12 Meeting the witches

"Your Highness, Janus seems to have urgent matter to report."

Roland quickly scribbled in the last of the sentence he had been writing before putting the pen down and looking up, "Send him in."

Janus shuffled in quickly, rubbing his hands together to generate the little heat friction could help him with. He wore a pair of military pants as well as a clean white shirt and a casual-formal jacket on top. Upon reaching the front of the desk, Janus took up a stance and performed a military salute before standing stock still and reporting in a serious tone, "Your Highness, I've finished going through the major parts of mass producing nitric acid with Kyle. I'm free to receive orders once more."

Roland nodded twice before waving for Barov to exit the room, "Nightingale, can you exit the mist?"

The beautiful blond that Janus saw during his first meeting of the prince appeared once more, seemingly materialising out of the air. Roland glanced at Nightingale before continuing, "This, as you've probably figured out, is Nightingale. She is one of the most skilled combat witches that can enter another world called the mist. You'll find out more about her later, however right now, I need you to transfer your military knowledge to her so our local security can improve."

Janus looked towards Nightingale, noticing a shiny, star shaped badge upon her ivory jacket, "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Nightingale. As you've heard from His Highness, I shall be assisting you with the development of Neverwinter's security."

Nightingale nodded slightly before turning back to Roland, "Of what status does this man take?"

"Hmm, I hadn't thought that out," Roland scratched his head before continuing, "You can treat him as you would treat me."

"Wha..." Nightingale blurted out before quickly shutting her mouth, 'But that would mean...'

Seeing the witch's blushing face, Roland quickly realised the miscommunication, "I mean, you can treat him as you would treat me in terms of authority."

Nightingale recovered from her initial shock quickly, pushing aside her hair that had fallen upon her face in an attempt to retain her remaining dignity, "Is he really that important?"

Roland crossed his fingers together, interlocking them while displaying a serious expression, "Oh yes, if we are to even come close to beating the demons, Janus is a must-have man."

Janus scratched his head awkwardly. Although he had much to say, his military training kept his mouth in check. Luckily, Roland noticed the silent topic of interest, standing by the side.

"Ahem, so Janus. As I said earlier, you are to help Nightingale improve social security, however before you do that, I'd like you to meet the most important witches so that you at least meet your future colleagues."

Roland showed Janus out of the room, leading him and Nightingale, who had once again entered the mist, to the lunch quarters of the witches. Moments after their departure, Janus noticed a set of long rectangular tables, each stacked with different snacks that seemed like appetisers from Earth. By the tables, sat a group of young girls, each filling themselves up with the pastries and snacks while chatting to those next to them.

The trio descended the steps until they reached the paved, concrete floor, surrounded by a plain of lush, green grass. Almost the instant their bodies entered the sunlight, a chorus of greetings and cheers sounded from the tables.

"Your Highness!"

"Come eat with us!"

"Look! I got 137/150 for my test!"

Roland waved his hands in the air for silence and the witches quietened down, listening carefully for what Roland had to say.

"I hope you're well everyone. Today, you'll meet our newest staff member who has the knowledge to help us defeat the demons."

Roland gestured for Janus to step forward, and Janus did so. With his head held high, back straight and eyes bright, Janus introduced himself in a loud voice, "My name is Janus, I'm an experienced military worker that specialises in weapon development and minors in other types of research. Additionally, I'm a seasoned war tactition. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Janus panned his view around, only to be met with curious, yet confused faces. He sighed outwardly before muttering, "I'm a friend of His Highness."

"Ahh, I see! A friend of His Highness!"

"That clears things up."

"You should have said so from the beginning."

Seeing the innocent faces, Janus could only give in to the simplicity of the situation.

"Ahem. Sorry to interrupt your lunch, however could you please show or describe each of your abilities to Janus." Roland gestured for the witches to form an orderly line within the courtyard,

Each of the witches began to present their abilities to Janus, who had a notebook within his hand, recording down each of the abilities.

Mystery Moon - Magnetisation of objects - Useful for generation of electricity and magnitising

Agatha - Ice based ability - Useful for cooling and temporary blockage

.

.

.

The list began to take up several pages of the notebook and before long, the entire book was filled with combinations and uses for the witches in order to create modern technology of his time. Smiling with satisfaction, Roland handed Janus several notebooks and a stack of ink pens before leaving the courtyard, waving goodbye to each of the witches as he did so.

Although he had started at lunch, by the time Janus had finished organising and compiling each of the witch's abilities, the sun had already long sunk beneath the mountains. Of course, he had sent the witches away after he had gotten their abilities. He wouldn't want the rowdy witches to distract him while he worked.

"Simply amazing! How could such phenomenons exist in a world. This will simply boost the military strength to that of the GreyFort military, given enough time!"

Janus muttered endless theories and plans to himself as he strode towards the residence that Roland had chosen for him. Although the castle was quite large, Janus's military experience allowed him to remember and pinpoint locations without even thinking.

Janus turned the corner, finally arriving at the hallway in which his room was located, and yet outside his room stood a beautiful, mature lady with a glowing book within her hand. He realised that he had not seen this girl yet, but it was almost obvious that she too, was a witch.

Janus walked up to the girl before reaching out his hand and asking, "Hello, I'm Janus. What's your name?"

Her stern face contrasted nicely against her mature, yet youthful look as she replied, "My name is Scroll."

avataravatar
Next chapter