It was time for the Guild to decide who was going to be sent towards the duchy of Carwitz, to find out if Garwin worked in the interest of Carwitz and if there was a bigger dispute going on between the two noble Families. A week into the Fall the King's guards knocked onto the Guild's door, informing themselves on who would represent their interests in a secret mission.

  “They are here, do you really want to join me? Back then at the Flower field you told me that you don’t want to be a weapon for the King.”, Kalliope asks Arkevh who looks towards the door and then to the counter.

  “You are right about that, however I don’t want to be controlled by Carwitz either, when we are able to solve this I can maybe be free. Also I never was in the Carwitz territory.”, Arkevh smiles nervous

  Kalliope nods.

  “I understand.”, Kalliope exclaims and looks towards the guards who now entered the Guild building.

  Around five people entered the building, led by a man covered in golden Armor who had a pipe in his mouth. It was General Reinhard who looked rather surprised to see Arkevh again.

  “Oh you Arkevh, i forgot you are here as well. You didn’t change a bit, still slim as a worm.”, Reinhard laughs.

  “10 Rounds around Helgria.”, He smiles, goes through his beard and reignites his pipe with a bit of fire magic, the only magic he used.

  “I ain’t in your division anymore.”, Arkevh reminds the old general who laughs.

  “You are right, sadly. I need more people like you actually. However you are still a citizen in Helgria and therefore acting under his crown.”, Reinhard explains and makes space for the King himself.

  Alexander still looked fragile and was accompanied by more guards than initially thought, however to their surprise he had stopped to sweat and was able to stand on his own again. He had a warm smile on his face and looked at the three people that would work in his interest.

  “I’m grateful that you three are willing to work for the Crown even though you may not even intended to.”, Alexander smiled towards Arkevh before he directed his view towards Craftol.

  “I’m also happy to announce that Helgria works with a Goblin again, like in the Good old times of peace and fortune. I hope we can return to those happier eras as soon as possible. So your goal is simple. Kalliope told us that Karsa signed the contract in Enshire with Garwin, the advisor of Leopold from Carwitz. Your Goal is to somehow get to Garwin and get the information you need. We have a way to do that. Trisor step forward!”, The King demands and makes space for the young magician.

  “Well as I explained before I'm able to look into people's minds if you give me the time. An example of my special way of using the Aura of Control and creation, is what I did with Donovan. However we can also use it on Garwin. There is a special Theater presentation for the start of Fall in Enshire. All those nobles including Carwitz himself seem to go there, including Garwin we can easily capture because they may not suspect us.”, Trisor explains in detail.

  “Why do you think that?”, Craftol starts

  “We may be from a Guild that is only known around here but we ourselves are known. I’m a Goblin and I won't get into anything. Arkevh is Arkevh and Kalliope and you are known by Garwin aren’t you?”, the Goblin reminds him.

  In response Trisor just changed his Appearance to Reinhard, who got offered a pipe by instant from the real one.

  “One of four.”, Craftol says sarcastically until Trisor points at him.

  “You go in Arkevh's pockets, you are so small nobody would care.” Trisor explains and grabs a chaperone and a little tube with transparent liquid from some of the guards.

  “Kalliope will put on this chaperone if it hides her better and Arkevh will drink this mixture made by some of the Kings spies, it is a poison that is made so harmless, it only changes the eye color.”, He explains bored.

  “What would it normally do?”, Arkevh asks interested.

  “Probably blind you.”, Craftol explains and gets a nod from Trisor who started to approach Kalliope and Arkevh to give them their items.

  “I hope it's well tested.”, Arkevh explains and gives a warily glance towards Trisor.

  “Don’t worry son.”, they heard Reinhard, who pointed at his blue eyes.

  “I tested it, my eye color is normally brown.”, He laughs, taking a bit of fear from Arkevh as he puts the tube in his pockets.

  As Kalliope puts on the chaperone she looks at Arkevh.

  “How does it look?”, She asks him.

  “Good.”, He just replies.

  “Where is your Sister, isn’t she coming with you?”, Craftol asked from Arkevh's shoulder.

  “No Fade is leaving towards the south where she was born, reuniting with one of her friends.”, Trisor explains.

  “Well I think we would be ready to go then.”, Craftol gathers and gets a nod from his companions and from the King as well.

  “Indeed. I bestow you with great Honor to work in the King's interests, Yasoma shall be on your side and grant you the success. Now as you were able to gather, don’t waste any time and set your foot out in this world.”, Alexander explains smiling.

  The Sun shined down on the Holy Knight that was on his way towards the North. His trusty Companion a loyal steed named Vet on his side. He just passed through Enshire and would continue the path towards the end of the middle continental road, towards the Dwarven Mountain range. Over the Hill passages he would continue towards the seat of the Search. He would climb the heavens crest to wash away his sins and enter the hall of the church again. His reunion with Helland would show the world the truth, the truth that what he did was to save the lawful Humanon.

  Lost in his thoughts he hears the role of String unraveling behind him too late for his liking. Revealing Karsa, she looked slightly older than before and had a satisfied smile on her face.

