There I stood reading the countless words written on the thin ethernity pages of a book. The book that contained knowledge beyond imagination showing everything that there is to know about the world of the living. Unfortunately this book is impossible to fully understand as it is written in extreme riddles and a language that can only be completely understood by the God of Creation.

I was desperate to find the answer inside that book as it was the only piece of text that could answer it. The answer that I sought was on how I could get rid of the demon that dwelled inside of my body. I was a Suirail a person who took a demon into his body in order to lengthen his life but at the price of infernal pain and his source of magic power. Now the correcting of my mistake is something that keeps me sane.

When slowly reading through the Book of Words I found a new clue that made me even more desperate than ever before. It involved a magical item that went by the name Sceptre of Fire, the book explained on how the inscription on it can help me in the founding of my answer. Fortune was smiling upon me that day as I knew the owner of that powerful magical item.

At that time the man was a retired general of the army in the Commonwealth of the Elven Clans. His name was Fixius Soddart and it was me who helped him acquire the Sceptre in the past. I have not seen him in quite some time and I thought it would be nice to see him again and talk of the past and see what he has been up to the past few years.

Without much thought I left the Magus Towers leaving a lot behind as I was desperate to know if the clue I found was not another wall like many others before.

The capital of the Commonwealth, Karenvera, was a month's way from the Towers on foot but knowing all the different paths in this land of Archanielus can be a good perk as you can speed up your travels quite a lot.

Without much trouble I travelled all the way to the capital in quite a good bit of time. The city itself never ceased to amaze me with its sheer beauty that was unmatched by any other one in this realm. Although it was an Elven town it was filled with beautiful and meticulous gnome architecture. Especially the main square where stood the statue of the great elven leader, Archprince Hideyoshi, holding a golden sword in his right hand and a silver bow in the left. He was surrounded by other statues of elven women spilling water upon the land with vases which from which water was spilling out. Beside the statues were machines that looked like farmers tending the land moving around freely imitating the people of the land in the Commonwealth. The streets of the city were kept as clean as possible to emphasize the sheer beauty of the place and the tiles of the streets were arranged to make designs of triangles all around to display the population majority of this land, the High Elves, the Woad Elves and Gnomes.

As I walked through the city I could see on the hill the palace where the Archprince lived. It was made of a stone quite common in western Archanielus which was pale white. The roof on the other hand was made of green tiles that appeared like the scales of a dragon. Around the palace were homes of nobles but looked a lot inferior to the palace.

I headed for the district of the aristocrats and along the way a voice of a teenage girl called out for me in a sceptical voice.

“Mister Adrian Farvenheit?”

When I turned around there was a girl in her late teens that had silky chestnut colour hair and a dress that was black coloured. She was also wearing a lot of jewellery aswell, one of which was a necklace which had her family crest which I recognised right away. It was the crest of the Soddart family.

“It is me and you are?”

She curtseyed in front of me and introduced herself.

“My apologies sir. My name is Madeline Soddart it is nice to meet you Mister Farvenheit. It is hard to miss you since your looks are definitely different to all people I have ever seen.”

She smiled and when I got a closer look at her I could see some features that were similar when I last met her. I think she was still about eight when I met her and she definitely changed in those years. To her comment I replied.

“I'll take that as a compliment, miss Soddart. Anyway can you lead me to your home as I do have some business to speak about with him.”

I asked her but then her smile turned into a more grim face.

“Father is not in the best state, old age is getting to him but please come this way.”

She led me through the roads until we came to the house of the Soddart family. It was a big house near the palace meaning only the most prestigious of families lived there.

Madeline knocked at the big entrance door and soon it was opened by a maid dressed in a black dress. The maid was a middle aged woman who looked rather well fed as I might say it.

“Who is this human you brought along, eh?”

Spoke the maid in quite an attitude to her, it seemed like Madeline did bring along many friends over.

“This is my father's acquaintance, Adrian Farvenheit, please go and bring him to my father.”

Ordered Madeline in a much serious tone and I could see the maid not being happy to hear this but went along with the command and led me to Fixius' room.

In the room Fixius was laying on the bed. His face was pale and his short hair was discoloured into silver. His face showed exactly what old age does to a man as his skin was dry and wrinkly and his eyes looked blindly in around the room until I came in. Upon my entrance he looked at me and said in a weak tone.

“No way, is that Adrian I see. Haha, I could never forget that face and hair.”

“Yes, my friend Fixius not many people have long white hair and such a beautiful face as me.”

I tried to crack a joke and it did seem to work as Fixius did have a good laugh but soon coughed and his voice grew a bit weaker than before and said in a more genuine tone.

“You haven't changed at all unlike me.”

He paused for a while again to gather strength to talk.

“I'm sorry that you have to see me in this state my friend. Anyway what did you come here for anyway as you do not visit without a reason.”

“Yes I am here for a reason, my friend. I am here to investigate the Sceptre that you have since it holds a clue to my research.”

“You're still on that?”

I nodded my head and straight after I have done so he looked around for it and took it from up from the top of the cabinet beside the bed.

“I actually have a request for you about it. You see one of my daughters, Viktoria, lives inside the Veinhall Forest and I would really like you to bring this thing to her.”

He handed the Sceptre to me. When I touched the purple handle it felt hot. There was a ruby on top of it in which a flame was burning previously but when I took the Sceptre in my hands the fire instantly went out as if I had no right to use its power.

“I will let my other daughter, Amelia give you the map to Viktoria's home.”

Said Fixius after I took up the Sceptre. I then sat on a chair beside the bed and talked about the common affairs in the land of Archanielus. Especially the war that was going on in between the Northern Nation and the other two countries of Archanielus, the Commonwealth of the Elven Clans and the Kingdom of Athwa.

In the evening I was led into the guest room to sleep and on the way I met the daughter of Fixius, Amelia. She was a higher spirit, an high elf that develops body features based on their magic power. These features were wings that looked like ones of a buttlerfly

“Good Evening Mister Farvenheit, here is the map that my father told me to give you.”

She gave a rolled up piece of paper and after I thanked her for it she spoke to me.

“I would keep my eyes peeled around her, she did not get banished without reason. She can be quite the savage.”

I thanked her for the bit of advice and it my head I thought hard. Why would the daughter of a general be banished in the first place? I really wondered that as I fell asleep that night.

In the morning I was served breakfast and afterwards I set out to the Veinhall Forest which was on the border between two countries, the Commonwealth and the Kingdom of Athwa. This was not close to the capital at all and it was going to be another long journey.

A few days into my journey when having a meal near a campfire I took a close look at the writing on Sceptre itself. The writing was under the Ruby of Fire which lay dormant in my hand. It was written in the ancient language like the Book of Words but this was a much more simplified version which was definite in order to chant a spell. The words written on the Sceptre said 'Release and Imprison'. Which could have meant many things at the time concerning the item as the incantation was unfinished on the Sceptre meaning there was more to it than just that leaving some hope for me.

I did not need to think much about this as I did not have any more information on the Sceptre other than its power and how it was made. I had other things on my mind, especially about a problem I left at the Magus Towers without thinking.

When I woke up the next day I kept on heading towards the Forest in a rather slow pace. After a couple of days I was in the forest. The map given to me by Amelia was quite clear on how to get to the exact location.

