Chapter 10

  Sweat glistened on Eldric’s brow as he drove his shovel into the damp earth. A heavy mist clung to the air, veiling the field where he and Fiora dug. Each shovelful of dirt felt heavier than the last, not because of the physical effort, but because of the unbearable weight of grief pressing down on him. His gaze drifted back to the two cloth bundles lying silently on the grass. One was half the length of the other. The sight made his throat tighten, and his vision blurred with unshed tears.

  Beside him, Fiora worked methodically, her face a mask of quiet determination. She, too, was digging a grave. The two of them hadn’t spoken since starting the task. Words seemed pointless in the face of such loss.

  All around them, the muted sounds of others engaged in the same grim labor filled the air. The scrape of shovels against soil, the occasional metallic clink when a rock was struck, and the quiet sniffles of mourners trying to hold back tears were the only sounds in the mist-laden field. Hundreds of Aldcliff’s residents toiled together, preparing final resting places for those they had lost.

  When Eldric finally finished his work, he set the shovel aside and knelt beside the freshly dug grave. Fiora mirrored him, patting down the last mound of dirt with the flat of her shovel. She placed it on the ground and reached for Eldric’s hand. The two of them knelt together before the graves, their heads bowed in silence.

  Eldric struggled to find the words he wanted to say. His lips parted, but before he could speak, the sound of heavy footsteps approached them. They turned to see a burly castle guard striding toward them. His presence was imposing, his steel-plated boots crunching against the damp earth.

  “Eldric Drakemoor? Fiora Lightspire?” the guard’s stern voice carried an air of authority.

  Eldric and Fiora glanced at each other before nodding. “Yes,” they said in unison, their voices subdued.

  “I am to bring you to Castle Aldcliff,” the guard announced, his tone brooking no argument. “Overseer Alicia has requested your presence.”

  Eldric looked back at the graves, his heart sinking further. “Could we please have a few more moments to say goodbye to our friends?” he pleaded, his voice breaking slightly. Fiora, still clutching his hand, nodded in agreement.

  The guard’s expression softened, just barely. “Make it quick,” he replied. “It’s not wise to keep the Overseer waiting.”

  Eldric turned back to the graves and lowered his head. “Thank you, June, for everything,” he whispered. “I won’t waste the life you’ve given me. I’ll make you proud.” His voice wavered but didn’t falter.

  Beside him, Fiora mouthed her own farewell, her lips moving silently. She stood first, her movements slow and deliberate. Eldric followed, his steps heavy with reluctance. Together, they turned and walked toward the guard, their grief palpable in the still, misty air.

  The guard waited patiently, his gaze unwavering as he escorted the two toward the looming silhouette of Castle Aldcliff in the distance.

  Eldric and Fiora followed the guard as he led them through the bustling streets toward the castle. They had never ventured this close to its imposing structure before. The towering spires, once distant landmarks, now loomed larger with every step, their sheer scale growing more intimidating as they approached.

  Ascending the broad stone steps leading to the grand entrance, Eldric paused to take in the view. The castle was an architectural marvel. Its colossal walls, built from massive stone bricks, were shaped into triangular peaks, reminiscent of a grand cathedral. High above, intricate stained-glass windows shimmered faintly in the sunlight, their designs too far away for him to discern. Curiosity gnawed at him, and he began counting the rows of windows, marveling at the castle’s height. He had reached eight floors when the guard interrupted his thoughts, pushing open the massive solid-oak doors at the top of the staircase.

  The door groaned as it swung open, the sound reverberating through the air like a warning. Once the three of them had stepped inside, the guard heaved the door shut with a booming thud that echoed through the expansive space.

  Eldric’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the castle’s interior. The entrance hall was enormous, with a vaulted ceiling stretching at least a hundred feet high. A massive crystal chandelier hung from its center, its shimmering light casting intricate patterns across the stone walls. At the far end of the hall, two grand staircases rose, curving to the left and right before disappearing into the upper reaches of the castle.

  The guard led them up the right staircase. Their footsteps echoed faintly as they climbed, the weight of the castle’s grandeur pressing down on them. They passed through a set of heavy wooden doors into a long corridor. The hallway was lined with ornate paintings, each depicting scenes of epic battles and regal figures, and suits of armor stood like silent sentinels along the walls. At the far end of the corridor, a door stood open, revealing a smaller room bathed in natural light.

  “This way,” the guard said, gesturing for them to enter.

  Eldric stepped inside first, his eyes darting around as he took in the room. Enormous glass windows lined the far wall, flooding the space with sunlight. The light reflected off the polished wooden floor and illuminated rows of intricately carved walnut bookcases that stretched along the remaining three walls. Each shelf was packed with thick, ancient tomes, their spines cracked with age.

