For was sitting at her desk, but she looked even worse than when she overdosed on Eise 's incense. Her face was pale and expressionless, staring at the space in front of her, seemingly not noticing Jacob pacing in front of the desk or Odar sitting nearby.
As soon as I came in, both of the men looked at me. Jacob with surprise and relief and Odar with a hint of acceptance.
-What are those looks for? I haven’t done anything yet.
-I expected you to run away - replied Jacob dryly.
-And how exactly?
He shrugged.
-You pulled a lot of different weird bullshit so far, it’s not a stretch to think you’d be capable of that as well.
-Oh, what a change - I said, raising my brow. - Last time I had to prove that I am capable and now this?
-Now, now, let’s not start this again - stepped in Odar.
-Yeah, yeah - I waved my hand dismissively. - Anyway, I am ready, but what about her?
They both went quiet when I mentioned her.
-For, you there?
No reaction. She still was in this weird state of lethargy. I wanted to get closer and get her attention somehow, but Jacob stepped in front of me.
-That’s enough. You traumatized her enough.
-Traumatized? The hell did I do?
He looked concerned, but this time at least he wasn’t hostile to me. For now. Progress.
-He means us, not only you - said Odar, leaning back on the wall - I agree, I might have been a bit rough with my words, but it’s too late now.
-Okay, sure, maybe. Don’t forget your own role in this. I’ve been the victim the whole time.
-You can’t deny that you were the one who literally ordered her to try and sacrifice her own life for you. She was about to be attacked by her own family, you know.
-And should I remind you again why that happened and whose idea that was? And besides, I did not do that on purpose, you know that - I scoffed at them both.
-Yeah. I know - muttered Odar. - Jacob knows too. But do you think that really helps the situation?
I gazed over all three of them. They really looked miserable right now. Both looking done with everything, Jacob even more than For.
I started scratching my chin, irritated.
-Okay fine, fine, I get it. But you know that’s not the end, right? Odar, did you tell them what’s up?
-Yeah - he straightened up in his chair - but we might have a problem…
-What, Jacob, do you have something to say to me?
-It’s not like that - he said, irritated. - While I understand that is indeed not a bad option and I feel uncomfortable leaving her side…
-It’s not like the first time you’ve done that - I said under my breath.
-That’s not the issue. Someone has to stay here as an acting head of the Red Mages. I did that plenty of times.
-So what gives?
-Give it a wild guess - he started staring at For.
-Ah… - I followed his look - Right….
-Yeah… That might be a problem.
-For? You there?
There was no reply.
-Eh… - I scratched my head, thinking. - I don’t really feel like forcing her, but…
-We don’t have much of a choice - finished Odar for me. - I agree.
-What the fuck is this about? - asked Jacob suddenly.
-You didn’t…
-Yeah, he said you need her in the capital. Never mentioned about no forcing though!
-And how exactly do you want us to get her there if she’s going to sit here unresponsive?
-You just need to wait! Sooner or later she will snap out of it, I am sure! It’s not the first time… - he added under his breath.
I rolled my eyes and sat down next to Odar.
-Well, I’d like to get a move on. I do have time, but I’m not so sure about him - I gestured at the man next to me and gave him a questioning look.
-Personally, I agree. And while I might have time, the king might not, so I as well would like to finish this quickly. You said it’s not the first time - he picked up. - What happened last time?
-Ah… - Jacob’s face turned pale. - It was when her father died.
-Oh. Right.
-And how long did it take her then?
-About a week.
-Week?! - asked both of us, surprised.
-Yeah. No food, no drink, she was just sitting here like this for a whole week. Many people came here trying to talk to her, but were met just with silence.
-Damn. She really is a camel.
-What?
-Nothing. So what are we going to do?
-What do you mean “what”? Wait of course.
-I feel like that’s not the ideal solution here… - I said, gazing towards Odar.
He shrugged.
-I am aware. I’d like to get a move on as well.
-Agreed. Well then, mr. soon-to-be intermediate leader of Red Mages, since we are already here - I said and took a step towards the desk. - Can I at least start with preparations?
-Preparations? - he looked at me, suspicious.
-Yeah. As I told you, we’ll need to modify the contract a small bit.
-Mhm. And I assume he is to be a witness, right?
-Yes. I would be enough, but since he is already with us, I can’t see why not have an additional one.
I nodded.
-I guess it’s fitting. He’s the one who created it after all.
-Excuse me? Do I have nothing to say in this? - he sounded annoyed.
-What, you have any problems with that?
