5. The Stolen Grimoire

"Well, as soon as Heimewdall called me to warn about his vision, I got up and went to the Templar Guard. I ordered them to double their surveillance and expand the patrol perimeter. I was there when the blackout happened, so, I cast a light spell on the crystal of my magic scepter, ready for any surprise attack. But, in the few minutes when everything was dark, nothing happened. Until I heard a groan from the sanctuary and I found Mewelderm unconscious and gravely wounded with those strange black spots on his body and, when I looked at the altar, the Mizantri's Grimoire was gone!"

Viceroy Mewthazar explained.

Each kingdom of the Pure World had a sacred artifact, created by the Legendary Protector gods and presented to their respective mortal descendants in the early days of the existence as a symbol of their protection and connection with the mortal's race.

Mizantri was the esteemed Protector of the magical realm and its inhabitants. A deity whose existence was magic itself in all its absolute power; the guardian, the father and the origin of all magic in the Pure World. His Grimoire was the sacred artifact granted to his mortal descendants, an enchanted book in which all the magic that ever existed, exists and was yet to come was written. Mizantri's Grimoire was the heart and soul of Magispell and their people. Without it, the whole realm of magic would gradually fall into ruins.

"It was then that my uncle called me and told me what was going on. I had to see it with my own eyes to believe that the sacred Grimoire was really gone. I was as shocked as he was, or maybe even more so, especially when I heard about my father's condition."

King Mewghand finally said.

Mewelderm, Mewghand's father, wasn't and never was the king of Magispell. He was a kindly cleric who was part of the Mizantri priesthood and was responsible for taking care of the Grimoire sanctuary; a sacred duty of great honor, however, which required great self-denial.

Myurgana - the former mage queen - wanted an heir to her throne, but she had no desire to marry, because the idea of such a serious commitment did not appeal to her. So she went to a donor who could artificially be the father of her child, and Mewelderm was the ideal candidate. He had great magical power in his blood, in addition to good qualities, and a gentle heart, while showing courage when needed (and he was also very handsome). The perfect male for concept a future king.

Myurgana humbly asked if he could be the father of her prince, and Mewelderm saw no reason to deny such important request from his majesty. He just asked in return that he could get to know and participate in his son's life, and that the child knew who he was, in case it didn't bother the queen.

In the Pure World, it was common to find those who chose to being single parents or same sex couples. In some cases, the gene donors were unknown, who would never get to know the future children they would help to breed. But on the other hand, several agreements were made between the potential mothers and fathers to get to know and participate in the life of their incoming child, without having any ties with the felin from whom they donated their genes.

Myurgana would never object to Mewelderm's fair request, so Mewghand grew up with an affectionate and participative father like any other. Every day, the mage prince would visit him at the sanctuary when he was a child and spent many nights there with his father. The both of them always had a great father-son relationship.

However, now Mewelderm was hospitalized, unconscious and on the brink of death. The guardian cleric had been the only victim during the incredible disappearance of Mizantri's Grimoire, and probably also the only witness to how it happened.

"We're really sorry for your father, King Mewghand. We will pray that he will recover as soon as possible." Said Anmyuu, expressing her feelings.

"Yes. I can imagine how you feel and, depending on me, I will do everything I can to help your father recover." Kinmyuu also said.

"Well, I...thank you both very much..."

Mewghand looked away to hold the tears about to drop, before looking back at the supreme royal couple.

"I'd like to stay there with him, but my father always told me that we must fulfill our duties, especially if the safety and well-being of others depends on us. I am the King and my people depend on me. That's why I'm here, I can't allow

my kingdom to fall in disgrace. I have to find the Grimoire no matter what the cost, but for that I need your help, Kinmyuu. I know I need to act, but... I'm so shocked that I barely know what to do first."

The Wizard King pressed his forehead, resting his elbow on the table, very alarmed by the critical state that Magispell was in.