The Kingdom of Elias

It's A Large World After All

Ms. Price looked intently at the staff. She studied the markings. Then she shifted her attention to the book. She traced her hand over the cover, mouthing the words as she did.

"Where did you get this?"

"From the Ancient Library in Castle Hill. Merlin led us to it," Cyril answered.

"Yes, can you please tell me how you came across Merlin and why he is no longer with us?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Cyril took up residence in a chair near the table.

"We were in Chickapin when we were approached by his companion Archimedes. He found us. He told us that Merlin needed to see us and gave us directions to his location. Our colleague Max and I went to see him that morning. He told us about the End War and about how it was him and Yensid who trapped Chernabog and that it takes two wizards to use the binding spell. One who controls the mind, and one who controls the energy to bind. Without those two pieces you cannot bind something as strong as Chernabog. It was then that he gave us his staff, and to be completely honest, until your companion mentioned it, I did not know Merlin was not with us anymore. He was very much there when we spoke with him and left his home. After that, our journey took us to Gracey's Manor and it was there that we encountered the mystic Leota. She told us to seek Dreamfinder and gave us hints about the second wizard, who we strongly believe is you."

Everyone around the table was listening intently.

"And why is that Cyril? Why am I the one for this job?"

Cyril began to answer but caught himself. He pondered the question, not sure the best answer. From over his shoulder Oswald spoke up.

"Because it has to be you," he said shakily. He timidly approached the table. Cyril turned to look at him. Vlad and others waited for his answer. Ms. Price motioned for him to step forward. Oswald hesitated a moment, then clenched his fists, drew in a deep breath and stepped to the table.

"You fit the description given to us by Leota. You have the Star of Asteroth." He paused as if searching for the right words. He looked up at Ms. Price and let the words flow out. "A week ago, I lived in the Burrows. Life was dull and boring...but at least it made some sense. The Kingdom of Elias was a fairy tale. All of this was just told as fanciful bedtime stories to us in the Outterlands. But something called to me. It was pulling at me, inside. Day after day, waiting for something. Waiting for a spark. Waiting for a sign. I knew there had to be more out there. Then Mushu came." His voice wavered. "My life collapsed in seconds. I feel like I've been floating adrift ever since then, but I see now that the events of that evening were the sign I was waiting for. This seemingly confusing path has brought me here to you. Each step led to the next. First was the Watcher, then Caterpillar, the Hatter, Captain Kate, Tonga Roa, the Columbia, Merlin, Leota, the Dwarves, the Ancient Library, it all brought us to this point! It brought me here to you. It means something... and because I can't accept that my father died for nothing. It must have purpose. It has to." He looked around the table, as tears welled in his eyes. He swallowed hard. He could feel his pulse pounding. "We didn't come all this way for nothing."

Ms. Price could sense his overflowing emotions. She gave him a warm smile.

"Oswald, I have no doubt that your path was destined to intersect with mine. Your energy is strong. While I am unsure if your claim is valid, I do believe it is in all our best interests to assist you in your quest. I will do whatever I can to help you. The two questions we must answer are these. First, do the markings on Merlin's staff have significance and does it affect how the spell is cast. The markings are written in Maldaquesh. Second, we need to translate the binding spell. Unfortunately, my studies in Maldaquesh were cut short. I am not nearly proficient in it."