The morning was approaching and everyone was getting ready to leave Southstar. Elwin teleported more than halfway to Whitecastle kingdom. Gödel gives the potions to Hilbert and Marjorie as they get drowsy, he assists them to enter the cart that was covered and had an arched structure that helped that place to become more spacious. After checking their vital signs, he waves to the others. The two carts were covered with thick raw leather. There was a mattress to accommodate Hilbert and his sister.
In the other cart was all the equipment of the companions guarded by Leon. They all wore simple peasant garments. After a while, they move to where Elwin was using the reenergized scroll. Gödel was in the background looking after Marjorie and Hilbert. Leon took care of the equipment at the back of the other wagon. Amadeus, beside Matilda, drove a cart while Timo drove the other with Charlotte at his side. The magical transports went well, as predicted.
“You look is very different from before. When Hilbert finds out the closest location of the sunken Island, the golden eagle shall come to me. I will be here in this same place meditating. I will be able to transport myself through space when reading the eagle's mind, to the exact place on the island where the enchantment must be canceled.” says Elwin cross-legged meditating on the floor.
“See you later, Elwin! Take care,” said Eckhart, as he left with the cart. Amadeus waves at Elwin.
The small caravan was heading north. The morning was passing calmly. Everyone was thinking about the battle and how they should proceed. The horses remained steadfast in their mission. After several miles ahead, the night was approaching and they continued their journey with attention. There were no signs of enemies, only the freezing cold from the north gifted them with the first snow. The hills and valleys, and faraway mountains were calm and the sound of the horses galloping was hypnotic.
“I missed the snow. We look like a couple of migrants this way, but Matilda and Amadeus look like mother and son.” Says Charlotte smiling at Eckhart that laughs at the comment.
“Indeed,” Timo looks at Amadeus and smiles. “Hilbert told me you are very skilled with the bow, but when I saw you shooting I realized it was true."
“Hilbert overestimates me,” says Charlotte, and sighs.
“Twenty arrows in the head of a flying beast in just a few seconds is an impressive deed.” Says Leon at the back of the cart and Eckhart seemed impressed with his friend's statement.
“Well,” says Eckhart. “Hilbert is passionate about you, but if Henry ever compliments someone, that is something to be proud of.” the archer smiles and Marjorie laughs.
“Guess Hilbert talks about me all the time! I glad we are finally together,” says Charlotte, and smiles and blushes. 'But we are heading to a mortal battle…' thinks Charlotte and remain silent.
“Some would say you helped him: a heart that loves truly is a heart truly focused. My grandmother told me that, but those words never helped with my fear until I faced it, with the help of Elwin, mostly,” says Eckhart, and smiles.
“That’s nonsense!” Says Leon. “Focus comes from training, Eckhart.”
“Perhaps you both are wrong to judge the wisdom of this saying!” replies Charlotte. “I guess what your grandmother really tried to say is; if you really love someone or something it will help you to gather the strength to chase your goals.”
“I guess she repeated that so much, I never tried to think about it the manner you just said.” Eckhart was thoughtful and serious. Leon kept silent and the conversation ceased.
In the other cart, Gödel watched over Hilbert and Marjorie. Amadeus looked at the snowflakes and smiles.
“Ignis Helius is giving the tears of Famthos for Atmos to melt it with Ignis Pyro warming gentle touch.” Says Flick and Matilda smiles.
“This is an old saying in Whitecastle; people did not understand the fundaments of water condensation and solidification or concepts like density.” Says Matilda. “But I prefer that novel manner of expressing things.”
“Science is useful, but I guess I am fond of the expressions and mannerisms of the old forefathers.”
“We sound like people who long for an age we never lived, Sir Flick!” says Matilda steering the cart.
“I guess you are right, Miss Troderitch,” replies Amadeus. “I wonder that in a world full of magic, science is not as secondary as it should be. The old tales of the knights and the wizards were full of an atmosphere of bravery and mystery. It looks like the veil of wanders has been lifted for me... I think that I just miss reading a book and having that same impact it used to.”
“I see!” says Matilda. “I learned the hard way, not to expect too much from things I care for. It is easier not to expect much but from yourself. I guess I never disappointed my expectorations in me…Huh? I am not so sure of that anymore.” says Matilda and Amadeus gazed at the clouds.
“Maybe both of us need a new perspective for old books,” says Matilda and smiles. Amadeus looks at the warrior, nods, and smiles back.
In the sky, above the clouds, the moons sparkled and were almost aligned. The night passed quietly and the morning returned.
After three days, the caravan arrives at the gates of the royal city making only one stop. There were some guards on standby and had not recognized the companions in the carts. The guards intercepted the caravan and one of them checked the identity of those who arrived.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“What are your affairs in the Royal City?” asks the soldier looking strangely at Eckhart. Leon got out from behind the cart and was furious. The soldiers recognize Leon and bow.
“We are in a hurry and on a mission! Don't tell anyone that we're here. Don't be so relaxed when protecting the capital! Alternate to train or you will get soft!” says Leon glaring with irritation looks at the men who adjusted their postures while others did a training routine. Amadeus laughs at the situation and the scold Leon gave.
“Yes Sir!” the men answered together and Leon returned to the back of the cart in the wagon.
After being scolded, one of them opened the city gate and the companions entered the Royal City. They went to Amadeus' luxurious home in the capital. That section of the capital was very quiet and inhabited by rich merchants and aristocrats. The house had big walls, for big plots of land, and was also very discreet. This was the richest part of the city and was far from the big market, but close to the castle. Amadeus watches the butler taking care of the plants and asks him to open the gates. The man did this very quickly, and soon everyone was inside the large plot of land adorned with exotic plants. Amadeus' parents were in their store specialized in trading precious stones and currency exchange. The butler helps them to store the carts in a huge shed.
