The Corruption- First Draft

Chapter 10

After providing the ambassador with a detailed explanation of the situation, Akae led him down the dimly lit, narrow stairway into the depths of the dungeon. The air was thick with the damp scent of stone, and the torches lining the walls cast flickering shadows that danced ominously as they descended. At the end of the corridor, they reached the cell where Kyazf was being held, seated against the cold wall with a tense, defiant glare, the restraints still holding him tightly. The ambassador entered the cell quietly, observing Kyazf with a careful, analytical gaze. His arms were crossed, but one hand hovered just slightly, as though he were contemplating an invisible object in front of him. Kyazf met his eyes with a hardened stare, unwilling to risk revealing even a hint more of the confidential information he'd already been forced to spill.

"Oh yes," the ambassador finally said, his voice thoughtful and calm, "he's definitely under the effects of a love potion. Judging by the shape of his pupils- all four, no less, and each distinctly defined- this is no ordinary potion. It's quite a potent blend, clearly designed for strong effects." He paused, assessing the situation. "The easiest way to break its spell would be to wait for it to wear off naturally. But," he looked over at Akae, "I take it you're dealing with a bit of a time constraint?"

Akae nodded with a sense of urgency. "Yes, we don't have much time. Ilflurer will be furious when he realizes we've taken Kyazf captive. I estimate we have, at most, a day or two before he starts to suspect something's wrong and sends his men to investigate."

The ambassador gave a slow, thoughtful hum as he leaned closer to Kyazf, his hands lifting gently to cup Kyazf's face just beneath his horns. He studied Kyazf's eyes carefully, his thumbs lightly grazing the sides of Kyazf's face as he scrutinized each detail of the potion's effect. "I think," he murmured after a moment of contemplation, "that I can prepare a counter-potion in time. It will be difficult, but not impossible. However," he added, withdrawing his hands and turning to Akae with a serious expression, "Eilis' antidote will need to wait. I know the poison in his system can't kill him, but without treatment, it could make him very ill. Keep an eye on him for me in the meantime, and I'll get this situation straightened out. I'll also brew up a truth potion for you in case he still doesn't cooperate with you."

Akae nodded. "Thank you, ambassador, your help is greatly appreciated. I know you don't like getting involved."

"Not a worry about it. This whole thing just can't be ignored any longer. Without Hyalbtz I'm well aware the Highking is struggling to sort this all out. At least he has you and the other paladins."

"Thank you. And uh, you can see into the future, right? Can you predict who Ilflurer is? Or any clues that can help us?"

"I'm not able to say. But I do believe it'll be the person you least expect. Or already have been suspecting."

He frowned. "That doesn't really help. Thank you though for the effort."

"Not a problem. I'll be in my room in the meantime if anyone needs me," he said, giving Akae a final nod, before he turned and made his way out of the cell. His footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor as he walked to the base of the narrow stairway leading back up to the main halls. His tall figure was gradually swallowed by the dimness of the dungeon's chambers.

Hours pass slowly as the ambassador carefully mixes ingredients together in his dimly lit study. The only sounds that filled the room were of glass clinking and boiling liquid. It took nearly the rest of the day, but finally, he held up a large vial of shimmering gold liquid. He had finally created the antidote to the love potion casted on Kyzaf. He studied it for a minute as he sighed in relief, admiring his handiwork, and grabbing the truth serum he created before, swiftly exiting his room.