-Couple. For example, how are we sure that you’re not going to change something else? I agreed on the truth clause or whatever, but…
-That’s why we are here for - said Odar while rolling his eyes in annoyance. - I just explained that.
-Yes, but…
-You are welcome to have a weapon drawn and stab me if I try anything else - I said calmly. - Since we do not have the other part of the deal in hand, that’s the only thing I can offer.
-The other…?
-Don’t worry about it - quickly interrupted Odar. - Since you agree, let’s proceed - he said, standing up and coming closer to the desk.
Jacob looked a bit unsure about this still, but did not say anything and instead pulled out a dagger from somewhere.
-Everyone ready?
-Yeah.
-Yes.
-Here goes nothing.
I focused on my mark and almost immediately the contract appeared in front of me, along with the mark on For’s neck and my hand. All this also got accompanied by a scream of fear, just to be promptly silenced by Odar, who grabbed her by the hand and covered her mouth with another one.
I could feel Jacob press the blade to my neck, so I turned my attention to the contract itself.
Odar was right - it looked a bit different. Instead of the familiar to me text of our deal, it was replaced by a blank sheet of paper.
-Now focus on what you want to change or add to it - he said before I even was able to ask him what I was supposed to do with it.
Following his advice, I started focusing on what we agreed upon beforehand. As soon as the words formed inside my head, they also started appearing on the paper, glowing and clearly visible to all of us.
Rule: forced truth.
It clearly appeared right in front of our eyes.
-Now think of punishment.
-Like what? - I asked, confused. - Couldn’t we agree on details beforehand?
-Doesn’t matter. I don’t know, think of something, pain or whatever.
-Pain? What do you mean?
But before I even realized, another sentence appeared.
Punishment: pain.
-Oh.
I could feel the tip of the dagger poke me in the back of the neck.
-Hey!
-Sorry. My bad.
-Yeah, whatever. Anything else?
He took another look at the contract.
-Should be fine. Now for the other one.
I nodded, and quickly formed another rule.
Rule: not permitted to talk about the owner's past.
Punishment: death.
As soon as the last word appeared, once more I felt the dagger on my neck.
-Stop it, we agreed on this. I don’t like it either, but it is what it is.
Well, I couldn’t blame him for that, but that was not something I was taking lightly. If my past would become public knowledge, at best I would be turned into a prisoner for life and a lab rat to boot.
-Are we done?
-Looks like it. Release it.
As instructed, I dismissed the contract and it vanished as quickly as it appeared, along with the brands on each of us.
As soon as the flaming choker disappeared, For suddenly fell limp in Odar’s arms, and I also felt a large amount of mana leave my body.
What was unexpected though, I didn’t really feel weakened. Quite the opposite in fact, I suddenly felt… sort of lighter and more relaxed. A bit strange, considering that this “ritual” definitely drained a significant amount from me.
-Is she alright? - I asked after the initial wave of relief passed.
Odar nodded, but still looked concerned.
-What’s wrong with her? - asked Jacob from behind me, still with the blade pressed to my neck. - Did he do something?
-Hey, you were looking all the time, you’d know.
-No. Everything went according to plan, although I never expected that this spell would be so draining, and just to her at that. How are you feeling? - he asked, looking at me, very interested it seems.
-Yeah. I want to say never better, but the dagger poking me from the back says otherwise.
-Lower your blade. He did what I asked of him.
-Fine… - grumbling, he complied. - But I still don’t understand, how is this going to help him talk?
-I can now freely talk to her and explain my situation, without worrying about someone blabbering.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
-Sure, right. But how can we know that you are not going to lie then?
-I have some ideas for that.
-So do I - added Odar. - But that’s for later. Now, we must depart.
I gazed at him briefly on that remark - not that long ago he was swearing that they have no one for that job. I guess the contract refreshed his memory or something.
I want to say that we left immediately and without any problems, but who am I kidding, there are always problems.
This time, the issue was quite strange and was named For.
Since, eh, “the event”, she never spoke, nor even moved a muscle. It was problematic, since the whole plan was riding on her after all.
After a few attempts to communicate, she still did not respond. The only way it seemed we were able to make her actually do something was by using a contract. Even without modifying it, summoning it was enough for her to suddenly stiffen, jump up, and then proceed to run away as far from me as it was possible. I thought that might prove problematic later and wanted to change the contract to force her somehow to reply, but Odar stopped me, saying that he has an idea and that it's unnecessary. I was not keen on using that magic either, so I just agreed and trusted his word.
In any case, since I gave her a scare with the contract, she started moving again, so that was at least progress. At first, Jacob was the one leading her down towards the library, but half way down the stairs he changed his mind. Apparently it was not a good idea to let someone see her in the current state, on which I sort of agreed, so instead I went with Odar alone to just grab an anchor to the capital.
