Council’s Arrival

Ludwig was occupied tending to Louise's wounds, while Alexa and Liam focused on analyzing the remains of the Golems. Liam shook his head in dismay. He realized they weren't the only ones who would become aware of this encounter.

Despite the Golems not being powerful enough to launch substantial attacks, their presence could still be recognized from afar. Any disturbance to the kingdom's peace would only escalate matters, especially once the Ministers intervened.

Liam was proven right when, a few hours after the Golems' attack, a rolled letter arrived from a white crow's beak. It bore The Council of Etherialum's wax stamp in white.

"When's the meeting?" Ludwig asked.

Liam handed the letter to Ludwig, who quickly read its lengthy contents, his expression shifting from irritation to mild fury. It didn't take them long to prepare for their departure toward the Meeting Hall.

"We'll head to Lancastriel's Castle first," Liam instructed Alexa. "Follow us in three hours."

"Three hours?" Alexa asked, puzzled.

"I'm not sure how long the meeting will be," Liam informed them. "But I think three hours should suffice. You know the situation." There was a pause. "We can't afford for them to see her."

"What about Percival's cohort?" Alexa inquired, her curiosity piqued upon learning Adolf's former affiliation.

"They're currently increasing their offense," Ludwig replied shortly.

Liam knew that Ludwig himself wanted to find Percival, as there was a high possibility he knew where Amelia was hidden. Unfortunately, Ludwig had to attend the meeting first and face the Ministers.

Alexa was like a child having a tantrum as she kicked her feet on the ground. "Why won't you let me find that bastard myself, Ludwig? It would be faster."

Ludwig sighed, managing his temper. "I know we both want to find him, Alexa, but it's better if you don't involve yourself in this. His cohort is dangerous."

Alexa suddenly fell silent in a corner, acknowledging that Ludwig was undoubtedly right. "But…" Alexa caught Liam and Ludwig's attention. "Do you think it was just an accident that the Golems attacked Louise as she was the very first one they saw, or was she actually their target? What do you guys think?"

Ludwig pondered deeply. "I'm not certain if Amelia knows anything, but I hope she doesn't," he said. "When the Golems saw me, they immediately targeted me and ignored Louise." The temperature around them began to rise again, and Ludwig's jaw clenched. "But we shouldn't be complacent. Let's make sure that your and Louise's arrival goes unnoticed. We can't stay here any longer. The safest place for her right now is in that castle, but she mustn't be seen by the Council."

Alexa simply nodded while eating. "If you don't want us to be seen by anyone, that means we can't go through the gate. Where else should we enter then, Ludwig?"

The dilemma centered around Alexa's inability to flash or teleport inside the castle. While they could navigate within its walls once inside, entering from outside proved impossible due to an ancient magic barrier. This barrier shielded the castle from intrusion by those with similar abilities. Though they could flash within the castle, entry required passing through the gate guarded by Knights of the Council.

"Try the rear wall," suggested Ludwig.

Alexa grew impatient. "But I can't cast the teleportation spell within the perimeter of that wall."

"Then travel toward it," Ludwig proposed.

Alexa frowned. "Ludwig, that's quite a distance."

"We have no other choice, Alexa," Ludwig asserted, ready to depart. "And avoid using magic en route. The council would detect your power, raising suspicions about your entry through the back wall."

"How can I transport her?" Alexa queried, seeking clarification. "My broomstick is designed for a single rider. I'd need to use magic to accommodate her, although just a small amount."

Ludwig remained cautious. "We can't take that risk. I'll summon Griffin once we arrive."

Liam and Alexa exchanged glances. Griffin was Ludwig's beloved unicorn, and he was very selective about who could ride him. Only Hiyasmin had been allowed to ride Griffin besides Ludwig.

"O-okay," Alexa responded, still in disbelief.

For a moment, Liam and Ludwig stood guard as Alexa conjured a spell. Once she was done, they immediately departed. Flashing themselves, they reached the gate of Lancastriel's Castle in just a matter of seconds.

The sprawling structures of the castle loomed before them. The ancient stones still stood proudly amidst the passage of time, surrounded by an array of soldiers standing mightily.

As they approached, the leader stationed at the entrance confirmed Ludwig and Liam's identities with a respectful nod. With the formalities completed, they crossed the hanging bridge that spanned a deep ravine, its depths shrouded in shadow.

Liam's keen eyes swept over the surroundings, taking note of the changes that had unfolded in their absence. The once vibrant foliage that had adorned the path now lay withered and dry, its colors faded and lifeless. Trees, once tall and proud, now appeared weary, their trunks leaned precariously, shedding leaves prematurely.

These unexpected changes were disconcerting. It meant there were disturbances that should not have occurred in such a short span of time.

The night enveloped the castle in deep shadows, with only the vigilant guards stirring as they noticed their arrival. Liam directed himself to his room, while Ludwig bid his farewell to wake up Griffin.

Liam wanted sleep, but before he could even close his eyes, the warhorns roared, signaling the arrival of the Council.