“Finally, I have returned,” a woman grinned as she stood before the familiar pair of large wooden doors. She took a breath and adjusted her ponytail as she prepared herself. Her flowing blonde hair bobbed behind her, ringlets bouncing behind her back as she entered the chamber. “I have arrived, your highness,” she stated as she entered the large chamber.

“Ah, Lady Ayana, at last,” her king answered. King Zerto sat in a grand chair as his nine most trusted knights sat along the long table, the tenth and final seat now filled by the returning Ayana. “With her return, we shall commence our meeting.”

“Yes, your highness,” the ten knights answered.

“To begin with, as some of you may have heard, the situation regarding the witches has deteriorated since last we met.”

“Bah,” Kergo grumbled. “That whelp has been trouble since the start. The brat just couldn’t cooperate, could he?”

“As I recall, it was your job to make sure he cooperated,” one of the younger knights heckled.

“Shut it, Morrow!” Kergo slammed his fist on the table. “Upstart brat, you think you can just say that crap?”

“Temper yourself,” Goren glared at Kergo, the bulky knight grumbling to himself. “I will say, Kergo was not at fault for that situation. The prince isolated himself giving the spell time take affect without our awareness. The witch’s further tampering was inevitable, in hindsight.”

“Excuse me, your highness,” Ayana looked to the king. “Witches? Is this in regard to Phordata to the North?”

“Ah yes,” Viren grinned. “I had forgotten you had been relegated to handling negotiations with Biosia. And as per usual, you’ve failed to do your homework before returning,” he laughed.

“Negotiating with our neighbors is a long and strenuous effort, Sir Viren. It is a worthwhile and necessary use of my time. Or, perhaps, are we still bitter over losing our last duel?” she retorted.

“Why you,” Viren gritted his teeth.

“Stop that at once,” Rald barked. “You are before our king!”

“Apologies,” Ayana nodded as Viren simply crossed his arms and grumbled. “Now if you would please explain what his highness meant.”

“Very well,” Rald nodded. “Since you left, Prince Gilbert awoke to the accursed witch’s blood he inherited from his mother and took on the form of a woman. The king sent him along with Princess Xenia and the court’s pet to the North,” Ayana clenched her fist as she heard him explain the situation. The news was shocking to say the least, she thought that the prince had been protected from such hexes. The shock aside, she felt a pit forming in her stomach from the mistreatment Mable, but there was little she could do about that.

“I see,” she said, hiding her frustration. “I take it his highness sent them there to slay Phordata, and I assume they failed then.”

“Failed could be accurate I suppose,” Rald sighed. “But it wouldn’t capture the full gravitas.”

“What do you mean?”

“What he means,” King Zerto interjected. “Is that they, as well as the Lumina Knights accompanying them, have defected and allied themselves with the witch. That blasted daughter of mine even awoke to her own magic, as did the elf.”

Ayana gripped her fist tighter as she took in the news. It was bad enough to hear that Xenia and the Prince had become witches, but to hear they had also defected… her heart began to ache. “I see,” she said, once again hiding her lament. “So, they are now our enemies.”
 “Aye,” Kergo nodded. “All have betrayed our efforts. The little whelps.”

“Which brings me to the current situation,” Zerto continued.

“The current situation sir?” Kergo raised his eyebrow.

“Yes, William has since awakened as a witch and has allied with them now as well,” he stated, shocking the knights.

“He joined them!?” Viren’s eye twitched. “That brat.”

“That is quite unfortunate to hear,” another of the younger knights, Xander, grimaced. “After all of the effort my research department did to try and keep him in check… the petulant…”

“To make matters worse,” Zerto cut him off. “It appears that they have also captured Prince Aurith as well. He and his wife, Nerivi were last seen in the midst of the witches.”

“That whelp,” a knight next to the king mumbled.

“Is there something you wish to say, Lord Arstis?” Zerto looked to his right hand man, and head knight. The man nodded, taking a deep breath.

“I simply feel shamed, my lord. My daughter is among the ones that defected,” Lord Arstis grumbled. “It appears as though I have wasted the good efforts of our kingdom to raise that impudent fool of a girl.”

“Indeed,” Zerto nodded. “Nothing like her brother,” he reflected. “That said, what do you plan to do about it, Lord Arstis?”

