Strangely Familiar - The Stolen Fate | On Hold

Chapter 3 (II)

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." - Ayn Rand

***

A year ago (contd.)

The Brickstone Mansion

"Welcome, my Knights!"

The Royalty's retinue comprised one Nova, seven of the mage, and two magical seekers who appeared in the form of humans, though distinct in their cat-like sharp eyes, veins protruding on their cheeks making them look greener in their otherwise extremely pale skin. You would think they have no blood running in their nerves.

Cian stood next to a mage who was busy balancing her confidence and radiance.

A myth that circulated in the mortal world, magical seekers have been known to have existed for centuries. An author of ancient times, Ralfdiyr Wuttinghm's infamous manuscript, 'The Seekers of Magic and the truth behind it' wrote that magical seekers were known to be extremely intelligent, cunning, devious, and crafty in their art of magic. Their primary role was to seek and derive magic from a planet's source of energy, or sources in case there was more than one mode of survival. One has every reason to keep their guard up around them as they use their opponent's vulnerability and weaknesses to their advantage with such grace that the opponent would thank them in return for stealing everything from them. For centuries, they have been credited to own the charm of trickery engineering, and manipulation. The only thing that bound them together is their connected magical aura. However, Wuttinghm's work was gravely slammed by the public thinking the poor man had lost his mind after some tragic incident no one truly knew about. Little did they know the book contained the pith of all his experience.

Shaurya was standing tall in the middle of the circle, eagle-eyed. He carefully watched his subjects gathered around after bowing down to him in respect the moment the curse broke. His hands though stained with fine marks but the curse that flowed and once burned his skin no longer existed. He had them clasped behind his back.

From what he knew about his kingdom, these were his most trusted comrades who helped him once in the First Battle against the First Witch. They were foolish to have underestimated mortals.

"The curse placed upon me has been lifted." His voice resounded in the empty hall and corridors of the Mansion.

"If I may, Your Majesty," A figure stepped forward, his eyes shining with pride, "I want to be the first one to congratulate you on your freedom."

"Flattery will lead you nowhere, Kai." His voice was monotone. "I should presume you have an exceptionally good reason for disappearing during the war."

Shaurya tried his best to contain his anger. The unlocked power in his system was fuelling the magic inside her. His fingers itched to teach him a lesson, but if there is one thing his undeniably long and agonizingly slow punishment taught him, it's patience.

"My master, I beg thee." The seeker's eyes were trained on the ground, his voice shook slightly at the threatening hiss obtrusive the former's command, "I was deceived."

"By a mortal attraction that you refused to aid your men." Shaurya's voice roared suddenly. "How long does it last, Seeker? A few weeks, a few years, or an eternity?"

The magic soared with his voice and launched itself on the Seeker who managed to stay calm under the wrath of his ultimate superior.

Gripping his control back into his clutches, he ceased the effect of the spell and freed the Seeker from it. "Treachery is not taken well in my reign. You will remember that, won't you, Kai?"