The Quest Begins [Updated]

Will, Nisha, and Samuel returned to Gadreel. Will wrote a testimonial for Kurosawa to have the criers read, to compliment the King's notice.

Elizabeth was not immediately happy to see Samuel, but after she heard his story and Will's beating, her fear subsided.

Kalista, Camille, and Edward were another matter altogether. At Edward and Camille's school, Samuel was elevated to boogieman or Krampus. To have their father bring home the boogie man, made Edward and Camille scared they were being punished.

Being a pseudo elder sister, she felt protective of Camille and Edward. It wasn't until Will promised everyone was safe that her prejudice lessened.

On their hand, the household staff did their best not to tremble around Samuel. Although one maid fainted, when Samuel looked at her.

Eventually, Will's family and staff got used to seeing Samuel always busy at Will's side, like a bodyguard. Except when Will slept, Samuel was always nearby.

Two weeks after Will's return to Gadreel, Elder Thaddeus' health began to rapidly deteriorate. Will quickly summoned Elizabeth to examine him.

"He doesn't have long. At most he has until the Fall Harvest Festival," Elizabeth said sadly.

That gave Will two months to perform the surgery.

"I can't wait for Marcus any longer. Michael summon my parents to watch the children. Elizabeth, Kalista, Samuel, and I shall leave tomorrow," Will commanded.

"Very well, master," Michael said, sending a manservant to deliver the news.

Last night, when everyone was asleep a loud banging came at the front door. It was so loud, that it woke Camille and Edward, who ran to their mother's bed. Most of the household assumed Samuel was trying to flee, and Will was fighting him.

Samuel was the first to the door, daggers out, while Michael followed him, a few steps behind.

Samuel opened the door at the same time lightning outside to struck, all Samuel good see was the silhouette of a large burly ogre.

Then Samuel heard Michael say, "Greetings Vice Guild Master vont Ballard. Master was disappointed to read your trip was unsuccessful."

"Samuel, please fetch master," Michael said.

"Would like a cup of tea, while you wait?" Michael asked.

"I'd rather have dinner if you have leftovers," Marcus said.

"I'll wake the cook, and have last's night dinner sent to the kitchen," Michael said leaving to wake the cook.

"Welcome home brother, it's good to see you again," Will said walking down the steps in his robe.

After Marcus was done eating, he turned to Will and said, "Catch me up on what I missed?"

Will told Marcus about the bandits, the battle outside Gadreel, the war, the Congress of Nobles, and the duel with Samuel.

"I can't believe I missed that much," Marcus said in disbelief.

"Where is Cherry?" Will asked.

"Oh, she convinced some rich imperial heir to elope," Marcus said depressed.

"Was it for work or pleasure?"

"Pleasure, she always wanted a noble. I'm happy for her, she's living her dream," Marcus said nonchalantly.

me about the journey?" Will said.

"It's not bad, better than the wyvern quest. The longest part is the trip to the empire. Once I was there, I spent less time looking for the passage to the dragon realm. While I was looking, a nobleman found me and gave me the directions to the dragon realm," Marcus said.

"Where it? Where's the dragon realm?" Will asked with anticipation.

"It's on top of the world, between the Eastern Empire and Western Empire," Marcus said as if his description made sense.

"…"

"Can you be more specific?" Will asked.

"I can't, I've never been there?" Marcus said finishing up his dinner.

"Do you have any other clues?" Will asked stultified.

"The dragons don't live on Terra, but another on another realm. We need to get to the portal. And once we're through the portal, we're there," Marcus made it all seem so easy.

For the first time in his life, Will wanted to ask Marcus if he was an idiot.

Will was supposed to believe some man just handed his direction to a magical realm. For which he supposedly needs a recommendation from one of the two emperors to enter. To Will, that explanation was horse shit.

"Marcus be serious with me, are you telling me the truth? Can you collaborate any of this with facts?" Will asked sincerely.

"No, no really. But the man who handed me the directions said he was a dragon and showed me his wings. After I saw the wings, I paid him?" Marcus said.

"How much did you lay him?" Will asked.

"I gave him 5,000 gold coins, and I told him you pay more when we arrive," Marcus said proudly.

"Were you drinking or hungover, when you met this Dragonkin?" Will asked.

"How did you know? I had been asking around for days before he found me at a bar," Marcus said. Will secretly rolled his eyes.

"I guess visiting his imperial majesty is a good place to start," Will said with no choice.

In the morning, James and Helen came over to watch the children. With Marcus shaved, and Elizabeth, Kalista, Samuel, and Will all packed, they were all set to sail.

However, when Michael opened, they were surprised to see Queen Sylvania of Yllamoira, Vaal, Sage Adrian, and 20 elven soldiers.

Elizabeth and Will quickly bowed. Kalista and Samuel looked curiously at the elf women, while Marcus was too captivated by the queen's beauty to move.

All Marcus could think about was hoping in the bed with her. Marcus was sure, as sure can be, that he was meant to marry that woman.

"Greeting Queen Sylvania of Yllamoira, please forgive our guest. Everyone, please show your respect to the Elven Kingdom, Queen Sylvania of Yllamoira," Will said. Hearing Will they all bowed.

"Please come in your majesty. You honor us with your presence. What is it that you request of us?" Elizabeth asked, inviting the Queen Sylvania in.

"Dearest Elizabeth it's time for your mission to begin. The Goddes Demeter has spoken to me. Your journey starts tomorrow. Tommor you'll come with me to the Citadel of Gadreel," the queen said.

"Yes, your majesty. Be safe Will, I'll see you when you get home," Elizabeth kissed Will.

"Your majesty, does she need to go now? Can it wait? We're about to set off on a journey," Will asked.

"No, it can't wait. Moreover, you won't be able to heal your master, if Elizabeth doesn't complete her journey first," the queen smiled warmly.

"Your majesty, I understand. Come home safe," Will said holding Elizabeth hand.

"Please forgive me for interrupting your trip. Elizabeth let's have some tea," the queen said follow Elizabeth to the lady's drawing room.

"Let's go to the airship. I asked Miles to reserve a fresh airship for us," Marcus said in the carriage.

"Thank you, brother," Will said, even though Miles already received orders from Will weeks ago for the same thing.

"Gadreel has really grown larger in my absence," Marcus said sadly.

"Yes, Gadreel experiencing a bit of a baby boom," Will informed.

"So, you're Samuel the Slaughter? If Will could beat you, I bet I could beat you?" Marcus said.

Samuel ignored Marcus, to Will's pleasure.

"Samuel lived adult life with a single purpose, to avenge his parents death. I admire that," Will said. Samuel smiled inwardly as the support.

"You can't fault a man for killing the bastard responsible for his parents' murder," Marcus said scratching his head Ike an ape.

"I agree," Kalista voiced her support for the first time. Will understand, why she felt the way she did.

"Evil deeds cannot purge evil. Darkness cannot drive out darkness and hate cannot drive out hate. Only the light can drive out darkness and only love can drive out hate. Only forgiveness can heal," Vaal said disagreeing with Samuel's murdering spree.

"Wise words, your highness," Marcus said as the carriage crossed golem bridge.

"Let's board quickly and immediately head to Great Eastern Empire," Will said excitedly.