The Dragon Prince - Marked

Part 45

"Well so much for the original plan of keeping it all a secret." Chaucer whispered to Tianna as they sat in the throne room while Amaya, Ezran, and Ghia were going over all that happened. Rayla had just left with Astoria and everyone was starting to believe that it was better that way.

"You can't expect me to sit by while Adonis is out there somewhere." Gren spoke, translating Amaya's gestures.

"Yes, he's out there, but we don't know where or how to find him." Ghia responded.

"Well how did you find Callum after the fight?" Ezran asked.

"I didn't, I teleported him away."

"Wait, you were here?" Gren asked, not needing to look at Amaya's hands.

"Yes, I was. I've been tracking Adonis for the last few years. When we traced his jump to the castle, we rushed here." Ghia informed.

"What do you mean by jump?" Claudia asked, stepping from behind Ezran.

"Teleportation. Adonis is one of the best teleportation users. I had to sacrifice my leg for enough energy to stop Callum's spell and teleport him, yet Adonis is able to teleport and cast other spells with ease. He keeps an excess of energy in the staff he carries." Ghia spoke. There was silence as Amaya signed something for Gren to say.

"You said you've been tracking him for years. What exactly have you been tracking?"

"Dark magic and primal magic use different forms of power. Primal calls upon nature while dark magic abuses it. It's the difference between asking for something and forcefully taking it. In order for Adonis to use the spells he does, he requires a lot of energy. The easiest way to collect the mass amount he'd need; he decimates small villages. Killing the villagers and taking their souls as power." An overwhelmingly ominous silence filled the air as everyone took in what that meant. Gren was the first to speak.

"So, he's been using the war as cover for all the death."

"Precisely. And he never follows a pattern. We tried forming possible paths, but when we think we're close, he appears on the other side of the continent."

"How exactly do you know it's him and not raiders?" Claudia asked.

"Well, we have our people spread out all over, and when news spreads of an attack, someone checks it out. When Adonis attacks a village, there is a clear method he uses. The village will be surrounded by charred earth. He uses fire to trap the people. Then he gathers them in the town square. That's where the bodies are found. Sometimes it's messy, trying to throw off any trackers. In that case, we run a detection spell. Teleportation magic leaves a distinct magic signature. If teleportation was used, we know."

"What could one mage possibly need with all that energy." Ezran asked.

"Adonis wants to rule the world. With enough power, any king could be tricked into being a puppet. Use the king and his army to conquer other lands, and when he's at the height of his power, take over and solidify his rule. To ensure we know if he tries that, I have people in every castle and kingdom."

"Who do you have here?" Claudia asked.

"I'm not all that worried about Ezran but just as a precausion...... your chef. William Hendrickson."

"That's how he knew of Rayla and Callum's bond." Astoria spoke, entering through the doors.

"Back already?" Ezran asked.

"Yes. I figured it be best since Rayla probably doesn't want me around."

"Really? Can't possibly imagine why." Chaucer said sarcastically.

"I stand by my decision Chaucer. I may have known Callum lived, but what life would it be if he was in a coma. The spell he used should have killed him so there was no telling what damage it already did. I had to be sure the kingdom could still function without him. I will take whatever hatred I deserve. But I would do it again."

"You watched us all grieve. Callum was family and you watched as we suffered. You saw what it did to Rayla, you were the reason she was in that state. You know, I think you should make the plan to attack Adonis. If this is the kind of things you'd do to the people who call you family, then I can't wait to see what you'd do to an enemy." Chaucer spoke as he stood up. Quickly leaving the room, Tianna was quick to follow. Once again, the room was filled with silence. After a few moments, Gren spoke up.

"I think we'll call it there for the day. A lot has happened, and we all need tie to process it. Claudia, have a maid prepare a room for Ghia, and get one to show her around. We'll come back to this topic tomorrow."