Dream and change

Shaken and pale, Marina opened her eyes with difficulty and found herself in Helga's arms, where the others were also holding her and worrying. With a forced smile, she said that she was fine, but she was still weak. Then she closed her eyes again before telling about her dream.

In her dream, Marina found herself in another world. She became an elemental, a being of pure water, and moved through the glittering rivers and endless seas of this strange world. The water in which she swam shimmered in the most varied shades of blue and was of an almost magical beauty.

But in this world a terrible plague was spreading. A dark shadow settled over the waters, and the water began to spoil. Marina was constantly on the run, drifting on the waves as the world collapsed around her. The elementals, once so powerful and majestic, were disfigured and transformed by the plague.

Marina felt the despair and sorrow of these elementals as they struggled to survive. She saw the world, once so vibrant and full of life, disintegrate and shroud everything in darkness and silence. The burden of this responsibility was heavy on her shoulders, for she was the only one who could save this world from its final demise.

The women listened to her spellbound as she told them about this dream. Marina's words were filled with an intense emotional depth. It seemed as if she had not only experienced the dream, but had actually been in that other world. Her narration touched the hearts of the women and gave them an idea of how important it was for Marina to share. But the question remained: was it really Marina who spoke, or was it the spirit who spoke to them from the other world? That would become clear when Marina was fit again and could assume her proud posture.

While Marina recovered, Kathrin continued to stoke the fire as it was getting dark. Elysia, on the other hand, tried to contact Elara, who was outside the dungeon, with a transmission crystal. But the crystal did not seem to work, and Elysia was frustrated.

Helga calmed her down and said, "We have already contacted Leonie and told her to send someone to Elara to go on with the soldiers and free Tyrol from the bandits. But how could you contact her? Crystals weren't supposed to work, and I didn't see anything that was supposed to make that possible."

Edna proudly explained, "Well, Neue, you'll understand when you get married, or if you're as lucky as I am, even before."

Elysia inquired, "So it's an ability of Mortis?"

Edna confirmed, "Something like that. But you should stop calling him 'Mr. Mortis', he doesn't like that at all. Instead call him 'honey', 'darling' or whatever you like best. Or will you get hot thoughts and think only of 'Schnu Schnu'?"

The other women laughed heartily, and the mood lightened as they all lay down to rest. They planned to clear the lizard dungeon in the morning when Marina was feeling better. With this determination and the prospect of the task ahead, they fell asleep, determined to face the challenges ahead and to persevere together.

At the same time, Merlin and Opera were received by the barons of Little Franconia, who were visibly puzzled by the idea of exchanging the beginner's territory for one in the south, which Mortis apparently had. But Merlin remained calm and composed as he took off his cloak and ordered the servants to bring food for him and the guests. The servants hesitated at first until Opera admonished them, pointing out that they should not go against their master's wishes.

Finally, the servants set about preparing the dining room while Merlin made himself some tea by the fireplace and took a seat in an armchair, ready to listen to the barons' concerns. The atmosphere in the room was tense as the barons settled down and began to voice their concerns and questions.

Merlin, though young, radiated deep wisdom and a strong magical presence. Still, the nobles saw him mainly as an appendage of Mortis and subjected him to rigorous scrutiny. Even Jochen, who was almost like a father to Mortis, appeared stern, outlining various scenarios they might face. These ranged from the safety of the citizens, to attacks by magical creatures, to the challenges associated with mining and agriculture.

Merlin was aware of the skeptical attitude of the barons and stood up to present his vision for the new Bamberg. In a firm voice, he explained how he was willing to protect the villages and continue the expansion begun by Mortis. He especially emphasized the possibility of enlisting the new followers of the Church of Primus for protection and security duties. His words showed foresight and strategic thinking, and he hoped to convince the nobles of his ability to lead and protect Bamberg.

Jochen spoke to Merlin, "It seems you have already given this some thought, young man. But you may not yet be fully aware of all that is in store for you. Nevertheless, the other 'peck', as you call him, was also simply thrown into office and had to learn how to deal with it. Therefore, I firmly believe that you, too, will be able to do it."

Baron Otto added humorously, "Well, everyone is fine with whoever helps him get out of his castle. And in a dangerous area like this, that's just the thing, isn't it? But I don't care, as long as you, Merlin, think the young man is suitable, it shall be all right with me.

Baron Vincent von Tannenburg joined in, "It's fine with me, too. At least this way I can see my Marina faster and also the soon to be child. It's nice to know that we can work together on a new future for Bamberg."

Merlin listened intently as Jochen spoke. The words of the experienced man reassured him and gave him hope that he could overcome the challenges ahead. He realized that even young Mortis had faced similar tasks in the beginning and had learned to deal with them over time.

Baron Otto's and Baron Vincent's comments made Merlin smile. Obviously the barons had their own interests and motivations, but if they would follow him to support Bamberg, he was willing to have them on board. The common goal of strengthening and protecting Bamberg seemed to unite them.

Merlin responded with determination, "I will do my best to lead and protect Bamberg. With your support and the help of Mortis and the followers of the Church of Primus, we will overcome these challenges. And I hope we can all see our loved ones again soon if we are successful."

The discussion between them continued as they made plans for how they would shape Bamberg in this new era.