Victor and the Seven Circles of Darkness

Chapter 3 - Wish Granted

The majestic feature of the castle remained a wonder for Victor. The sight of smiling images of cherubs plastered on its facade lightened up his mood. As expected, he was alone despite the many travelers transported to the same destination. It could be the mystery of time. As Rower had mentioned, everyone has the chance to meet the Boss, and he's grateful that he's given an equal chance to meet him, too.

He got in through a slightly open door of the castle as if the Boss was expecting him. "Hello!" he greeted and his own voice answered him as an echo. He knew where the Boss was so he plodded directly to where he was sitting not minding the many huge shelves full of old books towering up to the ceiling.

The Boss was busy writing as usual. He didn't lift his face although he knew he's standing there. He's scared of this man and as much as possible, he didn't want to disturb him, but his determination to find Rower was stronger than his fear. He had no idea how to start or how to explain his intention so he cleared out his throat first.

"What can I do for you, boy?" said the old man while writing endlessly on a crisp piece of parchment.

He kneeled before the man. "My lord, I beg your pardon. I am the reason why Rower broke a rule. It's my fault. I suggested the deal and he did it for me out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted to help me. I beg you, please don't banish him forever. I will do everything to bring him back here, just tell me what to do and where to find him. Please help me."

The Boss put down his quill and looked at him with interest. "You want to find Rower? Are you sure about that, boy?" The old man met his eyes as if relaying a message of caution to him, confronting his impulsive decision which he might regret later. "Be careful of what you wish for, boy. You have no idea of what you'll get into."

Victor's guilty feeling was a burden to carry. His fear for another quest was unbearable in his chest, so with his horrible nightmares, and yet his determination to save Rower overruled all these trepidations. He met the old man's intense gaze and without blinking he said, "I'm very sure about it, my lord." 

"Tell me, boy, why are you doing this to Rower?"

"Rower is a good person, my lord. He is true and dedicated to his work. He helped me when I needed help. It's just right for me to help him back."

The old man paused for a while then spoke again. "Are you aware of the danger you'll encounter once I give you the chance to find Rower?"

"No, my lord."

"Are you willing to risk your own life for him?"

"If that's what it takes, then yes, I'm willing to risk my life for him. I'll take my chances.

"You want to risk your life for a rower? You don't know what you're talking about, boy. Go home and enjoy a peaceful life."

"Please, my lord, I'm begging you. I can't live a peaceful life if a nightmare about Rower tortures me every night in my sleep."

The old man remained quiet as if searching the sincerity of his heart. "Very well," he said finally. "I admire your courage, boy. I'll give you the chance to find Rower."

The white rooster standing beside the old man's table released a loud, long crow, creating a train of echoes inside the castle, like a mystical bell chiming, sweeping away all his anxieties and fears, and giving him sufficient energy to pursue his quest. Maybe in this manner that the Boss nourished his mind and body. It's how he got his strength. He's not eating nor sleeping, and yet he managed to work all year round non-stop.

"Rower is in Mount Saligia. To save him, you have to go there and find him."

"Forgive me, my lord, but where's Mount Saligia?"