The Royal Family of Lucretia met Leda about sixty years ago. She was traveling with a group of friends from The Tower. At that time, the young Crown Prince, Noa de Lucretia, was sixteen years old, and the son of the Grand Duke Klain, Niklas Klain, was fourteen years old and best friend of the young Prince. Both were the type of young men who weren't able to stay put. They were adventurous souls, wanting to see the world, and that spirit got them in more than one mess. After the group of sorcerers stopped an evil witch, who tried to seduce the young Prince and poison the King, the Prince and his friend asked for permission to explore the world, to learn new things and find their own way. They traveled for five years with Leda and her group before returning back to Lucretia.
After the Prince returned, he got married and soon the young couple were blessed with twin children, a girl named Elissa and a boy named Oliver. Elissa died young, before her twelfth birthday, in an unfortunate accident.
Thirty-nine years ago, when Prince Oliver turned sixteen, rather than the adventurous spirit of his father, he had more of a sense of justice and responsibility. In fact, the King was especially worried that the weight of it would crush the good and sweet soul that turned cold after the loss of Elissa.
So King Noa sent Oliver and his best friend, Harald Ehrenhaft, who was twenty years old at that time, to travel with Leda and the group of remaining sorcerers who, although with less members, were still a formidable force against the forces of evil. They traveled for eight years, acquiring a new view of the world, which helped the Prince to open up to others. When they returned home, they both married their fiancees. The following year, the prince had his firstborn, Jullian, followed by Thomas four years later, and finally the youngest daughter who is two years younger than Thomas, Beatrice. Sadly, Her Majesty The Queen died in labor at her arrival. When Jullian turned sixteen, the King sent him and his fifteen year old friend Phillip Ehrenhaft, to travel with a new group of sorcerers, recommended by Leda by the way, and since he had the same personality of justice and responsibility as King Oliver, they learned a lot from the experience, even though it only lasted for three years.
He also wanted to send Thomas to that trip, at his sixteenth birthday, but the second prince refused to go. Two years later, King Oliver fell ill, Jullian, who was twenty-two years old, abdicated the throne, and simply vanished without a trace, along with his wife and their baby. Eighteen years old Thomas took the throne, and even though he officially was a merciful and good king, always putting the people first, rumors whispered about a really cold and calculating side, to which nothing escaped, never let any prey or opponents flee away, or any of his enemies leave… but those are just rumors.
Haspel Brew was impressed by the type of questions asked by the young Elf, he had heard that she knew the royal family well and was intrigued… Why would she not know? Not to mention that those questions had killed quite a few people.
- That is a story that has caused quite a stir… Are you sure that is what you want to know? -
- Of course! Soon I will be right in the middle of that mess and I will not go without knowing what happened to Oliver and the Young Crown Prince eight years ago. -
- If you don't mind my butting in, if you were so close to the Royal Family, why didn't you come at the time? -
- Sigh~... Eight years ago, when the King got sick, I was in the Tower and learned about Oliver's death over there. When I returned, the Second Prince had already taken the throne and Prince Julian and his family had disappeared. So I decided to keep my distance because it was quite suspicious, so I preferred to keep a low profile. After all, the Second Prince always had a reputation for being unfriendly and hostile, not caring about others. -
- … -
- Fine, that, and also because I am a sorceress, not royalty. So it is not my business to get into things that do not affect me. But the fact always bugged me… It was too well organized and Jullian was always far more responsible than his brother and sister together. -
- Well, eight years ago my father ran the business, I was twenty-one, and just like you it bugged me a lot, so I investigated, and what I found my father told me never to say it, but, I think I will make an exception with you. -
- I'm honored - Leda said sarcastically.