  In the center of the room sat a petite woman with striking blue hair, her long locks cascading over the shoulders of a matching silk dress. She was seated behind a grand mahogany desk, her focus entirely on the stack of papers spread out before her. Her delicate hands moved with precision as she flipped through the documents, seemingly unaware of the newcomers’ presence.

  Standing beside the desk was a young woman with long brown hair and piercing dark blue eyes. She wore dark brown leather armor beneath a deep blue cape, its folds partially concealing her slim but strong frame. A dagger was strapped to one side of her belt and a sword to the other. Her gaze was sharp and watchful, her eyes tracking Eldric and Fiora as they stepped further into the room.

  The guard gave a curt nod to the two women and turned to leave, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Eldric and Fiora stood silently, unsure of what to expect as the blue-haired woman finally looked up from her papers, her striking green eyes locking onto theirs.

  “I have brought the children, Cerys,” the guard announced respectfully, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room.

  “Thank you. You are dismissed,” Cerys replied, her tone firm and commanding. The guard gave a sharp salute before turning on his heel and leaving, the heavy door clicking shut behind him.

  “So, why are we here?” Fiora asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she turned her gaze to the woman seated behind the desk.

  The blue-haired woman looked up from her stack of papers, her piercing green eyes studying them with unsettling intensity. It felt as though she was trying to peer directly into their minds. After a moment of silence, she spoke, her tone calm but authoritative.

  “My name is Alicia. I am the wizard who oversees Aldcliff,” she stated, her words carrying an air of pride. “And this,” she gestured to the woman standing beside her, “is my military adviser, Cerys.”

  Eldric’s eyes widened in awe. “The wizard of Aldcliff? A real wizard!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike wonder.

  “So, why did you summon us?” Fiora pressed, her tone sharp and direct as her eyes narrowed slightly.

  Alicia’s gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before she answered. “The two of you arrived in Aldcliff several months ago, accompanied by a woman named June,” she began, her voice steady. “During your time here, you befriended a young girl named Jutta. The three of you worked together in the fields, and by all accounts, you seemed to have formed a close bond. This morning, you mourned the loss of both June and Jutta, who tragically lost their lives in last night’s attack.”

  Fiora blinked in surprise. “You’re very well-informed,” she remarked, impressed despite herself. “Have you been…watching us?”

  Alicia allowed a faint smile to cross her lips. “I make it a point to stay informed about everything that happens in this city,” she replied. Her expression hardened as she continued, “However, what I do not know is where you came from and why you ended up here. Explain this to me.”

  She stood, her presence imposing as she stepped closer to the pair. Her silk dress shimmered slightly in the sunlight streaming through the windows, but her piercing green eyes held them captive.

  Eldric and Fiora exchanged uncertain glances before Eldric hesitantly replied, “We came here because a group of mercenaries raided our village.”

  “What was the name of your village?” Alicia interrupted, her tone sharper now, almost demanding.

  “It was a small village called Valifield,” Fiora began, but her words faltered as she noticed Alicia’s sudden reaction.

  The wizard’s expression changed in an instant, her confident demeanor replaced by something far less assured, fear. She turned her gaze to Cerys, who returned the look with equal concern. For a moment, the two women stared at each other in silence, their worry palpable. Finally, they shared a subtle but deliberate nod, as though silently agreeing on some unspoken decision.

  Fiora and Eldric watched the exchange, their unease growing. Something about the mention of Valifield had clearly rattled these powerful women, and neither of them could guess why.

  “Do you know who it was that attacked your village?” Alicia asked, her tone sharp and unyielding.

  “When we first arrived in the city, we visited Jutta’s mom, she ran the tavern,” Fiora began. “She told us it was a group of mercenaries under the leadership of a woman named Ashley.” She paused, her eyes darting between Cerys and Alicia, trying to gauge their reactions. Both women remained stoic, offering no insight into their thoughts.

  “Was anyone else involved?” Alicia pressed, her voice tinged with urgency.

  “There were two mysterious women in cloaks,” Eldric replied, his brow furrowed in confusion. “One wore black, the other white. Do you know who they are?”

  Alicia’s expression darkened. She turned away from them and began pacing across the room. “I have had the…pleasure of meeting them once,” she said slowly. “But I do not know exactly who they are.” Her voice drifted off, and she muttered something inaudible under her breath.

  Fiora and Eldric exchanged uneasy glances as Alicia’s pacing quickened. Her long blue hair swung with each step, a visual reflection of her growing agitation. Abruptly, she stopped, her eyes wide as though struck by a sudden revelation.