“As redundant it maybe to say this, if she has fallen upon such a miserable path, I shall clean my bloodline appropriately,” he coldly explained. Ayana quietly dropped her gaze. Aria. She was a good benevolent knight, one she helped teach when she was a young child. Her passion reminded her of how she was as a child, the young girl always eager to listen to her stories of being a knight. Strong willed, benevolent, and eager to serve her kingdom. And yet she had also been swayed? Why? But the largest question perhaps was her own father’s ambivalence toward her fate. It nearly caused her to tremble it seemed so hideous. Did he truly think so lowly of his daughter? Of his family? As she toiled in her thoughts, she began to lose track of the ongoing conversations and plans of the council, only lingering on her laments.

“Well, if that’s all there is to discuss,” another of the younger knights rose from his seat, his long dark hair lazily tumbling over his shoulder. “I really should get back to the infirmary. We have some soldiers who have been afflicted by a pair of rampant succubi. Xander, could I ask for your assistance?”

“Of course, Sir Erick, I imagine you’ll need some assistance removing their charms,” Xander nodded, as he scratched his dark short hair. “What a mess.”

“I see,” Zerto arched his hands in contemplation. “Trull,” he looked to a masked knight, the youngest of the group, as their loose dark hair tumbling around their blank white mask. “Investigate these succubi. Once you’ve learned of the situation, report immediately to me,” the knight silently nodded. “As for the rest of you, you are dismissed. Save for you, Lady Ayana. I would like a word.”

“Of course, your highness,” she responded as the other knights headed out of the room. “What did you wish to discuss, my king?”

“You are conflicted about this situation, are you not,” he looked to her suspiciously. She sighed.

“You are correct, your highness,” she admitted. “Those children, I’ve watched over each of them since they were young. The thought of having to fight them, especially Xenia and Aria…” she sighed. “It is quite the unpleasant idea.”

“As I thought,” Zerto commented. “But you would do well to remember what happened to the late princess… to my sister,” Ayana quivered as the memory sparked in her. “I will remind you that she met her end at the hands of the witches she sought to protect. Just as they took him away as well,” Ayana grimaced at the reminder.

“I know your highness. The princess vowed to defend them, and they only repaid her by taking her life. It was a dark day for all of us who served her,” she lamented. “If it were not for your actions, the Lumina Knights may have fallen apart, then and there.”

“Precisely,” Zerto nodded. “Which is why you must steel your resolve,” he commented. “Palatable or not, you must steel your resolve, just as Arstis has to stop his treacherous daughter. You would do well to remember that.”

“Of course, your highness,” Ayana bowed.

“Very good,” Zerto acknowledged. “You are dismissed,” she quietly left the chamber as the king stared upon her back, his lips lifting ever so slightly.

Ayana sighed again as she left the council room, closing the doors behind her. It had been a long time since she felt like this, the intense desire to cry filling her up. She pushed it aside and proceeded down the hall.

“Lady Ayana, is that you?” a familiar voice called to her as a kind looking maid approached.

“Ciri,” Ayana looked to the approaching maid.

“It has been some time, my lady. How have you been?” Ciri bowed.

“I could be better,” Ayana sighed.

“You seem troubled. Is something the matter?”

Ayana shook her head. “No, nothing is wrong. I simply have to resolve myself for an upcoming battle is all.”

“Upcoming battle?” Ciri repeated.

“It is nothing you have to worry about,” Ayana returned with a small smile. “I do wish I had her highness’s guidance right now though,” she admitted. “Even now, I still find myself missing her.”

Ciri chuckled. “She was quite the woman. Always rather breathtaking, was she not? So sheltered, yet so open minded. It did not matter who it was, she always tried to see the best in of those around her.”

“Y-yes,” Ayana nodded. “Princess Veria was an incredible person.”

“She helped you a lot too, didn’t she?”

“Yes, she did,” Ayana nodded. “She believed in my sister and I when no one else did.”

“I believe it’s important to carry that spirit with me, even now. Believing in others like she once did. I think that’s what she would want,” Ciri smiled.

“Yes, you may be right,” Ayana nodded, yet avoiding Ciri’s eyes.