- Sigh -
Haspel took a deep breath and started:
- Eight years ago, King Oliver was about to pass the title of Archduke to his second son. As you may know, traditionally the title is only given to the sons of Archdukes or the Princes who will not inherit the Crown. But King Oliver fell ill with a very strong cold, neither the doctors nor the wizards could heal him, and a month later, the King died of cardiac arrest. -
- A heart attack? For having the flu??? -
- Right, then the Royalist faction persuaded Prince Julian to take the throne, and he was going to do it. However, two days before the Coronation, he said that he didn't want his family to have the stress of the throne and also, just as when he was younger, he just wanted to travel the world. Everyone tried to talk to him, in order to change his mind, even his best friend Phillip Ehrenhaft, who is his second cousin, but not even him was able to convince Prince Jullian to take the right decision. On the next day, he signed the abdication papers, then he took his wife and his one-year-old son and left. No one has heard from him ever since and no one knows where he is now. The Second Prince then came in and said that he was going to take the responsibility left by his brother. Suspicious, the council was not sure about the situation, and more than half were against it. The day the council met, the majority voted in favor. -
- Why did they change their minds so drastically? -
- I have no proof, but I am sure about this one. It was said that The Prince bribed some of the members of the council, threatened or extortioned others, to the point that those who didn't listen, had mysterious accidents and their successors were in favor. Those who voted against it were the Royalist Faction, which is protected by the Archduchy of Ehrenhaft. But two of the three factions, the Aristocrats and the Merchants, voted in favor of Prince Thomas inheriting the crown. Those were the rumors that went around at the time, but there is neither any evidence nor any witnesses. -
- He used extortion and other means... So what kind of person is the King? Do you think he might have done something similar to Prince Jullian? -
- It would be impossible to know, but he is not evil, I'm not a hundred percent sure that it was him, there was evidence of an unknown hand, but there is nothing concrete, if that is what you are asking me, he is fair enough with those who oppose him, but it is known that he is not benevolent either. His personality is… hmmm… how do I put it, cold. -
- Cold? As in the rumors -
- In fact he's cold as an iceberg, narcissistic, obsessive, agonizing, disruptive, imprudent. Never mind the fact that he's also sly, apathetic, predatory, insensitive and tactless, but fortunately they're balanced out slightly by being perceptive, appreciative, practical and clear-headed as well. His sense of order is what has kept the kingdom from collapsing, and has actually been raising higher than ever.
Multiple enemies have been made because of his egocentric and cynical nature, which is a true shame for both sides. He's insightful and romantic, resourceful and patient at the very least. -
- What a personality! It will be better to keep my distance, I guess. -
- Don't doubt it, the rumor is that he's been looking for a bride to marry, but no one has yet reached his expectations. But you, being of another species, you shouldn't have problems. Still be careful. -
- Well, that answers some of my questions about the Kingdom. -
- My apologies that there's nothing more. If there were something else, it has not yet come out. But whether or not the truth may be, there is a lot of syncretism around the ascension of the King Thomas. -
- That is not so weird, it is quite common for them to have skeletons in their closets. And what about Niklas Klein? -
- Niklas Klein… He is the prime minister, he raised to his position in the Reign of King Noa, keeping it even now. He has helped the population in general, not only the nobles. A month ago, he fell ill with the following symptoms: dizziness, muscle cramps and a loss of taste, a constant fever until a week ago, when he fell into a coma. And now, you were brought in. Neither doctors nor wizards can understand the illness. -
- Wizards do not surprise me, but those symptoms do bring to mind a certain disease, but it is extremely rare. I would have to see him to make sure, and I guess you don't know why they called me specifically? I can sense another sorcerer from the Tower in the city. -
- Not the slightest idea, but it might be because you have already dealt with similar situations, and have known the royal family for three generations. -
- hmmm… -
- Either way, I did not know there was another sorcerer in the city… So maybe the Royal Family doesn't know either. -
- Maybe... -
Leda looked away, with her gaze lost in her thoughts. Impossible, it could not be. Muscle cramps can happen for multiple reasons, the same with the fever and loss of taste, she thought.
Meanwhile downstairs, Sir Phillip was already tired. He had been listening to Leon, talking and trying to sell him stuff, for the last hour and now had enough. He was about to kill the merchant and stuff him in the wall.
- Enough, I don't want to buy anything, just give me Lady Leda's bill!!! -
Leon, smiling maliciously, knew that the poor knight already had enough of all the tidal wave of questions and sales hints that he's been giving him without stop. Since he already had his fun, he decided to let him go.
