Epitaph

Upon receiving such information, the flaxen haired had his eyes widened. "Is this really Mageram? I haven't read anything about this place being here."

Atropa said. "There are no historical accounts that were found regarding its location. Since they had been mostly destroyed during the uprisings after the Dark ages."

The prince thought for a while before he opened his mouth. "So that's why the texts that I've read had said that Mageram is the capital city when Kreuz had reigned. There is no other information that was available." 

Briar asked the girl. "Do you have other information about this place?"

Atropa tilted her head before answering. "As a caster, we have folklores and legends being passed down from one's parents to their child and from one's master to the disciple."

"Will it be all right to share it to me?" he asked.

"I don't think it would be a problem if I tell you." She pondered then she began. "This was passed down to me by my master when I was still a witch apprentice."

"After the Age of Darkness where Kreuz and the other members of Enclave had sealed the Suzerain, Kreuz had founded the kingdom of Marjoram. The capital was Mageram." The witch said as they circled around the ruins of the castle. 

"It was said to be a city located near the Forest of Silence rather than the heart of the kingdom, which was Marjorana."

The two looked around the entirety of the castle which had some of the lower regions submerged in water.

"It was quite odd that the old capital was located in the outskirt rather than the center."  Briar commented.

"So many mages had tried to find out the reason why the city was built there but their efforts were in vain. One of the speculations was that the old capital was situated in the Forest of Silence since the Suzerain was sealed there. But of course, it was not proven."

"Well, it is possible." He said.

They flew for a bit and come across an area with an overgrown orchard of some sort. The fruit trees had interlaced with each other and some had destroyed a part of the wall.

"Since the area was blessed by spirits, it was surrounded by nature and fertile soil. It was also said that spirits had co-existed with the humans in Mageram."

"Not surprising since we have encountered faes in the labyrinth." The prince mused. "Kreuz's contractor must have used the place as their dwelling after Mageram disappeared."

"Right. But you know, it wasn't known and there were not written in history how Mageram got destroyed nor how it was wiped off the map." The girl imparted.

"It was a caster's domain, so I don't think it would be destroyed so easily."

"Some said that the surviving followers of Krowell waged a war after Marjoram was founded. That was the reason why the castle was destroyed and abandoned. But no one could tell if that was the truth." The witch said as they had landed on one of the remaining towers.

"I think Kreuz himself had chosen to destroy this place since he had sealed off a powerful item that could overturn world order." Briar theorized.

"I think so too. He must have done this since he hid something in this place." The girl said while surveying the area.

The tower where they landed on was only one which was partially damaged. The rest were already destroyed. 

After awhile, the prince asked. "So how are we going to get back? We cannot stay cut-off from the rest of the world."

Atropa closed her eyes and a reddish pentagram formed on the floor. After giving off an eerie crimson shade, it vanished.

"The place must have been closed off in another rift or dimensional pocket and had it sealed in a loop. The only way I can think of would be breaking the seal. But with my current mana, that would be impossible."

"Should I transfer some more of my mana to you?" the prince offered with a smirk. He then closed their distance. 

Atropa cheeks reddened, so she turned away. "No way! I will find another means, your highness."

The prince chuckled at her response.

Atropa suddenly turned while holding Lumina. Despite the fact that it is morning, the bracelet has been giving off a nice sparkly sheen.

"Lumina said that she will lead the way." The girl informed the prince. 

They entered one of the huge windows in the tower and began following Lumina's glow as a guide.

While exploring, they had come upon a clearing at the bottom of that tower. A large slab of stone which had ancient Marjoran language stood illuminated by the dappled rays of the sun.

Briar drew close to the slab and tried to read it. He could make out a few words since he had studied ancient texts but he could not make sense of everything.

"Can you read this, Atropa?" he asked the girl.

"I can try." She answered while holding Lumina close so that she could see the texts properly. "there are other words that seemed to be missing so, I might not be able to decipher this epitaph." 

The slab reads…

Dear traveler, welcome to the humble castle of the founding king of Marjoram, Kreuz. Since you have stumbled upon this place, it meant that the spell that I have cast had been weakening and the claws of darkness is slowly reaching the lands.

My journey has ended and I have done my best to sever the darkness prowling in these lands. However, I and my companions did not have enough strength to completely annihilate the vermin. Thus, I don't have a choice but to leave the mission to the future generations.

Now since you have read this, you have to make your choice. Will you accept this mission and be responsible for all the things that will happen in this realm?

I have to apologize for putting such a huge burden upon you, but know that as the one who inherited my blood, you are destined --------

To you who is my descendant, I pity you, you who have inherited my accursed bloodline. Thus, as your forefather, I leave the decision entirely in your hands…

to drive this world into ruins or to bring salvation to the hopeless realm.

The light will guide your way… you will need the help of the other accursed blood to end this all.