People working in the library knew both of us, so that went without a problem, although I got a few curious looks, most likely thanks to my new attire. I must agree, even the color made me look suspicious. Every guard that I passed by, including those who definitely knew who I was, were giving me strange looks, so I decided to better be quiet.
Odar was quickly led to the place where a familiar bookcase was, unceremoniously torn out a page and gestured for me to leave.
-A bit strange way to store your “anchors” - I mentioned when we were walking back towards the tower.
-It is what it is. I agree that it’s a bit of a shame that we waste paper like this. Sooner or later I will have to remedy that…
-Not really what I had in mind… - I muttered. - And what, how exactly are you going to change that?
-Getting a permanent anchor, obviously.
-I mean, yes, I figured, but…
-I would gladly discuss the problems and logistics of that but I feel like I shouldn’t yet.
I rolled my eyes.
-What, you still don’t believe me?
-Better safe than sorry. Ask me again after we finish all this.
-I actually might.
As far as I was aware, to make a permanent anchor you need a large, magically infused item, and getting one of those is not that easy. Some exist naturally, like for example the Origin Crystal, or any rock that’s been long enough in an environment with an abundance of mana.
From what I know, there was no actual way for someone to make one artificially, so him mentioning that he’d need to get one like it was nothing was… interesting to say the least.
Minutes later, all of us met back upstairs. Jacob, still worried, was observing me constantly, even after Odar promised that he’s not going to let me out of his sight. I didn’t care either way and just hoped that all this would soon be over.
Without much of a ceremony, he opened the portal, gestured for me to go forward, while taking For’s hand and guiding her along. She was a bit more responsive now, but had some problems walking. I guess Jacob was experienced in babysitting her. Still, the closer I got to her, the more nervous she was, making things a bit awkward.
I stepped forward and looked at the portal hanging in the air in front of me. Out of all of the people who I’ve seen make those, his creations were the most refined. The shape of the opening was stable and unmoving, even though it was suspended in the air, which gave me a little bit of assurance - at least this time I did not have to worry if I’ll suddenly be violated by shifting gravity or something.
One step later and our “trip” was complete. I was right, his spell was so good I barely even felt the teleportation and was already at our destination: a familiar green room in the tree-castle.
Immediately upon my arrival, several guards stationed there jumped up and rushed towards me with weapons drawn. Some of them even started casting spells, although before they were able to toss any of them at me, Odar emerged from the portal behind.
-He’s with me - he said immediately raising his hand. - Notify the king that I’ve arrived along with some people he was interested in.
-Yes sir!
Everyone immediately lowered their weapons, but did not back away, now closely observing both me and For, still leaning on his arm heavily. I think some of them recognized her, because few of them approached her and asked if she was feeling alright.
-She is fine, just tired. It’s been a long day - he said, waving them off.
No one complained, but instead they focused on me.
-What about the other… guest?
-I am fine, thank you - I replied very well knowing that it was not what they were asking about.
-He was wanted by the king. It would be wise for you to stop asking questions and instead send the word.
-Already done, sir - said another guard that just came in. - His Majesty said to tell you to wait in the dungeon.
I rolled my eyes hearing that. It is always the dungeon first. Hell, the second time too, even.
-Do you need an escort? - the other one asked, now looking a lot more hostile.
-No, we are fine. And don’t worry, he is just visiting down there. For now. - he added after a second of thought.
-Sir.
The guards stepped back and, led by Odar, we went towards the castle dungeon.
-Really? A threat? - I said as soon as we were away from any curious ears. - I thought better of you.
-Don’t look at it this way - he smiled at me. - I do think we can resolve this peacefully. They just don’t need to know that. And seeing their boss with a hostage after a successful mission always can boost morale.
-Ah yes, trying to show off to your underlings - I scoffed at him. - A great way to do that. The morale has to be pretty low then.
-You don’t even know - he muttered, surprising even himself.
I am pretty sure he did not want to say that out loud.
The following awkward silence was interrupted by a loud set of footsteps. One of the guards from the “portal room” for the lack of a better description, was chasing us. As he got closer, I recognized that it was the same guy who directed us to go to the dungeon in the first place.
-What’s going on? - said Odar, stopping so the poor guy could catch up to us.
-Sir! We just received information that you have a guest that wants to meet with you.
-So? As you know I am busy. Tell them that I’ll meet them tomorrow.
-Sir, but… - he started, but hesitated for a second, looking at me.
