The past

"It will be a little difficult to request food supplies at this time." As he entered the space where everyone was assembled, Jonah sighed. In addition to the nine people already seated at the table, there were three more. A man named Silas, who could read maps and instructions, a middle-aged man named Edgar, along with his son Johnathan, might be the sailors and maintainers aboard the ship.

Why is that so? Hermes asked.

"Food supplies and other necessities are being sent in big quantities to the realms of fire. From what I've heard, they're at their lowest. The director of Antares received letters and consented to assist because they had aided us in numerous ways." When the phrase "lands of fire" was said, Alaric's eyes widened, and Jonah sat down next to Ben after observing the shift in Alaric's countenance. "I know, Captain, this is difficult to hear, but the temperature never drops there, making it difficult for them."

"So, our journey must be put on hold for a bit, is that correct?" Ben's query received a nod from Jonah.

"Where are the supplies being sent from?" Alaric inquired.

"From everywhere, including the Mist Island and our store; I'm not sure about others." Jonah uttered. "We already have the fuel; all we need to do is wait for everything to return to normal before we can move. Rufus, how's the repair coming along?"

"It's finished; all that remains is for people to embark."

"I'll be right back."

Alaric stepped away from the conversation and went outside. the lands of fire; his kingdom was suffering, and he was here in all comfort. How is Ezekiel handling this situation? And what about Aura? Alaric's mind was muddled, and he needed some fresh air; he was the excursion's captain, and he wasn't going to give up easily. But how could he manage a team when his mind was so foggy? He was immersed in concentration when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Calm down Alaric." The healer spoke. "I know what you're thinking, but these folks sitting inside need you right now." Alaric nodded, understanding that the only way to end the anguish was for him to learn to manage his emotions and get to function. He was aware of the curse and the cursed territory that contained his own kingdom. He was there when it all took place, when the land was cursed, and he was aware of the reasons the forbidden territory was forbidden and why one area of the castle was kept locked. His people were suffering as the effects of the curse began to manifest. He occasionally considered changing the name from "Land of Fire" to "Land of Curses."

"We'll continue our journey in another six months." Alaric made an announcement as he entered. "How long will it take the supply to go to the various parts of the Land of Fire?"

"A month at sea, followed by 25 days on land." Edgar answered.

"Good, everything will be prepared in six months." Everyone nodded in response to his command. This was the monarch Hermes had always admired, and he was glad to see him take the initiative once more. The great king who never gave up and was also his friend The conversation is ended with the instructions "Edgar and Jonathan, take care of the fuel; Rufus, inspect the repairs again and write a list of the necessary tools; Jonah, maintain track of the food supply." Edgar, Jonathan, and Jonah soon departed for their assigned tasks. While Ezra remained with Alaric and Hermes, the others went back to their homes. "I need to meet with Antares's head today."

The little child, Ezra, was puzzled as to why Alaric wanted to meet Antares' head. Rufus and Ralf had only revealed the warlock riddle and that Alaric and Hermes were from the Land of Fire to the others. The other members of the team were still unaware that Alaric was a king, and neither of them knew his name; to them, he was just known as Captain. Ezra was seated on the floor, hugging his knees, and his attention was focused on Alaric, who was jotting something down on a piece of paper. There were crumpled papers all over the floor. Alaric flung another crumpled paper, which fell on the ground. Hermes was not present since Alaric had sent him to learn more about the leader. A double knock came on the door, and it opened. A very bewildered Hermes was standing at the door as Ezra turned around.

"What exactly is this? Captain."

"When can I meet the leader, Hermes?"

"They answered, we can visit him tomorrow; today he has to take care of the supplies." In return, Alaric hummed and sank back into his sheet. "What are you writing, Captain?"

"A message to tell them. I didn't abandon them." Ezra was looking back and forth between Alaric and Hermes as he tried to make sense of their exchange.

"Is that a letter?"

"More like a cipher; I'll make certain it gets into the appropriate hands."

It had been six months since Ezra moved in with them, and Alaric and Hermes turned to look at him. Ezra was staring at them with a curious stare. All eyes were suddenly focused on Ezra, which surprised him. "What's it like in the Land of Fire, Captain? Is there a fire everywhere?" In response, Alaric chuckled and shook his head.

"No, there isn't fire everywhere; I believe hot-headed people are the ones who gave it that name. There, it's gorgeous. The continent of fire is ruled by three kingdoms. Diane Kingdom is to the east, Larse Kingdom to the north, and Josen Kingdom to the west and south, making it the largest of the three." He smiled as he stated this. "People there live in peace, but the peace has been broken for a while now; the land has been cursed by a terrible witch, and the monarch had to leave his own people to save them."

"Did he save them? "Where has the king gone?"

He hasn't yet shown, and as Jonah said, things are growing worse." Ezra agreed by nodding his head. This morning, Jonah had told them about it. "However, it will all end. If there is a beginning, there must also be a conclusion."

