King

CHAPTER XI

It had been two months since the incident in the fairy realm. Zyn and I had been training. The development of Zyn’s and my skills were already visible. We also started to include sparring with each other and it seems like he’s already slowly learning how to control his powers.

I’ve also been helping Al every evening so here we are looking through the documents that were compiled by the researchers before Al. We’ve been going through every document looking for a clue.

“My eyes hurt,” I heard Zynrick complain so I turned to look at him. He had his eyes closed and his head raised. He looked so exhausted.

“I told you that you could rest at home,” I said and continued to look at the papers in my hand.

“I know but I feel bad that I’m not helping when you’ve been helping me a lot,” He answered and I just kept quiet. During the time that I’ve lived with them, I learned that the three of us had a lot of similarities. We’re stubborn, we like to keep our feeling to ourselves and we all can’t sit still.

“I found something,” Al said so we walked towards him. He was holding three different papers.

Zyn and I cleaned the table and he placed them. He spread the papers in his hands and that’s when we saw that it was a map. He was also holding a paper that had my name on it.

“This is a map from my time,” I whispered while running my fingers through the paper. Doing that made me miss my time.

“The drawing and letters on the map are missing but I think if we use our current map it will match,” Al said and brought out a new map. It was a map of Erethydnia during the current times.

“I still can’t get over the fact that Erethydnia is already called Cleindor,” I whispered making Al and Zynrick look at me.

“There’s nothing you can do about it,” Zynrick said and gave me a small smile.

“I know. I just can’t adjust to it,” I said and Al hushed us.

“There’s this village called Arthaldis in the paper,” Al said while alternately looking at the paper and the map. “Elle, do you remember where that place is?”

He looked at me so I looked at the map and squinted my eyes to see properly. I was trying to familiarize myself with the map and while doing so my hands instinctively pointed on the top corner of the map. He looked at the place I pointed and looked at the current map he brought out.

“It’s Edengale,” Al whispered and sighed. “Can you take us there?”

“I can, I think,” I said making Al’s jaw drop.

“What do you mean you think?!” Al asked in surprise while Zyn just enjoyed seeing Al’s expression.

“I can’t remember that place so I don’t know if I can teleport us there,” I answered. Al ran his hands over his face and took a deep breath.

“But you just pointed at it earlier.” Al reasoned and I shrugged. “I didn’t know why I pointed it, okay?”

“Also, for your information, not because I have teleportation powers doesn’t mean that I can just randomly teleport us wherever. I need to have the place in mind before I can teleport us there.” I explained and Al sighed.

“I guess we don’t have a choice,” Al said and packed the things we need.

“Are you going to drive?” Zynrick asked and Al nodded.

“Al, please don’t,” Zynrick said with a horrified expression making Al glared at him.

“What’s with the reaction?” Al asked and Zynrick sighed. “I don’t want to die.”

“What the f**k did you just say?!” Al asked in an offended tone.

“Al, we both know that you’re a horrible driver,” Zyn said making Al clench his jaw.

“I can drive, okay?” Al said and walked towards the door. “We’ll leave tomorrow so pack up tonight.”

“Zyn, it’s alright, you’re a progenitor now,” I said and walked out of the door.

It’s the next day and we all placed our belongings inside the car. Al is still the driver and Zyn still has a horrified expression on his face.

“You’re seriously going to drive?” Zyn asked Al and Al nodded.

“Yes, so stop being a cry baby and just get in,” Al said. I got in and Zyn did the same thing.

I’ve never seen Al drive so I don’t know why Zyn is so horrified. Al must be a bad driver but I don’t think there’s anything to be scared of.

“Stop being a p***y, Zyn,” Al said mockingly but Zyn just kept on muttering a prayer.

We got out of the gate and everything was fine. Even when we were on the highway we were still fine but understood Zynrick’s fears when we were already on the freeway.

“We have no plans of dying, Alystair!” I yelled when he was driving so fast. I could feel my heart beating erratically but he still didn’t slow down.