-Is it that important? - he asked, noticing his gaze.
-Ah… well, that is…
-Okay, fine, I can meet them today, but first I need to finish my business here - he said, gesturing to me and For, hanging from his arm.
-Of course. How long should I tell them they will have to wait?
-Hell if I know. Hopefully not long enough. Who’s that anyway?
-We never have gotten their name…
-So why are you bothering me - he replied, annoyed. - I’m not going to drop everything just to meet with someone who even refuses to give their name.
-But sir… - he now looked slightly scared. - He said you’re the one who sent for him. I thought…
Odar froze in his tracks and leaned towards the guy, lowering his voice.
-The one with the artifact?
He was trying to be stealthy, but in the empty and silent corridor no amount of whispering was going to help him. And I was not kind enough to try to not eavesdrop.
-Yes.
His face turned from annoyed to interested and torn.
-Okay… bring them in and get them a room. I’ll try and wrap this up quickly.
-Understood. And sir… the report from the Blue Mages’ mission has arrived.
Blue Mages? Wasn’t that the bunch of clowns led by Bert’s father?
-Report? I don’t remember ordering that. Are they back?
-Yes sir, some of them are here. I do not know the details - he said, looking at me with a corner of his eye - but I was told that you need to hear it personally and you’ll find it interesting.
Odar gave him a puzzled look.
-Alright then… you know what, come with us, you can explain more when I’ll have a moment in between all this. Or… - he stopped, remembering that he still has For hanging on his arm - No. Wait somewhere near the new guest, I’ll come as soon as I can.
-Yes sir.
He saluted and ran off back towards where he came from.
-Busy day I see… - I said as soon as he disappeared behind a corner.
-Hm… I know I’ve been out and about for a while, but for all this to come in one day, this is annoying…
I shrugged.
-Not my fault.
Although it kind of was.
He did not reply, just gestured for me to hurry along.
Couple of minutes later, we arrived at a very familiar corridor and the set of doors. In front of it this time was two guards. They looked pretty serious and were definitely better armed than any of us.
As soon as they noticed Odar, both of them straightened up and saluted.
-Stand down. Is His Majesty here?
-Yes sir. We were instructed to keep watch until you arrive.
-I see. Well then, you are done here. Dismissed.
-Are you sure, sir? - asked the other one. - This… person…
-I am personally going to be protecting His Majesty. And as you see, I have a backup with me. Miss For agreed to help me today. We will be fine.
When she heard her name, For straightened up almost exactly the same as the guards and I swear I thought she wanted to salute as well for a second. She did not say anything though.
-Of course, sir.
Both of them saluted once more and left us alone in the corridor.
-Are you sure you want to dismiss them? Last time I checked you thought that I am a threat and all that…
He just laughed in answer.
-Doesn’t matter who or what you are. To hurt him, you’d have to be some kind of god.
-Ah, right, I forgot - I muttered to myself. - You are in that cult too…
-Enough talking - he silenced me, and knocked at the door. - Just don’t go too far.
-Enter.
Inside, similar to the last time, the king was sitting next to the table. This time, he was waiting for us, not the other way around.
-Sir, I brought him.
-We are alone. Drop the formalities.
He nodded and closed the door behind him.
The moment For entered the room, he visibly flinched.
-Oh, Miss For, I did not know you’re with us… Welcome.
She bowed slightly, but did not answer.
-Odar, what are you doing bringing Miss For down here? This is not a place for a lady.
-I am afraid Your Majesty that I do not have much to say in this matter…
-What?
-Yeah, that seems about right… - I finally spoke up. - Greetings. King Axelrod, I hear you wanted to speak with me.
-I did? - he looked at me, curious, trying to peer under my hood.
-Ah, yes. That is mr. Mor. He is responsible for the incident in the Red Edge.
-I would like to say that I am co-responsible. Don’t forget that both you, For and Jacob are also very, very involved.
Hearing that, Axelrod’s face went from a friendly smile to just a straight poker face.
-What is the meaning of this? Is this a betrayal, Odar?
I laughed.
-Well, not exactly. We all are in a very precarious situation. But first things first, I’d like to make a request.
-Request? You do realize what position you are in? - he said, standing up and raising his hand.
-No, it’s you who doesn’t realize the position we found ourselves in.
Before he was able to reply, I focused on my mark and summoned the contract.
The gesture itself was enough for Odar to grab hold on For, preventing her from running away if she tried, but to our surprise, this time she stood her ground, although she definitely looked terrified. And pretty spooky might I add, the flaming head definitely gave you a very unique appearance one way or another.
-I just told you to not go too far! - growled Odar.