“Speaking of Helena, how is she?” Ciri asked.

“Helena,” Ayana’s voice drifted away. “She’s still beside herself with worry for her daughter, I imagine,” her expression sank further.

“For Aria?” Ciri questioned.

“Yes,” Ayana confirmed. “You know she was hesitant to let her join the knights, especially after what happened to her,” she frowned. “Ever since… we lost her.”

“I see,” Ciri frowned. “It took quite the toll upon her. I am glad you two seem to be on better terms. After her highness passed away, you two were practically at each other’s throats.”

“That’s true,” Ayana chuckled then frowned. “In all honesty, I still don’t understand it. Why did she throw everything away?”

“Was it not the passing of her highness?” Ciri questioned.

“No, Helena, she… ever since that battle, she’s only asked more and more questions. The king, her purpose, even her loyalty,” she frowned. “What happened back then? I still don’t understand.”

“Even so, it sounds like things are better between you two now,” Ciri smiled. “You two have finally been speaking again from what I hear.”

“We are,” Ayana nodded, “We’re much better now that she understands my position and resolve now,” she forced a smile. “At any rate, I must go for now. I still must unload my belongings after all,” she explained. “Good night, Ciri.”

“Good night, Ayana,” Ciri bowed as the knightess passed her. She sighed as she vanished into the distance. “You have gotten rather convincing with your lies,” she quietly chuckled. “Alas, I can still see how much doubt is building within you, my friend,” she sighed. “I hope her wisdom will guide you down the right path.”

* * *

Ciri brought a pair of scissors to the plant before her, trimming the overgrown branches. It was a regular procedure for her, even akin to a ritual, one which she conducted long after its purpose had disappeared. She recalled the gentle days when her sister helped her care for these gardens. It was a great passion of hers, and something she strived for to inspire joy in their master, Princess Veria. The princess adored the garden, and it was her effort and fascination for botany that allowed the once unimpressive courtyard to flourish into the marvel it was now. It was rather fascinating to her that King Zerto allowed its further care after the princess departed from their lives. He said it was to honor her memory, although the maid believed it more likely to be an attempt to maintain the favor of the nobles who praised it so frequently.

She wished she could share it with them again. The princess was reportedly killed in an accident outside of Gelin, a collection of angry witches killing her seeking vengeance for the fall of their country. Her sister was with her, and met the same fate. Ciri sighed as she snipped another rose. It was beautiful, but its edges were beginning to grow wild. And the way it had grown caused it to protrude from the bush, becoming a potential risk of pricking a passerby with its thorns. She took a small whiff, enjoying the scent of the flower before putting it into the basket.

“Wow, it’s all so beautiful,” an eager girlish voice cooed behind her. Ciri turned towards the voice, a young brunet in a traveler’s robe approaching the garden. Judging from her appearance and the time of day, it seemed most likely that the girl was a passing merchant, making their evening rounds before returning to town, likely preparing to leave for Gelin the following day. It was a rather common occurrence, especially with the common orders of fertilizer and magical batteries for magitech to assist farmers, blacksmiths and the like. Although, she did not recognize this girl’s particular face. Perhaps she was simply a new recruit?

“Good evening,” Ciri greeted the young woman.

“Good evening,” the girl replied. “The flowers in the garden certainly smell nice, don’t they?”

Ciri blinked and then grinned. “Of course, they are the pride of the castle. The flowers we grow are the mightiest in the land. They are a testament to our late Princess Veria.”

“That’s what everyone says,” The merchant nodded. “I have… er, had a friend who seemed rather inspired by them. I didn’t really understand what she was talking about back then, but now I can tell, they’re really quite enchanting, bewitching even.”

“I apologize,” Ciri looked at the woman analytically, “but I don’t believe I caught your name before.”

“My name is Hannah,” the merchant reached her hand out.

“Hannah? A charming name,” she chuckled. “If you are so interested in our flowers, would you care for some of the seeds? It is always nice to see them grow elsewhere.”

“Gladly. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at gardening,” Hannah laughed, Ciri handing her an envelope.

“Tell me, do you have someone to teach you?”

“Of course. She has quite the green thumb,” Hannah giggled.

“Hannah!” another merchant called. “We’re ready to head off.”