It took me a few hours to figure out the location. When at the location I did not see anything out of the ordinary. There was no sign that anybody was living there. When I looked around there was nothing but trees and a stream that I walked beside to get here in the first place. When looking around I could feel that the air was too still, something was up.

Out of the blue an arrow flew right past my head. I did not know the exact direction of the shot but I knew I had to move quickly making myself a harder target. I could not hear any movement but soon another arrow was shot at me but once again it missed. The person who was shooting was trying to scare me off instead of trying to kill me.

“Flee from this place.”

Echoed a female voice in the woods giving me no help in locating my opponent. Although upon hearing the voice I was quite confident that it was indeed Fixius' daughter Viktoria. Although I had one problem at that moment and it was a way to communicate.

It did not seem like she was hiding behind tress so I had a better look at the surroundings. Nothing around me seemed out of the ordinary other than the top of the trees. Upon closer inspection I could see planks of wood amongst the leaves of the trees, I was certain then where she was hiding. There was one simple problem about that, how the hell was I going to climb up that high without actually being shot by her.

I decided to get her attention by shouting as it was one of the only options I had.

“I have something I am here to deliver to you!”

After a moment the voice replied.

“Leave it on the ground and go!”

I could not agree to that response and therefore decided to give terms.

“Well I need to know if I am delivering to the right person aswell as I do not like shouting to a person instead of having a civilized conversation.”

For a minute or two there was no response from the woman. I stood there waiting for her response but I kept my eyes peeled for any “funny” business as I did not know what to expect after Amelia's harsh comment about her sister.

Suddenly a person dropped down in front of me dressed in brown clothes and blood red hair. She was not the cleanest elf I have seen but it is normal since she lives alone in the woods. There was something different about her, she was missing her right ear which was shameful for an elf since beauty and elegance is the most known traits amongst the High Elves.

“What do you want to give me then, human?”

She said in an annoyed voice making it look as if company of others was an annoyance to her. It was yet another person like this in my life, what a lucky person am I?

“I have a gift from your father who is not in the best state at the moment.”

“I do not need anything from him so please take it back.”

She said pointing me the direction back to the Commonwealth. I then slowly started to turn around and informed her.

“I guess the Sceptre of Fire is unimportant to you.”

As I started to walk away she pulled my left hand and turned me to her.

“If that is the gift I will take it.”

She said in a serious tone looking at me with a deadly sight on her dark red, almost brown coloured eyes. I carefully took it out of the pouch on my back and then she asked.

“Did he tell you what I am supposed to do with it?”

“He did not.”

“So am I just supposed to just have it?”

“I have a suggestion if you're interested, I am heading to the Magus Towers where knowledge of items such as these can be easily found and there you can learn what you can do with it.”

I suggested this and she looked at me with a weary eye. She was taking her time answering this question and while thinking she was looking around. Other than being a friend of Fixius she probably knew nothing about me, anybody would be sceptical about this.

“We should discuss this a little more, come to my humble abode and we shall talk.”

2: Chapter 2

To my surprise Viktoria was extremely civilized and had an incredibly clean house up on those trees. In one of the rooms she had a round table and a chair that was right beside the window that looked over the area nearby.

“I might have a second chair somewhere.”

She said and walked out to look for it. When she walked out I got a better look at the room. The room had a carpet made of bear fur and on the table there was a tea pot and a wooden cup. It was totally different to what I have expected from Amelia's comment.

After a few minutes the redhair walked in with a wooden stool in her hand and placed it in front of me.

“Here have a seat.”

I thanked her but before I sat down I took off my greatsword from my back as it's weight might have helped in the breaking of that stool as it did look a bit flimsy.

“That is a nice sword you have there.”

She commented as I was taking it off my back.

“Thank you very much, it's a family heirloom but anyway to introduce myself. My name is Adrian Farvenheit a friend of your father's.”

I said to her and she smiled.

“Nice to meet you Adrian, what kind of journey do you want us to go on?”

“In the middle of Thrinewood there is a place called the Magus Towers where mages that study magic live and in there we could find out what you can do with that Sceptre.”

“I have only seen my father use it once in my life and it was when I sneaked out from my room.”

“This is one of the most powerful items in the whole of Archanielus and probably capable of destroying a lot of our continent.”

I carefully handed her the item and when she handled it the ruby of fire at the top of the sceptre had a fire ignite inside just like in Fixius' hands.

“I don't think I am up for having this kind of power.”

She said with hesitation.

“Your father believes that you're the right person for it so take it and use it with pride.”

She then snapped at me.

“Use it for what? I've been banished from that kingdom and I won't serve the North or Athwa, working for them will only serve as an insult to my father who I love. I only have hatred for one person, my sister. I would destroy the whole of Karenvera if not the whole kingdom to kill that bitch Amelia.”

“She set you up I am guessing.”

“Just because she's an adopted daughter and can't inherit this thing she made my life a living hell.”

“What did she do?”

I had to ask.

“Somehow she proved I served the Master of the North which I never did. I don't know how but because of that I was banished.”

I then got an idea and told her.

“If you can learn to use the power of the Sceptre I am sure that you can prove your innocence and slay Balthazar and I think I could help you with that.”

I told her and she looked up at me.

“I like the way you talk Farvenheit. Now a question, if we're travelling we should take some food with us and I have a lot to spare since I have been hunting quite a bit lately.”

“What do you have?”

I asked since not all meat is practical to carry around but when she led me to her kitchen I knew she was not a newbie at living out in the woods. Instantly when I came in I could sense the smell of smoked meat which can last a good bit of time on the road.

“I see you're not new to this.”

I told her and she smiled.

“Winter is coming soon so I had to prepare just in case, I also have some herbs but you don't look like a person interested in this kind of thing.”

I shook my head and replied to her comment.

“Not at all I have knowledge about a lot of different things.”

“Anyway I have been meaning to ask you but why is your right arm constantly under a cloak, are you hiding something?”

“Oh yes, I forgot to tell you. I am a suirail and to simply explain, I am a person who takes a demon into their body and this is the result.”

I took my right hand from under the cloak. It was a demonic arm, it was red and filled with black veins all over and the fingers were like claws. Viktoria was startled for a moment but soon relaxed.

“Why would you take a demon inside you?”

“I was young and stupid and that is all I'll say and now all that is left in my life after a couple of hundred years is to get rid of this thing from my arm.”

“Hundred years?”

She was incredibly surprised.

“Actually seven hundred and sixty something I think but didn't your father tell you about me since Madeline remembered me?”

I asked since her other sister recognised me since I visited a few times.

“No I don't have any recollection of you but Madeline has an incredible ability to remember people so I am not surprised but maybe you visited when I was in the academy.”

“I thought he would have mentioned me.”

“Maybe he did when I was not listening.”

She smiled as she put some meat hanging above the fire. I then talked on with her learning a bit more about her life in the woods which seemed quite interesting. She really knew a lot about the Veinhall Forest and what creatures were inside even some that I had no clue they existed. She was also extremely crafty as nearly everything other than the house itself was made by herself.

We stayed the night in the big tree house Viktoria had. Early in the morning I got down to the ground with the supplies and waited for her to get ready. I was happy at that moment as I felt as if I was getting somewhere and while at it I might help a girl to prove her innocence. My objective seemed clear at that moment but I knew from experience that it will get shadowed by things that even the most powerful seers can't predict.

