The coin and the stars

Chapter 23: The coin and the stars

Calhoun pursed his lips hearing the question.

"May I at least know who helped you?" Dexter changed his question seeing Calhoun not answer his previous question.

"A wolf" Calhoun replied curtly. Dexter raised his brows. He clearly didn't believe him.

The elf prince scanned the surroundings keenly. White shimmering thread like structures extended down from his hands into the snow, slowly making a circle around him and spreading outwards.

The circle was fast, and spanned the entire space. Calhoun didn't know how far it went, but within a few minutes, the shining circle returned back and settled at is feet, confusing him. What exactly did this half-elf prince want from him?

"What do you want Lord Dexter?" Calhoun asked coldly.

"I mean no harm your highness. I am just trying to find an artifact on my king's order. You seem to have it." Dexter replied smoothly.

Calhoun frowned. No. He was sure he carried nothing that could interest Lawrence.

"I don't have any artifact with me. You are mistaken lord Dexter."

He looked genuine. So Dexter chose to explain further.

"Can you kindly check your belongings your highness?"

Calhoun inwardly sighed. Except for this coat, he had absolutely nothing -- wait, his hand went to his waist pocket and found the iron coin he picked up days ago.

"Are you talking about this?" Calhoun showed the coin to Dexter. Dexter's eyes lit up sensing the magic in the coin. Match. A perfect match. This was it.

His hand went to grab the coin but Calhoun pulled it back. "I am afraid I cannot give it to you."

Yes, he didn't want to give it to anyone. How will he return back if this is gone? Dexter understood his predicament. He cannot take it for free.

"You can name your price, your highness." Dexter offered. Even if Calhoun asked for entire Mythiopia, he was sure Lawrence wouldn't hesitate before giving the throne to him.

"I don't need anything. I am not giving this away." Calhoun declared as he turned around and walked away.

Dexter wasn't going to give up. So the elf-prince followed.

"I can assure you on the king's behalf. Whatever you want, it will be yours. I am not going back without this coin." Dexter said. This coin was the only lead they got. They need to try it out no matter what.

Calhoun was now very curious. He can gauge that Dexter was in a hurry. And he didn't even make any effort to hide it. And the mighty king Lawrence was ready to give away anything? What exactly was in this coin?

"Why do you want this coin?" He asked.

"His majesty is collecting ancient relics of the royal ancestors." Dexter made this up on spot. He wasn't going to tell him all the fantasy about realm gates and their crown princess.

Calhoun smirked. A good liar, but not seasoned enough like Vakra.

"Great. But this will stay with me." Calhoun said. His steps froze and he felt a subtle pressure on his body. His head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing at Dexter.

"No offense your highness. We don't have to make this ugly. I want the coin. Either you give it to me, or I take it myself." Dexter said firmly.

If Calhoun wasn't the eldest beast prince, he wouldn't have bothered to convince him. But he cannot be rude to the beast prince. That will implicate both the elf kingdom and Mythiopia.

Calhoun gritted his teeth. "You are crossing the line lord Dexter."

Dexter met his glare with calm resolve. "My apologies. I don't want to do this either. You can name your price. Any price is acceptable. But I need the coin."

Calhoun's mind churned. What could make Lawrence so desperate for this coin? Finally, he spoke.

"I need this coin to return to Vandrad. You can come and get it once I'm back," he offered.

"When do you plan to return?"

"Not anytime soon," Calhoun replied bluntly.

Dexter clenched his fists. Is this kid toying with him? The elf prince took few steps closer, trying to intimidate him, but it didn't work.

Intimidation never worked on Calhoun. Though he has always been careful and meticulous while navigating the court and royals, he had a reckless streak in him too.

And Calhoun also knew that Dexter wouldn't be careless while dealing with a prince, no matter how bad his position was. So he didn't really worry about getting hurt.

"We have been searching for our crown princess Isabella. This coin is the only lead we have." Dexter said the purpose of the coin. Entire world knew Lawrence was searching for Isabella. Knowing this is harmless.

Calhoun believed this time. Though he knew there was more to this, he didn't press further.

"How will I go back?" Calhoun questioned.

Dexter released his power on Calhoun seeing that the prince was giving in. He snapped his fingers and a think thread connected Calhoun and his griffin.

"Call 'Leon' thrice whenever you want to go back. He will fly here to get you." Dexter said generously.

Calhoun raised his brows as he gazed at the majestic griffin. Even the griffin was powerful enough to cross the snowblood peaks alone. Lawrence was really something.

"Sure" Calhoun nodded as he took out the coin again. "I hope you remember the deal" he reminded. He wasn't going to let go of such a good deal. Lawrence owed him right now.

Dexter smirked, mildly amused. "I saved your life. Don't you think this is a repayment?"

"You saved me because you wanted something from me. Don't make it sound like I am eating free food off your plate." Calhoun said bluntly. 

Dexter didn't comment any further. As long as his task was done, it was fine. Calhoun glanced at the old and very ordinary coin in his hand before tossing to towards Dexter.

Dexter caught it swiftly. The coin's powerful energy crackled in his palm. He didn't want to waste any time here anymore, so he called his griffin closer and mounted it.

"Are you going to stay here?" Dexter asked looking at Calhoun.

There were lot of mysterious things in snowblood mountains. But he doubted Calhoun could make any sense out of them.

He was curious to know what he was doing here in first place, but was also aware that it was none of his business.

"Hmm. You should hurry back, Lord Dexter," Calhoun said, clearly dismissing him. Dexter shrugged and flew off, unbothered.

Once again, Calhoun stood alone in the blank white space. Though he felt quite satisfied and peaceful inside, it was also equally frustrating.

He sighed.

He even forgot directions here. Not knowing what to do, he plopped on the snow and lay on his back, gazing at the star filled night sky.

There was nothing here to survive. His thoughts wandered to his mother, the only person he cared for in the palace.

Despite his resentment toward his father, Calhoun had to admit that the beast king always protected her from the court's schemes.

All kind of weird thoughts danced in his mind, and he only snapped back when he saw a visible shift in the stars.

He shook his head and took a clear look. The stars were indeed moving swiftly. The previous random sprinkle of stars now followed a organized path in the sky, leading to somewhere he doesn't know.

Calhoun got up, determined to follow the path. This place felt home, and somehow always guided him at right times. So he didn't doubt anything and moved forward.