Last Quest

Chapter 8: Liora Vender

When Maldric recovered from the pulse, he examined his surroundings. He could no longer feel the new source of magic. Dravon and Melrytos were nowhere to be seen, so the only logical choice was to head to the academy. Climbing the steps, he could hear voices coming from inside. People sounded panicked and frantic, and as he pushed the tall door open, he saw that they were. Many students were pacing around the dining hall, asking each other questions that no one seemed able to answer. Some were still sitting in chairs, recovering from the pulse. This confirmed to Maldric that, as he had suspected, the pulse affected everyone with casting abilities. He didn't bother trying to get any answers from them but instead found a flight of stairs to his right. It was a long spiral staircase. As he climbed up, the noise from the hall became faint, giving him time to think about the situation.

Whoever he found probably wouldn't be so welcoming to his profession, but he needed answers, especially with the new source gone. At the top of the stairs, he entered a wide, long, dimly lit hall. To his right were windows overlooking the courtyard. To his left were six doors, leading to the end of the hall, where another door stood. He walked to the last door, his footsteps echoing through the castle. As he reached it, he noticed a light emanating from the keyhole. Carved into the door was the word "Sovereign." He pushed the door open. Inside, the Sovereign stood, facing away from him. Startled, she quickly turned to the door, raising her right arm and pointing it toward him. Maldric took a step back before seeing the woman's face.

"Heila?" he asked, confused.

"Maldric?" she responded, lowering her arm. "Why are you here? And how?" she asked, her confusion deepening.

"I was going to ask the same," Maldric answered.

"Oh, come on, did you really expect me to give up casting?" She smiled, walking toward her old friend.

"Of course not," Maldric said as they embraced in a hug.

"Now, it's your turn." Heila said as they sat down. They talked for a while, filling each other in on the past years of their lives.

"I am traveling back to Lanmort. With... a companion. I plan to investigate the rift. I'm sure you've felt its magic by now. Something is changing—I've seen it in my dreams as well."

Heila was quiet for a moment. She picked up a cup from the table and took a sip of red wine. Setting it down in front of her, she admitted, "Maldric, I found something a couple of days ago. An inscription appeared nearby. I believe you should know its true nature." Before she could continue, the door suddenly swung open. Liora stormed into the room, with Dravon and Lucius behind her.

"Sovereign! I need to speak with you," she said.

"You've read it," Heila responded before Liora could continue. "I could guess it was you. As soon as I felt the pulse, I knew." She spoke calmly, realizing it was too late for another lecture. She glanced at Maldric, took another sip of wine, and stood up to continue. "What you just read was a lock for the rift—one of many."

"That's not possible. The locks are in Lanmort," Maldric stated.

"Apparently, we were lied to," Heila replied. "The only reason Forsaken Magic could be leaking is that the rift is being loosened. The locks in Lanmort are well protected, and there are no other sources of the magic. For some reason, a lock was placed here, hidden for two centuries, until the inscription appeared. And I don't believe it's the only one outside Lanmort."

"Why did it only appear now?" Lucius asked, still standing by the door.

"The magic is stronger now. I believe enough of the locks were unlocked for that to happen. The rest of them will be easier to find now. Whoever is unlocking them will soon make their way to Lanmort, likely attempting to open the rift once more."