After a few minutes she dropped down from the tree and this time she looked totally different. Her long scarlet red hair was nicely combed and barely any of them was out of place which was a big change from before. She was wearing a black jacket and a skirt of similar hue. What appeared most interesting to me is her hat which was a top hat with an orange sash.

She had a bow on her back and a small quiver strapped on her hip. She also had a twin bladed axe which was not that small and probably too heavy for her small flimsy arms but I might have been wrong.

“Nice hat.”

I commented and Viktoria smiled and replied in a very casual tone.

“'twas a gift from my father.”

She then adjusted her hat as it nearly fell off earlier when she jumped down. After we collected our supplied we set out east towards the Kingdom of Athwa which was the safest route to the Magus Towers.

Getting through the Veinhall Forest was slow and tedious. Lizards, spiders, ants, the whole lot. Ofcourse creatures were not the only problem since some plants also live on eating flesh especially when it's fresh and up for grabs.

Within a day or two we were out of that place and set foot in the Kingdom of Athwa, the kingdom ruled by humans. The town we came to was named the Town of Old Oak which got its name from a tree that grows there and is probably more than three hundred years old. It's old bark barely holds on and it seems like it'll fall down at any moment but the townsfolk make their best efforts to preserve that old man. The tree is also why I like this town in the first place as that tree always reminds me that time is moving and is withering us all. It's just that I am withered in a different way than everything around me.

In this town I knew the innkeeper which I helped a bit in the past to set up her business after her husband passed away. She was a very nice woman who as a show of gratitude gives me a room to stay every time I come over.

When going through the town people stared at us with weary eyes. We did a bit out of the ordinary. Viktoria was a one-eared elf and I was a white haired swordsman. I have to say that this combination was probably never seen in the whole of Athwa.

We walked inside the inn and the woman aswell as her children were working hard be it cleaning, delivering drinks or any job that is done inside the inn. Once inside the average sized human woman ran up to me with a smile on her face. She wasn't the most beautiful flower in the garden I can say especially the mole on her right cheek which was of quite vast size. On the other hand her character rose above her looks, she was an incredibly nice woman.

“How do you do Adrian?”

She asked with a smile on her face as she cleaned off her hands with a handkerchief. To her question I positively replied and asked if she had a room for the night.

“I always have room for you here.”

“And I will always thank you for it but anyway have you heard anything suspicious lately?”

I asked her since the times were getting tense between the North and Kingdom of Athwa and I had to get involved as I myself was a human and would hate for the kingdom of my people to go into flames and change into an army of undead since I also had a good amount of friends there.

“Nothing suspicious but we are having some problems with our graveyard. Undead keep on appearing around town during the night and last night there was a wraith which killed a couple of townsfolk, a horrible sight.”

She said with a horrified voice and I knew then that I had to help kill those undead and their source.

“I can take care of them for you then since a wraith is a huge problem.”

“Sorry for...”

“Don't apologise, I have been given the ability to fight in order to use it like you have been given the ability to run this tavern and provide people like me to protect you.”

I explained to her and the woman replied.

“Do you always need to complicate things?”

“Sorry I think I had too much time to think about life.”

“You sure are a thinker but who is this elf?”

She pointed at Viktoria who seemed to be spacing out.

“This is a daughter of my friend and I am helping her with something.”

“I don't think Carmilla will be happy about that.”

“I rather not talk about it now.”

I told her and she laughed but I could see the confused face of Viktoria as she did not know who she was. Not at that moment anyway as that person can never be forgotten.

We did not stay long in the inn as we had the graveyard matter to take care of. I had to get a better light on the situation and headed there to meet the gravekeeper. When we arrived there I could see that something was indeed up as the place was a complete mess and the man seemed extremely busy with his work of keeping the place clean and presentable.

When me and Viktoria came up to him he did not seem happy in any shape or form. His tone was extremely agitated and anger at the current situation was oozing out from his like fire from a furnace. When asked he simply described the situation to us.

“Every night these damn undead get up from their graves and wreak havoc in town and ofcourse I am to blame for that as if I am a necromancer or something.”

I then asked him up on a detail.

“You say they come back to their graves?”

“Yes, they wreak the whole town and come back here like nothing happened in the morning.”

He explained and then I was sure that a necromancer was involved in the situation. Normal undead do not act in this way as it is inconvenient for them to go back to their graves as they hold no value to them other than some special cases.

“I will take care of these undead for you and do not worry, I do not seek a reward.”

I told the man and he immediately warned me.

“I saw a lot of mad people in my day visiting this place but your confidence will stand as nothing against wraiths that also come out.”

I just smiled at the man and told him to rest for the day as there is no point of cleaning up until the matter is solved. He did not look happy to see me as he knew what wraiths are. They are ghosts made to kill people but they can only be killed by magical weapons of either light or fire.

We waited until nightfall and during our wait I explained the type of undead we can encounter in this graveyard which were probably ghouls, skeletons or ghosts. When the time arrived we tried to not show out presence in the graveyard to see the necromancer at work.

We stood behind one of the tombs and looked at the situation, although it was dark I could see someone was coming. I could also hear he was not alone, slow unsteady steps could be heard other than his, he was accompanied by an undead.

I looked at what magic he was casting, just as I thought it was just simple necromancy. A crackling of the grown from below could soon be heard, the corpses of the dead were once again alive but without a soul and instead with ethernity of the necromancer.

The crackling of the bones that were lifted by the power of magic always disturbed something in my mind. I waited a little more, he had to get weaker after using that much magic and that is when I will attack alongside Viktoria who was standing behind me.

She was holding her axe steadily in both of her hands, the bow has no use against the undead and especially skeletons which this guy was creating. I could see sparks of uncertainty in her eyes. I myself had nothing to fear, I have fought guys like him hundreds of times and my sword gave them no chance to win.

As moments went by he summoned more and more of those undead, he had about a dozen of them. He then got ready for his final summoning, the summoning of the wraith which required the most energy out of him as he needed to use his magic power to create a floating being.

I drew my big two-handed sword out of the sheath on my back. Although the sword was very heavy and inefficient to use but after using it for a couple of hundred years I have adjusted my style of fighting to its uncomfortable size. Since the sword was affiliated with the light I could only use my left hand to wield it and rested it on my shoulder. The sword was known as the Sword of Light a sword made out of an angel which, by will, changed into a sword to give mortals a way to destroy evil. This sword had the capabilities to kill all magical creatures with no exceptions and there was no resistance from its power.

As the sword lay on my shoulder I charged at the undead to make the path clear for Viktoria to attack and kill the necromancer from the back. It was a lot safer this way.

I horizontally swept my sword when at the side of the skeletons surrounding the dark man. Bones broke like twigs under the force of my sword and the skeletons fell to the ground losing their life that they have been temporarily given.

Viktoria slowly crept behind staying out of the necromancer's sight and I kept the fight with the undead. As their minds were basicly non-existent they stood no chance against me and I sliced through them like knife through butter.

I could see her slowly creeping up behind him having her axe at the ready to hit. The fight was nearly over but something had to go wrong. The wraith summoned by the necromancer spotted Viktoria who was sulking in the shadows. It slowly flew towards that direction and if I did not act she would have died.

I hid my demonic arm under the black cloak and started to channel the power of my sword. The sword started to emit light a white light , the purest shade of white. The strength of the light rose and rose and the undead fell to the ground under the Sword of Light's power. For a moment the air was still as if time stopped and everything changed to how it was supposed to be and the corpses fell but the wraith tried to resist the light. It started to run away screeching a sound of a thousand dying souls but in vain. It's non-existent body burned into nothing leaving not even a shred of ash.

