Chapter 6

That fat innkeeper's wife was a liar! Why were the wizards there? Either that woman was lying, or the wizards had a change of mind. Perhaps that wizard, Wivior, was there to see Elvira.

Elvira wanted to disappear into the crowd. Unluckily, he looked directly at her, and their eyes met. Even though the streets were swarming with people and the distance was a lot between them, he must have recognized her. Magical creatures had better vision than humans, naturally. The toothy grin that he passed her way left no room for doubt.

Elvira ran back to their inn. She was relieved to find Leona safe and sound in their rented room. She was sitting on a bed, habitually chewing on her fingernails in stress. "Elvira, did they see me? Why are they here?" Leona stood up and asked her.

Elvira locked the door. "I am not sure. Just stay inside this room until the wizards are gone. I'll bring you sustenance and whatever you need here. I'll tell the innkeeper you're sick and shouldn't be disturbed. Let's take some rest now. Later, I'll go outside to find why they are here and when they will leave."

"Okay, but please be careful out there. The wizards hate us with a raging fire and want us all dead, do remember that," said Leona.

Elvira shook her head. "Thanks for the reminder."

They rested for a few hours. Leona dozed off. However, Elvira couldn't sleep at all. Her rumbling stomach was a reminder that she hadn't eaten all day. Unlike humans, witches didn't require full meals thrice a day to feel satisfied, but they had to eat something each day.

She needed to fetch something for them to eat and get information about the wizards' stay. The thought of going outside gave her the jitters, but it wasn't like she had a choice.

Elvira went downstairs without waking up her sister. She froze in shock on the last step of the stairs. Wivior was sitting near the innkeeper's counter. He didn't notice her, as he was engrossed in a conversation with his companion. Seeing the fifth wizard, she wondered how many were there to capture spirits.

Elvira had no reason to be afraid of them. She straightened her back and walked to the counter with confidence and a lifted chin. Upon nearing the counter, she overheard a few words. One particular word caught her attention. It was some king's name, 'King Efeus'.

Elvira placed her arms on the counter and ordered some food without sparing a glance at the wizards. She took a table somewhat far from the wizards. It wasn't a sizeable area, so it was impossible to avoid a wizard's gaze from any table.

She avoided looking at him for a while. Her eyes accidentally landed on Wivior, only to find him staring directly at her. Their eyes met, and she instantly averted her gaze.

Elvira just wanted to eat in peace and leave with some for her sister. Moments later, she saw the other wizard get up and exit the inn. Wivior was now all by himself on the counter. The last thing she wanted was for him to come and talk to her, which was what he did.

"So, I guess it was in our fates to meet again in Berkton," said Wivior, taking a seat at Elvira's table.

"Was it?" asked Elvira, narrowing her eyes, "Because the people of Berkton weren't expecting you. I guess it was a lie that the wizards shall spend the night at a better town."

Wivior gave a lopsided grin. "That was the initial plan. All the towns surrounding Devil's Groove forest gave us a loving invitation to join their celebration and spend the night. I chose Berkton because I was curious about what might have happened to the runaway princess."

"Not a princess, just a lord's daughter betrothed to some king. The day is over, and so is the wedding, so I guess they would have to find a new bride for him," said Elvira. She mentally applauded herself for lying so smoothly. Elvira never experienced trouble in fooling anyone, but coming face to face with her mortal enemies that day had shaken her confidence to a great extent.

"Congratulations on a canceled wedding. I hope you know your next destination," Wivior spoke with what seemed like a genuine concern in his eyes.

"That's my headache, not yours," said Elvira. "How come you are the only one who keeps asking questions? I have not asked you even one."

A bright smile lit up his face, revealing his pearly teeth. "So now you are interested in my life? I already gave you so much about me in the forest. I don't think there is much left to discover, but if you still have questions in mind. Ask away!"

"Have you caught all the spirits? Is the town now safe from them forever?" asked Elvira immediately.

Wivior pursed his lips and thought for a second before answering. "We have caught all the spirits inside the forest and those that were hiding in nearby areas. Many might have escaped. We plan to return to this town in a few days to capture those stubborn ones who dare to return. So, don't be afraid. Everything is under our control."

His answer gave her some hope for the safety of her spirit friend, Charlotte. She was a smart one and would have definitely been among the escapees. Also, she knew better than to return to an area of a heinous invasion.

Wivior tapped his fingers on the table. "Any more questions?"

They would be there all night if Elvira wasn't bound to ask the ones relevant to a human woman's curiosity.

"Why are you helping the humans?" she asked, and his face went blank.

"I can't talk about it right now because we barely know each other. Perhaps if we met more often, I would tell you then," Wivior answered.

