One month passed, in Ezera, while sitting on a chair, Charles was reading reports. Next to him was a small table that had a teacup and a pot. He was having a private space and time in the morning. However, he seemed to be worried.
Not long later, the second-in-command of the Order of the Swords, Iseria came close to him. She was holding another pack of reports. "Sir Charles, we have some news," she said.
"Go on, please," Charles softly replied.
"The situation in Perland city is getting worse. According to our secret agents, there is a high possibility a civil will be carried on in the next few months, for the least," Iseria said and opened the next page. She continued, "Without the leader to take in charge of the region, the other noble families are trying to gather the people's support and steadily building army for their own."
"I see…" Charles sighed and looked outside. He seemed to be sad and Iseria wondered why. He took a sip from the teacup and said, "We did what we could. Lady Iseria, please announce our troops in Perland to prepare to return. We will leave Perland's face to its people."
"Sir, with all respect…" Iseria paused. There was something in her mind. She did not understand why Charles decided to withdraw their troops stationed in Perland. After reading the reports, Iseria thought if Ezera's army stayed there, it could probably stop a civil war. Catching a deep breath, she spoke, "Do you think we should leave? The innocent people will be heavily suffered if another civil war goes on."
"I understand your concern but right now, we don't have a choice," Charles re-arranged all the reports while replying. "The longer we stay, the higher chance we will be seen as an invader. Maybe you don't know, but all the countries on Orbis have rules of war. It includes that if a foreign army station in another foreign country, or city, for too long, it will be seen as an act of violation of those rules and the intruder will be punished. From the day Queen Lilias was killed on the battlefield, our troops have remained in Perland for over six months, acting as a peacekeeper. However, it's time for us to move out."
"So you mean… we should just leave and let the war happen again?" Iseria responded. Her eyes looked sad and hopeless.
"I feel your worry about them but right now, the only thing we can do is hope for the best," Charles tried to comfort her. Then, he changed the subject, "Have we heard anything from Mr. Violet Harrison?"
Iseria shook her head, "No, sir."
"Things just keep getting out of hands," Charles sighed in disappointment. After that, they kept silent and when Charles looked outside, he closed his eyes and thought internally, "Forgive me, Queen Lilias. I failed you."
After a long silence, Charles remembered of something. He then looked at Iseria and asked, "Do we have any clue of Al's whereabout?"
"About that…" Iseria paused before she gave Charles a photo. In the center of the photo, there was a young girl who had long blue hair and cold red eyes. She was wielding a large axe and it looked like she was watching a group of people, who was working on something. Both Charles and Iseria knew this young girl. The female elf said, "We spotted Ravi, Tenebria's subordinate, a week ago, in Witchaven."
"Witchaven? Is that the city of sorcerer?" Charles asked.
"That's right, sir. So far, we haven't found the reason why she stays there. High chance that Tenebria is around there, too. Also, from our spies, it seems she was traveling to a Suin and human village near Witchaven," Iseria added. "Sadly, we haven't figured out her motivation yet."
"Hm…" Charles stopped and thought carefully. Everything happened so sudden and the reason why Tenebria kidnapped Al was still a mystery. He wondered what she wanted from that young Suin. Was it because he was a guardian? He thought but it did not make any sense at all.
"But at least, we have some good news," Iseria commented and Charles was looking at her. She continued, "We know where Ravi is, which means she can lead us to Tenebria, and we have a higher chance to find Al. Also…" she paused. Her facial expression told Charles that she was not sure to believe it or not. They were not in the rush so Charles gave her time to consider her thoughts. Then, she continued, "Apparently, Guardian Zaeon and Guardian Karzan said that we might have a new Heir."
"Oh? Interesting. Did they confirm who it is?" Charles placed his finger on his beard and doubted. He seemed to be relieved.
"No sir," Iseria shook her head.
After that, Charles discussed with Iseria about all the protocols needed for withdrawing Ezera's soldiers out of Perland. Despite the worrying for the citizens, they had no choice but hope for peace. The last job Charles gave Iseria was to keep investigating Ravi and watched for her movement, as well as found out where Tenebria was at this moment. But from his experience, he wondered if another battle would happen in Witchaven. However, he could not risk moving troops to that city. He could only put his trust in Iseria and other Heirs.
A few days later, back in Reingar, Ras, Mercedes, Arkasus, Yuna, Karzan, and Iseria were having a discussion in Yuna's office.
"So you're saying Tenebria in Witchaven?" Ras started when he saw the reports and photos from Iseria.
"High possibility," Iseria nodded, "with Al, we suspect." She then looked at the Heir of the Covenant, "What do you think, Ras?"
"Knowing Tenebria, she only does what she wants. Everything to her is just a game and human lives are just toys," Ras commented. "Probably she finds something interests her in Witchaven."
"Even so, why don't people in Withchaven suspect her?" Yuna asked.