The necromancer wearing a brown cloak was afraid. He feared death like all necromancers, he thought he could escape death and the punishment that the next world has for him but now it caught up to him and his payment for committing the sin of creation was due.

“He who sheds blood will see his blood shed aswell.”

I told him and pierced his chest with my demonic arm. It easily went through the skin with its sharp claws and when inside of his squishy body I burned his heart into ashes.

Viktoria looked at me with unease as I withdrew my hand from the falling body of the necromancer.

“Sorry for scaring you, I just don't feel pity for those that make others suffer.”

I explained to her and she calmed down a bit but that sight of suspicion did not go away. I ignored this and we went back to the inn but decided to not tell of the solution to the problem. There is something I did not want and that is fame. Fame would only slow down my progress as people who cannot help me will try and talk to me and thank me for my services. I already have spent too much time in the realm of the living and wasting the time that I am overdue is not a good idea.

Many times in my past I have helped people to only be slowed down but often I have changed the fate of Archanielus. I have helped the rulers in this land and heroes that are written in history of this land and normal people too just like this day but I have never been the main man and never wish to be.

The woman in the inn knew me quite a good bit and when I came back she knew I have done the job but never asked. She understood my reasoning and gave both me and Viktoria nice drinks.

“Since you lived so long Adrian have you any stories to tell?”

Asked Viktoria as we drank the beer that the innkeeper gave us.

“I do but maybe I will tell them later because I want to teach you first about the basics of magic in our world.”

She was surprised and asked me.

“Why would you teach me about that?”

“You have an incredibly powerful magic tool in your possession and knowing magic is important since it is all around us eh?”

“Well I do know a little bit but please explain since you seem informed on the subject.”

She told me and then I begun my explanation of basic types of magic.

“At this time there are three known types of magic in our world which are talent, ethernity and item. Talent magic is created by our souls inside of our bodies. Elves, humans, gnomes, ferul and all smart races which are known as superior creatures have souls that do this. How powerful or what is your talent is totally different from person to person. On the other hand Ethernity is not created by our souls, it is a type of magic that is changed from talent and is not unique to a person. Lastly Item Magic is magic that is put into something and this magic can be either Talent or Ethernity and it can be used by anybody.”

She listened to me and slowly drank the golden liquid out of the big wooden cup. After a brief moment when she gathered some thought she replied.

“It's not that hard, talent is like the ability to draw beautiful things but magic, ethernity is magic changed from talent and item magic is both but in something.”

I scratched my head and smiled.

“Well I have been told that I explain things like this with a little too much detail.”

“They weren't wrong but sometimes too much detail is not necessarily bad.”

Smiled Viktoria.

Not long has passed and the innkeeper showed us to our rooms. She did not want any money for us renting two rooms and kept on giving back when I gave to her until I really forced it upon her as she has more use for money than me.

The night was peaceful and quiet and falling asleep was not difficult. The people in town were put at ease as the undead were gone. Once again during my travels I have restored peace to a little part of our huge world.

The next morning I was woken up by ruckus happening downstairs and soon after I've heard heavy steps going upstairs. I got up from the bed and when I did the steps came to my room and my room's door was violently kicked in.

The lock on the door broke and the door slammed hard nearly falling our of its hinges. There stood a woman who was seeping with anger. She had brown hair like conkers that were in a long ponytail at the back down to her thigh. Her eyes were shaped like almonds and were bigger than a human's. Under her right eye she had a slit drawn with black paint that looked like a scar and on her back she had a weapon called naginata. A polearm that looked like a spear but instead of a pointy tip it the end was shaped like the blade of a sword.

“I have been looking for you for a damn month you imbecile!”

The woman shouted and ran at me with her fist ready. I did not try to block it but took the awfully strong punch as defying your wife at this kind of moment was not a good idea as I knew I deserved more than that punch for leaving her behind without a word.

3: Chapter 3

“Hi, my name is Carmilla and unfortunately I am the wife of that imbecile over there.”

She pointed at me as she introduced herself to Viktoria and held her other hand out to give Viktoria a handshake. I slowly started recovering from her violent attack of powerful punches and kicks that were nicely aimed at my bones, breaking some of them in the process. I started to get up but I could feel that some of the bones in my body were damaged a little too much and getting up was extremely painful. I was not worried as within a few hours or even minutes most of the bones that were broken would heal with the demonic powers I had.

“Nice to meet you Carmilla, I'm Viktoria Soddart and I'm a daughter of Adrian's friend Fixius Soddart.”

Carmilla then wandered in her mind and put her hand under her chin and when she remembered the name she asked Viktoria.

“I've heard the name before, an old elf right?”

“He's quite old now, yes.”

Then Carmilla started to ask questions of her reasoning in being with me and after finding out that I want to help her, I could see her eyes burning with flames again, the burning hatred for my willingness to help people. It was apparent that she was ready to give me another round of punches but this time I was given a little mercy as I could barely get up from the beating I got. After giving me a stare of death she turned to Viktoria and both of them went downstairs while I was trying to recover.

After a moment I realised she hit me a little too much and had to fully use my demonic power in order to recover within a reasonable amount of time. Pain started to crawl up in my demonic arm like a scarab ploughing through your skin and and soon my whole body was pulsing with this sensation. That was the cost the demon's power, pain. After a minute of tremendous pain my body was fully recovered. When the pain subsided I could barely catch my breath from this intensity. Nonetheless my body was healthy again and it felt as it did before I got my well deserved beating for leaving Carmilla behind in the Magus Towers.

I slowly got up from the ground, grabbed my sword and went downstairs to the main hall. I looked around and there the two women sat at the table by the window, already having a drink. I slowly walked up to them and said.

“Getting drunk in the morning is not the most smart thing.”

I knew I could not get away from that comment without a comeback from Carmilla. She turned her head towards me and then smiled at me.

“Well getting beat up in the morning by your wife is also not “smart”.”

Viktoria chuckled at Carmilla's words and soon I joined them but unlike them I requested some juice as alcohol in the morning was not my preference of drink.

“I have never seen a person like you Carmilla, sorry but can I ask what you are?”

Asked Viktoria. It was a bit of a drastic question to ask someone but I did not blame her as ferul were not common in the mainland.

“I understand you completely, my people are not travellers and we just keep to the eastern islands. We are called ferul, which means eagle-eyed in the ancient language. We are gifted with very powerful sight and something that many humans, elves or whatever always dream of. We have the ability to fly.”

Explained Carmilla and when she was finished she made a sad expression and continued.

“I wish I could show you my wings right now but doing it here will attract too much attention if I have not attracted too much already.”

Viktoria assured her that that it was alright and then asked the question that is often asked.

“How did both of you met?”

“My father gave me off as a cheap reward but at least it put me into something I like which is killing.”

She licked her lips as she said the last words of that sentence. Viktoria was taken aback by this response but before she could ask Carmilla about the details she ignored her and asked me.

“Where are we travelling now Adrian?”

“I want to provide Viktoria with information about the Sceptre therefore getting back to the Magus Towers is our best shot.”

I answered but Carmilla knew that the road straight to it was not pleasant as the big meander of River Tara was in the way of our travels. If we headed through the western path which is technically a lot closer would lead us to encountering a lot of trouble as that area was the border of the three nations of Archanielus. The eastern path however was a smarter idea to us which led to where the river becomes straight, that point is the city of Transenwald.