  Donovan just shook his head.

  “What took you so long, you failed I suppose.”, He answers annoyed.

  “I needed to regenerate, this distance took some energy, but well that does not matter now.”, Karsa explains and starts to hold onto Donovan's back.

  “It does, I'm able to see his crown fall with my own eyes.” Donovan answers and looks towards the distance. He was able to see the beginning of the mountain range far off in the distance.

  “What is your plan after returning?”, Karsa explains.

  “Well Helland will taint some of our Soldiers with the Gods Might, similar to Arkevh. Then we will call out the throne passing to the Church in emergency cases, Helland already has a plan.”, Donovan explains.

  “Helland, Helland.”, Karsa echoes.

  “You trust him so much.”

  “Why should I. He is like a Father to me.”, Donovan explains and looks at Karsa.

  “I'm happy you are able to trust them.”, Karsa just says.

  “Don’t you trust him, or what are you trying to say?” Donovan starts to raise his voice.

  “Well I never trusted no one but he has my respect, he is way stronger than this Veleno a Shame he died.”

  “I warn you Karsa, don’t think I'm your playing figure the same goes for Helland. He will protect me and I will kill you if you do anything stupid.”, Donovan tries to intimidate her, resulting in a calming hand gesture from Karsa.

  “As you wish, my child.”, Karsa gives in and just looks around the streets. Some Carriages came towards them from time to time, but otherwise the roads were clear. Clearer than Donovan's mind at that time. Did this young man know with whom he got involved? Helland was not an ordinary church man, he was not an ordinary men either. Donovan would find out soon, however Karsa could not tell if he would regret it or not. Donovan seemed devoted. Devoted like nothing she saw in years.

  “Karsa went with the people that gave her the most power, she wanted to be the forever existing being and she had a clear plan and how to achieve it. More power meant more life. More life meant more time to learn about the Plantarr.

  Another fire warmed the Companions of the guild as they rested close to the Forest of Yor. There was a pond nearby and two figures stood close to the shores, engulfing their feet into the fresh sweet water that came from an underground spring somewhere in the forest.

  A splash of cold water hit Arkevh in the face as a woman started to laugh. Arkevh counters with two splashes of water, hitting Kalliope by surprise.

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  “They act like two child's. Kalliope is older than me. Tomorrow they will have a cold as well.” Trisor explains, annoyed, leaned back on his backpacks.

  “Let them have their fun. Kalliope seems to be full of joy, since Karsa is gone what is with you?”, Craftol ask him,

  “I won’t until she dies.”, Trisor just explains.

  “What did she do to you and Fade.”, Craftol asks

  “Her name isn’t even Fade its Lina, Karsa gave that name to her.”, Trisor starts.

  “Back to your question. She did not do much to us, other than getting us to obey her will but I won’t forgive what she did to Kalliope. The scars will last.”, he explains.

  “Physical Scars?”, Craftol asked.

  “More as well.”, Trisor says strictly.

  “But you are right, I should give her that moment. I heard that Arkevh wanted to teach her water magic, she did one good concentrated shot already”, Trisor now smiles, returned by Craftol.

  “How do I use my Water magic differently now?” Kalliope asks, staring at both of their now wet mantles. After Arkevh took off his mantle and threw it close to the quickly set up camp he turned back to Kalliope.

  “Well you can use the Aura of control and be able to shoot water at me, so you are halfway there. Instead of Fire Magic, Water Magic needs to have an eased mind similar to what you told me a week ago. Try to focus the water in your hand.”, Arkevh starts his lesson.

  Kalliope nods and follows Arkevh's instructions. She points her left hand towards the body of water and closes her eyes. Slowly a long string of water rises towards the hand until it floats in the air, between Kalliope's Hands and the pond's surface.

  “Looks great.”, Arkevh gives a compliment towards Kalliope.

  “Now continue to focus on your hand, it's the anchor for your magic. There is a force in nature that lets water flow downwards in rivers, you will mimic this force and be able to freely control it.” Arkevh continues his teaching.

  Kalliope listened well and was able to mimic this force for a while. Stretching her arm out the water followed her hand for a while till the connection was broken and the water fell back into the pond.

  “Good, now I will teach you how to heal. I will get a bit closer.”, Arkevh explains and steps a few feet in Kalliope's direction. He creates a dagger out of Dark magic and cuts himself in the palm of his right hand and holds the wound towards Kalliope as the dagger dissolved into nothingness.

  “Healing with water magic works similarly. You will gather water like I told you before. Now However you will also include some of your own Mana, putting it inside of the water. Then you slowly let it fly towards me. As it hits me you will infuse a little bit of Mana, a gentle amount, and think about something positive while doing it. It will help you find the right amount.”, Arkevh explains.