"Tenebria is an Acolyte and she sides with Archdemon, and they only appear in Ritania so it's not a surprise when people in Cidonia don't know anything about them," Karzan explained.
"But it still doesn't explain why Tenebria kidnapped Al," Iseria added.
"Can it be because he is a guardian like Arky?" Mercedes asked.
"I'm not sure about it. I really can't find the reason behind her action," Ras concerned.
"That said…" the blue fluffy furball next to Ras spoke, "… if he is a guardian, why don't I remember anything about him?"
"That's because you're an idiot who only cares about snacks," Karzan critically explained.
"Hey, that's an insult," Arkasus angrily reacted.
"Hard to say I can disagree with him," Ras smirked and the fluffy furball jumped on his face afterward.
"Wait…" when Ras and Arkasus lightened the mood, Karzan realized something and everyone was waiting for him. After thinking for a while, he spoke, "I think I can find the common between Al and Tenebria. You all know that Tenebria can create illusions, right?". When he asked, everyone nodded and Karzan continued, "She can give what people want to see and trick them to do what she wants. However, if the target has a strong mind, enough to realize what is wrong in her illusion, they can escape her illusion. On the opposite, although Al can do the same, he can easily manipulate people's minds. He can create delusion but he can control that delusion.
"Can you let me take you as an example?" Karzan looked at Yuna and she nodded afterward. He continued, "Imagine you see your father as delusion. He will be exactly the same as you remember. If Tenebria can make you see what you think your father will say, Al can be your father and he will tell you to do what he wants you to. Another thing is Al can imprison a person to their dream, forever. In short, he has the ability that Tenebria wants to have."
"So you mean, she wants to use his power, or takes it from him?" Yuna started worrying.
Karzan and Al were close friends and he shared his feelings with Yuna, "That's the possibility I can think of. However, I don't think he will easily be controlled, unless, she already finds a way to do so."
"Whatever it is, I think we should warn Witchaven city lord," Iseria suggested.
"I don't think it's a good idea," Mercedes disagreed. She then said, "If Tenebria knows we're coming, she probably escapes or destroys the city. I think we should pretend like we don't know anything and come to Withchaven as tourists. That way we can let her think we are falling to her trap."
"That's a great idea. I totally agree," Ras was surprised with her plan and fully supported her. When he did so, Mercedes's face blushed slightly.
After discussing their plan, Yuna said, "Okay, we will prepare and dispatch tomorrow. Let's bring Al back."
"Before that…" Karzan spoke on as he had something in his mind, "… I suggest we should bring Miss Tamarinne with us."
"You mean, the idol? Why?" Ras asked.
"Call it a hunch but I think she will help us saving Al," Karzan replied.
"Arky is worried," the blue fluffy ball raised his concerned voice. "It is a dangerous trip. Tenebria is strong but Tamarinne isn't good as fighting. Arky don't want anything bad happens to her."
"Hm…" Yuna looked at Karzan. She did not understand why he wanted to bring Tamarinne with them. She knew that Tamarinne was very worried about Al but she was not sure if it was a good idea. It would put her in danger and if something bad happened to her, Al probably would suffer. Nevertheless, even though Karzan could not explain his hunch, Yuna trusted her guardian and agreed with him.
Back in Witchaven, a man who had short brown hair was walking on a corridor. The sunlight from the window reflected his hurry steps and the wind slightly blew his long green coat. He fixed his glasses but it did not hide his worrying face. Later, he opened a large wooden door and entered a large room, which was the office of the Witchaven city lord. In front of him at this moment was the young woman named Vivian. Seeing the young man, the city lord wondered why he looked so stressed. She then fixed her long blue dress and sat steadily.
"What's wrong, Woodrow?" the woman politely asked. "You look strange."
"Please take a look at it," the young man placed many flyers on the table in front of Vivian's eyes. Each of them contained names and dates of missing. They could be human and Suin, young and old, even children. Looking at them, Vivian did not understand his action. Woodrow then explained, "Recently, we receive a lot of many people who go missing. Sometimes, it's even a whole family."
Vivian checked all of them and asked, "Haven't you organized the guards to find them?"
"I already did but some of them even disappeared. And all of the missing connects to one suspect," Woodrow came closed to Vivian and he was very determined. "The disappearance has started from the day that woman named Tenebria came here. We have many reports that she and her friend, a young girl named Ravi, wandering around the location where people missing."
Vivian was not satisfied with his suspicion. She replied, "That alone won't be enough to frame a person. Maybe it's just coincidence."
"You should be considered, city lord. That woman… I can sense something… evil, malevolent, wickedness, from her. She may look young and act cute and friendly, but that doesn't mean we should let our guard off. Don't forget she's an outsider," Woodrow tried his best to convince the city lord.
