76 Sight-Seeing
IN THE PALACE
At early dawn, Stellan and Gallanthe have prepared their horses for their long trip to Caluso. Their bags were packed with their travel essentials. Their weapons were sharpened for all kinds of dangers they'll encounter. While Stellan was about to tie the saddle on Areon, he suddenly remembered the precious time he had with the beautiful stranger last night. May it was brief, he knew it was real and unforgettable. With her eyes that glistened like the silver moon, Stellan couldn't grasp his reality back for another moment with her.
What bothers him is that… the mysterious woman she met happens to be Galen's betrothed. As surprising as it seemed, he sought after answers how Galen was set to marry a woman of no status, and of unknown origin. Considering that it was the first time he saw Galen with such woman, he couldn't help but get intrigued and become suspicious of Prince's betrothal. As he was about to finish preparing the horses, he saw Alesso coming riding on his horse with the speed of the wind.
"I've got news", Alesso said as he quickly dismounted his stallion.
"Talk", Stellan said as he face his friend.
"I heard Brandenburg was attacked last night. There were no casualties, the Palace Paladin killed the mystic healer right on time", Alesso said as he catch his breath.
"Then, is he still coming here?", Stellan asked as he furrow his brows. He seemed to be waiting for Haelan before he leaves.
"They say he have already left, but, I still haven't seen him around", Alesso replied. Then, he squinted his eyes on the loaded horses Gallanthe is taking up to the castle entrance. "Yereah should be working triple time for those wall spells… Where are are you all headed? Looks like a long trip", he asked as they follow Gallanthe.
"Sight-seeing", Stellan said as he snort. The pair of paladins noticed Galen coming out of the castle doors.
"With the Prince", Gallanthe forced a smile as he prepare the Prince's white stallion.
"Good luck with that", Alesso chuckled as he sees Galen wearing a full gear of his royal coat that resembles the sky. "I hope he brought along more pairs of that", he said with a smirk.
"Don't blame him, he's just used to live that way. At least Gallanthe's here to keep me sane", Stellan said. Despite Galen is seemingly a fashionable prince who enjoys luxury, riches and gold, he is a great swordsman that can hold his sword very well who kills for blood with no amounts of mercy. The Paladins thought that if Galen would be a Paladin as well, he'd make a ruthless one.
"This trip is important, Alesso. I need you to look out for the palace for me while I'm gone.", Stellan asked his friend.
"The palace? Or, Haelan?", Alesso asked with his brimming eyes. "I know you have eyes on that champ, but I want you to know I'm more interested than you are", Alesso said with a wink.
"Believe me, you're not interested the exact same way that I am", Stellan said.
Galen approached the Paladins with his head held up high. "Prince Galen", Alesso greeted, while Stellan greeted the prince with a nod. "I heard you're getting married? Have you told your father about that?", he asked.
"Alesso, it doesn't mean that even if you're my distant cousin you can casually ask me personal questions", Galen squinted his eyes at Alesso then smiled happily as he place his arm on the Paladin Archer's shoulders. "She's the most beautiful in Nether! A rare diamond that stands out in the city of gems.", he said enthusiastically.
"You're overboard!", Alesso removed Galen's arm on his shoulder. "No woman haven't slipped my fingers, who's this girl?", he asked. Stellan stayed quiet as if he feels his blood boil for no reason.
"You'll all meet her soon… Fine day to ride is it, Evandrus?", Galen asked. "Let's make this quick so we can go back immediately", he said as he ride his white horse followed by Stellan and Gallante.
"Safe journey to you all", Alesso watched Prince Galen, Stellan and Gallanthe leave the palace on their horses as the light rain started to fall.
LATER
The gray skies poured so much rains, and Atrius still haven't found the way how to make an apotropaic spell. His desperation to find Haelan led him to extreme ambitious measures for he believes there's no on else who'd look for Haelan but him and Jacomus. In the library, they made a small stove from piled up stones for them to make their own wax for his apotropaic candles. It's his seventh time to throw away the candles that he wrongfully molded.
"I told you to leave the spell casting to the priests", Jacomus said as he watch Atrius dump another batch of weird looking candles in a can.
"If you could just help me find the spells for the candles… I would have been done with it right away", Atrius said as he pout hot wax in a small cauldron.
"Why would need to do that anyway? What makes it useful for Haelan?", Jacomus asked as he open some books Atrius gathered for him to read.
"If I tell you… will you start helping me?", Atrius asked as he furrow his brows at Jacomus.
"Well… I'll still help you whatever reason that is", Jacomus said as he leaned forward. Atrius was unsure if he should tell Jac. Not all are as accepting and open-minded like him given that the Kingdom of Nether sees healer soul travelers as enemies.
"Hey you two! I've been looking all around for yous", Yiannis said as he slammed the door close that cut-off Atrius.
"Could you be more quiet", Atrius said as he continue mixing the hot wax.
"Lord Callaghan wants us to leave Brandenburg today. You better get it start packing. What's that stench? Why would you make an awful cooking in the library?", Yiannis said as he cough and fan his hand in the air.
"Yiannis, shut your mouth and get out of here", Atrius ordered.
"Fine, don't burn Brandenburg before you leave", Yiannis said that gave twinkle on Atrius' eyes.