Interlude: Another spring begins

Time continued its course day after day, flowing naturally like the waters running in the riverbed. Thus, five years had passed since the Prince of Asterl became an exiled wizard.

At some point in his new journey, Laugs became known as the "Wizard of Green Flames." His whereabouts, however, still remained unknown. It was known only that his power, associated with sorcery, had increased since then. On the other hand, his actions, always behind the scenes, revealed little about his new ambitions. In this way, the former prince became a recurring concern for the kingdom of Asterl.

Many people began a hunt for the fifty gold coin reward, and many of them died trying. Because of this, the prince's reward became less significant, although any information about him could still fetch a good amount of silver coins. Therefore, very few maintained an interest in pursuing him, while a more secret search was carried out by specialized individuals within the kingdom.

There was another significant change in that small kingdom, perhaps the most important of all, when King Algus the Ninth succumbed to an illness so suddenly and under mysterious circumstances that led some people to create all kinds of theories.

The king's last years were shrouded in research and mysteries, and few had contact with this side of him. Not even Astottles knew what Algus's true objectives were, although his obsession with scrolls and things related to the Lost Era after the incident with the prince gave him a vague idea.

After Algus's death, the kingdom observed a month of mourning. Things moved slowly during this time, but with the throne vacant and the relic of the sword waiting for a new owner, it wouldn't be long before challenging days emerged, thought Astottles.

He had climbed to the top of the old stone tower to reflect while gazing at the beginning of the first spring morning - and also to escape his duties as the temporary regent of the kingdom. The silence there provided a better understanding of his mind and allowed his eyes to contemplate the enchanting landscape. He saw when the rays of a still shy sun hit the houses with red roofs, which shone vividly. The light also warmed the spirits of the residents, giving them the energy they needed to start their daily activities.

Then, a thought wandered into Astottles' mind: he still needed to descend the countless steps of the winding tower staircase... he was too old for this kind of adventure, Astottles pondered.

While his mind was not as affected by the relentless advance of time, the same could not be said for his body, which now possessed not even a third of the strength it once had. His current legs barely kept him standing; walking was almost a sacrifice. There were no more strands of hair of the old color; they had all turned white. But he still had a mission to fulfill in this world. When he thought that way, his tired eyes slowly wandered in Camelia's direction, with a mixture of anxiety and restlessness that reminded him of his youth.

"Another spring begins... what will it be like?" His words were whispered to the wind, passing by him, bringing a pleasant warmth. Someone had once told him that the future belonged to the young, and finally, he understood those words.

"Oh, I found you, sir..." a voice said from behind the old man.

It was a young man with green hair dressed in a white cloak. On his left chest was a golden sun emblem, indicating that he held a certain importance among the royal servants. He had arrived there not through the door that led to the staircase but rather through his teleportation magic.

Astottles felt fortunate; after all, he now had a ride back to the palace. He smiled.

"Sir Astottles, Chief Illudy is looking for you," the young man continued as they approached with short steps. "He tasked me with finding you and bringing you to him."

Just as every winter comes to an end, his free time had come to an end. Astottles turned and walked slowly toward the young man.

The serene smile on the old man's face left the young man in the white cloak a little curious. Had something good happened? Without the courage or time to ask, he simply waited for the arrival of the old man, patiently pondering it.