The eyes that were watching Leo and Emelina with such great interest disappeared from the clearing and reappeared on the face of Gwideon, the king's mage, who lay seemingly sleeping in his manor in the very center of the forest. Gwideon's eyes flew open, and his pupils darted from side to side. He sat up, drank from the carafe on the bedside table, quickly dressed, and called out for his houseman, Eryk.

"Sir?" Eryk asked, wiping sleep from his eyes.

"Fetch me a horse!"

For a moment, the elderly man's sunken eyes stared blankly back from his drawn face.

"A horse?" he repeated.

"Yes, man! Immediately! It is vital that I see the king!"

"Yes, sir," Eryk mumbled, shuffling slowly down the long hall.

When Gwideon mounted the horse, he waved his hand and said, "Away!" The beautiful black horse grew wings and took to the sky toward the castle.

Inside the castle, the staff and attending knights bowed as Gwideon passed them. He barely acknowledged them. When he reached the grand room where King Benedict and Queen Meridian were seated on their thrones, Gwideon bowed deeply. Beside them stood Zianca, the grand oracle of the realm, and Sir Borsen, the king's most trusted knight.

King Benedict looked regal, yet he had the build of a man who had known work with his hands. His strong jaw and broad shoulders made it seem like he had spent time outdoors, not just in the castle. His thick, wavy hair fell around his shoulders, with strands of gray beginning to show at his temples, telling the story of a rich, adventurous life. King Benedict's face reflected both kindness and strength, with small lines by his dark eyes hinting at the happy times and challenges he had faced as a ruler. Even without his crown, he had an air of majesty, but he still felt like he was one with the people.

Queen Meridian had an ethereal, otherworldly beauty. Her long, flowing brown hair was streaked with golden highlights, and her warm smile and friendly hazel eyes completed her stunning appearance.

Zianca, in contrast to the royal family and the knight, was small and had a wild look about her. It was as though the whispering forest had become part of her. Flowers were woven into her golden hair, and her eyes were a startling green with flecks of gold.

"Well, Grand Mage, it is indeed good to see that both you and Zianca have left the forest to grace us with your presence," the king remarked, his voice booming through the large space.

"Gwideon," Queen Meridian added, bowing her head.

Zianca and Borsen simply nodded in his direction.

"Your Majesties," Gwideon said, bowing.

"Such an early visit. I take it you both have news?" the king asked.

"Yes, sire," the two said in unison.

"Well, let's have it then."

Gwideon lowered his head toward Zianca, allowing her to speak first.

"I have had several visions concerning the ancient prophecy of Cleitus' curse," she began.

"That cannot possibly be good," Queen Meridian interjected.

"The signs are mixed. I have seen a dark force siphoning energy and power from both the dragons beneath the castle and from an unseen entity. It seems this dark force will soon gain enough power and knowledge to release the dragons. And we all know what that means."

"War and disaster," Gwideon mumbled.

"All that said, the prophecy spoke of a group of young magical initiates—twelve, to be exact—who could help fight off the tragedy and restore peace."

"I believe the time has come, my liege. Your decision to hold back your sentinels from stopping children from performing magic has revealed much. I have been watching, and I believe there are thirteen children, not twelve, who are ready to come under my instruction," Gwideon said.

"So, it seems dark times are upon us and unavoidable," King Benedict said, sadness shadowing his dark eyes.

Before anyone could speak, a loud sneeze echoed through the halls, followed by the ominous sound of stomping boots and the swoosh of capes.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Prince Aeron's presence was felt before he entered the throne room. Flanked by his mage, Briony, and his closest knight, Sir Oweyn the Titan, the prince strode in, his boots clicking on the floor.

King Benedict stood, arms open wide to greet his half-brother. Prince Aeron dutifully embraced him, but his eyes remained fixed on Queen Meridian. She quickly broke eye contact, bowing her head.

Briony and Sir Oweyn stood on either side of the huge doorway, bowing in respect to the king and queen.

Prince Aeron sneezed again and plucked an autumn flower from one of the tall vases, crushing it in his gloved hand.

"I hate this time of year!" he grumbled.

"Yes, you have always had trouble in the spring and autumn. But these seasons are about change and renewal, both good omens. What brings you here, brother? And at this early hour?" King Benedict inquired jovially, though fatigue tinged his voice.

"Does a brother need a reason or an invitation to visit his elder brother? I know I am just the kingdom's spare, but come on," Prince Aeron said, feigning disappointment though aggression flickered in his eyes.

"You know this is your home, Aeron. You are always welcome here," the king replied with a heavy sigh.

"I don't suppose you've come with any good news? Have you found the source of the threat against the seven realms?" Queen Meridian asked. She stood tall, striking in her beauty. Prince Aeron stared directly into her bright eyes for a moment before answering.