“Roger!” Hannah answered. “Have a good one, ma’am!”

“Safe travels,” Ciri waved as Hannah mounted the carriage and began to depart the castle.

“Ready to set off?” the merchant asked. Hannah nodded. “Then get in. We gotta make it to town before night falls,” he ordered as the other merchants gathered back to the carriage, before finally pulling away. “Gotta say, you’ve been a big help today,” the merchant grinned as the castle pulled away into the distance. “Remind me to cover for your dinner tonight.”

“S-sure,” Hannah responded. She looked into the head merchant’s eye, a pink glimmer glittering in his eye. She quietly gulped and ran back through the plan, before getting up from her seat.

“Hmm? Where you going?” the man asked.

“Just thirsty is all. I was thinking of giving water to everyone while I’m at it,” she responded.

“I see,” the merchant grinned. “Thanks, Hannah.”

She passed by the other merchants, noticing the glitter in each of their eyes, and her name on their lips. She made her way to the large container of water and opened its lid, staring into the reflective pool. She secretly pulled out a vial from her jacket. “Just add the medicine and it should undo the charm,” she repeated to herself. She added the glowing purple liquid, allowing it to quickly dissipate into the water. She filled several cups with water, one for each of her comrades before going about to distribute them. Each one accepted the glasses with excitement, more than one making a comment that sent a shiver down her back. “Cheers to a good day of work! Enjoy everyone,” she said, holding a glass up.

“Cheers,” the others declared before taking a sip, Hannah surprised by their excitement over simple water. But she was perhaps more taken aback by their sudden shift in attitude. The carriage grew quiet as each person seemed to grow more placid. The pink glitter in their began to dull followed by a quiet fog filling them instead.

Hannah took a deep breath as the driver seemed to instinctively slow the carriage down, allowing her to safely jump off. She looked to the carriage as it carried on further down the road and sighed before vanishing into the woods surrounding her. She quietly proceeded through the woods pulling out a glowing wooden amulet, which seemed to glow in a particular direction.

“Good job,” a voice eventually welcomed her. Hannah entered what seemed to be a dome made of branches, Abbysia welcoming her with a smile. “How did it go?”

“It was just like you all said,” she smiled. “The guards didn’t seem to suspect a thing, and the potion worked just like you said it would. But are they really going to forget about tonight?”

“I’m glad it went well,” Noire smiled. “And don’t worry. The potion wipes short term memories from while they’re charmed. They probably already snapped out of it and don’t even realize they had an additional partner this evening. That aside, did you learn anything?”

“To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what I was supposed to do,” she admitted. “The maid you mentioned just seemed to take control of the situation,” she frowned. “Sorry, I know you wanted me to ask her some questions, but I guess I kinda froze up.”

“It’s alright,” Phordata sighed as she tended to the branches. “Did she say anything?”

“Not say, no,” Hannah shook her head. “But she did give me this envelope of seeds. She said it was from the garden.”

“What does that mean?” Abbysia frowned.

“Sorry, I should’ve been more assertive,” Hannah shook her head. “I froze up… just like last time.”

“It’s no issue,” Phordata patted her head. “May I see the envelope?”

“Oh, sure,” Hannah handed the envelope to Phordata.

“By the way,” Noire looked at Hannah. “Does that mean the charm was effective?”

“Very,” Hannah grimaced. “They started hitting on me toward the end there. It’s unsettling enough having men act like that with me, but older guys like that is just creepy,” she rubbed her arms anxiously.

“Sorry,” Abbysia sighed. “I suppose the charm spell was a little more effective than expected.”

“I’m sorry we put you in that situation,” Noire bowed. “Especially for such little reward.”

“Not quite,” Phordata noted, confusing the others. “You all may not know this, but the previous princess of the land, that fiend’s sister had a pretty good relationship with the witches of Ethnerta, and much of the castle staff, particularly the maids, were taught by her, and are still loyal to her ways,” she flipped through some pages. “That maid must’ve been suspecting that someone would reach out to her like this, because this letter has some pretty detailed notes about everything that’s happening at the castle.”

“Really? Like what?” Hannah asked.

“Well, for one, just as we suspected, they’re preparing for war,” she grimaced. “Their liaison with the church, Xander, has even contacted the church and has begun gathering witchbanes.”