He was driving 56 mph. He was even overtaking cars like it was a game. “Don’t worry. We’re going to be fine.” He said and continued to drive fast.

“Aren’t there any police officers?” I asked Zyn but he was too busy praying.

“We’re allowed to do this as long as we present a valid reason. Right now, we are rushing because we need to know about your familiars before the AMF beats us to it. It’s a privilege us researchers have.” He answered.

I don’t know how we managed to arrive in the village safely but when we got there Zynrick started puking.

“I’ll teleport us next time,” I said as I sat under a tree. “I feel so traumatized,” I whispered as I sat there.

“Oh, please, stop complaining. What matters is we’re alive.” He said and stared at the village in front of us.

“Zynrick, are you alright?” I asked because he just lies on the ground.

“I think I appreciate life even more now.” He whispered so I walked towards him and pulled him up.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of our travels from now on,” I said.

We followed Al and he looked so amazed by the place. It was old and it seems like modernization hasn’t touched it yet.

“This place is beautiful.” I heard Zynrick whisper beside.

“Yeah, it feels like home,” I whispered.

Zyn and I were busy admiring the place when someone approached us.

“What are you doing here?” An old man asked. Just by looking at his attire and the way he carried himself, it seems like he’s the village chief.

“I’m a researcher from the Magic Preservation Centre. I’m Alystair Flynn.” He answered with confidence.

The chief looked at Al and examined his face. “What do you want?” He asked after looking at Al from head to toe.

“We’re just here to look for something,” Al answered and the old man sighed.

“Didn’t you come here to search for something last time as well?” He asked and Al shook his head.

“I was the one who sent the researchers who came here but I wasn’t one of them.” He answered. The man squinted his eyes at Al. I could see the evident suspicion on his face as he looked at me and Zynrick.

“I need proof,” He said and Al showed his identification card. The old man looked at Zyn and I once more before saying, “What about them?”

“They’re my companions,” Al answered and the chief nodded.

“Do what you need to do. However, I have no house available for you to stay in.” He said.

“It’s fine. We’ll camp somewhere.” Al answered and the chief nodded. “Alright, you can ask for food from the villagers and you can camp inside the village. Just be sure not to go near the cave at the edge of the village.”

“Could you tell us why?” Al asked and the old man seemed like he was contemplating whether to tell us the truth or not.

“We would appreciate it if you tell us. It might help in our search.” Zynrick said making the old man turn to look at him.

“What are you searching for?” The old man asked. Zyn and Al looked at each other before Zynrick said, “You see, this lady beside me is a dark witch and we’re looking for her familiars.”

The old man turned his attention towards me and looked at me intently. “I couldn’t believe that the day I would meet a witch would come.” He said.

“I see that you have amusement with witches,” Zynrick commented and the old man shook his head.

“No, you see, I was married to a witch once. Though, I don’t know if she’s good or not.” He said. His lips curved into a smile when he told us that.

“Do you mind if I ask what happened?” Zyn asked. Al looked at Zyn with a questioning look but Zyn just hushed him.

“She was killed by Tyrone. We were living in the city during that time and when Tyrone found out that I was married to a witch he immediately killed her.” He answered. I could hear the pain in his voice as he told us this.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Zynrick said. Al and I said the same thing.

“Is that why you’re in this village?” I asked and he nodded.

“This village is protected by your laboratory that’s why magical beings are allowed to live here.” He explained. My jaw dropped at what he said.

“Why didn’t you tell me that there was a place like this?” I asked and Al shrugged.

“I didn’t know this place existed,” Al answered while looking at us.

“How come you don’t know?” I asked and Al just gave me a meaningful glance. I kept my mum after that.

“Chief, the people would want you to check on the crops,” A man called out so the chief looked towards them and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll be right there,” The chief said and looked back at us. “I’ll be leaving then.”

“Alright,” Al said. I looked at Al and raised my eyebrow at him.

“Before I go there’s another thing, you shouldn’t let your curiosity get the best of you. The fox demon found inside the cave is said to attack whoever comes near it. The villagers say that it wants peace. So, please, avoid the place.” He reminded with a serious tone. After hearing our answer he left us and followed the young men.

