After a little while, Eesah unlocked the door and beckoned Neila and others in. They all returned to their seats around the circular table.
"So, I assume you decided on the terms and conditions of our agreement"... Neila inquired.
"Let me explain... Leo got up from his seat... We shall form the ODOLA SOPIMUS. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about"... Leo stated
Sparrow and Sylve gasp in shock.
"Odola Sopimus, yes... I'm aware of what it is... You're smarter than I imagined, Prince Leonard Augustus"... Jarse smiled.
"What exactly is Odola Sopimus?" Neila inquired.
"Simply defined as Blood Deal, Odola Sopimus is the most perilous pact to create since once formed, there is no going back. Those who sign this agreement must be mentally and physically prepared for the consequences. Both sides must stick to the specific rules and expectations they established until the goal is accomplished. If someone repents before then, they will not die, but they will be afflicted with the CAINUS CURSE (to wander the earth without an end or immortality as a human), and their generation will be plagued with abnormal lives and deaths. It is also known as the DEATH PACT. As a result, no one forms this deal... So, Neila Demion, are you prepared to construct an Odola Sopimus with me?"... Leonard grinned.
"Hmm.... that's more like it... I am willing to form the Odola Sopimus with you, Prince"... she smiled back.
"So, shall we talk about the norms and demands, which we may also add, right?"... Jarse inquired.
"Yes, we have two rules and three demands"... stated Leonard
"Let's start with them"... Neila replied
"Ok… First and foremost, I, Leonard Augustus, shall be in command of this deal, and you must obey my directions... The second rule is that you are not permitted to act on your own without my approval... Do you agree with these two rules?" ... Leo inquired.
Jarse grinned as Neila gazed at him... "Yes, we agree"... she responded
"Then, these are our three demands: first, you will disclose whatever information you obtain regarding our goal... Second, after eliminating Agriola Demion, the present King of Yfels, we will reinstall a new king; you are not permitted to participate in that discussion; and third, Esse-Diz aka Jarse, you must discover a solution to heal a damaged soul and save Liliana Augustus' life... The last one stems from my selfishness, therefore you may object"... Leo's conclusion
"Not at all, Prince; repairing a damaged soul is a small thing for a soul eater; now I see why you were so determined to find us. You mistook me for a soul eater in order to cure your sister and use me against Agriola... Not bad"... Jarse responded
"I'll agree to the first two criteria, and I'll leave the third to Jarse to decide"... Neila replied
"Sure, of course, "... Jarse drew the attention of Leo and others. Lexus and others were both thrilled and proud since everything was proceeding according to Leo's plans.
"I will assist you in locating the soul eater and healing your sister... But I can't guarantee it, therefore you'll reword the demand as... Esse-Diz, the 4th God Yfel's, will try to discover a means to repair the wounded soul of Liliana Augustus, daughter of the late Leht King, Roudelf Augustus; however, because this is a personal request of Prince Leonard Augustus, it is exempt from Odola Sopimus' sanctions"... Jarse elaborated.
"What! A request? ... Do you want the Prince to request you?" ... Lexus questioned
"Well, darling, my hostess Neila and I are making a covenant with you, not a slavery contract... Isn't that fair?" Jarse inquired.
"It is reasonable... I'll accept it"... Leo responded
"Then there's just one thing I want... I will accept Prince Leonard Augustus as the leader of our mission and alliance, but I will not accept you as my master and Lord. Therefore, unless we're on a mission, you can't order or command me... No one is allowed to regard me as inferior... I'm free and desire my personal space. I shall be given the same privileges as your knights"… Neila's sneer and flaming eyes were more dominant than everything else inside the hall.
Her demand made Leo's knights and spirits a bit uneasy.
"I agree"... Breaking the stillness, Leo stated...
"Marvelous! Let's form the Odola Sopimus, shall we? We also have a witness who is not a member of any of these two groups... Sparrow and his divine spirit Sylve"... Jarse smiled.
"So, let's get started"... Leo turned to face Xena... She advanced, waving her hand in the air muttering some ancient language. Golden sparkles surrounded her... A magical scroll and a golden blade emerged in her grasp... In the scroll, she jotted down all of their demands and rules.
"Come forth, Leonard Augustus, Prince of Lehts, and Neila Demion, Princess of Yfels," Xena summoned. Neila and Leo came near. "Show me your palms and lay them over the scroll," she said. They followed her instructions. Xena grabbed the golden dagger and scratched each of their palms gently, allowing blood to run down to the scroll. The blood drops descend, forming themselves into the shape of their names. Xena looked at Sparrow and Sylve, who came over and wrote their names as witnesses with a quill that appeared before returning to their place. "You may hold each other's hands," Xena suggested. Leo and Neila held their hands, causing a golden light from the scroll to shine, then dissipating, leaving a golden Odola Sopimus mark (two blood drops inside the mark of infinity) on their palm, curing their wounds. "It is finished," Xena muttered as the dagger she was holding faded. The room reverted to its prior state.
"Then it is over... So, can we get our lives back?" ... Sparrow wondered.
"Yes, comrade, return it"... Lexus grinned as he lifted his brow at Neila.
"Oh!... Okay... Jarse"… She called
Jarse put his hand on his chest, and five different colored stones appeared on his hand. He then threw them slowly at them, allowing the gems to return to their owners. Each stone entered Leo and his knight's body. They felt like regained energy.
"So this is your power, stealer of life?... you can snatch years of lifespan from whomever you like and return it whenever you want"… Leo asked Neila
"Yes… that's one of my power"… Neila replied smiling.
"So what's next?"... Lexus asked
"A War... I guess"…Leo sneered