"You know that's not possible. Fair enough. I have reasons not to trust you, and you have yours as well," said Elvira.

"Anything else?" Wivior asked. "If you stop talking now, I'll bug you with more questions. I don't like to remain silent for long. I am famous for being a delightful conversationalist and an amazing listener. Believe me! I am not praising myself. I have been told this by many. So, I have gladly accepted these titles now."

Elvira smiled to herself and thought for a moment. "So perhaps you can tell me how many wizards it takes to capture hundreds of spirits? I don't understand how power works among magical beings. Only if you fought like humans, it would be easier to tell."

"There are only seven of us here. It's all we require, thanks to the blue staff you saw me carrying earlier. Regular magic can injure a spirit and but it is inadequate to capture it with a hundred percent success. The staff is one of the few wonders of the world that can help you achieve the impossible in magic," answered the wizard. He spoke with an air of pride in his abilities.

It intrigued Elvira to learn something new from him. She wondered what other abilities did the staff possess. What if she stole it and brought it back to her coven? That would count as a massive achievement, and it could aid in pleasing the deities to get a permanent cure for her curse. It would also wildly increase her popularity among the coven.

"Do you have the staff with you?" she blurted out but instantly regretted it.

"Of course not. It's always in a safe place that we don't disclose to anyone. For now, even I don't know where it is. Everard is supposed to be guarding it for the night, "said the wizard.

The innkeeper arrived at the table with her food. "Elvira, is your sister not coming down for dinner?" she asked, placing the food on the table.

"You have a sister!" exclaimed Wivior. His eyes widened with excitement.

"Um, she isn't feeling well," said Elvira to Mrs. Harris. "I'll check on her later. You can go now."

"I can't believe you have a sister here in town with you," began Wivior, "You are indeed a complete mystery! Is she a former Miss Runaway who quit the life of nobility years ago, and now you are here to seek her advice?" He was clearly enjoying himself a lot.

Elvira rolled her eyes. "No, Mr. Wivior. That sounds like the plot of an awful book. The woman resting upstairs is not my sister. She is only a friend."

"Can I meet her?" he asked, resting his chin on his hand with a twinkle of hope in his eyes.

"No, she isn't feeling well. She is ailing," answered Elvira.

"I could do a healing spell," said Wivior. "I am a wizard."

"She isn't that sick. Probably only tired," said Elvira.

Wivior appeared confused. "Why do you not want me to see her then? She might be mad at you later for making her miss the opportunity to meet a wizard in person."

"She doesn't like wizards. In fact, she doesn't like any magical beings, "said Elvira. She placed a hand on her forehead. Her stupid brain couldn't come up with believable answers.

"Why?" Wivior seemed genuinely offended. "I know not all wizards are perfect, and some might have even caused humankind harm, but I would like to clear my species' name. I am sure after meeting me. She would start liking magic beings."

Elvira pounded her fist on the table. "Would you drop it! You can't see her."

"My apologies," said Wivior. He looked a bit shocked by her aggressiveness. "I won't insist on meeting her if it maddens you this much. I was only jesting around."

Elvira hit herself on the head. Her anger could have made him suspect her. "I am sorry. I am having a tough day. You don't know how it feels to be so far from home, not knowing how to handle a difficult situation." A teardrop ran down her cheek as she said those words. It also described her actual situation.

"I know. That's why I came here," said Wivior, dropping two small bags on the table. "Please don't feel disheartened and accept this."

Elvira peeked into one bag. It was full of gold coins and precious jewels.

"I was busy today. So, I could only arrange two bags," began Wivior, "I know you are a lord's daughter and must have brought at least some gold with you, but I wanted to help you. While hunting spirits in the forest, I couldn't stop thinking about you. They raised you in a castle and gave you all the material things you have wanted since birth. You know nothing about the harsh world outside the castle walls. It is even harder for a young and beautiful maiden like you."

Elvira was shocked beyond words and didn't know what to say to him. His kind heart had some effect on her. How could he care so much about a mere stranger?

"Please accept the gold," said Wivior.

Elvira accepted the gold and thanked him for it.

"We're leaving first thing in the morning, probably around sunrise. If you ever see me again, please don't hesitate to ask for anything. I would like to help you in any way you allow me to." He extended a friendly hand toward her. Something about the warmth in his eyes made her feel differently. He looked at her like she was his responsibility.

Elvira shook his hand. It was odd, but she didn't burst into flames. "Thanks. I am leaving tomorrow as well. I need to rest now. Farewell." She grabbed the gold and headed for the stairs in haste.

Wivior seemed decent, but the last thing she wanted was to feel good about her enemy. She did have some difficulty pushing his generosity out of her head. Elvira distracted herself with the thoughts of returning safely to her village before drifting off to sleep.