“We understand, sir,” Zynrick said making me look at him.

“What I said about sending people here was a lie. It seemed convenient so I went along with it.” He explained while looking straight into my eyes.

I didn’t judge. I understood him. Sometimes we have to make a lie and do things that are wrong for our advantage.

“So, what are we going to do now?” Zynrick asked while looking at me and Al.

“We should roam around. We can’t go to the cave in broad daylight.” He said and we agreed.

We were roaming around the village and saw a lot of different races of magical beings. We’ve seen demons, water nymphs, golems, unicorns, and other mythical beings.

“I can’t believe you humans want to eradicate this much race.” I unconsciously commented.

When I realized what I said I looked at both of them. They seemed unbothered by what I said. “I didn’t mean to sound offensive,” I added when they didn’t react to what I said.

“It’s fine. We understand.” Zynrick said while looking straight ahead.

“Yeah, what you said was true anyway,” Al added.

We continued to roam around quietly after that. I couldn’t help but admire the place. I could feel the magic from where Al had parked the car but I didn’t know that this would be what would welcome. It seemed so close to home.

“Hey, Al, you’re a researcher from the Magic Reservation Center, how come you don’t know this place existed?” I asked out of curiosity.

“I’m not a researcher that is sent to field works. I’m only tasked with laboratory works.” He answered. I nodded and remained quiet after that.

“Excuse me,” We heard someone say so the three of us turned our heads and saw a young lady standing behind us.

She seemed timid. She was blushing and was looking down at the ground. “What is it?” I asked. She raised her head and took a deep breath.

“Are you a dark witch?” She asked. The three of us exchanged looks and when they just shrugged at me I sighed.

“I am, why?” I asked while looking at her. “I’m a witch too.”

“Okay,” I said because I didn’t know how to respond.

“Is it okay if I ask to spend some time with you?” She asked and I nodded.

As much as I didn’t like being around people, I missed being around my race. I’ve been surrounded by humans for months and seeing a fellow witch seems like a breath of fresh air.

“You guys can handle yourselves, right?” I asked while looking at them alternately.

They didn’t respond immediately so I frown. Zynrick looked at Alystair while Alystair just stared at me.

“Yeah, we can take care of ourselves,” Al answered.

“Good, because I’m leaving with her,” I said making the girl in front of me squeal.

“You trust people so easily,” Al whispered and shook his head.

“I don’t. I’m going because I know that if she does anything to me I can just kill her.” I said and glanced at her. It seems like she got the warning and said, “I’m not going to do anything.”

“That’s nice,” I said. I looked at the two boys who were standing beside me. “I can take care of myself so there’s no need to worry.”

“Okay, but let’s meet here before the sun sets,” Al said and I nodded before leaving with the girl.

We were walking quietly and it’s annoying me. I enjoy silence but I’ve been surrounded by nothing but silence the whole time I’ve been with the boys.

“Tell me your name,” I said making the girl turn to look at me.

“I’m Annaliza,” She answered then went silent again.

I didn’t bother asking additional questions because I’m not a fan of small talk. I just followed her to where she was going. We went through a forest and my eyes grew wide at what I saw.

“This place is beautiful,” I whispered.

I saw water nymphs playing around and wind maidens dancing everywhere. There were also unicorns in the corner and fireflies were flying around. The golems were also happily playing on the ground as the fauns play a tune with their harmonicas.

“I’m glad you appreciate it,” Annaliza said while looking at me with a smile on her face.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” I said and gave her a small smile.

“It’s nothing. Also, did you know that you look more beautiful when you’re smiling?” She asked while looking at me.

“No,” I said honestly. “By the way, why did you bring me here?”

“I don’t know. I just felt sorry for you.” She said while looking at the water nymphs.

“Why?” I asked. I wanted to be annoyed at her but she brought me to this place so I’ll let what she said slide for now.