  Alicia strode toward Fiora and knelt before her. She stared directly into Fiora’s eyes, unblinking and intense. “You’ve drunk the nectar of a flower called the Lunaflare, haven’t you?” she demanded, her voice low but insistent. Without waiting for a reply, she turned her piercing gaze to Eldric. “So have you, but not to the same extent as this young woman,” she added, her tone laden with certainty. “Am I correct?”

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  Fiora recoiled slightly, baffled by how Alicia could possibly know that. “Yes,” she admitted hesitantly. “It’s true. Those flowers grew near our village. From what we’ve gathered, the attackers were looking for them.”

  “Do you know if they found any?” Alicia asked, her voice now laced with concern.

  “Not according to Jutta’s mom,” Fiora replied. “She said they failed.”

  Alicia’s shoulders relaxed, and a look of relief washed over her face. She turned and walked toward Cerys, leaning in to whisper something. The two women exchanged hushed words, their conversation too quiet for Fiora and Eldric to discern. Cerys nodded solemnly.

  Alicia turned back to face the pair, her demeanor now resolute. “You two are going to stay here and train under Cerys,” she declared. “Once your training is complete, you will join our military and serve as members of my personal guard. I want to keep you both close.”

  The room fell silent, the weight of Alicia’s words settling heavily on Fiora and Eldric. “If you disagree with this proposal,” Alicia continued, her voice firm and unyielding, “I will banish you from this republic and all six of its great cities. So, what will it be?”

  Her emerald eyes bore into theirs, awaiting their response.

  Fiora and Eldric exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They nodded in unison before turning back to Alicia.

  “We accept,” Fiora said firmly.

  Alicia’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “Good. You will be training with two other cadets I have personally selected.” She turned toward the door and raised her voice. “Send them in!”

  The heavy wooden door creaked open, and a guard stepped inside, escorting two newcomers. A boy and a girl, both around the same age as Eldric and Fiora, entered the room. Their eyes darted around as they took in their surroundings.

  “First, I’d like you to meet Nyssa,” Alicia announced, gesturing toward the girl. Eldric turned his attention to her. She was shorter than him, with long brown hair tied neatly into a ponytail, warm brown eyes, and a soft, welcoming complexion. Her bright smile was infectious, and Eldric couldn’t help but smile back.

  Nyssa stepped forward and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “I’m Eldric,” he replied, shaking her hand firmly. “This is my friend Fiora.” He motioned toward Fiora, who gave a polite nod but remained silent.

  “Next,” Alicia continued, “meet Rendrick.” She gestured to the boy, who had a tall, imposing frame. His short blond hair and piercing blue eyes gave him an air of quiet intensity. His stoic expression could have rivaled stone, and he radiated a confidence that bordered on intimidating.

  Rendrick took a moment to size Eldric up, his sharp gaze appraising him from head to toe. Finally, he extended his hand. “Good to meet you,” he said in a low, steady voice. His expression softened into a smile as he turned to shake Fiora’s hand, his demeanor noticeably warmer toward her.

  Alicia stepped forward, commanding everyone’s attention once more. “The four of you are now a team. Cerys will oversee your training. You will rely on each other, fight beside each other, and grow stronger together. I expect great things from all of you.” Her tone brooked no argument.

  Turning to Cerys, Alicia added, “Please handle everything from here. I have a meeting with the council.”

  As the group prepared to leave, Eldric hesitated. Something had been bothering him ever since he had met Alicia. “By the way,” he called back to her, “how old are you? I’ve heard that wizards can live for an insanely long time.”

  The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Eldric, and Fiora’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his bluntness. Nyssa stifled a laugh, while Rendrick’s lips twitched upward in mild amusement.

  Alicia arched an eyebrow and let out a small chuckle. She glanced at Cerys, who shook her head in disbelief. “Cerys,” Alicia said with mock sternness, “make sure this young man learns how to properly address a lady.” Turning her attention back to Eldric, she added with a sly smile, “Especially one who is two hundred forty-five years his elder.”

  Eldric’s face turned crimson as the rest of the group burst into laughter. Even Fiora couldn’t hide a smirk as they followed Cerys out of the room.

  Eldric stared at Alicia, his mouth slightly open in awe. “Wow, that is so cool!” he blurted.

  Cerys smirked but quickly motioned for the group to follow her. She led the four cadets out of the room, her leather boots clicking rhythmically on the polished floor. Behind them, Alicia closed the door with a deliberate, echoing thud. She turned and stood motionless for a moment, her gaze fixed on the bookcase that dominated the center of the east wall.