“Witchbanes?” Hannah repeated.

“It’s a type of enchanted weapon the church created a few decades ago,” Noire said gloomily. “It was the weapon that turned the tide against Ethnerta. But don’t let the name mislead you, it would be rather harmful to demons like Abbysia and I too.”

“You mean they’re going to try to use them against all of you?” Hannah asked. “Does the king really intend to kill his own daughters?” she began to slump. “Just because they chose a path different from what he wanted?”

“Saya and the others are convinced of that,” Abbysia explained. “I don’t know him myself, but everything they’ve said certainly seems to imply that they believe he would.”

“It’s actually worse than that,” Phordata sighed.

“In what way?” Noire questioned.

“The witchbanes do more than harm witches,” Phordata gripped her head. “It can sever the flow of mana too. Witches can heal from that over time, but like Noire said, they do more than harm just witches. And its more than demons too, or even any magical being. It can harm the earth itself. Sever the flow of mana in the land, preventing it from nurturing it. Crops wither and die. Even other forms of life, people included, can find their flow of mana disrupted, dying from it. And if this letter is correct, he plans to use them when we stand against him.”

“But wait, won’t that mean the people of Luxur will suffer as well?” Hannah looked at Phordata pleadingly, hoping for an answer, any answer to contradict her.

“I’m sorry Hannah, but it seems evident now that he doesn’t care about the safety and health of his people,” Phordata frowned.

“But my family… mom… dad…” Hannah’s voice began to shake.

“We’re going to do everything we can to stop him,” Noire comforted her.

“Yeah,” Abbysia gave her a gentle smile. “Now that we know what he’s willing to do, we can find a way to stop him. Right Phordata?”

“Indeed,” Phordata nodded. “In fact, from what Xenia said in her last message, I think she may be close to finding an answer to this, so don’t give up hope, Hannah.”

“O-okay,” Hannah nodded.

* * *

“So, this is the place, captain?” a blonde knight asked, a silver chain shining in her hair.

“It would appear so,” Xenia said as she patted her horse, Bella. The mare shook, shadowy embers floating off her mane as she whinnied in pleasure. “Fiona, I ask that you and the others prepare to make camp out here, while I go to speak with them.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea ma’am?” another knight asked as she dragged her hand through her rose gold hair. “No offense, but should you really be going alone?”

“I have to agree with my sister, ma’am,” the knight’s blonde sister commented. “You may be stronger with your witchcraft now, but if something goes wrong…”

“Rosa, Cordelia,” Mable looked to them. “I understand what you’re saying, and believe me, I don’t want her to go alone either, but if a big group of us go up there, it may intimidate them. Given the circumstances, they may see that as reason to escalate, when all we want to do is talk.”

“I suppose,” Rosa sighed.

“It is alright,” Fiona grinned. “Xenia would not do this if she did not think she would be safe.”

“Thank you, Fiona, Mable,” Xenia gave a gentle smile, the three knights looking at her in surprise before relaxing and smiling back before the three set out to perform their roles.

Mable approached Xenia’s side, her dark wings wrapping around the princess. “I know I just said that I respect your decision, but I really wish you’d at least take me.”

“I’m sorry, Mable,” Xenia said, looking into her gentle blue eyes. She held the elven beauty’s teal hair in her dark gloved hands and brought them to her cheek. “But I need to do this alone. I don’t know what kind of position she’s in. That man… Zerto, he caused her so much harm. I need to show her I’m here for her and that I want to help.”

“You know this isn’t the only way to do that, right?” Mable frowned.

“I know,” Xenia nodded, “but this… this is my way of showing it.”

Mable sighed. “I swear, awakening made you impossible to dissuade. It’s so hard to argue when you’re so honest like this,” she pouted. “Just be safe, okay?”

“Of course,” she kissed Mable, the girl flinching for a moment before she began to ease, her wings standing on end in exhilaration. As they pulled away, Mable looked to Xenia, her now crimson eyes looking at her with adoration. “You will get more when I get back.”

“Promise?” Mable’s slender tail wiggled excitedly.

“Promise.”

“Okay, then,” Mable nodded. “Good luck out there,” she smiled.