"As I said before, you should stay calm and start investigating more carefully. I don't see any reason why Miss Tenebria has to kidnap those people," Vivian muffled and stood up. She angrily responded, "It's highly a coincidence and that's why I want you to investigate more carefully so we don't arrest innocent people. And don't forget that even she is an outsider, she has helped us a lot with researching magic. There are so many ancient and forgotten spells that have been recovered thanks to her. I tell you once again: investigating carefully."
"I am," Woodrow slammed his hands on the table. "You have to listen to me. There is some shady about that woman and we have to act soon before it's too late."
When they were arguing, Tenebria was observing the conversation and she smiled mysteriously. After a while, she stepped in and acted as she did not know anything. She then said, "Are you two arguing? Why?"
Seeing the female Acolyte, Vivian spoke her name politely, "Oh, Miss Tenebria."
"We are speaking about you," Woodrow said cautiously as Tenebria came closer.
"Miss Tenebria, can I ask you one thing?" Vivian asked and she nodded. "Recently we have a lot of missing people. You don't have any part in it?"
"What are you talking about?" Tenebria asked as she did not understand.
"Don't lie to us. Every time a person disappears, you and your friend were around there. There's no way it's just simply a coincidence," Woodrow kept his aggression firmly and looked at her with his angry eyes.
"So?" Tenebria replied. "Just because I was near them and it made me the culprit? You should know better than that. Is there any proof you can show us that I got involve in those disappearances?"
"No…" Woodrow hopelessly and weakly responded.
"If you're suspecting me, then I stay clear: I don't know anything about those who are missing. I'm just a wanderer who travels around and tries to recover lost magic. If you just accuse me of something I don't commit, then I'll leave right away," Tenebria said but when she did that, she put one hand behind her back and moved her fingers as she was casting a spell.
"Right…" Woodrow suddenly changed his attitude. He became calmer and softer towards her. "But still…" he insisted.
"According to Witchaven's law, I can sue you if you accuse me wrongly, am I right?" she then turned to Vivian.
"Of course," the city lord nodded before she turned to the young man. "You heard her, Woodrow. She has the right to legally do so if you keep harassing her."
"Fine then," Woodrow fixed his glasses and said before he left, "I keep investigating and report to you if I find anything new."
When the door closed, Vivian sighed and looked at Tenebria, "I'm sorry, Miss Tenebria."
"Don't mention it. I understand why he did so," the acolyte nodded and kept her mystery smile.
"But he was right that we have a lot of missing recently so everyone is on the edge."
"Whatever it is, I hope we will fight the cause soon," Tenebria acted as she supported Vivian. Then, she asked, "So, Miss Vivian, can I ask you one thing?"
"Please, go on?" Vivian wondered.
"One night, when I was having a walk, I saw you with a man. You seemed happy and I wondered who that was," Tenebria asked with her lying words.
Vivian was surprised, "Oh, that's…"
"Don't worry. I'll keep it secret for you. That person must be very important to you, am I right?" Tenebria said.
"Yeah…" Vivian replied shyly as her cheeks turned pink. "It was Kawerik, my childhood friend."
"So, what's the story? Tell me, please?" Tenebria insisted. She acted like a curious and innocent person.
"It's a long story but just know that I thought he was far away from me, then he suddenly appeared and I guess you know the rest," Vivian gave a short answer.
"I'm not sure if I can say I know the rest…" Tenebria put a finger on her lips. "I have seen a lot of women like you being happy with a man. Why though?"
"Oh, that's… a tough question…" Vivian was surprised. It was embarrassing to answer her but looking as her innocent face, Vivian could not help but smile. "You can say it is… "love"."
"Love? What is it?" Tenebria questioned again. She heard it many times but she did not fully understand it.
"Let's see…" Vivian started thinking. In her eyes, Tenebria was just an innocent and talented young girl. The day she came here, Tenebria did not suspect her at all but she was impressed with her vast knowledge of magic. They then became friends. After thinking for a while, Vivian answered, "You can say it is the feelings that two people give to each other. Most of the time, it makes them not to leave each other sides. If you feel happy, the other will feel the same and so is the opposite. And that person must be very special that you want to be with them until the day you die. I think it is what love is. It connects two persons and makes them happy."
"Hm…" Tenebria thought hard. Later, she asked, "I'm not sure I understand but do you think I will have someone like that one day?"
"Of course, I hope you will find one and live a happy life," Vivian smiled.
"But when you say "love" makes two people happy, what if one of them dies?" Tenebria asked curiously.
"Well, that's quite a sudden," Vivian was stunned. She did not understand why she had to add death in the conversation. But Vivian thought it was not a big deal after all. Nevertheless, it reminded her the day Kawerik died and somehow, he turned back and she was scared of losing him again. Since Tenebria was waiting for the question, Vivian stopped thinking and answered, "If someone you love leaves you, it will be very painful and you will feel like you can't recover from it."
Hearing the answer, Tenebria smiled strangely again. She thought it would be fun when Vivian found out the truth and she could not wait for that moment.