- It's fifteen hundred Srallod… Ah! And I threw some healing crystals on the house. -
Free? This man with that silver tongue could sell ice in the middle of winter and at triple the price. It couldn't be normal for him to give free merchandise.
- Here you go - said the knight, coldly.
- You know if Lady Leda will come down soon? -
- I'm sure she's coming down in no time -
Sir Phillip stared at him. Leon was showing his million Srallod smile. He then walked towards the entrance and started pacing back and forth, so much that even Leon was dizzy just by seeing him. While upstairs:
- Was the information to your satisfaction? -
Haspel asked after waiting ten minutes for Leda to speak back to him. Leda, on the other hand, was still lost in her thoughts. She then realized that she was stealing important time, that if Niklas had what she believed he had. She had to hurry.
- Yes, it is satisfactory, I suppose you will want immediate payment? -
- Indeed, you see my client is in a bit of a hurry and is not a patient man. -
- What would have happened if I hadn't come? -
- It would have taken me one or two more weeks. -
- Okay, if you say so. The Tower will be in the human Kingdom of Bleta, where the Ley lines on this continent are crossed. They will recharge several crystals of the tower, and will be over there from dawn to dusk on the thirty-first day of October. But be careful, that is the date of hallows eve. The walls between the spiritual and the physical are very thin, especially at night in that location, so advise your client to be careful. -
- I will pass your warning along. I believe that our transaction is complete? -
- Correct -
They both stood up, and Haspel said:
- Please, if you need something else, do not hesitate to contact us. -
Leda smiled at him
- It will be my pleasure, with such a handsome informant I would be a fool to refuse this offer -
Leda raised her hand to shake it but Haspel gently grabbed it and gave it a kiss, with a gallant smile that would make any other girl's heart skip a beat. To answer his gallantry, Leda took the edge of her skirt, stretched it to the side and bowing a little said:
- So until we meet again then -
With a smile that would melt the world's coldest heart with her warmth and sweetness, she continued to the exit without turning around. She just waved her hand in the air and said:
- Bye, bye -
Haspel sat down and began to laugh. He had lost in the biggest way that is possible. He lost, in everything. Even though he had the location of the tower, that girl really was something else… Beautiful, clever and better than him, it was amazing meeting her.
Leda was at the edge of the stairs and saw Sir Phillip who was still pacing at the entrance. He was very nervous because she hadn't come down yet, however, he calmed down the moment he laid eyes on her. She came down and he moved aside to give her space, so she walked right in front of him.
- Lady Leda, are you finished? Here are your purchases. -
- Thank you. -
- Leda, come back soon, you're always welcome here! -
- Thanks Leon, until we meet again then. -
Leda smiled at him and waved goodbye as they left. Once outside of the store, they started heading out of the alleyway to the main street.
- Lady Leda, I was really nervous, you were up there a long time. -
- An hour is not that long, besides, I assure you that I can defend myself quite well -
- If you forgive me for the rudeness, what did you do up there? I heard you laughing, what happened? -
- Not much, there were some details about the things that I needed, and they told me something that I did not expect, so I laughed, but I don't think you'll get the joke. -
- … ??? … -
Of course Sir Phillip didn't understand. He helped her to get on the horse to finally be on their way to the castle. While they passed through the center square, they could see performers in the street. Illusionists and magicians doing basic tricks. They seemed to be quite popular with younger children. The magicians and illusionists seemed to have nothing more but grade one magic, but there was someone in the city with grade nine magic. She didn't feel energy from other species though, therefore this person should be human, so it must be a member of the tower. Still, there was something in the air that she didn't like. Something that gave her a bad feeling. But for the moment, she was just watching around with attention. After all, she didn't feel immediate danger, and her friend's life was in grave danger.
She was observing the square until they came out of it and started galloping towards the castle. Thirteen solid square towers were scattered in a seemingly random pattern, but have been built for an ideal defense and were connected by wide reinforced walls, all made of sandstone.