-Please calm down. I do not want to cause any harm to anyone - I raised my flaming hand with a gesture of peace, seeing the king look at me with anger.
-Any harm? You have just put me in a hostage situation and you say you mean no harm? And you, Odar.... - he turned to him. - How am I supposed to take this? If not betrayal then what? A coup?
-Please, Your Majesty, I would never. Just let him speak.
He looked at both of us with a mix of sadness and anger,
-Not like I have any other choice, do I?
-Let’s not be dramatic here. First of all, do you remember me, king?
-Your voice does indeed seem familiar, although with that hood…
-Yes, I am aware…
I sighed heavily.
-That is not how all this was supposed to go… - said Odar with audible pain. - Please, stop this, she really…
-Ah, sure. I did not come here to hurt anyone, quite the opposite. I want to resolve this as soon as possible - I replied and dismissed the contract.
I heard Odar sigh with relief and noticed For slump back down in his arms.
-Resolve what? I’m not sure who exactly you are…
-As you already heard, my name is Mor. We met not that long ago in the same cell I think.
His eyes widened.
-Yes. And I came here to resolve a small misunderstanding that you along with your… subjects? Yeah, let’s go with that, that you had.
-And what that might be?
-He is the one who is responsible for the attack on the Red Mages.
-Yes, I heard that already.
-Well, attack is a strong word. It’s yet another misunderstanding. They seem to follow me actually.
-How did she end up as your property? - he asked dryly, not caring much about my explanations.
-I guess I was lucky. That is besides the point. But she is crucial in this. You see, I am not very keen on describing my past in vivid detail to either you or him, but I can’t see the problem with talking to her. As you saw, I can after all just forbid her…
We briefly explained what we discussed with Odar earlier.
-I see… - Axelrod finally responded. - That is indeed possible… And I am not going to ask how you know about everything, you have already proven resourceful. While all this is… not something I expected to do today, I understand this is a very unusual case, so I guess I have no choice - he finally announced, a lot calmer now. - I assume you have already seen the contract? And it’s… not been tampered with otherwise?
-Yes sir - nodded Odar.
-Very well then. I guess I will have to believe you for now. How do you want to do this? And where?
-Here is as good as it gets, your cells are pretty good for talks after all - I said, gazing around me. As for how, I guess I’d kindly request for you two to stay here and let me with For go to the other cell and just have a good talk, and we’ll go from there.
-Good. Step closer then.
I didn't even manage to move, before Axelrod swiftly stood up and grabbed me by the arm.
-Doy niptuhu itvut qypove, nepe itvut me kyhotvu, fosy me wisup ey itvut nusvohove, no usfupet em wo voekp.
Okay, what? He was able to cast a truth spell just like that?
That surprised most of us. It seemed like none of us was aware that he was also able to use this kind of magic. Except Odar. I guess that’s what he was thinking about.
I was suspicious after he did not even mention Melle. Why did he kidnap her then?
What was more worrying though was the fact that I did not have any chance to react. If he wanted to cast any other spell, he could.
-Done. Take her then and go.
-I will - I replied, shaking off the initial shock. - And once again, I assure you that I don’t have any ill intent.
King smiled at that remark.
-I know you are not lying, so I guess that is a partial relief. Well then, we will be waiting.
I kept quiet and nodded, knowing that the spell was most definitely working and just gestured for For to follow me.
She hesitated for a second. Since he cast the spell she looked a bit more attentive, yet still was hesitant.
I rolled my eyes.
-Come on, you’ll be fine - replied Odar for me. - He’s not going to hurt you, right?
-Of course not. It’s already been told multiple times…
I did not want to lie, but I felt the spell working anyway, forcing me to reply honestly.
-Just let’s get on with it.
We were about to leave when suddenly we heard loud footsteps and someone started banging on the door.
I quickly put back my hood and stepped back away, towards the wall, to see who’s interrupting us.
-I think I already told you that we were busy. What is it?
It was, from the look of it, one of the guards from above. He looked quite shaken and was panting heavily.
-My Lord! We are under attack!
-Elaborate! What’s going on?!
-Sir! - he saluted awkwardly, trying to not lose balance. Now I noticed that his leg was wounded and bleeding heavily, his thigh soaked with blood. - Few minutes ago, from the forest, some unknown creatures started emerging. They were not aggressive and were just standing there, so I was sent to report that immediately.
-What’s with the wound then?
-As I was running here, some other things started appearing from the ground inside the city. It’s a two pronged attack! They are inside the main castle as well!
That jolted everyone awake.
-So what the hell are we doing here? Protect the king!