CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 57: A WIZARD BY HIS SIDE

"The bandits that attacked. Any sign of them? They must be after something. They’re taking too many people." Meical sighed, they had searched fifty households and combed the forest. It’s as though they disappeared into thin air.

"There isn’t much to discover, my Lord. I fear this is out of our reach." Sebastian, Meical’s subordinate, sighed. They weren’t after gold or silver. Why people specifically?

"No. My wife got hurt because of these bandits. I won’t swallow it down. We will find every last one of them. And kill them." Meical frowned as he crossed his arms. "He said they took the woman they captured to a slaughterhouse. So I’m suspecting, the reason they’re going after people, is to sell their parts.."

Sebastian froze, sell their parts? Who would need human parts? "My Lord..that’s highly ungodly.."

Meical shook his head. "People have committed many atrocities despite the presence of ’God’. The occult, witchcraft, they run amuck. And do you know which Kingdom is well known for this?"

Sebastian’s eyes widened. Of course, he knew.. it was the Kingdom of Lucine. "But my Lord..." Sebastian protested, he was sure they wouldn’t go as far as to kill their people.

Meical tapped the table, he really didn’t know where this matter was heading. "I asked you a question, Sebastian. It is rude not to reply."

Sebastian bowed in apology, realizing he had only answered Meical in his head. "My apologies, my Lord. The kingdom known for this, is the Kingdom of Lucine.."

Meical nodded, and all sorts of nonsense were accepted in that place. "You’re correct. And its most affluent individuals are its mad king, Luke, and their self-proclaimed wizard, Morrigan. Remember the last two springs? These people killed off their firstborns to appease some god. It might just be speculation, but I’m certain, the disappearance of our people is because of them.."

Sebastian was greatly disturbed, these people thought differently from them.

Meical expression turned serious "Sending spies to Lucine would just get them killed off. We must go there ourselves. A short trip to investigate.."

Meical deliberated, his mind weighed down by conflicting responsibilities. The ball was in three days, and the royal families were arriving, their presence a reminder of the fragile alliances the king had forged.

Disappearing now would spark suspicion, but delaying the investigation meant more lives lost, more people falling prey to Morrigan’s dark schemes.

Leaving Kaizar, in the palace with Radomir was a risk he couldn’t take. Yet, Kaizar’s role as the King’s Special Advisor made it impossible to take him along. His absence would raise questions, and exposure was a luxury they couldn’t afford.

But Meical knew he had to act. "Sebastian.." he said, his tone cold and resolute. "Schedule the trip. We leave after the ball. We’ll uncover Morrigan’s plans, no matter the cost."

Sebastian bowed, his expression somber. "Yes, my Lord."

Meanwhile in the kingdom of Lucine.

Morrigan worked alone in the high chamber of the tower, drawing the final mark on the magic circle. The room was quiet except for the faint crackle of the braziers.

The lines of the circle were sharp and exact, drawn with a practiced hand. He did not rush and he did not need assistance. He knew exactly what he was doing.

The door opened and Luke entered. His steps were steady and unhurried, showing neither surprise nor concern. Morrigan did not look up immediately, only finishing the mark before he spoke.

"You’re early.." he said.

Luke came to stand beside him, his hands resting behind his back. "Are we prepared?"

"The circle is stable.." Morrigan answered. As he cleaned the ink from his fingers with a cloth. "All that remains is the offering."

Luke nodded once. "The captives are secured below. There are no records of their arrival or departure. Nothing will lead back here."

Morrigan met his eyes then. "That’s good."

Luke studied him for a moment. Morrigan’s posture was composed, but the faint exhaustion beneath it did not escape him.

"You haven’t slept?" Luke asked, watching Morrigan move.

"And you have?" Morrigan asked.

"It is not the same..." Luke replied. His tone did not shift. "You will be the one sustaining the circle. If your concentration fails, the entire ritual collapses. Make sure you can stand through it."

Morrigan paused, and for a brief second, the certainty in his expression flickered, though it returned just as fast. "I know my limits."

Luke stepped closer, close enough that their shoulders nearly touched, though he did not reach out and he did not soften his tone. "Then do not misjudge them."

Morrigan held his gaze without speaking.

After a moment, Luke turned away. "The new moon is in four nights. We begin then."

Morrigan gave a slow, firm nod. "I’ll be ready."

Luke walked to the door, but stopped before opening it.

"Do not die.." he said.

Morrigan let out a slow breath. "I wasn’t planning to."

Luke left, and the room returned to silence.

Morrigan frowned as he stared at the door.

Do not die.

Luke words rang in his head. His heart raced at the his words but he knew Luke didn’t care about him.

He only cared about the magic he could harness.

"Don’t look so downcast, Morrigan. I’m sure Luke loves you.." the brown cat, sat on the table. Giving him a smile.

If the king didn’t love him, he wouldn’t come to see him, despite having several wives.

"Don’t console me, Lew. There’s no place for me in the heart of a man with seven wives."

He would only ever be a fling to Luke.

"But he comes to you, Morrigan. You know, they are only his wives in name. You and I know very well this Kingdom has no queen."

-_-

Morrigan stood up, walking to the window as he summoned a scroll.

"Luke and I will never be together. We were doomed from the beginning. He will eventually grow to love one of these women and choose one. While I’ll forever remain, a loyal wizard by his side. So I shouldn’t complain.."