The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 4

He wasn't sure how long they had been walking for, but Casimir was starting to get tired. Logain, on the other hand, seemed completely content with traveling on foot like this. The warlock didn't appear tired at all as he kept up his pace. If anything, he seemed to enjoy being outdoors like this, despite traveling with the crown prince. It was almost as if Logain had forgotten that they were traveling together as he took in a breath of fresh air. It wasn't until the warlock glanced back that he remembered he had a companion. Logain crossed his arms and threw up his head as he turned and walked away from the prince.

Casimir sighed, but a small smile tugged at his lips. While the warlock was acting like a brat, Casimir couldn't help but find his demeanor slightly adorable. The prince escaped the palace in search of a cute man to spend time with, and he certainly found one. They may not have been spending time together like Casimir was originally hoping for, but he would accept the adventure he found himself on. Despite being tired, Casimir felt at ease, even though he had no idea where he was. This was a new experience for him. It was exciting.

Everything around them was still a barren wasteland, but something did catch Logain's eye. Without waiting for Casimir, Logain ran off a little way ahead. He didn't stop running until he reached his destination; a cliff that overlooked a vast ocean. Logain's heart sank at the sight. In Ambria, there were lakes and rivers, but their border never touched an ocean. Zuvelia didn't either.

Eventually, the prince caught up to him. Casimir took in the ocean they were looking down upon and the rocks below. He looked at Logain, waiting for some explanation. He knew that the warlock sucked at teleportation magic, so he wasn't about to risk asking him to perform it now. The look of devastation on the other man's face was enough to answer Casimir's question.

Logain bit his lip, then said, "So . . . I don't think we're in Zuvelia. Or Ambria, or any of the other nations. In fact, I don't think we're even on the same continent anymore. I think I may have accidentally teleported us overseas."

The warlock nervously scratched the back of his head and refused to look in Casimir's direction. The prince feared as much by Logain's reaction when he saw the ocean. This would be Casimir's first time in another land. The only way to reach this place was by going to Rasea, the Western Kingdom. Casimir had never been to Rasea before. The Western Kingdom was known for its vast deserts that were difficult to traverse, so not many people visited that kingdom. If Casimir wanted to get home, they needed to find the port that would take them to Rasea. He was tempted now more than ever to request that Logain use his magic once more. He knew the risks, but if it got them closer to Ambria, then Casimir was willing to give it a try.

There was something Casimir was curious about. "Indulge me. Why are you terrible at teleportation magic? You're a warlock, not a wizard. You're supposed to be powerful. I may not be the same type of magic user as you, but I know that teleportation spells are one of the first things you learn. So why do you suck at it?"

Logain was annoyed by the prince's phrasing. His eye twitched as he tried not to snap at the prince for his poor choice of words. He chose to ignore his insult, but he didn't feel comfortable gracing him with a response either. Instead of answering his question, Logain said, "That's none of your business."

He didn't have to tell the prince anything. The reason why was personal and this man whom he barely knew didn't need to know why. As curious as the prince was, Logain didn't need to share. This was his secret.

"If we're going to be traveling together, a little bit of honesty would be nice. After all, I was honest with you about why I left the castle," Casimir said.

"Yes, and wanting to hook up with a man isn't a valid enough reason. While you were only looking for a quick fuck, my reasons for being unable to cast a simple spell are more complicated. I do not need to grace you with an answer when your honesty was just meaningless personal satisfaction." Logain crossed his arms. If it weren't for his guilt of accidentally kidnapping the crown prince, then Logain would have left this annoying man behind.

Casimir rolled his eyes. "You know, before you judge me for my actions, maybe you should get to know me without jumping to conclusions. While yes, I was looking for a quick hook-up, there's more to me than that. You try being crown prince for a day and you'll see what my life is like."

"It can't be that bad. You're a prince, so you can have anything you want," Logain scoffed.

The prince gave him a sad smile. "You keep believing that, sweetheart."

Upon seeing the depressed look on the prince's face, Logain felt bad for his words. He didn't know what it was like to be royalty. He only read the books, which made their lives seem better than they actually were. He was about to apologize, but his pride got the better of him. Logain stayed silent until something in the distance caught his eye.

The warlock pointed in the direction of a lone man walking down a path. "Hey, let's go ask him for directions."

He wanted to escape the awkward silence that befell them as Logain darted off in the direction of the traveler. He knew it was his fault for upsetting the prince. Logain was aware he had a bad attitude and didn't know when to keep his mouth shut. His only friend always told him he needed to learn to mind his manners. Logain should have listened to that advice. If he did, then perhaps he wouldn't always find himself in trouble. If he had stayed quiet, then he never would have found himself in this situation to begin with. He could be home right now, curling up in his bed and reading one of his tomes. He could be learning how to control his magic.

Logain waved to the man as he neared him. The traveler slowed down when he saw Logain and Casimir approaching him. They looked friendly enough, but looks could be deceiving. Logain smiled, trying to show him that they meant no harm. He came to a halt before getting too close to the man. The traveler didn't know or trust them, and Logain felt the same. He was in an unknown land with no idea where to go. His guard was up, as it always was.

"We're sorry for bothering you, but we're travelers and we seem to be lost. Is there any way you could point us to the nearest town or village?" Logain asked, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

The man eyed them, especially Logain. His eyes landed on Logain's staff, which was strapped to his back. Hesitantly, the man asked, "If you don't mind me asking, where are you from? We don't see many magic users out here these days."

"We're from overseas. My name is Casimir, and this is my friend, Logain. He's a wizard in training, but he's awful at casting spells." Casimir jumped into the conversation, wrapping one arm around Logain's shoulder. He teasingly smiled down at Logain.

The warlock returned him a scowl. Introductions may help make them seem more trustworthy, but did Casimir really have to add that last part? Instead of arguing with him, Logain then forced a smile. "Yes, he's right. Unfortunately, my spell may have gotten us a little off our path. Now, we're unsure which way to go to return home."

The man nodded. Slowly, he responded, "I see . . . Well, if you just follow this path to the north, you will eventually reach the port city of Cordea. There will be a few villages along the way, but just keep following the path. And a word of warning; the people here are not fond of magic users. These barren wastelands were not always like this. This used to be a beautiful place until it was drained of its magic. Warlocks are responsible for its devastation. Don't be surprised if people lash out at you for who you are."

Logain never would have suspected warlocks were responsible for this land's demise, and he didn't know how true that story was. In all of his years alive, he never knew warlocks to steal the powers from the earth. They were strong beings, so there was no need for them to steal sacred power. Something else was happening, and warlocks were being blamed for it. But he chose not to argue about it. There was no point in arguing when he didn't plan on staying here for long.

Logain nodded, heeding this warning. "Thank you for the help. We appreciate it."

He was used to people treating him differently for what he was. Even in Ambria, he was shunned for being a warlock. This was the price he paid for being born an abomination. Logain didn't ask for this life, but he was stuck with it.

After saying their thanks and goodbyes, they parted ways with the traveler. It was a relief to finally have some directions and an idea of where they were. Cordea was a large port city, which was perfect for what they needed. If they were lucky, they could catch the next ship heading to Rasea.

Logain followed the path with Casimir following behind him once more.