  After a deep breath, Alicia stepped forward and pressed her hand firmly against the wooden frame. With a faint groan, the bookcase slid aside, revealing a narrow, dimly lit chamber hidden behind it. She slipped inside and eased the bookcase back into place, shutting herself in the cramped space. The room was cold and quiet, its walls made of rough-hewn stone. In the center stood a small golden stand topped with a glowing glass orb, the faint light it emitted casting soft shadows that danced along the walls.

  Alicia approached the orb and placed her hand atop it, her fingers splaying across its smooth surface. She closed her eyes, drawing in a calming breath as she focused her magic into her palm. The room shimmered with energy, and slowly, four ghostly figures began to materialize around her, each standing silently near the glowing orb.

  Once the figures had fully formed, Alicia lifted her head and exhaled deeply. “Thank you all for joining me here today,” she began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. “I know you’re each preoccupied with the fallout from last night’s events, but I have summoned you because of news that I believe may be of critical importance to this council.”

  The specters remained silent for a moment, then a woman’s soft, melodious voice spoke from Alicia’s left. “Of course, my dear. What is it you’ve discovered?”

  Alicia turned slightly toward the speaker. “Let me get straight to the point,” she said, her tone growing more serious. “Under my care are a boy and a girl—refugees from a village that was destroyed several months ago. These children have become the target of great interest from two highly mysterious wizards named Syra and Eira. Since the children’s arrival in Aldcliff, Syra and Eira have been watching them closely. Last night, during Oaklea’s attack, those two wizards infiltrated the city and killed the boy’s last remaining relative.”

  A low murmur spread among the ghostly figures, but Alicia raised her hand to silence them. “That is not all. It appears that both the boy and the girl have consumed the nectar of the Lunaflare.”

  A sharp intake of breath could be heard from one of the figures, followed by the deep, gravelly voice of a man. “The Lunaflare? Are you certain? How could they have gained access to such a rare flower?”

  Alicia nodded gravely. “I am sure,” she replied, locking eyes with the figure. “You can identify someone who has consumed the nectar by observing their eyes. Once ingested, the flower’s magic leaves a distinct mark—green rings form around the pupils. In the boy’s case, the rings are just beginning to emerge, indicating he has consumed only a small amount. The girl, however, is another matter entirely. Her eyes are now an unnatural hazel, clearly altered by prolonged exposure to the flower’s magic. Based on my observations, she was likely born with brown eyes.”

  Another of the specters, this one with a commanding, authoritative tone, interjected. “And what about their abilities? Have they shown any signs of wielding the magic.

  Alicia’s gaze grew more intense. “Yes,” she said firmly. “The boy demonstrated his abilities in a moment of grief and fury last night. I saw him infuse magic into his sword. The energy radiating from the blade was unmistakable. While it was a raw and uncontrolled display, it proves that he is capable of channeling magic.”

  “Why did you call us here to discuss this?” an older woman interjected, her voice sharp and impatient. She sat upright, her piercing gaze fixed on Alicia, clearly unconvinced of the matter’s importance.

  Before Alicia could respond, a stern male voice cut through the air, laced with irritation. “These are minor issues you should be capable of handling yourself. Our time would be far better spent discussing how we intend to respond to last night’s affront from Oaklea. We cannot simply ignore Prince Haruto’s threat forever.”

  The older woman waved a dismissive hand, brushing aside the mention of Oaklea. “What village did you say they came from, my dear?” she asked, her tone softened only slightly by curiosity.

  “The village was called Valifield,” Alicia replied, her voice steady despite the mounting tension in the room.

  As she spoke, a fifth figure stepped forward from the shadows. He moved slowly, his frail frame cloaked in dark robes that whispered against the stone floor. His face was lined with age, and his eyes, though tired, glinted with a sharp intelligence that belied his frailty.

  “Are they the only survivors?” the old man asked, his voice low and deliberate.

  “Yes,” Alicia confirmed. “As I understand it, the attackers were searching for the Lunaflare, but they couldn’t—”

  “What are their names?” he interrupted, his tone carrying an urgency that silenced the room.

  “Eldric and Fiora,” Alicia replied cautiously, her brow furrowing as she looked at the elderly man. “Why?”

  The old man straightened slightly, his gaze growing distant, as though piecing together a long-forgotten puzzle. “Eldric Drakemoor,” he said, his voice quiet but commanding, “son of Selene and Alaric Drakemoor. Fiora Lightspire, daughter of Amara and Shaun Lightspire.”

  He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Interesting,” he murmured, his tone weighted with implication.