Crude windows were scattered thinly around the walls in fairly symmetrical patterns, along with small holes for archers and artillery.
A great gate, with enormous metal doors and various artillery equipment, offers a safe home to all those in need inside these cold walls. Although it's not the only way in, it'll be your best shot if you wish to conquer this castle.
Various large houses were scattered outside the castle gates. Surprisingly, the rich seemed to be comfortable by living outside the gates as well. This castle showed signs of expansion, as some parts were clearly built more recently than others, and the inhabitants were already working on another part, in hope to keep expanding.
There were guards at the entrance. The latest renovation to the walls of the castle weren't there the last time she came, so she guessed they built it because they would have more protection. The capital, when they passed through, was full of guards and soldiers everywhere. But the people looked calm, so Leda didn't think of anything wrong in the way of their security, however, it did make her feel uncomfortable.
- Who to enter? -
The guards at the entrance asked. At the gate, there were two in armor, and further inside, there were soldiers with a similar uniform to those that came with the knights escorting her, except that this one was green. Although they were all carrying swords and were fully armored, they didn't look to be much experienced. Judging by the insignias, they just finished training and were yet to be knighted. They looked really young, maybe in their late teens or early twenties.
- Colonel Ehrenhaft, I am escorting the Sorceress by order of the king. -
The young guards gestured to the soldiers who were further inside, they came out, and when they saw the young elf and the company of knights, one of them said:
- Right, I heard the king was getting impatient, come in. -
They were looking at Leda closely, from head to toe… She seemed too young for being the great sorceress who once saved the kingdom, when they were small children. What they did not expect was the sudden gaze Leda gave back at them; cold, calculating, staring at them in the same way, but with such sense of superiority, as if she were seeing an ant that bit her hand. Shivers went down the body of the soldiers as if facing their worst foe. It took only a second to have them petrified.
They riled up the big iron gate, dropped down the bridge, and the group entered immediately. As they went through the grand gardens, they headed into an entrance of the castle. Even though both the castle wall and the outside were gray and looked ruff, the place, inside, was beautiful and included the main palace belonging to the King, and the Jazmin palace belonging to the Queen, besides the emerald, amber, ruby and oxidion palaces assigned for other visiting royalty, princes or princesses. They dismounted from the horses and Sir Phillip led her inside..
- The king awaits you Lady Leda, you have to talk to the King first. -
- So let's hurry, his condition will get worse as time goes by. -
They walked through the corridors until they reached the entrance to the throne room. The great golden doors opened. Tremendous braziers, attached to each of the eight marmoreal columns, lit up most of the throne hall and shrouded it in a dark orange radiance. The illustration of battles on the sloped ceiling, danced in the flickering light while marble icons looked down upon the mahogany floor of this sublime hall.
A scarlet rug running from the throne down the center and looping back from both left and right while swallowing tail banners with burnished ornaments, dangled gently from the walls. Between each banner, a magic light was hanged, which is a little ball of light on top of a small lamp that illuminates like if it had the sun shining inside.
A lavish throne of mahogany, sitting atop a balcony, overlooked the throne hall and was adjoined by two large but far less ornated seats, for those aiding His Majesty in all affairs.
The throne was covered in holy etchings and fixed on each of the rather slim feet in an elegant ship. The broad pillows were of dark teal and these too had been adorned with golden lacery.
Those wishing to witness their royalty could do so on the many lavish, but relatively simple, marble benches, all of which were facing the throne. Those of higher standing, could instead take seat in the gorgeous mezzanines, facing the benches below.
As they entered, the King stared at them. They walked in, passing the center carpet until they were in front of His Majesty, the King. The knights bowed down, kneeling on one knee, showing their respect. Leda saw him strait into those purple eyes, showing little fear or respect, but before causing a scene, she bowed gently without losing eye contact with the King. The serious king, without changing the cold expression in his eyes, stared at her. All the royalty suddenly started whispering about her. You could hear the murmur in the crowd around. But both the King and Leda, without a trace of emotion, kept staring directly into each other's eyes.