Valtava: Dragon Sword

Chapter 12

"Tony, Madam Colipan wishes to see you," a servant called from the door of Tony's room. Tony peered over to Stephen who was dozing off on the bed, then carried the Dragon Sword with him and followed the servant out of the room. They walked down the hallway and out the back entrance where it opened into a glamorous view of a garden. The servant led him down a cobblestone path and to a pavilion where Madam Colipan was sitting at a table. Two maids stood next to her, and they both bowed their heads as Tony approached them.

"Madam Colipan," Tony greeted politely.

"Have a seat, Tony. I've asked the servants to prepare some of our finest wine for you today." Madam Colipan gestured for one of the maids to pour a jug of wine into a cup on the table.

Tony sat down, looked around, and saw that no one else was in sight. "Madam Colipan, why do you only invite me here? I'd feel rather bad for enjoying this special wine by myself."

"I'm actually quite interested in knowing more about you. You seem like an upright and honest young man, you wouldn't mind having a conversation with me, would you?"

"Of course not, Madam."

"Here, please try this wine first." Tony raised his cup and drank the wine. After his few days staying in Elonia, Tony had gotten accustomed to the taste of wine, and although each day there was a different variation, he no longer winced at the strong flavour of it.

"So how have you been finding your stay? I heard you and your friend have done a lot of exploration around the city," Madam Colipan asked intriguingly.

Tony told her about all the different shops and venues he had seen throughout the past few days, the foods he tried, and the merchants he befriended. He had never been in such an uplifting environment before, and he mentioned how different the style of living was compared to his hometown in the Northern Lands. Madam Colipan asked about his family and home, and he described his upbringing and spoke of the events that eventually led him to Essear. He briefly mentioned his stepfather whom he resided with for five years and who taught him skills to protect himself.

After an hour of conversing, Madam Colipan's gaze landed on the sword strapped over his back and said, "I'm sure you know our people here have no bad intentions against you. But you have been carrying this sword everywhere you go, why is that?"

"Madam Colipan, you are right that I don't distrust you or anyone in Elonia at all. But this sword is very powerful and I must keep an eye on it at all times, otherwise, it might land into the hands of someone else and result in great harm."

"Oh? Is this sword really that powerful?" she asked curiously.

"Yes, I also underestimated the capabilities of it myself. It's almost as if it can communicate with nature. When I was in the outskirts of Elonia, I wished to do something to help the starving farmers. It seemed to understand my desires and took action to make my wishes become reality."

"That is indeed formidable..." Madam Colipan said with astonishment in her voice. "I hope you don't mind, but I have a small request to make."

"Of course, Madam, what is it that you'd like?"

"I would like to take a look at your sword. It would be an incredible honour to have a chance to see it in detail before you take it away to Valtava." After Tony hesitated for several seconds, Madam Colipan said, "What is the matter? Do you still not trust me?"

Tony explained, "No, Madam, please don't get me wrong. But my stepfather mentioned to me before that if anyone other than a Hollow Man carries the sword, it will begin to absorb their energy. I'm just worried that it might do that to you. That's also why I've been reluctant to leave the sword sitting alone, in case someone would try to take hold of it."