  A tense silence settled over the group, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the room as Alicia and the others exchanged uncertain glances.

  Alicia turned her gaze toward the new figure, her confusion evident. “I’m not sure if that’s true,” she said cautiously, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

  The old man’s expression remained calm, though his eyes seemed to pierce through her doubt. “If Eira and Syra are involved, then it is true,” he replied firmly. “I have been watching those two for a very long time.”

  He paused, his frail frame rising slightly as he drew a deep, deliberate breath. “What do you intend to do with the children?”

  Alicia straightened, her voice steady as she answered. “I am going to train them and place them under my direct command.” Yet even as she spoke, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the others in the room knew more than they were letting on.

  The old man’s lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile. “Good. Keep them in your sight,” he said, his tone carrying an air of authority. “It’s a safe bet that those children—especially the boy—are of particular interest to Syra and Eira. We must ensure their safety.”

  Alicia hesitated for a moment before responding, her voice edged with frustration. “I can keep them in my sight, but I cannot protect them from those two women. I’ve already fought them once and lost.”

  Her admission hung heavy in the air, the weight of her words underscored by the flicker of tension that passed through the room. The old man’s gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained thoughtful, as if calculating their next move in an unseen game.

  “Pathetic,” a male voice remarked coldly, his tone sharp enough to cut through the tense atmosphere.

  “Be quiet,” the old man replied, his voice firm but measured. His gaze settled on the speaker, unyielding. “You couldn’t have defeated them either,” he said pointedly, silencing any further protest.

  The elder straightened, his expression hardening as he addressed the group. “The children will remain under Alicia’s care,” he declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority. “But I am tasking all five of you to ensure they do not fall into the hands of Syra and Eira. Do I make myself clear?”

  The room fell silent, the gravity of his words sinking in. One by one, they bowed their heads in solemn acknowledgment, each silently accepting the elder wizard’s command.

  “Now,” the old man continued, his voice measured but firm, “I know you are all as furious as I am about last night’s events. However, I urge you to set aside rash inclinations. Spilling more blood is not the answer. I have sent a proposal to the council and request an emergency session to consider it.”

  “We shall convene first thing tomorrow,” a woman’s voice affirmed, her tone carrying a sense of urgency.

  “Well then,” the old man said, his tone softening slightly. “I suppose that settles everything for now.”

  “Wait,” Alicia interjected, her voice filled with frustration. “You’ve left me with more questions than answers. What exactly are Syra and Eira trying to accomplish?”

  The old man sighed heavily. “That is something that will reveal itself in due time,” he said slowly. “For now, you need only know this: they are not the ones who seek the flower.”

  Alicia stepped forward, her hands balling into fists. “But I need to understand! Why are these children so important? I need answers!”

  The old man’s gaze hardened, his tone sharp as a blade. “Patience, young one. You were not here three hundred years ago when this all began.”

  “But—” Alicia started, her frustration boiling over.

  “Silence!” the old man bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber. “You are too young to question me or this council. Your task is to protect the children, nothing more. Do not overstep.”

  Alicia opened her mouth to protest again, but before she could speak, the other figures began to vanish one by one, their forms dissipating like smoke. Only one woman remained, her presence radiating a strange sense of calm.

  “Don’t worry, my dear,” the woman said gently, her voice soothing. “Everything will become clear in time.”

  “Please,” Alicia pleaded, desperation in her voice. “Tell me something about the boy. Why do Syra and Eira want him so badly?”

  The woman smiled sadly, shaking her head. “I cannot, dear. But I suspect he is very important, more so than any of us yet realize.”

  With those cryptic words, the woman, too, faded into the shadows, leaving Alicia alone with her mounting frustration.

  She stormed out of the hidden room, slamming the bookcase shut behind her with a thunderous crash. Her anger still simmering, she saw Cerys waiting by her desk.

  “Are they all set?” Alicia asked, trying to steady her voice.

  “They’re waiting for me out front,” Cerys replied calmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. You, however, look like you’ve had a tough time.”

  Alicia let out a bitter laugh, her hands trembling with rage. “They treat me like a child because of my age. They keep everything from me, Cerys. Everything.”

  Cerys stepped forward, wrapping Alicia in a reassuring hug. “Leave it to me,” she said softly.

  Alicia allowed herself a small smile as she returned the embrace. “Keep me informed,” she whispered.

  “Will do,” Cerys replied. With a final nod, she turned and walked toward the door, leaving Alicia alone in the quiet room.

  Alicia stood there for a long moment, staring after her trusted ally. “What are they hiding?” she muttered under her breath, her thoughts swirling with unanswered questions.