“We are going east then right?”

Asked Carmilla as I have travelled with her many times along both paths.

“It is a lot less troubling and it will be nice to visit Bekrat again.”

“Yep, it'll be nice since he is not such a lightweight and I'll have somebody to drink a good drink with.”

Smiled Carmilla at me with her deadly gaze as she knew she just insulted me which was her all time favourite hobby.

I asked the innkeeper for some supplies for the road which she gladly gave to us with a kind heart. It was not much but enough to eat as we already had some left over from Viktoria's house.

We exited the inn and headed off on our way towards the Grand City of Transenwald through the hilltops of the Dragon County. The harvest season was long over and fields were set ready for the next year. Sometimes we would find walnuts which fell from their trees. Squirrels collected them peacefully running around as fast as they could, hiding their treasures from the other animals.

Weathered leaves fell from trees and changed colour, losing the life given to them by the tree. The world was slowly going to sleep for its night soon hiding under its puffy white blanket.

The birds above also went away and flew to the warm southern islands across the Sea of Marlamare. The sea filled with cities of mermen and nagas who never cease to end their conflicts in those waters.

Centuries of life and hundreds of cycles have passed throughout my long life, yet the amazing detail of the world around me never amazed me. The changes that took place with nature's strength. It made me think of the biggest dream I had at that moment which was to let everyone and everything go, live alone with noone to see anymore and slowly wither while gazing up at this metropolis of beauty called the realm of the living.

“You're in your world again I am guessing.”

Carmilla hit me on the back displaying an expression of being fed up with my way of spacing out from the world of the people.

“Yes I do tend to think a little too much.”

“At least you don't run into trees...”

She paused for a slight moment and then resumed.

“...yet.”

Just like her usual self she had to exaggerate the facts but in a way she was right. If I continued to wander in a world that is inside of my head I would probably meet a tree and look like an imbecile which she always keeps on calling me.

We were soon to arrive in a village of name which I don't remember. Within a few hours of walking we arrived in there. When slowly strolling through the main road, people could be seen outside of their houses, engaging in conversations of all sorts. They looked at us with weary eyes until a someone called out.

“Hey you with the sword.”

Called out a hoarse voice of a man from behind me. I turned to him and before me I could see a group of men, all of them standing behind the man who just spoke, a southern human of darker complexion than the humans of the mainland. The man then spoke as soon as I turned towards them.

“Would you be interested in a job?”

“What do you need?”

I asked them. The man explained their situation vaguely as they themselves were not sure of the events. There seem to be sounds of monsters in the mines that they work in. They were not able to work for quite a few days because of those screams which echo within the them. There have been also reports of some workers going missing which only proved the presence of something.

I did not think much about it and agreed to help the men who could not work for their pay that they needed. The man led us to the mine the men worked in. It was a small entrance in a wooden building which led to the a hatch. Inside of that hatch was an infinity of stairs that led down into the grown and into the mine.

“I'll lead you around since it's easy to get lost.”

After the long stairs that led down the mine split into many different paths which could not be seen at all as the cave was filed with absolute darkness.

“I could hear them from there.”

The man pointed at one of the corridors and so that is where we headed. We carefully walked through the tunnels that were irregularly mined. While at it I asked the man.

“What do you mine here?”

“Salt of the finest kind in whole of Archanielus.”

The man answered. Salt is not the least common resource but it held great value as anything that has to be exploited by mining is not cheap. In the times of my youth only the rich had the availability to it but that changed over the years.

The man held out a torch to light up the dark mine shafts. We slowly walked keeping a keen eye for any type of noise other than us. We did not have to wait long as a demonic howl could be heard. We picked up pace and walked towards the source of that sound.

“I see a light.”

Said Carmilla and drew out her naginata, I did likewise with my sword. The howls stopped and soon they changed into steps of running beasts.

Two Barghests, fiends in the shape of a warped dogs summoned from the abyss. Their teeth were red and a white liquid dripped out of their mouths as they howled at us. Their eyes glowed red in the darkness of the mine.

Being as big as me they were fearsome creatures and swoop their paws at us. Me and Carmilla ran to the front to take care of the beasts. It was not our first time dealing with these dogs. One charged at me and the other at Carmilla.

Being more agile than me Carmilla had no problem avoiding the quick attacks of the barghest. After the dog hurled itself onto her she side-stepped completely avoiding the attack and having such an opening she cut the monster in half with her incredibly sharp weapon. The monster turned to ashes which dropped to the ground and disappeared going back to its rightful place, the abyss.

I on the other hand did not have it just as easy. This barghest played it a little more hesitant and tried to hit with more of a brain. It did not charge but swept its powerful and sharp claws. Just before I was hit by one of the strikes I grabbed its paw with my demonic arm. I grabbed as tight as I could and swung the huge dog and threw it at the wall.

A sound of cracking bones against the rocl echoed throughout and the beast could barely stand after but before it could try properly Carmilla already finished the job and the beast screamed as it changed into dust. They were not known for being smart creatures and fighting them was not at all difficult, almost disappointing judging by their deadly appearance.

The man holding the torch stood petrified and pointed at me.

“What are you?”

I then realised I did use a little too much strength, throwing something as big as yourself across the hall is not really possible for a normal human being.

“That is not important right now.”

I responded and in the corner of my eye I could see Carmilla smiling, she always had a go at the way I could mess up simple things such as holding back since I am hundreds of years old.

The mines were extremely irregular and were filled with weirdly shaped caverns that often needed pillars that protected it from caving in. The man was terrified and stood at our backs, he kept a rusty hatchet at the ready as if he was going to get attacked at any second.

Soon we came upon an end to the mine but unlike most dead ends like this, this one was not empty. Three people dressed in dark cloaks stood and whispered words, they seemed not to notice us but before we came to see what they were up to their bodies turned to ash like the barghests not long ago. Their cloaks fell to the ground as their holders disappeared into nothingness.

In order to summon the power of the abyss one needs to either give his magic power or his own flesh. These people choose their flesh and died for the summoning of a small rift. A rift that would allow weak beasts out of the abyss into our world without any sake of control.

Luckily we caught the rift in its opening. I had to quickly act and pushed the Sword of Light into the ground where the rift was getting created. A deadly noise was coming out as both power fought against each other. The blade lit up and increased its power and soon the small ripples that were getting created by the rift changed to nothing but dust. The man then asked.

“What have these people done?”

“Their wish was chaos and what they met is only destruction without meaning.”

I told the man but I only confused him more. When I looked at the cloaks lying at the ground I spotted a piece of paper lying inside one of them. I carefully picked it up and took it with me as reading in this darkness would have no real point.

“Is this it?”

The man asked hesitantly to which I replied.

“Yes and report this to the town hall, servants of Death in this area will need more investigation.”

Nothing could be heard again in the cave and peace was again restored. I could not wait to open the piece of writing that one of these occultists had.

When outside Viktoria let out a sigh or relief, it was definitely a new experience for her to be in such an enclosed area. The man could not thank us enough for the help and offered us a good amount of gold for the deed.

I had no need for such gold and refused the reward to which the man was incredibly surprised.

“You're insane, you really don't want the gold?”

“Well if I was sane I would not even fight those things.”

I explained to the man who then laughed at my reply. He then told me something I had to accept.

