Chapter 97: Small Discoveries
Michael smiles at Tiffania after her success with the wand, even if it was far less impressive than anything he'd seen other spell casters do... Including Louise. Still, he needed to know what other things she knew if he was going to take her anywhere near what would quickly become a warzone. "Do you know any other spells? You know, aside from that mind erase magic." he asks.
Tiffania however just shakes her head, "Ah, no... I wasn't able to continue learning before I was hidden away, sorry." she mutters, looking quite downtrodden as she reminisces the past.
"It's alright Tiffania, all that means is you have a bit to catch up on. Here," he offers, handing her his Magical Theory Book. It didn't contain any large or impressive spells, but it'd at least be a starting point for someone who seemed to lack formal education. He was also staking a lot on her talent as a Void Mage, so if he wanted to use her Void Magic he'd need her properly educated. "I can't actually use any of the magic in this book, so it's yours." he says as she takes the book and hugs it against her large chest with wide eyes.
"T-thank you! I promise! I'll do my best to learn everything in it!" she manages to get out, her eyes moistening at the gift he'd offhandedly given to her. Michael was surprised that she had such reactions to these kinds of things, but he supposed it made sense if she was as isolated as he suspected.
He nods, "I think we should probably visit your cabin before it's burned to the ground. Grab anything of value before the villagers or guards get their hands on it." he asks, but Tiffania looks wary at his suggestion.
"W-will it be safe?" she sheepishly ask, likely knowing that their pursuers would stop at her cabin first to look for them.
Michael shrugs, "We'll probably encounter some people, but consider it experience for when we hit the town. Besides, I'll be there to protect you." he says, causing Tiffania to smile and nod. "O-okay. I trust you Michael."
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Cromwell impatiently taps the armrest of his throne while waiting for word about his slave Gandalfr and Viscount Wardes. By all accounts, Prince Wales was still flying about causing trouble for his war efforts, so they seem to have failed, yet there hadn't been any mention of capture yet... In situations like these the other party would usually demand payment for the hostages 'safe' return, unless of course, Prince Wales didn't know just how valuable Gandalfr or Viscount Wales are.
Though, if Viscount Wardes was discovered to be a traitor, he'd have likely been executed anyway... But Cromwell didn't care about that... All he wanted was his Gandalfr back!
*CreeAk!*
Cromwell's head turns towards the doors leading into the throne room where Sheffield had just walked in. "Lord, we've received word of Gandalfr, but unfortunately not Viscount Wardes."
Cromwell waves her along, "Ignore Wardes, tell me of my Gandalfr!" he commands, not noticing the slight crease of Sheffield's brow.
She clears her throat, "Earl Tatiana Baschet has sent word that someone looking exactly like Gandalfr interrupted an Elf burning, somehow bringing said Elf back to life, before escaping after killing many of her guards." she says, summing up the rather baleful letter she'd sent to the capital. Considering most thought that Gandalfr was a mindless slave under Cromwell's control, Tatiana might suspect that they were trying to get rid of her or something along that line of thinking.
Cromwell crooks a brow and rubs his face in thought, "Interrupting an elf burning, and resurrection? Strange... Do you believe her?" he asks, wanting Sheffield opinion on the matter, she was the main person who supported his rise throughout this civil war, after all, she must know something.
Sheffield nods, "Earl Baschet has no need to create tall tales my lord, either she encountered Gandalfr, or someone who looks remarkably like them, which is unlikely. I am still unsure of her claims that Gandalfr is capable of resurrection however, as he displayed no such ability when previously asked."
Cromwell sits in thought for a couple minutes before waving his hand at her, "Send a unit of Dragon Knights to search for our lost lamb, also request the towns in the area to aid the search." he pauses before standing a minute later, "Have any free Dragon Knights company me to intercept Prince Wales, Wardes' failure has shown me that this requires a personal touch." he says, rubbing the ring of Andvari with a grin.
Sheffield nods, "By your will, my lord." she says before getting up and leaving the room, still deep in thought as she relays Cromwell's orders to the Dragon Knights and messengers. The fact that Gandalfr had somehow managed to escape Cromwell's control made him far more dangerous than she'd anticipated. No doubt he'd wish revenge on her and his captors, which might be something she could bait him with?
She shakes her head, deciding to let Cromwell deal with it, for now, she knew one thing for sure however, her master had to know of these developments.
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Michael wasn't actually sure where the cave they'd stayed the night in was, but after the duo wandered for a couple hours, they encountered the North road from Westwood, giving them some idea of where they actually were.
"Hey, don't take this the wrong way, but, did you have any friends during your stay in your cabin?" Michael suddenly asks, interrupting Tiffania as she's walking while reading the book he'd gifted her.
Her expression saddens as she shakes her head, "No... The only person I had was Matilda, but I haven't seen her in so long. She's the one who'd give me food, clothes, and other things... I hope she's doing okay." she mutters.
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