176 l Can’t Save You

THE NEXT MORNING (AUTHOR'S POV)

The prince didn't return to Wicce as what everybody anticipated. The Wiccans were completely relieved, after spending the entire night worrying that a one if their kind will be taken in the hands of the prince. However, the Wiccans are still enveloped with uneasiness and panic, given that it was just one spared night of the several days of their fear of Galen, who'd cause carnage anytime even in their sleep.

The entire night was at peace, yet it hustled earnestly facing a more gripping task Iaso upheld. With Umbriel's idea of putting up Wicce's barriers with the use of Helena's blood, Iaso granted the priest's beyond belief proposal. Iaso chanted the incantation of bringing back the seal of protection of their village, while Stellan and his crew took turns in guarding Wicce just in case Galen appears, or if any monster attacks and interrupt the ritual.

The ritual and spellbinding took hours to finish. Umbriel cleansed the dagger that would tear Helena's skin for Iaso to obtain at least three drops of her blood. Subsequently, he blessed the ground and lined the areas where the seal will be placed. Thankfully, he reads books so much that he is very familiar of such old practise. Iaso was very pleased.

The coven leader took her time reading the words from an old sacred Wiccan book of spells. The sound of her voice eerily resounded in the village as the fog thickened and the night grew colder. Helena watched the two perform their parts. If this works, then it's nothing but an absolute confirmation that she's the daughter of none other than King Silvius of this Kingdom. 

To complete the ritual, Iaso and Umbriel needed a weapon that's personally owned by the royal who gave the blood. It shall serve as the key to break the barrier. Helena didn't had any, except for the scepter that she picked from the armory. The radical and nonconventional objects for the ritual aroused Iaso's interest and admiration even more. 

It was hours before sunrise when Iaso and Umbriel completed the ritual. They'll have to wait for the force of nature to take its course and let the sacred ground slowly establish the barriers. Iaso opened her home to her visitors. Her home which was usually quiet, was filled with people. Umbriel and Ottis flopped on the kitchen floor and drifted away to their beautiful dreams in an instant. Atrius chose to take a long bath as he submerge himself in Iaso's large tub. Stellan and Jac remained on patrol outside. Helena chose to spend time with Iaso in the kitchen, who's preparing something to eat. She watched the Wiccan whip the entire kitchen, from igniting the fire in the alcove cooking area, to setting up the table and preparing some bread, eggs and pottage. What an incredible witch with so much manna, Helena thought.

"I think highly of your leadership, and your love for your people and this kingdom", Helena sat on the dining chair. Iaso served her a glass of water, which the soul traveler drank at once to relieve her parched throat.

"It's not an easy task. I also wish to retire when the time comes", Iaso continued stirring her magic in the kitchen. "You earned good friends here, it's uncommon these days.", Iaso find Helena's friends reliable and trustworthy.

"It didn't quite went good at first, I believe. It was more of a challenge and a lot of disputes to settle and process before we all come to what we are now", Helena smiled at her memories with her friends when they first met. Atrius had this unfriendly face, which says 'don't touch my garment'. Umbriel have always been approachable but evasive keeping conversations short. Ottis was a selfish bastard who almost drowned her in Brandenburg's river, and who would know that the warrior as big as Jacomus would come out as the softest and most sensitive amongst them. "What will happen now?", Helena asked.

"You mean... if the barriers work?", Iaso turned her head.

"You know it will work", Helena replied with much confidence. Her reply made the Wiccan swallow a lump in her throat, realizing that if Helena is a royal, then she made a big mistake of using her magic on her. 

"Well, non-Wiccans we'll be kicked out from Wicce. It should happen any moment from now", Iaso never thought Helena is a royal. She then realized that the compulsion magic she used on her didn't worked at all. "I'm sorry about the compulsion spell", she said in a lowly voice.

"I thought you were confused for a moment, tasking me with an absurd responsibility I cannot grasp.. But why didn't your spell worked on me?", she asked.

"Royals from Nether are immune to Wiccan magic. It has been like that, naturally. Paladins are just strong, they only feel a tickle when we try our spells on them. Only witches who uses sorcery and dark magic can sway a royal's mind. So be wary of them", Iaso sat across Helena leaving the kitchen going using her magic.

"I thought about it… what you said about the traveler's stone? About Argus and Celeste..", Helena said.

"So what do you think?", Iaso snapped her fingers and in an instant all the food she was preparing were all on the table.

"I don't think I can do it.", Helena said straightforwardly. "I met Argus and Celeste once from where I am from. They were swaddled by something dark that I don't think I can handle. I won't stand a chance against them, Iaso. I can't save you, or this kingdom", Helena cleared herself out.

"That's where you're wrong, Princess", Iaso said with a half smile. "Celestial beings have immense power that open doors for different possibilities. You're doubting yourself because you don't know what you can do. I'm sad Tris didn't taught you that", she said. 

"Well, she isn't here now, and there's no way I'd figure that out anytime soon. You're a good person, Iaso. I know you only mean well. But, I'm not the right person for your plans.", Helena clasped her hands together on the table as she stare at them fixedly.

Iaso held Helena's hands, as she look in her eyes. "It's always been you from the beginning. Your destiny is here, as it is written in the stars. Agalea sacrificed herself to make way for the celestial traveler in the prophecy. Dont fail your people, Princess. Don't leave your friends behind", Iaso opened Helena's hands and handed over the traveler's crest. The soul traveler noticed that apart from the usual peonies with vines and thorns on the face of her crest, she found a sword with rays coming out of its blade. In a moment, Helena vanished slowly right before Iaso's eyes. The Wiccan left out a loud sigh, as she was left alone in her home.