Chapter 14
The Sleeper's Curse
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"Why isn't he waking up? He was fine when I left him!"
Alric's voice echoed sharply through the room, heavy with frustration and fear. He paced back and forth near the bed, his hands clenched into fists. Beside Cater's motionless form, the blind healer hovered his hands over cater chest, his face grim. Jane lingered by the door, muttering under her breath as she tried yet another spell to wake Cater. But no matter what she did, he remained unresponsive.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," the healer said, his voice heavy with regret. "This isn't a natural sleep. He's under a powerful curse—dark magic has him bound. If he doesn't wake within two days..." The healer hesitated, his lips tightening. "He won't survive."
Alric froze mid-step, his heart sinking. He rushed to Cater's side, grabbing his hand, only to recoil at how cold it felt. His chest tightened as he turned to the healer.
"Why is he freezing? Why does he feel like this?" Alric's voice was sharp, almost desperate.
Jane stepped closer, placing her hand gently on Cater's forehead. She didn't need to say a word—her expression said everything.
"He doesn't have much time," she murmured, her voice cracking. "If he doesn't wake in two days... he'll die."
The healer closed his bag, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I've done everything I can," he said softly. "Only someone who understands the magic that bound him can undo it."
As the healer left, Alric stood frozen and left as well, his thoughts a blur of fear and helplessness. Jane sank to the floor, her back pressed against the bed. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at Cater's still face.
"Why won't you wake up?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "For heaven's sake, you're the son of the most powerful demon in existence. Why are you letting this stop you?"
Her hands trembled as she gripped his, her tears falling freely. "You promised to protect Alric. Are you going to break that promise now?"
Jane tried spell after spell, each one more desperate than the last. But Cater remained unresponsive. Finally, her strength gave out, and she rested her head on the edge of the bed, her tears soaking into the sheets.
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Meanwhile, Alric stormed through the castle halls, his emotions boiling over. Servants and guards quickly stepped aside, startled by the prince's stormy expression. He pushed open the doors to the royal court without knocking, startling the assembled nobles and advisors.
King Authur looked up from his chair at the head of the room, his brows furrowing in disapproval. "Alric," he said sharply, "what is the meaning of this interruption?"
"I need to talk to you," Alric said, his voice hard. He turned to the nobles and guards standing nearby. "Leave. Now."
There was a tense pause, but the authority in Alric's tone left no room for argument. One by one, the room emptied until only Alric and his father remained.
"What is this about?" the king asked, his tone impatient.
Alric's fists clenched at his sides as he stepped forward. "My servant is sick," he began, his voice shaking with anger. "The healer says he's under some kind of dark magic. If he doesn't wake up in two days, he'll die."
King Authur's expression didn't change. He rose slowly from his seat and walked to stand before Alric, placing a heavy hand on his son's shoulder.
"And what exactly do you want me to do?," the king said calmly. "And even if I did, there is nothing to be done now. I'll find you another servant. Forget this one."
Alric stepped back, shaking his father's hand off as his anger flared. "What are you saying?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Cater isn't just a servant—he's my friend! He's been with me for years. If you won't do anything to help, then I will."
The king's voice turned icy. "Don't you dare defy me, Alric," he said, his tone laced with warning. "You are a prince. You have responsibilities. There are many who would gladly take his place—"
"Then let them!" Alric shouted, his voice echoing in the empty chamber. "But Cater can't be replaced. I won't stand by and watch him die!"
Before his father could respond, Alric turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his cape billowing behind him.
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Outside the castle, Alric prepared to leave with a small group of knights. His horse pawed at the ground restlessly as Alric adjusted the reins. Just as he was about to mount, a figure stumbled out of the nearby woods and collapsed to the ground.
"Stop!" Alric called, dismounting quickly. He ran to the fallen figure—a young woman, her clothes torn and her face pale with exhaustion.
"Are you alright?" he asked, crouching beside her.
The woman coughed weakly, her body trembling. "Your Highness..." she rasped. "The monsters... they're after me..."
Alric's expression softened as he gently lifted her into his arms. "You're safe now," he said. "What's your name? Do you have family nearby?"
The woman winced, shaking her head. "My name... is Vera. My family is gone. I thought I would die too, but you... you saved me."
"You'll be alright," Alric said, carrying her toward the castle gates. "I'll take you to the healers."
Inside the treatment room, Alric set her down gently on a chair. "Stay here," he said. "I'll send someone to help you."
As he turned to leave, Vera reached out and grabbed his arm. "Your Highness," she said, her voice urgent. "Sorry to interrupt, but I heard... Your servant sick. Trapped in a deep sleep. I can help."
Alric frowned, looking at her closely. "What do you mean?"
Vera lowered her hood, revealing her delicate features. "I'm a healer as well," she said softly. "I can help him."
Before Alric could respond, the door burst open. Jane rushed in, holding a treatment box. Her eyes were red from crying, her movements hurried.
"I'm here, sir," she said breathlessly. But as her gaze fell on Vera, she froze. The box slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor.
"Vera?" Jane whispered, her voice filled with shock and fear.
Alric glanced between them, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Do you know her?"
Jane didn't answer. Her wide eyes remained locked on Vera, who gave her a faint, knowing smile.
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