“Well I can do without giving you money but I will need to buy you the finest ale in our inn.”

“Sure we'll take that.”

Carmilla barged into the conversation and smiled. There are three things she loves in the world, making fun of me, fighting and free booze.

As the evening went by Carmilla became more and more talkative as the alcohol got to her and she started to tell stories of our recent travels. She got a lot of attention due to her different look.

“One day when travelling with my husband we came across a pack of some aggressive griffons. Never seen them like that. They were like four or five and attacked us from all sides snapping their beaks and nearly taking our heads off with their claws. We had to hide in a cave for a few days but then the bastards waited for us. Determined those things are but this time we had to kill them. While he killed them from the ground I flew up using these things.”

She then stood up and stretched out her long black wings from underneath her cloak. Everybody could not believe what they have just seen but told her to continue the story. I have to say she was not the best story teller but at least she tried especially when intoxicated.

“I flew up and cut them into pieces as they were tired from waiting for us to come out. I have to say their beaks were worth a good price to sell though, made it worth when I had a couple more drinks the next day.”

I sat at the side looking at the comical performance made by Carmilla. Viktoria sat listening to her but asked me.

“Did you really kill a pack of griffons?”

“That was a few years back, a couple of months after I married her.”

“Can you tell me how that happened?”

“One of the ways of getting rid of this demon in my hand is becoming a godlike creature and have the ability to live in another body. This can be done by the ritual of transcendency. There was history of such a man on the eastern islands but when I arrived there a dragon attacked the town Carmilla was living in. Being extremely powerful I killed the dragon with some complications. The chief of the town proposed me a reward and one of them was the gift of one of his daughters. Carmilla was one of them.”

“Are you happy with your choice Adrian?”

I then turned and looked at Carmilla who had a bunch of people around her listening and then answered Viktoria's question.

“I could not be happier.”

We stayed there until the next day and went back on our way to Transenwald/ As we neared the city the landscape was getting filled with more and more steep hills. The journey started to get more tiring and towns started to become less frequent and little villages with big farmlands were seen. Those were farms owned by the lord of the Dragon County to provide the city's big population with the required food supply.

We walked along the road that bored the highly organized farmland that was fenced around with protective fences that were powered by magic stones to repel pests and animals. Patrols could also be seen as we slowly walked through the roads that led to the big city and when we managed to climb the last hill that was on the horizon there was the Grand City of Transenwald below.

The city stretched further than the eye could see. Hundreds of buildings and roads could be seen and from this mountain the metropolis looked beautiful with its amazing castle in the middle where lived the city's leader Bekrat e Lezrat, the Dragon King. Unfortunately its beauty was tarnished by something grey in the distance.

4: Chapter 4

When at the city's gates the smell of smoke intensified. Although the western part of the city was in an awful state the rest of the city was kept calm although it seemed that the amount of guards was vastly reduced. Not a bad scheme but it holds a great risk that the city might go into anarchy.

The road to the palace was one straight road but along this road were metal gates that closed immediately upon signs of an invasion or rebellion. This was to only slow down the advance of the enemy as other smaller paths still lay open throughout the city. Surprising to the city of this size was how tidy the streets were. This was all due to the strict laws as uncleanness only led to plague too quickly in such high population density.

Throughout the way many upon many flags of the Dragon County were displayed, a face of a blue dragon on a white background. Guards patrolling the streets also had it on their chests to display the power and prosperity of this kingdom.

After a good bit of travel through the city we were close to the palace. Some of the guards recognised me and let us through to the inside of it. It was vast but because of that it felt empty and its bright tiles made of lapis lazuli lost its charm when the walls are blank filled with nothing but a void of white. It's like a night's sky without stars and moons, you will not even look at it as it loses it meaning.

To get where Bekrat stayed most of his time we had to go through a library that he had. It was filled with thousands of records upon records bound to hundreds of books. There were also many tales, legends and history written there and I have to say in some of them I sometimes found my name, be it either Farvenheit or Shuran.

When going to meet Bekrat a servant dressed in a dark dress with a white apron walked past us. To make sure where Bekrat was I asked her.

“Where can I find the Dragon King?”

She bowed her head before me and answered with a cheerful tone.

“He should be near the western side of the palace sir, getting ready to set out.”

I thanked the nice female servant and went off to meet him, at the moment I was guessing that he was looking to solve the problem that put the western part of the city into flames.

When we arrived at the western part of the palace the man was standing there. He was fully equipped to slay something. Full white plated armour and on his back he wore a white cloak that swayed in the wind as he stood looking at his city.

“Hail the Dragon King.”

I have called out to him. I could see without even looking at his face that he was happy to see me.

“Adrian Farvenheit, you have great timing when it comes to coming across people in need of assistance.”

“I wish that he did not have that ability.”

Carmilla barged into the conversation with an annoyed tone.

“I would agree with you Carmilla if I was not the one in need of that assistance as I myself want to see Adrian finally discover his answer just like you.”

He then turned to Viktoria who stood behind me and Carmilla and asked her.

“Who might you be lady?”

She quickly became flustered as she did not expect the attention of Bekrat.

“My name is Viktoria Soddart sir.”

“Daughter of the commonwealth's general right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Pleased to meet you Viktoria, my name is Bekrat e Lezrat, the Dragon King but I think you already heard of me. Ruling most of Athwa makes a person quite famous across the land. And because you're Adrian's friend you can just call me Bekrat, I got bored of the title Dragon King a long time ago.”

I then stepped into their conversation and asked him.

“What happened in the city that you're dressed like this?”

“It might sound ironic but a dragon came in last night and for absolutely no reason and burned most of the western city.”

“A dragon in western Athwa, how did that come about?”

I asked him but her replied with an angry tone.

“I don't care how but only care on killing that beast before it strikes again but now I can only wait for my scouts to get back with a report on the lair of that monster.”

I put my left hand of Bekrat's shoulder and then told him.

“Anger makes a man stronger but uncontrollable.”

He then said with a more relaxed tone and shook off my hand.

“Not all people are strengthened by it but the contrary.”

He then drew his sword that had a blue hilt and a curved silver blade.

“Anger does not drive me Adrian, I just can't look at what I have built so easily destroyed, three hundred years of building this metropolis and seeing it burn under some kind of wild beast is not something I can just accept.”

“I'm sure you'll find it.”

“Yes but I will need that assistance.”

After those words a man came running and started shouting.

“My liege, my liege.”

He was dressed in simple clothes and bowed before Bekrat when he arrived panting.

“My lord, we have located the lair of the dragon.”

The expression of Bekrat completely changed within a second and he quickly called out to his servants.

“Give that man something to drink and call for the knights.”

The servants bowed and started walking towards other direction.

“NOW!!”

Shouted Bekrat and the servants greatly increased their pace. I could see the impatience within him, he could not stand by and watch this happen. He then sheathed his sword and then said while smiling.

“I'll show that monster the might of the most powerful man in Athwa.”

The light breeze started to intensify around us. The wind was suddenly getting stronger making his cloak fly all over the place. I quickly said to Bekrat as I grabbed his armour.

“Control yourself, fool.”

Suddenly his expression completely changed as if he did now did not know what just took place.

“What's going on Adrian?”

“You started to use your talent.”

I explained to him and he then looked into his hands. One of his arms was entirely made of metal and had blue designs all around. He kept of looking at them for a moment and spoke up.

