The prison was darker than I remembered. It has been a few decades since I was last here after all. This particular segment I was in was reserved for prisoners who are considered highly dangerous. Which fueled my curiosity more. Who exactly is that prisoner…?

I walked past the cells of chained beastmen and old prisoners of war from the land of dragons. I always used to wonder as a kid how they could fit many grown dragons in such a prison but I was least comfortable to find out that only the heads of those dragons were kept in a cramped room, muzzled up and forced to be alive with solar magic, the magic of life while the rest of their body was used to feed other prisoners.

I felt the dread in my body as I walked past those severed dragon heads. Their groans of eternal pain echoing inside my mind. They begged me to put them out of misery but what could I do except to pretend like I couldn’t understand them.

I despised how they would keep that citizen of Elvina in the deepest part of the underground prison, which was often the coldest. Even with multiple layers of robes, I could feel the chillness in my bones. Soon I arrived at the very last cell of this prison segment. The bars seem awfully thick. Perhaps it was a special cell? Does that mean this person is a threat…?

Well it would be natural if he resisted while getting captured. The elves were naturally hostile towards the citizens of Elvina after all. This kind of treatment is only expected. There was a magic seal on the door of the cell which I undid with ease before stepping inside the cell. The inside of the cell was consumed by darkness. I gritted my teeth. Are prisoners not even deserving of light, or was it because they worship the goddess of night that they were imprisoned in pitch darkness.

On the palm of my hand, I summoned an orb of light so that I could see the man I was ordered to work with.

He was a figure much larger than I was. His body was painted with battle scars and defined muscles. He was chained up at every part of his body with special chains with an anti-magical property. That must mean he excels not only in physical strength but in magic too. His eyes were blindfolded but judging from his annoyed snort he must know I’m here.

I took a deep breath and said, “I apologise for how they treated you.”

I didn’t know the reason why the first words that came out of my mouth was an apology.

“Heh…what are you? A saint?” the man replied sarcastically with a deep and raspy voice.

“My name is Thevaris. I am the high priest of the Sun.”

The man went silent for a few moments before replying with a scoff, “Why is such a holy darlin’ like you here?”

“I would like to have a few words with you. May I know your name?” I asked gently.

“No need to speak like you are trying to get me to sleep. You don’t sound like a guy at all,” he said, “I’m Waldric. Just an ordinary soldier. So? What is it that you want to speak with me about? Trying to get me into solarism before I die? Or are you asking about what I want to have for my last meal?”

His tone was dripping with sarcasm but I found it rather humorous coming from a prisoner.

I cleared my throat before I continued, “Your master…King Llewelly…I would like to meet him.”

The man replied with a serious tone, “For what reason?”

I pondered whether I should sin and lie or not.

“I would like to ask him to undo the curse he casted upon me…”

“How are you so sure he did it?” the man asked in a neutral tone.

I paused for a moment before I sighed, “I…We had a past…And I think he held a grudge over me. And he is the only one I can think of that can cast something as powerful as this.”

“Even then, why should I rat him out? Can tell you elves are up to no good again, sweet talking me into betraying my king.”

“I will give you your freedom if you agree to take us to Elvina,” I said, determined to get him on my side.

“And?” he asked.

“And… you may have anything you want in Huavlin if that something is within my reach.”

“Anything? How dangerous,” he smirked, “Do I have time to consider?”

“No. Take the offer now or it is off the table forever.”

“Tch…fine. I will lead you to Elvina. But on one condition.”

“What might it be?”

“You have to listen to my every instruction, or else I can’t guarantee your safety.”

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“We can work with that.”

“Pleasure working with ya’,” he let out a low chuckle.

“Now… I am ordered to put a condition upon you by his majesty…” I said hesitantly.

“Heh, now you’re going to curse me? Elves are so greedy aren’t they? Go ahead. Cast it. You have my full permission.”

It surprised me how easily he complied with my request. It was like he already found what he most desired in Huavlin that he is willing to lead a light elf like me to Elvina, to his master.

“What are ya’ waiting for? Cast it and unchain me already.”

I took a few steps back and held my hand out before I took a deep breath.

Llewllyn… I will see you again soon…

I could feel the lightness of my body as I consumed my mana. My long blond hair felt feathery, swaying in the air. Magic flowing through my body like it was my very own blood. Thus I chanted,

By the bond of ancient oaths, you shall walk beside my kin and me unharmed. Under the divinity of the sun, guide us to Elvina’s gate unscathed. Your will bends to mind, and my command shall be your path. By the grace of the Mother’s light, may her hand guide this spell’s flight. Let its will be etched in soul and mind, bound in truth, for all of time.