  Slowly Kalliope gathers the water. With her right hand as an anchor she lets the water fly towards Arkevh touching his hand. Nothing happens until she thinks about the Guild, the place that gave her a new home in which she felt welcome. Saving her from Karsa, motivating Kalliope to finally beat her. She loses herself in the thought and comes back to Karsa. That devil, she still was out there and she would cause Pain again. Maybe not to her but to others, to get her selfish goals done. She needed to put an end to her terror.

  Arkevh could feel an increase in Mana in the water that washed around his palm, too much. Quickly he puts his hand away from the water, in surprise Kalliope stops the Anchor and the water falls back to the Pond.

  “What interrupted you?”, Arkevh asks and looks at his hand. Kalliope had stopped the bleeding but the regeneration was cancelled midway.

  “I got carried away, I’m sorry.”, Kalliope explains and looks down the pond.

  “Don’t worry you made great progress, you know the basics now. A bit more training and you will do fine. Just focus on only one good memory”, Arkevh smiles at her.

  “I appreciate that.”, She explains sad and starts to leave the water, followed by Arkevh who joins Craftol and Trisor at the fireplace a bit later.

  “Since we are all together now and we have the time, how are we continuing?”, Craftol asks in the group.

  “Well we are close to Helgria's Border aren’t we?”, Arkevh asks.

  “Indeed we will come towards the border Patrol Wandilt soon”, Trisor explains.

  Arkevh considered for a while.

  “Good we can maybe stop Donovan from there.”, Arkevh explains.

  “How so?”, Craftol asks interested.

  “On the Border patrol they have Griffons fast moving Kings of the skies. We can send a letter with them towards the King to close the Border on the Mountain pass. Maybe we do it fast enough and stop Donovan from reaching the Church.”, Arkevh explains.

  “Are you sure he is going to the church though? He could have lied to you again?”, Craftol reminds his friend.

  “You are right but it’s better than doing nothing, maybe the Kings guard can capture him, maybe Karsa is with him too now?”, Arkevh theorizes.

  “Whatever it is, we should focus on the task ahead. We will be arriving in Enshire three days before the theater, in which Carwitz and Garwin will probably be at. How we capture Garwin is something else entirely though.”, Trisor explains.

  Craftol takes out the four noble tickets for the theater, the King gave them before they departed. A carrier Pigeon arrived one day before they traveled from Helgria to the edge of the forest.

  “Well that Carwitz will probably go towards the buffet afterwards, we would have the cover to do something. Maybe we can even poison their food with sleeping herbs.”, Craftol theorizes.

  “That is actually not that far off a plan. There is a black market in Enshire, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have, what you are seeking.” Kalliope comments.

  “And I can take the form of a cook.”, Trisor adds.

  “So we have a rough plan of what we want to do?”, Arkevh asks

  “I wouldn’t be so sure for now, the circumstances could change but if not then we have a good basis to go by. Also the Black market brings me back to something.”, Trisor answers.

  “Kalliope, I’m here primarily to kick Garwin's arse but also get rid of Nash, you know why.”, Trisor explains seriously.

  Kalliope waits for a while but then nods.

  “I Understand, he still has Lady Fira hostage and should not be underestimated.”, Kalliope agrees.

  “Indeed, that Bastard is crazy. And someone who followed Karsa before Veleno. He also might have left with Karsa to somewhere. However I fear for Lady Firas' well-being. I want to know if she is still alive and that Nash has been taken out.”, Trisor explains himself.

  “I remember that Kalliope talked about Nash shortly. What makes him so dangerous?”, Arkevh reminds himself.

  “What doesn’t?”, Trisor answers.

  “That guy is crazy as I said. However god also decided to bestow him with a great potential of magic. His earth magic is destructive and could cause little Earthquakes and potentially more if he gets angry enough. Then he is also strong without magic, a mountain of muscles.” Trisor explains.

  “Talking about God given powers. Where did Veleno get that trinket from, I assume Karsa but how does she have something like that?”, Arkevh starts to sound serious.

  “I Understand that you don’t like this form of magic but honestly, I can not tell you. Karsa has awful items, thanks to her age and that she has traveled over all of Ljus by now.” Trisor tells Arkevh and looks towards the Moon.

  “Hey Kalliope i have an idea.”, Arkevh exclaims as he sees Trisor watching towards the Moon, pulling out the Lunar flower out of his mantle.

  It started to glow under the light of the Moon again.

  “Maybe this Lunar flower can remind you of better times, the times where your compass got disconnected.”, Arkevh explains and gives her the flower.

  "Do you think this will work?", she asked unsure.

  "One way to find it out." Full of excitement he stands up and goes close to the Water followed by Kalliope.

  As both of them stood close she tried out her new learned magic once again and it worked.

  With the Lunar flower in her hands she created another line of water that slowly made its way towards Arkevh's hand. Arkevh could feel a warm touch, even though the pond's water was ice cold, a sign Kalliope used the right amount of Mana. Her Eyes closed and she focused her energy, healing Arkevh's wound in the process.

  As she opened her eyes they smiled at each other. With that flower she successfully was able to use the Water magic for healing. She needed to. The Duchy of Carwitz held more dangers than the companions could think about.