“The more time I spend in this world the less control I have over this body, how do you do it Adrian?”

He then turned his eyes straight to me and took a step towards me.

“Since I have been born I have lived by set rules and those rules help me and my soul control the power inside me but not all people can sacrifice freedom for rules that have no punishment.”

“I have no idea how you can fool yourself like that for so long.”

“Maybe because I am a fool.”

I told him as I looked back at the city and before I did Carmilla had to add her comment which made me smile a bit.

“Ofcourse you're an imbecile, you can't even enjoy a good ale with your wife.”

I then turned to her and responded.

“How many times have I told you that I don't like crappy ale, woman.”

“Will you then drink with me tonight then?”

I then rolled my eyes, her persistence was among one of the best amongst anybody I have ever met. I then agreed to her pleas of a drink from that drunkard of a woman.

Not long has passed and about a dozen soldiers walked up to us. They were the men Bekrat has called for earlier. Their armour was of similar design of Bekrat but was made of a cheaper metal that required less skill to craft from the blacksmith. At the same time it offered less protection from other sources of damage other than physical.

After a short speech from Bekrat we set out to the location of the dragons lair. Led by the scout that arrived with the information earlier we walked slowly towards our destination.

On our way Viktoria came up to me and asked.

“I have heard stories of the Dragon King but never understood how he is living so long.”

“You see that gauntlet on his left arm, when he first put in on it bound into his body destroying his original left arm and started to mechanise his whole body and now is powered by the ethernity of the gauntlet.”

“That's horrible.”

She said but then I responded.

“Don't worry, he did not feel any pain during the process but only gained access to an incredible power which you will probably soon see.”

Most of the day was over by the time we arrived near the location and the sun started to head towards the western horizon. As I suspected the dragon decided to make its lair in a mountain. As soon as we neared the cave which the dragon was hiding I could feel the air was a little too still. The surroundings felt too quiet as if there was something hiding here to jump at us at any minute.

I could feel something was hiding, somehow, but I could not understand it and did not act upon it. Suddenly we realised it was a trap, a magical seal that trapped us all in a cage that looked like ice. I wished it was ice but it was a cage made of magic impossible to destroy from the inside but as sensitive as water on the outside.

We hopped in like rabbits into this trap and now here came the hunter to take its prey. Loud and heavy steps of the dragon echoes from the cave and fear start to arise in Bekrat's men and Viktoria. The rest of us, me, Bekrat and Carmilla kept firm and tried to find a way of solving the problem before we would be destroyed by the beast.

In a moment it was out, the great red beast came out of its hiding hole and showed itself to us. It roared at us,with full strength nearly destroying our ears. We all grabbed our ears and protected them from that sound but when we looked up again flames started to fly out of the monster's mouth onto us.

Just like that, burned like on a campfire trapped on the pole which was only occasionally turned. Just when I was going to put myself through the pain of demonic power to protect my body from the flames I looked at Bekrat. He was standing there setting aside the flames with his talent, the talent of controlling wind.

As if hitting a wall the flames flew aside and we were free of harm. After a moment the red flames subsided going away having nothing to burn. We were saved but the fact that we were still trapped in that prison was not changed. Even if there was someone with a stone and he threw it at that thing it would shatter into thousand pieces.

The dragon once again roared but this time it was furious. I could not understand its hostility but have not bothered myself at that moment as I had to find a way to kill that dragon.

I could see Carmilla getting as angry as the dragon but Viktoria on the other hand did not know what to do and unsteadily held her battle axe. Other than fear I could see something else happening to her, her eyes started to turn blank. They turned completely white and soon she lost the strength in her legs and fell to the ground.

I stepped up to her to help but before I could a vine sprung up from the ground. The cage shattered as the vines wrapped around Viktoria's waist and lifted her up. The vines looked like ones of a rose, they were green and the spikes were of a red hue. She screamed as the vines were around her but now were free of our prison and now was time to fight the monster. The green vines soon sprung back into the ground and Viktoria fell down but without harm. She had saved our lives back then but now it was time to save hers.

Bekrat needed time to activate the power of his gauntlet. I had to buy his that time and ran straight at the gigantic creature. I was only the size of its claw but sometimes size does not matter when it has to match power and speed.

My legs felt stronger after a ravaging pain of demonic magic swept through and it allowed me to jump on the neck of the beast with ease. The big and sharp scales made it only easier for me to be a pest. I could climb up and down with ease and annoy the beast. The dragon kept its attempts to throw me off but only to see itself fail as the grip of my arm was nearly unbreakable. As the beast became busy with shrugging me off its neck it did not try to stop Bekrat from activating the full potential of his gauntlet.

A dark blue seal just like the colour of sapphire appeared around him. It looked like a portal but all it did is emit a bright light and inside of that light came a walking suit of armour with the size of the dragon itself. It was a mechanised suit of armour walking around that Bekrat was in full control as if it was his own body. In its hands it held a sword and shield and it mercilessly attacked the dragon right after I jumped off the beast.

The rest was easy as the dragon had no chance against a knight of the same size. Just within a moment the sword of the huge armour found its way into the chest of the beast and with a scream its body fell creating a light quake. Blood spluttered out of its chest onto the grass that we stood on. The city of Transenwald was safe once more and people could once again sleep without the fear for the coming of a beast.

The armour knelt down and changed into shining dust that flew away with the wind. Right under the big cloud of glimmering dust appeared Bekrat in the same pose at the armour earlier. This was the power of the Dragon King, the ability to change into an amazing suit of armour as big as a building or another one that was the size of a human but faster than the eye can see slicing you up into a thousand pieces even before you could see its two sharp blades. This was what made him one of the most powerful men in Archanielus, even if I wanted I would not even be a match for him. The only thing that makes me afraid is him losing the control he has over himself or even something worse, a man of similar strength but with the wish of destruction and vice. I know this can be possible because as I've heard once in my past, everything has an opposite side.

Scales of a dragon are extremely expensive and are extremely effective in creating armour. Bekrat had to leave his men behind to guard the dragon from any scavengers that would think of getting their hands on those scales. He could not allow things like this to happen in his land.

Few minutes after the fight Viktoria regained her conciousness. She did not know what was going on around her. All she did know was that she was completely exhausted and felt like her body has been through a decade of exercise.

“I guess this is your first time using your talent.”

I told her when she was more aware of her surroundings and after a brief moment she responded with a wheezy tone.

“How did I...?”

She then looked around confused and I explained to her.

“In times of need out talent shows its true nature without us having control.”

I explained it to her but still the fact of her using her talent was surreal to her. For her magic was probably something that only powerful people and mages could use at their will. I have seen this many times, people became afraid of themselves on the fact that they held magic. The worst instances were in small communities where the people who used the magic would be kicked out or talked about as a witch or similar. The funny part of that is that every one of them had the same capability, everybody in this world holds talent although the intensity of it varies. In a way by calling those unfortunate people who's talent acted for them witches they call every person in the world of the living a witch.

Viktoria kept on looking around confused and then asked with a scared voice.

“It can hurt others without my control?”

“Do not worry about it, this usually only happens when your talent awakens.”

“Hey! Stop confusing the little girl, let me do it b'cuz you always explain it like it is some kind of moon magic.”

Carmilla pulled me by the shoulder and then forcefully pushed me out of the way and explained the situation for the girl in simple words that any person could understand. I sometimes hate my disability of giving information in simple terms. Being a teacher was definitely not a job chosen for me by the creator.