The proof of this spell’s success was ingrained around his neck as well as on the palm of my right. With this I will be able to tame his behaviour if he decides to turn on me.

“Shit, this tickles. Unchain me already, will ya’?” he said while squirming.

“I will.”

With the snap of my finger, the chains snapped, letting Waldric loose from his restraints. He got up slowly, scratching his neck. He was taller than I had imagined, I realised. A true body of a soldier. Reminds me of the fisherman in that book…

Get your mind out of it, Thevaris.

I cleared my throat before I gestured to him to follow me to the exit of this underground prison. I turned to look back at him from time to time, ensuring he doesn’t try anything funny behind my back. The truth is, even if he did, I could easily stop his movement using the seal on my palm. But something about him makes me want to keep glancing at him.

Soon we reached the ground. The light must have been too bright for Waldric, who had been kept underground for some time, but he seemed to be adjusting quite better than I thought. I waited patiently for him to get used to the brightness before I continued to lead him inside the palace.

“So tell me little high priest, where are ya’ taking me?”

I paused to process what he just called me. ‘Little’? Me? It was true that I was petite in comparison but…I was fairly certain that I was an average sized elf. I decided to ignore and remark and answer his question.

“The weapon vault. It’s best if you are fully equipped. Though I can’t say for certain if elven weapons might suit your taste.”

“Thoughtful, aren’t ya’? I’m good with any weapon really. Well, if they are big and sturdy enough to not crumble at my grasp, that is.”

“May I ask what species you are?”

“Wow…you’re much more friendly than my usual elven encounters. Why would such a mighty high priest like you want to know about a mudblood?”

“I prefer the term ‘mixed race’. And it is only my curiosity… It’s fine if you don’t wish to answer.”

“Polite, are we? It’s no secret. I’m a dragonoid.”

My eyes widened slightly at his words.

Dragonoid…? Like…Llewellyn?

Certainly that would explain his strong physique and appearance. But… where are his horns and tail? Despite my growing curiosity, I chose to stay silent so as not to accidentally offend him.

“I’m assuming your other half is human. Are you able to turn into a dragon?” I asked warily.

Waldric didn’t answer my question for some time and it was getting awkward so I added, “It would be much more convenient if you could fly during our journey.”

“You got quite a humour for a high priest, ya’ know? Like hell I would let elves like yall to sit on my back,” Waldric replied playfully with a mixture of something else in his tone.

“So you can fly.”

Waldric scoffed, “Ya got me.”

I could feel the corner of my lips curling into a faint smile. It was then I realised that we had already arrived at the imperial weapon vault. Everytime I get here, I always admire the symbol of the everlasting sun on the doors of the vault. I took a few minutes to admire the view before I commanded the spirits to open the door for us.

The sun on the door rotated clockwise, and it was unsealed for us to enter.

The inside of the weapon vault was no less grandiose than its gate. It was well lit with stained glass windows and was lined with gold to emphasise the nation’s wealth and status. And that sense of superiority when a worrier enters this room is addictive, I assumed.

Waldric let out a whistle in amusement as he looked around the vault filled with finely crafted and magic infused weapons.

“Hey high priest,” he called, “Won’t you get in trouble for taking an outcast like me here?”

“His majesty doesn’t mind. He might even appreciate someone admiring his collection. And I am one with the most authority after his majesty, so I can’t imagine anyone complaining.”

“How sweet,” He whistled again. “Yall elves sure have taste,” he said as he browsed around.

“I am not the best at combat for obvious reasons. So I can’t say I have a good eye for weaponries.”

“I assure you they are more than qualified to be used by me,” he said in a cocky tone to which I only humoured silently.

“You have my permission to borrow any weapons or equipment you see fit. While you do, I have some matters to attend to.”

“Leaving so soon?” Waldric asked as he crossed his arms, making his muscles more evident. “Fine, fine. Just don’t leave me here alone for a long time. I might just start eating these metal bad boys if you do,” he jested.

“I will be back before you realise,” I said before I left the vault, leaving it to be sealed again.

The palace was filled with greenery with a fresh and lively atmosphere that never failed to lighten my mood when I’m drained. But this time, it seems to be having the opposite effect. With the breeze flowing through my strands, leaves and branches brushing against each other and the chirps of critters were all too familiar. Despite those things being a part of my everyday life, I can’t help but feel nostalgic.

My past… My past with him…

If only I had more courage back then… would things be different now…?