“Well, you looked like you’ve been longing for something or someone.” She said and shrugged. “And it seems like bringing you here was helpful.”

“It surely is,” I said and released a sigh.

“If it is then we should join them,” She said and pulled me towards the group.

That afternoon I danced with the wind maidens and fauns, swam with the water nymphs and ate with all of them. I had so much fun that I didn’t notice the time.

“I have to go back,” I said and left. They told me that I should visit them again and I told them that I will.

I arrived at the meeting place. I was expecting them to look happy but it seems like they were in a bad mood.

“What’s with the face?” I asked and they looked at each other.

“It’s nothing,” Zyn said and walked away.

I thought he was back to being the talkative person that I met the first day but it seems like that was only temporary. “What happened?” I asked Al but he just sighed.

“Nothing, we’re just tired,” He said and looked at the direction Zynrick took.

“Do you want to have dinner with us?” We heard the village chief ask so we turned our head and saw him standing behind us with young men. The people he was with were holding clothes. We assumed it was for us so we turned around and faced him properly.

“That would be delightful,” I answered and Al just nodded with his lips curved into a smile.

“We gladly accept your offer.” He said.

“Follow us then. We’ll have dinner at my house.” He said and we followed him.

“What about Zynrick?” I asked and he just shrugged.

“I don’t know.” He answered making me sigh. I just had a fun afternoon and these guys decided to ruin it.

“Go get him,” I said and pushed him.

“Why? He’s being a child,” He said but I just glared at him.

He sighed and went to follow where Zynrick was. Sometimes I don’t get their relationship with each other. Sometimes they’re close, sometimes they’re not, sometimes they hate each other, and sometimes they’re like children.

“Where are your companions?” The chief asked when he noticed that I was the only one following him.

“Al went to look for Zynrick. I’m sure they’ll find their way here.” I said and the chief nodded.

“You can take a bath while you wait for the food to be prepared.” He said and gave me a change of clothes.

I thanked him and went to the shower. Once I was done I saw Zynrick and Alystair in the dining area. They still weren’t talking to each other and it annoyed me.

“We’re in a chief’s house so stop acting like children. Whatever happened while I was away should stay between the two of you. Don’t let other people sense the intense atmosphere between the two of you.” I scolded while the chief was still preparing our meal.

They both looked at each other after what I said. I thought they wouldn’t listen but when the chief came they were acting as they get along just well.

“Thanks for the meal.” We thanked and washed the dishes.

We stayed in the garden behind the chief’s house once we were done with the chores. We also had a small chit chat with the chief.

“So, what are we going to do?” I asked when no one spoke. “We can’t just leave and go to that forbidden cave.”

“I know,” Al said and sighed. “We’ll have to stay here tonight.”

“Let’s try tomorrow then,” Zynrick said and stood up to stretch his body.

“Yeah, let’s try tomorrow.” Al agreed and stood up as well.

“I thought you guys aren’t getting along?” I asked while looking at them with a confused expression.

“We aren’t in good terms but we know when to be objective,” Al answered and walked inside.

“Let’s rest, for now, Elle,” Zynrick said and I nodded.

We went to our rooms. As I lay on the bed I felt how tired I was but I was happy. I closed my eyes and immediately drifted off to sleep.

I was in deep slumber when I heard someone call my name. It was a faint voice but I could hear it properly. I opened my eyes and saw that I was in a misty place. I kept on looking around as I was walking but all I could see were rocks.

“Elle,” I heard the voice once again. I turned around and frantically looked for it. I don’t know why but that voice sounded so familiar.

I was running aimlessly when I saw a woman’s figure from the distance. “Elle,” it called out once again so I ran as fast as I could and when I reached my hand out she was gone.

I quickly sat up as I try to catch my breath. It was nothing but a dream. I looked around and I was all alone. I looked at my hand and saw that there were furs on it. I calmed myself and looked out of the window. There must be something telling here. It’s probably making its presence known.

I decided to lie down once again and went to sleep in an attempt to go back to the dream but all I did was fall asleep. The dream never resumed.