I stepped away from the situation as I had no use in there and when I did Bekrat came up to me.

“I don't want to indebted to an elven girl but I have to say she saved us all.”

I turned to him and laughed.

“Even old men are reckless like children.”

“Perception is definitely not our greatest talent.”

He smiled and then walked up to the two women who were in conversation.

“Let us head back to Transenwald and tell of our achievement.”

He held out his hand to Viktoria to provide her help to get up. When she put up her hand he grabbed it and pulled her up from the ground. Slowly we then started to head back to the city. While on the road it was just the four of us and Bekrat started a conversation after a long silence.

“How many times did I thank you Adrian for saving my life that day and here you are again, influencing my life delivering me a woman who saves my life, to which, by the way, I am grateful Miss Soddart.”

“You're welcome.”

She replied while I was still thinking of a reply to him.

“Maybe we should tell Viktoria that story.”

I suggested and Bekrat said.

“You're a better story teller, off you go then.”

“You're the man who lived the whole thing, you go.”

I pointed at him but he still retaliated.

“Ah, Adrian I wo...”

He then got interrupted by Carmilla.

“Ah, come the hell on. Adrian you tell the story and it's sorted.”

“Why me, woman?”

“B'cuz you're a better story teller, come on Viktoria help me out here.”

Before Viktoria got the chance to get in on the conversation I threw my arms in the air and said.

“Alright, alright I surrender I'll tell you the story on how I saved that man's life.”

I pointed at Bekrat and he just shook his head and said.

“At least give them a little background.”

“Back a few hundred years ago our Dragon King here was a mage working in the Magus Towers. Not really the most respectable thing to do during those times as mages were hated by the three nations quite a bit but anyway, he worked under an inventor of sorts there who created that gauntlet on top of some other inventions. One day Bekrat's master was murdered as his inventions were getting a little too good and next on the list was Bekrat.”

I paused for a short moment to remember the situation better and then he intervened.

“I had to run away from those corrupt bastards.”

“Yes, he took anything he could with him and sped off through Thrinewood like mad. Unfortunately mages are extremely intelligent and tracked him down and just when he thought he was safe they got him. The hunters as they called them were experts at fighting and even using those fancy inventions he had absolutely no chance. Lucky for him I myself was heading to the Magus Towers and saved his life and helped him escape. Now he's a lord in the Kingdom of Athwa but how he got there is totally a different story.”

“And a long one too, Adrian.”

Commented Bekrat.

“And that is how he met my drinking partner. I hope we're drining today.”

Pointed Carmilla at him with a deadly smile but he responded.

“I have a city to rule.”

“You always use that excuse but you drink anyway.”

“Not today Carmilla, we'll have to do it sometime else since I have a lot to sort out tomorrow.”

“Then give me that bottle of wine you promised and I'll drink it with my girl Viktoria.”

“I am not giving you a fifty year old wine bottle.”

“You're all just boring.”

I then turned to her and told her.

“Maybe you're just too interesting.”

“How does that make sense?”

I then smiled and did not answer her, just to annoy her but before my scheme went to work she already ignored it and changed the subject.

Soon we arrived the top of the mountain overlooking Transenwald. The sun was hiding under the horizon and clouds changed their colour to a dark pink. In the distance as it got darker and darker the city started to light up just like stars in the sky. Lamps all over the city with the colour of pure white started to shine using quite simple item magic.

By the time we arrived in the city the night was upon us. The streets were empty as everybody went off to their homes to sleep after a day's of hard work. The occasional guards were seen walking around in small groups looking for suspicious folk. I found it quite funny on how quickly the guards changed their attitude upon spotting their king, they would quickly start walking in formation and stop talking about common affairs.

After walking through the streets for a good while we finally arrived in the palace. Upon entering the head of the servants came up to him and asked what he needed to which he replied as he took off the long white cloak from his back.

“Two rooms for our guests here, and bath aswell.”

The servant curtseyed and told us to follow as she led us to our rooms. Viktoria went into a separate room while me and Carmilla stayed in the same one. The room was huge and the bed covered most of it. The bed could fit a good ten people but that was the conditions nobles lived in. Beside either side of the bed were drawers with a lamp powered by small magic stones just like outside in town.

“Damn that Bekrat, making me stay with you.”

“If you want I can stay in a tavern or something.”

I pointed towards the door but she came up close to me and said with honeyed tone.

“You can't go mister, I need someone to clean my wings and maybe some other things too.”

She slowly turned around and spread her wings from underneath her cloak. The grey feathered wings just like ones of an eagle. She gently flapped her wings and said.

“Don't get any weird ideas though as I know that your imbecilic mind can have some messed up fantasies.”

I then smiled at her and said.

“I made sure that those fantasies are gone well before this conversation started.”

“Yep, you're being a smart ass again.”

She rolled her eyes and sighed.

Suddenly a knock came to our door and I want up to open the big door. There stood a maid wearing black clothes similar to the other servants here.

“The bath is ready, may I take the lady?”

She asked me in a kind tone but I said.

“I'll come with her if you may.”

The maid was surprised at my response but accepted and told us to follow her. We were led downstairs to another part of the castle. Upon arriving at one particular door the maid stopped and turned to us and pointed at the door.

“Everything is ready for you inside.”

She then bowed and walked away. Carmilla straight away got to it and entered the room. The room was quite empty and one of the only things inside was the metal bath itself with a few drawers beside.

I closed the door after I entered and Carmilla ordered me.

“Turn around, you.”

“Ah, yes yes.”

I told her and turned towards the wall while she took off her heavy leather clothes. The clattering sounds of the metal pieces hitting the ground and the blade of her naginata hitting the floor is all I could hear. After a moment she spoke.

“You take some of those clothes off too, I know they can't get dirty but it does not make me feel comfortable when you're just dressed fully.”

She ordered me around and without I did just as she asked. Last thing I wanted to do know was to destroy her good mood. When taking off my jacket I heard a quiet plunge from the water in the bath.

“At least it ain't boiling but I am waiting now Adrian.”

Having my torso naked I turned around. Carmilla was lying down in the bath with her hair loose making her gentle instead of vicious which she normally looked.

“Alright then, spread them out.”

She slowly spread her wings showing the grace of the ferul. Her feathers were stronger than a normal bird's and held on firm to the skin. I grabbed a cloth and soaked it in the water that Carmilla was in and gently cleaned the dirt and sweat off her beautiful wings.

“So we're off to the towers tomorrow eh?”

She asked as I was cleaning the the feathers closest to her back.

“That's the plan, yes.”

She then hummed for a while, thinking.

“What do you plan to do with the girl then?”

“Nosy are you?”

She then turned her head quickly and accidentally hitting me in the face with one of her wings. She then laughed and said.

“I am not nosy, I just want to know what you're thinking.”

I slid my hand on my cheek and answered her in a relaxed tone.

“You know as much as me Carmilla, I'll just help her use that Sceptre and regain her honour.”

“That just is a little big.”

“Well we shall see what the future brings us.”

I then looked around the room and could not believe what I saw in the corner. It was two bottles of ale. That Dragon King does have a great memory.

“I promised you I'll drink an ale so here you go my lady.”

I told her as I picked up the bottles she then laughed and asked with suspicion.

“My lady eh? How come you never talk like that normally?”