"What exactly was the curse?"

Hearing the boy's question caused Alaric to halt; it brought back a long-forgotten recollection from when he was a young child. when King Timothy, Alaric's father, was in command of his realm. The kingdom was just as stunning as it had always been. King Timothy took sure to explain how the kingdom was run to his two sons because growing up in a noble family meant having to take on significant obligations from an early age. When King Timothy began to take them to the town in a disguise, that is when all began, Alaric was seven and Ezekiel was four. The beginning of the burning of the realms of fire. The faded memory that Alaric thought could turn into a myth started taking effect.

"Father, why are we dressed like them?" Alaric, who was seven years old, asked his father, who was walking in front with his advisor. King Timothy stared at him; he had always been stern with everyone and had the opinion that showing emotion was the domain of the weak. Alaric loved his father and always listened to Timothy when he tried to mold him into a more like-minded person. "Ezekiel isn't accompanying us on the tour; why not?" He gave his father a trusting gaze. He struggled to comprehend why his father always addressed him in a commanding manner. The counselor petted his hair while stooping to his level.

"We're here to watch after these people without them knowing, so attempt to blend in and monitor them. I'll verify what you saw when we get back to the castle." When the adviser assigned him this assignment, Alaric nodded enthusiastically because he enjoyed challenges that lie ahead. " Furthermore, you are not alone." Walking behind him, a shy boy smiled apprehensively while standing there. "You have Levin; he will go with you on all of these outings." Levin was standing there staring at his own feet when Alaric grinned at him. "Remain close to us, both of you, and stay close to each other." As the boys held hands, the advisor stood up and smiled. The advisor then joined the king and they started their excursion. Alaric and Levin strolled together, stopping at the stall and chatting with the locals. In contrast to the monarch, who gave them a stern glare, the advisor smiled at them.

"How are kids supposed to learn this way?" King Timothy complained.

"They are trying their best, Your Majesty, and they will learn from watching you, I assure you." The king scowled at him and furrowed his brows. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty." The monarch approached Alaric and Levin and then stood in front of them with a stern gaze.

"That's enough learning for today. You'll join me in my study when we get back to the castle." Without waiting for an answer, King Timothy stated before moving towards his horse. After making sure that both boys entered the carriage, the advisor in behind of them grinned at the boys and followed the monarch. Levin went back to his chamber as soon as the carriage arrived at the castle. The ride back was largely silent. Alaric hesitantly followed his father inside the study area. To make him memorize the accounts and the palace regulations, King Timothy made him recite them aloud. On occasion, he would hand him a collection of world and geographic maps.

After a while, the boy Alaric began to nod off, which the king observed. Alaric wanted nothing more than to collapse on his bed and sleep till the morning light shone since he was fatigued after the lengthy trek and hours of reading. Alaric immediately woke up as the king cleared his throat and resumed reading. "You have been dismissed; please go to your room." Alaric regarded his father as he stood up from the chair and muttered "Good night" before leaving the room. The monarch only hummed in return; his gaze fixed on the sheet. Alaric walked sluggishly toward his room. The lengthy hallways were exhausting. He then heard a humming sound; someone was singing a tune. The voice was hypnotizing and melodic. It was coming from Ezekiel's chamber. And at the other end of the corridor was Alaric's room. The chambers were purposely placed far apart by the king. Alaric began to advance toward his brother's room, nevertheless, as though under a spell. When Ezekiel was born, their mother passed away, and the boys have been cared for by the maids ever since. From where the music was emanating, Alaric carefully moved over and opened the door. When Alaric entered the room, the voice ceased to exist.

Everyone was still in the dark about what happened next. Alaric had been sleeping in his bed for the past two days. Everyone was concerned about Alaric, and royal doctors and healers were sent to assess his condition, but no one was able to foresee anything. Alaric and Ezekiel were being watched after by the servants. Every so often, Alaric experienced a fluctuating fever. His breathing would become heavy at times, and he wouldn't open his eyes. King Larson and his daughter Savannah from a neighboring nation also paid him a visit.

"I'm going to see the state healer. Keep a closer eye on him." The monarch told to his most dependable bodyguard. You'll come to me in any situation.

For the first time, the king expressed emotion as he softly kissed Alaric's head. He took one final look at his son and then walked away to find the state healer. Alaric's bodyguard and maids were always by his side, taking note of his temperature and his behavior.

"Even though Master Alaric was quite worn out that day, the king, in my opinion, kept him in his study until after dark." While cleaning Alaric up and changing his clothes, the maid spoke in a low voice. "Poor little Master."

"The monarch was always concerned for his sons. Don't speak in such manner." The bodyguard answered back. "I believe it to be something else,"

Knock.

When the bodyguard went to peep out the door, he discovered a nervous boy waiting there. "Yes, Levin."

"The adviser has called and requested you."

"Me? But I'm on the work."

