The Edelin Chronicles: The Search for Cindias

Chapter 16: To Learn Magic or Not to Learn Magic?

Of course, the night goes how you expect it. Though things do take a turn for the interesting.

I open my eyes to see the red room, but more details are clear. For example, the walls aren't just red stones but it's given a red hue because of the lava used as lights. I also try to stay clear of those areas.

Nevertheless, I turn my attention to Cindias. And it's not good. I could see him more ragged, either through the clearer picture, or the long amount of time passing. But he looked frail, almost gaunt. But I could also notice chains wrapped around his body. several links curling around his chest and back, trapping his wings, as cuffs secure his hands and feet. But they gave off weird energy. I know that's odd to say out loud. But, I could feel all hope and life sink out of the room encased in those black and deep purple chains.

"Cindias?" he lifts his head slightly, pain flashing in his eyes as he tries to face me. So I chose to meet him half-way.

"Are you all right?" he asks me. His voice dry, the pain still swarming his bright orange eyes.

"Yes, I'm fine, but what about you, you look like hell! And what are these?" I go to touch one of the chains.

"No don't!" he moves to catch me, but he doubles down, yelling in agony.

"Cindias?" I take the order and step away. Being visibly disgusted by the effect those chains seem to have on him. "What is this?"

"Where are you?" he asks.

"In my room in the Arce de Fumus, why?" I eye him suspiciously, as he stretches his hand and attempts to sit up.

"You can never be too careful in that castle, there are eyes everywhere," he replies ominously. Great, now he's sounding like a conspiracy theorist.

"But what are those chains, and why are you in so much pain?" I ask him, as he moves his wrist to jostle the chains.

"These chains... are made with a specific kind of metal, and with an enchantment placed on them..." he starts, moving the chains so I could get a better look at them.

"The chains can restrain, they can morph to fit the size and shape of the prisoner, but the enchantment, it harms those who try to escape, and feeds off of the person's magic, leaving them defenseless," I stare at the chains in shock.

"But, how have you survived?" I gaze at him in shock, the chains and the enchantment probably could have taken down the average Edenise magician or warrior in mere months, but how has he lasted over 15 years?

"Simple, the enchantment is new, those who imprisoned me started with just the chains, then when those wouldn't slow me down, they tried to create an enchantment perfect for their scenario," he explains, probably why the energy wasn't as dark and desolate as this time even when I first started having these dreams.

But somehow I can see the colors of morning spring through the roof. Signifying the passing of time.

"You should go, I'm sure they will be expecting you," I assume he was talking about the nobles and the royal family. But why would he have such a salty tone towards them?

However, I see the image slowly fade as I wake up in the castle. Then hear a small knock on the door.

"Ms. Dawn, I have your books ready," I hear Vesta's voice through the door.

I stretch a bit before putting on a robe and opening the door to find a large stack of books outside my door, with Vesta's face poking out the side of the stack.

"Oh, I'm sorry if I woke you, Miss Dawn," she stammers as she struggles to carry such a large weight.

"No, it's alright, I was awake, let me help you," I reach out and grab half of the books from the top of the stack while letting Vesta into the room. We set down the books as Vesta places them on the shelf.