she was giving the question considerable consideration. I noticed a hint of reluctance in Isadora as she stood up to leave with us so I told her, "you can stay".
She looked at her grandmother who gave her a nod, then back at me, with gratitude in her eyes, she bowed her thanks before taking her seat once more.
"I think the only one that comes to mind is the dark witch" she said, as the doors to the chambers opened.
"Dark witch?"
"Yes" she said, "he was said to be quite powerful. Story goes he ran mad and wanted to purify his bloodline. He wanted his direct bloodline to be the only one in existence so he made a spell to track every single one of his bloodline and he killed them. All but his twin sister."
" He intend to mate with her? "
" Yes" she replied, "but she soon died, and he was left alone, and in his grief, he took his own life."
"And his Grimoire?"
"In his tomb, with him, I suppose"
"No one took it?" I asked surprised, and hopeful.
"Why would anyone take it?" she retorted, as if my question was preposterous. "Those who attempted to raid his tomb for gold never returned, and that include the last First degree witch the continent had."
Excitement was boiling in me. This is it. I knew there was a reason I felt hope.
"Where is the tomb?"
"The Isle of Elgwood," Eowyn responded, briefly glancing at me before fixing her gaze forward again. "Some treasures are not worth coveting, your majesty."
Not when your life depends on it, is what I wanted to say but decided she didn't need to know that. The noose on my neck is tightening, I could already feel it.