"I don't know; he was asking for you; he is in the hallways,"

"Okay, I'll be there." The bodyguard stated so and returned inside. He went up to the maid, who was throwing out the unclean linens and clothing. "I'll be gone for a bit, so keep an eye on it. The advisor has called." The maid put the dirty clothing in a pail and hummed in response. The bodyguard went downstairs to the hallways after leaving the room, but nobody was there. Why would he need me, anyway? He thought it over and peered around.

"Brent what are you looking for?"

"Sir, I was looking for you, Levin said you were looking for me."

"No, I wasn't." They both exchanged perplexed glances before it finally dawned on them. "The prince." They both muttered before running upstairs. Their eyes widened when they noticed that the door to the prince's room was open and Levin was lying unconscious in the hallway. They sprinted towards the chamber carrying the unconscious child, Levin, while a chilling shiver of horror ran down their spines. "So, you're the witch everyone is looking for, then?" The consultant complained.

Alaric was sitting upright and wide awake, gazing at the woman who was singing while holding Ezekiel in her arms. Alaric recognized the woman as the maid who was in charge of looking after the boys, and it was the same song that he had heard two days prior coming from his brother's chamber. Fearfully scanning the area, the bodyguard discovered the maid who was dressing Alaric lying motionless on the floor. "I mean you no harm," The woman talked while tenderly holding Ezekiel.

"Let the Prince go and submit." The advisor gave the order.

"I won't harm them. I simply need a place to call home."

"You can be punished for what you're doing."

"This is your last chance, Marianna." The woman shook her head. "Brent go to the king to notify him." Brent was fixated on the consultant. "Now." The consultant yelled. Brent placed Levin on the floor before leaving. The woman continued to hum a melody while remaining unaffected by anything. "Surrender when you have the chance. The king will be here and he won't like this at all."

The woman screamed, "No!"

Alaric and Ezekiel started to cry as the dark soot like substance started coming out from her hair, it had a smell of burnt wood and the whole scene changed. The woman put Ezekiel on the bed and faced the advisor, her eyes were sad and fierce. She was crying and tired, tired of running from places to places. Before the advisor could react, the woman clutched him and began to mumble something in his ear. The advisor made a brief attempt to fight her, but his hands were restrained by illusory chains, and his eyes started to close. The vague murmuring ceased as soon as the advisor hit the ground. Alaric was approached by the woman, who smiled. "I'll come back, but you should go to bed first." Alaric stumbled to the mattress when she stroked his head.

Brent, on the other hand, was firmly holding the reins as he rode into town. The surrounding landscape had a foreboding appearance due to the dreary and black sky. He continued walking despite the sounds of an owl hooting and many wild animals roaring. He was frightened because the woman who had been the prince's castle keeper was a witch. How did they never notice that the witch has a bounty on her head? The horse abruptly stopped, causing Brent to jerk as he was talking to himself. "Hela, what's wrong?" He was petting the animal.

"Are you going somewhere? Brent."

How did she arrive here so quickly? He pondered. "That's because I'm a witch." When Brent realized the woman in front of him could read minds, he gasped. "You seem to talk a lot in your head,". As the woman started moving in his direction, the hold on the reins became firmer. Brent fell to the ground because the horse neighed and lost control since it was too terrified to move. The whole thing happened so quickly that he was unaware the woman had vanished from his line of sight. quickly turned to glance around, but she was disappeared, which alarmed him. The horse also bolted, leaving Brent standing motionless on the pitch-black pathway. "What if I completely silence your voice?" He flinched in response to the woman whispering in his ear from behind. However, he reacted slowly as the woman lifted him into the air while holding his throat. "No, it would be too simple to execute you." Brent's eyes were rolling back from the pressure in his throat when all of a sudden, black, soot-like particles began to emerge from her palms and flow toward Brent's throat. The man gasped for air and then fell to the ground. His limbs went jelly as he was gasping for air but he couldn't move and his eyes slowly started to shut, his visions getting blurry as he saw the woman's figure descending in the dark night.

"The healers are here." The monarch said

The advisor nodded before opening the prince's chambers door. Alaric was dozing off in his bed as the room was illuminated by the early morning light that was streaming in through the window. As the king, the healers, and the advisor entered the room, the maid retreated and bowed. The room looked like nothing happened here last night, and the advisor and the maid didn't say anything. "Where is Brent? He was assigned to watch over the prince." The King sulked.

"We have no idea who your majesty; he hasn't been seen since last night." The advisor answered.

The healers approached Alaric and perched on the edge of the bed. He appeared to be having his best dream, and his breathing appeared to be regular. "What exactly is wrong with him?" The healer asked

"He's been sleeping for two days." The maid responded. Alaric moved in his sleep as the healer tenderly stroked his head. Surprising gasps escaped every mouth as they looked shocked. The kid was reacting.

"Alaric!" The King hurried to embrace his son.