Gödel gives the antidotes to Hilbert and Marjorie who woke up little by little, their stomachs already asking for food and water. The butler coldly observed the situation, trying to serve his master in the best possible way; he had already noticed the situation. Amadeus asks the butler to be ready to make meals and Charlotte accompanies him to the kitchen, which the butler thanks for the urgency of the situation. Hilbert and Marjorie are gradually being awakened and Gödel verified that their friends were fine.
After some time, everyone was in the big dining room being served and started eating. After the meal, Hilbert and Marjorie were recovered and everyone starts to rest from the journey back. After everybody were rested enough, they begin to discuss the situation and Hilbert is ready to speak with orange eyes.
“I can see through Morgan's eyes that the spy is communicating with Napoleon right now! They're at the port!” Hilbert was narrating what he saw:
“He handed the eye to Napoleon, who is watching with caution and anger. He has handed some coins to the man and is heading towards his ship.” Hilbert pauses. After a while, he starts talking again while everyone listened to the prince's words. “He's heading north.”
“Elwin needs Morgan to go to meet him so he can magically transport himself to the exact location! Elwin will read Morgan's mind! We need to give him the accurate location.” says Eckhart, looking at Hilbert.
“Do not worry! This will be provided in a fast manner!” Says Hilbert with an empty stare still with orange eyes.
After a while, Napoleon's ship reaches one of the islands to the north with very rocky terrain. Napoleon and Florian go down to the depths of the sea. Hilbert speaks again:
“I discovered the place that must be the closest to the submerged island. Eugene and Napoleon are going down to the bottom of the sea using a spell of Famthos. I need to know Elwin's location to send Morgan over there.” Hilbert looked at Timo and the celestial aura manifested itself in the prince's eyes to everyone's amazement, and then it fades away with Hilbert's eyes turning orange again. Hilbert commands Morgan to go to Elwin at full speed.
“How did you manage to do that Hilbert?” asks Amadeus surprised.
“I have been able to feel this aura since I met with Elwin and it has been manifesting in my body naturally. In the elven cell, I still couldn't stabilize that energy, but it gradually became more natural. Mind reading works almost like my telepathy with Morgan. Excuse me Timo; I didn't even ask for your permission.” says Hilbert with a forced smile.
“Don't worry about it Hilbert!” says Eckhart with a smile.
“You might have given out your position, Hilbert!” says Marjorie concerned.
“I know! Worry not, sister. We shall reach the island before nightfalls.” says Hilbert immersed in his thoughts.
“How long before Morgan reaches Elwin?” Gödel asks.
“She is using her aura with the magic of the winds! I think Morgan will meet him in about one hour! Unfortunately, she will only be able to return after one day due to the exhaustion of her aura! Let's go to the port and take a boat. Let's use an alternative route so we won't be detected! We will discuss with Elwin more details on how our enemy acts in combat when he arrives later!” says Hilbert confidently and everyone nods.
After resting a little more, the companions prepared to leave for the port. Hilbert and the others arrive at the port after taking an alternative route and were able to prevent it from being recognized or detected. Upon reaching the royal port, they confiscate a small boat that was isolated while the few staff of the Octopus Brigade was distracted.
The brigadier sighted the boat of the Octopus brigade but it was too late, as it already was in the place they were forbidden to dare. Napoleon's boat was anchored near the island's coast. They go to the place that was on a higher and rockier part and wait for Elwin's arrival.
Everyone was wearing their armor and wielding their weapons that they concealed with clocks as they passed through the discreet access to the port. After a while, Elwin teleports himself close to Hilbert and the others and gaze upon the companions proceeding to speak in a methodical manner:
“The Chaos aura is a type of cosmic energy that is distorted. It is like the opposite energy which Marjorie and I use. Arkhatov uses this power to enhance his enormous strength, speed, and resistance. My grandfather told me about the battle with this being millennia ago! You shall cover yourselves with Marjorie's celestial aura, for this will help not be defeated with just a few strokes of his greatsword, as Arkhatov fights with a huge black sword and is very fast! Apparently, he does not use magic attacks but be aware, his powers must be almost recovered by now, and as he is not dead and his spirit is not exposed, the spells and enchantments of light will not work against this being! You must destroy his armor and bones in order to uncover his spirit. The purple aura is of the element of shadows and death, but the black aura is the aura of Chaos. Don't you ever forget about that!” says Elwin. Then he goes to Eckhart and delivers the letter he had written to his sister. “Give this to Galandrawin, Timo! Farewell to thee.”
Eckhart watched the elf with emotion and nods, keeping the scroll in his armor close to his chest. Elwin was beginning to emanate his great aura and to utter magical words in the elvish language. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the sea, in the black tower, Arkhatov was analyzing Hilbert’s eyes. Napoleon and Eugene were on their knees before the Chaos Paladin.
“That glimpse of celestial aura I felt in Whitecastle… Now it all makes sense. I never thought your miserable failure and carelessness would be so valuable! You are more than forgiven Napoleon.” says Arkhatov feeling the aura of Elwin and the others. “I didn't think they would be so reckless.” Arkhatov was starting to laugh ominously.
“Forgive me Arkhatov! I don't know what you're talking about!” says Napoleon confused and smiling, but with rage in his soul.
“Get ready for combat! The island will rise to the surface and we are being waited for the prince. Don't worry my servants, as I will provide you with the Chaos aura! I will finally be free of this prison, no matter the outcome of the battle! I will be finally free!” says Arkhatov's sinister deep voice. The Chaos aura manifests itself in Florian and Serraphin expanding their powers.