Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0028] - Zonnestra

Invoka mir Ketten

Phrase

Translation: Summon of Chains

Definition: "Invoka mir Ketten" is a powerful and intricate spell in the Alchemy lexicon, originally created by the Magi Commander Yeso Sternach. Initially intended to summon Yeso himself, this spell's formula has undergone significant alterations over time. The current iteration of "Invoka mir Ketten" is known for its ability to summon and subsequently imprison the summoner, a twist on its original purpose. This spell intertwines elements of alchemy and conjuration, manifesting chains that bind the invoker.

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"Come to bed," Yeso groaned into the pillows, immobilized by the cold poultice layered over his scarred back. "Love!"

"I'm nearly done; just need to double-stitch this line," she replied, her concentration unwavering as she worked on the floor, her legs aching and feet swollen from discomfort.

"Zonnestra?"

"Just a bit more time, love," she chuckled, her hands still sewing.

"You've imprisoned me here," he playfully grumbled. "And it's dreadfully boring without you. Save me."

Finally, she snapped the thread with her teeth and stood, shaking out the purple robe before draping it over a chair. "Done," she declared, making her way to the bed's edge to gently peel away the gauze. "I should make more of this."

"No!" Yeso protested, sitting up. "Perhaps tomorrow, but that's enough for now."

"Why the long, grumpy face?" Noctavia asked, slipping into bed beside Yeso and brushing aside some golden lilies from her pillow.

"I'm not, just... frustrated with how things turned out. I don't like feeling defeated," Yeso admitted, "It feels like everything was for nothing."

"We haven't been defeated, Yeso. It's just that things have shifted. This place isn't our home anymore or anyone's, actually."

Yeso hesitated before speaking. "I've been thinking... how would you feel about moving now to Faewood? Our girl could grow up there where I did."

"It's a boy. His name will be Orlo," Noctavia reminded him.

"Yes, our child, Orlo or... Eura," Yeso corrected, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Faewood is where I learned from the fairies and faes how to care for each other. How to value life and what surrounds us. It made me feel safe. And it's safe and..."

"Aren't fairies cannibals?" Noctavia interjected, jesting.

"Only when necessary... or when they're hungry," he replied, a wry grin on his face. "But you know, it's home for us... we spoke about it."

"You really want to go back, don't you?"

"I do, but only if it's what you want as well. We need to be in agreement," he said, his eyes conveying a silent plea. "We are a team."

Noctavia reached out, gently tucking a braid behind his ear. "Would it make you truly happy?"

"I'm happiest wherever you are," Yeso said earnestly. "But I want our family to be safe, for our child to grow up happy, as I did. But I need to know it will make you happy as well; otherwise, what's the point?"

"I'm happy where you are happy."

As dawn broke, casting its first light over the camp adorned for the upcoming rise of a prince into an alchemist, the air buzzed with happy anticipation. Women busily prepared food, while men fine-tuned musical arrangements. Noctavia woke up and was taken aback to see Yeso, typically the last to rise, already up and dressed in his black robe, engrossed in writing on some papers.