"No, my queen. It is difficult to admit, but we have no real leads. Briony believes the threat lies within Talonridge, perhaps even within the walls of this castle."

"Which you all likely already know," Briony added, locking eyes with Zianca.

Queen Meridian noticed the flicker of amusement in Briony's eyes before she glanced down.

"I see," she responded.

"Let's hope we uncover the truth soon and restore peace to the kingdom," King Benedict said, slamming his fist on his chair.

"Yes, I agree. If you'll allow it, I'd like to stay through the tournament. Briony and I can scour the books of mystery and decide our next course of action," Prince Aeron suggested, bowing slightly.

"Of course! Stay as long as you wish. The castle is your home, Aeron. I'll have your quarters prepared and arrangements made for your knights within the hour."

"Thank you, brother. One other thing—Briony believes the young initiates will begin their training soon, and I feel I could be of use as an instructor if you'd permit me."

King Benedict glanced quickly at Zianca and Gwideon before speaking.

"Of course. Your skills will be a valuable addition."

"Indeed," Aeron smiled, glancing briefly at the queen before turning back to the king. "My liege," he said, backing out of the room, followed closely by Briony and Sir Oweyn.

Once in the hallway, Prince Aeron clapped his hands lightly and smiled at Briony and Sir Oweyn.

"You're certain then, Briony?" he asked.

"Now more than ever," she replied.

That night, Gwideon walked swiftly through the halls of the manor, mumbling to himself. He extinguished the floating luminaries that lit the halls one by one with a flick of his hand as he passed them.

He stopped before the grand library's massive wooden doors, which were carved with ancient words and symbols. The arch-shaped entry had a stone above it that read, "Mystica Scrollium."

The doors burst open as Gwideon approached. Inside, shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, seemingly endless. The books chatted and joked like childhood friends but fell silent when Gwideon entered. They resumed their chatter as he walked further in.

A roaring fire appeared in the grand fireplace, and the wall lamps glowed softly. Gwideon stood before a large podium, and a bright purple candle and an incense burner with dragon's blood incense materialized and lit themselves.

"This is going to be good!" a dusty volume on the fifth shelf squeaked.

"Something is definitely brewing," a kitchen witchery book cackled.

"Hush now!" Gwideon commanded. He knew the library's secrets and could easily coax the books into revealing their ancient knowledge.

His eyes scanned the room, settling on volumes that glowed red atop the highest shelves.

"Approcharim!" he shouted, pointing toward the books.

Three books rose but only two books obediently floated down to him. The last one slammed itself back down. The two that came to Gwidon were bound in leather and titled "The Sybiline Scrolls," but each had a distinct cover and subtitle. The first book featured a large, glowing eye that blinked slowly, following Gwideon's movements. Its subtitle read, "Sights Unseen."

The second book's cover displayed intricate moving clockwork gears, constantly shifting, some counterclockwise. Its fiery glowing title read, "Times and Seasons."

"Ah yes," Gwideon murmured, reaching for the first book.

"Not yet!" it growled, recoiling and sending out strange hands to cover the eye.

"Oh, how I'd love to burn you by Hades' flames," Gwideon grumbled, glancing at one of the portraits that roamed the walls. The serious wizard stared blankly back, blinking slowly.

"Try the other one, Gwideon!" one of the books on the shelves called out.

"Yeah, you're quite the mage, hardly ever wrong," another chimed in.

"At least someone believes in me," Gwideon muttered before gently moving toward the second book. As his hand approached, the fiery letters blazed before the book opened itself and rapidly flipped through its pages. It stopped at a page titled "Thirteen."

Gwideon picked up the book and quickly dropped it onto the podium. Laughter erupted from the shelves.

"Silencade!" he shouted.

"Troll's toenails, that burns!" he squeaked, glancing at the portrait of Cleitus, who now had a gleam of delight in his eyes and gave a sly wink.

Gwideon scanned the open pages, turning them with a wave of his hand. He stopped at a page titled "The Few."

"Yes, of course! Thirteen! The last of the initiates has revealed himself. They are ready! We can move forward and try to save the kingdom before it's too late."

The books burst into happy chatter and applause. The figures in the portraits silently smiled, clapped, or jumped for joy. Gwideon's eyes filled with unshed tears. He smiled at Cleitus and looked back at the books.

"Swiftflee!" he commanded, and the books rose, returning to their place on the top shelf, which glowed red before dimming.

Gwideon rested his arms on the podium for a moment before whispering, "Away." At his word, the candle and incense disappeared.

"We must begin immediately. The initiates will have their first test at the festival!" Gwideon's words were met with excited chatter as he exited the library.