“Thank you,” Xenia smiled back. She took one last adoring look upon Mable before setting out, marching up the steep hill to the countryside villa. It was a quaint place. Sizable, pleasant, yet so isolated, nary even a road reaching the quiet home. She looked upon the peach brick of the building and took a deep breath as she made her final approach, passing a sign that read Berry Manor. She came to the door, finding a round door knocker with what seemed to be a symbol made of vines etched into it. She eyed it with curiosity. It appeared to be a type of magic circle, although she could not figure out why it was here. She finally chose to disregard her curiosity and use it for its obvious purpose and used it to bang upon the door.

Several minutes passed, the knightly witch crossing her arms as her patience ran thin until finally a sound came from the door. The door creaked open revealing a perplexed looking maid who looked upon her curiously as she timidly hid behind the partially open door. In some ways she appeared to be quite young, yet in others she bore considerable age. She was at least the age of the king, perhaps even older. It amazed Xenia that she managed to maintain a youthful spark, especially considering the circumstances. “May I help you?” she asked.

“Yes, I am looking for the lady of the house,” Xenia explained.

“The lady?” the maid asked. “I’m sorry, do you have an appointment? She’s quite the busy person,” she noted, a slight edge to her voice.

Xenia looked her in the eye and gave a gentle smile. “It is okay. You can be at ease. I am not here to make trouble. There is no need to grip that sword so closely.”

The maid’s eyes narrowed with fierce energy, her soft visage sharpening with righteous resolve. “Who are you?” the maid asked.

“Please, I do not want…”

“I said, who are you!?” the maid snapped, her sword coming to her side, readying for action.

“Please, calm down, I…”

“I will calm down when you tell me what you are doing here!” the maid glared at her. “Now, who…”

“That is enough, Lita,” another woman’s voice interrupted the maid backing away revealing another woman of similar age, yet baring a similar youthful vibrance. Her long blonde hair was well maintained in an elegant braid that rested neatly on the shining carpet of her remaining hair. Her green eyes seemed as beautiful as they were decisive. Although she bore some wrinkles, they seemed undercut by the elegant energy she seemed to innately exude, stunning the young princess in her presence. “You were asking for me?” the woman’s voice snapped Xenia back to reality.

“You are the lady of this place?” Xenia asked.

“I am,” the woman confirmed. Xenia nodded before she began tightening, pulling her wits upon herself as she stared the woman down, forming the inexplicable words she needed to ask.

“Tell me,” Xenia looked intensely at the woman, “were you once a princess of Luxur?”

“Now that is quite unexpected,” the woman blinked confusedly. “I was under the impression that my brother declared that I was killed. I did not expect someone, particularly one so young, to know of me, much less to seek me out.”

“Yes, he has,” Xenia confirmed. “I learned that you were still alive from Rosaria, the fallen Queen of Witches.” The woman’s face lit up with shock, her lips beginning to raise with fascination. “I met with her spirit, and she told me to seek you out.”

“My, you simply get more and more interesting,” she chuckled. “However, you find me at a disparity here. You know who I am, but I do not know who you are. Who is it that comes seeking my help, exactly?”

Xenia nodded. “My name is Xenia Val Floroma, your highness. I am the daughter of Elesa Floroma and the King of Luxur, Zerto Aurelo. In other words. I have come seeking your aid in deposing my father. Would you be willing to help us, Aunt Veria?” The woman grinned.

“What a surprise,” Veria chuckled again. “So, he has even alienated his own children,” her grin dropped. “I apologize, it is inappropriate of me to take satisfaction at seeing him betrayed like this. I can only imagine the plight he has brought to you.”

“It is alright,” Xenia gave a gentle smile. “In all honesty, the bittersweet feeling is mutual. I am glad to know we are not alone, although the reasons are rather unfortunate,” she sighed. “Regardless, should I consider that a yes?”

“Very much so,” Veria nodded. “However, there is someone I would like to find first.”

“Someone you would like to find?” Xenia questioned.

“There was a Lumina Knight who was beginning to question her resolve before my murder was staged,” Veria explained. “I doubt that she remained with the knights. I suspect she would be a valuable ally.”

“A former Lumina Knight?” Xenia considered. “I think I know precisely who you are referring to.”