Chapter 78

I tied my horse to a post at the gate of the castle. It's dark blue-grey stone walls, high towers with small slit like windows, looked more medieval the the demons castle. A cross stood on its highest tower like a church. 

I strolled to the gates, a soldier in white asked what I was there for.

"I want to see the Army head."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Oh yes. He's expecting me in fact."I lied, praying inwardly that they didn't ask more questions.

"Are you the ..."The naive guard searched his brain for the name of the person the Army head had asked him to allow in.

"I am. You should not waste my time here."I said.

He opened the gate to let me in.

"I apologize Milady"He bowed.

I just nodded, happy that my prayers got through.

I was led to the Army's quarters. The army head's chamber was a big hall, like a royal living room. It was less fancy than mine anyway.

The man in a white coat, a golden badge pinned to his chest asked.

"Who are you?"

"Your visitor."I smirked.

"You're not..."

"Hei, I'm Karen."I extended my hand for a shake. But he left it hanging, thinking. The tension in the room only baceme thicker as time passed.

"Commander, I'm here to see you for something very important." I said "time isn't at our best."

"You're not..."

"It's a private matter commander." I interrupted. "You can't afford to let it pass."

"I don't attend to commoners today."

"Well, I'm not. I hold an important message from…" I trailed off deliberately.

He signalled to his guards to leave and they did.

He fixed a stare at me as of commanding me to start talking.

"Won't you be a good host commander?"I said. "At least I hold important info."

"Who are you?" He asked again.

I stifled a laughter.

"I'm Karen. C'mon Commander, you should not be scared of your subject."

A maid walked in and served his food, he must have ordered her to, when he heard his visitor has arrived.

"You'd eat?"

I shook my head, remembering what Ethan had said to me.

"No, wine is okay. Then we can talk."

He made some signals to the maids and she brought just enough wine. First, I tried a sip. It was...sweet and sour at the same time but I liked it immediately. It looked pure-- not like the demon's black bloody shit.

I knew I didn't have all day so I got straight to business.

"I have a big secret to reveal to you." I said. "I'm sure it's gonna change your life and the life of this coven forever but I have a request. Like you're gonna have to earn whatever I have to say."

"Then keep the damn thing."He said without thinking. "I am not desperate for knowledge of any sort. You've met the wrong person cause I won't owe anyone for any piece of information."

I chuckled."you don't give enough thoughts to your words. I'm not gonna force you anyway." I paused. "A king would not make that decision outrightly. Or will he?"

He was silent.

"To be a king, you've got to act like kings. I've got the info that would get you what you're always yearned for and you sit there and tell me to keep it... forever."

"I know warriors. You might have lost the spirit over the years."I stood up to leave. My wits, all praying that he call me back.

I trotted towards the door, counting my steps. Why is he so slow to think?

God please...

"What do you want?"

I turned, gladness in my heart.

"Not too much of a favor."I walked back to my seat.

"I see you're scared that I might ask for something you can't do."

"Speak Karen."

Oh wow, he called my name. How impatient.

"Promise you'll do whatever I say and I'll spill the whole thing."

He thought for a while."fine, I will."

I knew he might have said that with his tongue in his cheek. It would be very absurd to accept a promise by his tongue alone.

"Swear to God, to your life." I requested.

He knitted his brow.

"Is it that serious?"

"It is. I want to be able to trust you. Buh trust me it's not something you cannot do."

"Why should I trust you?"

"I belong here. It's glaring enough. I've only come here for good and not evil."

I belong here...that sent warning signals to my spirit. What if he finds out that my pearls are faded? What if he finds out I'm no more immortal? I just had to keep a straight face.

"I swear to God and my life, I will do whatever you say."He gulped on his glass of wine. I did the same. Hahaha copycat.

But this wine, there's something, something about it. Like a push to take more.

"Good."I forced on a smile. "It's about the war. The lost key is no more lost to us."

"We sensed that. That's why we asked for war."

 I hissed. "Stupid decision. You don't know where the key is yet do you?"

"It's near."

"No, it's not. It's not near. I know who has it. The person is willing to help."

I saw a grin form on his face.

"See why you needed me." I smirked. "He is my very good friend and his personality would remain anonymous. He has the key and he is ready to help the coven regain freedom but you have to delay the war in some way because the demon's also have their own plans. They would want to invade when you least expect. They would find other ways to break the shield. You, we need enough time, time to strengthen ourselves, our shield. Time to offer burnt offerings to our creator and seek for a success. We have all it takes but rapid decisions would not only put the coven in danger but also the person with the key. He needs protection, he needs time to clear all traces, to get to us in time. He needs to find a way out of the he demon's territory because he is still there."

The young warrior had a dark expressionless look. He was thinking...hard.

"Who is he?"

"Names aren't necessary." I poured myself more wine. Dear Ethan, I'm drinking a lot already.

"So what are you saying? We should postpone the war or what? That is not possible."

" They are many things you could use to take the enemies time. Aren't you a warrior? You could ask for a negotiation knowing they won't give in. Create a nice negotiation, it might get them thinking for long."

He arched a brow. "Who are you and why do you know all these things?"

I smiled. "I'm not a stranger and I'm not dumb. Just a concerned coven member. You may not know me cause I don't live around here. It's my first time in the castle."

" How long would it take for your friend to get to us?"

" I don't know yet. I'll send you a letter when the time comes. You just have to wait."

" Why should I trust you?"

"Cause you don't have a choice." I smirked. "If you start a war at the wrong time. You'll expose the remains of the white coven and even get more of us killed. Then the devil will rule over the whole earth."

I don't know exactly how long he took to think over that but it really was a long time. Then when he spoke, he asked just the question he's been dreading to ask.

"What do I owe you in return?"

"It's nothing much." I said.

"I do not live here. But I'll back in a couple of weeks with my pals. Wherever and whenever you find us, you must protect us. You must protect us, that's all I ask."

He sighed, like it's the easiest task ever.

"I will protect you and your friends with my life. I promise."