The Crown's Fire - Chapter 262

Chapter 262: In Riddles
Katelina and Ezekiel woke up early, eager to prepare for their journey with Kasper. Katelina felt a flutter of excitement in her chest; this would be her first time visiting the Antlia Continent.

“Ready?” Kasper asked as he approached them.

“Yes, let’s go,” Ezekiel replied.

They walked to a small clearing where Kasper created a shimmering portal. The air around them buzzed with anticipation. Kasper would accompany them as their guide to the market.

Upon Kasper’s lead, Katelina and Ezekiel stepped through the portal and found themselves in a dimly lit alley. “Follow me,” Kasper hummed. Ezekiel held Katelina’s hand as they trailed behind Kasper, who soon guided them out of the dim alley and into the bustling day market.

The market was alive with vibrant colors and a cacophony of sounds. Vendors called out to potential customers, showcasing an array of exotic fruits, spices, and trinkets. The air was filled with the rich aroma of fresh produce and street food.

“This place is incredible,” Katelina whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

Ezekiel smiled, squeezing her hand. “It certainly is. Let’s find that dragon fruit.”

Kasper led them through the maze of stalls, expertly navigating the crowded market. He finally stopped in front of a vendor with a dazzling display of fruits. “Here we are,” he announced. “The best dragon fruit in Antlia.”

Katelina and Ezekiel marveled at the bright pink fruits piled high on the vendor’s table. They knew they had found what they were looking for.

As Katelina and Ezekiel marveled at the dragon fruits, the vendor, a cheerful woman with a warm smile, greeted them. “Ah, newcomers! You have a good eye. These are the finest dragon fruits in all of Antlia. Would you like to try one?”

Katelina nodded eagerly. The vendor selected a ripe fruit, sliced it open, and handed them each a piece. The vibrant, speckled flesh was sweet and refreshing.

“This is delicious,” Katelina exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

Ezekiel agreed, “We’ll take a few.”

As the vendor packed their purchase, Kasper suggested, “While we’re here, you should explore a bit more. Antlia has many hidden treasures.”

They continued through the market, encountering various intriguing sights. An elderly man demonstrated intricate glassblowing techniques, creating delicate figurines. Katelina was captivated, watching the glass transform under the man’s skilled hands.

Further along, they came across a spice merchant whose stall was filled with colorful jars and bags. The intoxicating blend of scents drew them in. “Care to sample some spices?” the merchant asked, offering small dishes of exotic blends.

Katelina tried one and his eyes widened. “This would add amazing flavor to our meals.”

Ezekiel laughed. “We’re taking some.”

Next, they found a stall with beautifully woven fabrics. Katelina ran her fingers over the soft materials, admiring the intricate patterns. “These are lovely,” she said.

The weaver, a young woman with a shy smile, explained, “Each piece tells a story. This one, for example, represents the unity of the four seasons.”

Katelina selected a vibrant scarf. “I’ll take this one.”

As they continued to explore, they stumbled upon a small performance by street musicians. The lively tunes filled the air, and a few people danced joyfully. Katelina couldn’t resist joining in, pulling Ezekiel along with her. They laughed and danced, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

After a while, they took a break at a quaint tea stall. The owner served them fragrant cups of herbal tea, and they sat on a bench, watching the market buzz around them. “This place is truly magical,” Katelina sighed contentedly.

Ezekiel nodded. “I’m glad we came. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Kasper smiled, pleased to see them so happy. “Antlia has a way of enchanting its visitors.”

They were on their way back to the portal when an old woman suddenly blocked their path. Her eyes were sharp and her posture commanding despite her age. She had a frown as she spoke in Antlia’s ancient language, her voice carrying a mysterious tone.

“Your life is in danger,” she warned.

Katelina and Ezekiel exchanged wary glances. Kasper, familiar with the Antlia ancient language, translated, “She says your life is in danger.”

The old woman continued, her words flowing like a cryptic melody. “The serpent beneath the waves stirs, seeking vengeance for the fire that scorched its home. Beware the dragon with two heads, for one speaks the truth while the other lies. The path to safety lies in the heart of the storm, where lightning dances and thunder sings.”

Katelina frowned, trying to make sense of the riddle. “What does she mean, Kasper?”

Kasper shook his head slowly. “It’s hard to tell. The Antlia people often speak in riddles and prophecies. But it seems she’s warning you about a specific danger related to a serpent and a dragon.”

The old woman reached into her robe and pulled out a small, intricately carved amulet, pressing it into Katelina’s hand. “This will guide you,” she said in the common tongue, her eyes locking onto Katelina’s with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. “When the time comes, you will know what to do.”

Before they could ask any more questions, the old woman turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving them with more questions than answers.

“We should be cautious,” Ezekiel said, squeezing Katelina’s hand reassuringly. “Let’s get back and figure out what this all means.”

They resumed their way back to the dim alley. Back at the portal, Kasper opened the shimmering gateway. “We need to discuss this with the others,” he said, his tone serious. “This prophecy could be crucial.”

As they stepped through the portal and returned to their camp, the warmth and excitement of their day in Antlia were overshadowed by the old woman’s ominous words. Katelina could feel Ezekiel’s weariness through their bond.

She squeezed his hand, drawing his attention. He turned to look at her and she smiled at him and winked. “Don’t worry. It’s just a warning. I’ll definitely solve this riddle, no matter what. Also, remember Levi’s vision? I’ll have a baby bump, and you promised him that you’d make sure that vision comes true. We can do this together.”

Ezekiel’s tense expression softened at her words. He pulled her into a brief, comforting embrace. “You’re right. We’ve faced worse and come out stronger. We’ll handle this too.”

As they walked back to their tent, Kasper’s voice interrupted their thoughts. “I’ll have someone sketch the old woman’s face. I’ll come back to Antlia and search for her to find more clues,” Kasper commented and Ezekiel nodded. “Thank you, Kasper.”

Ezekiel then quickly led Katelina back inside their tent. Once inside, Katelina looked at the amulet on her palm and murmured, “She said this would guide me. But I need to figure out how.”

*****

In a secluded area in the wilderness outside Ebodia’s borders, Floria finally opened her eyes after nearly a day of meditation. A wide smile spread across her face as she saw her Master Merlot with his black dragon Ruder, feeding it a black magic stone.

“Master… The memories are now complete. I’m ready to return to Jade Palace and take Floria’s place,” she said, smiling.

Floria Lambert, a twenty-five-year-old maiden from a noble family, was the youngest sister of Marquis Hebron of the Southeast region of Ebodia. Her family was known for their loyalty to the crown and their contributions to the kingdom’s stability.

Having just passed the civil service exam as a healer mage with flying colors, she went on vacation to relax and celebrate her achievement. During this time, Merlot managed to snatch her body as part of his backup plan.

Merlot approached her and gently caressed her bare shoulders and neck, making Floria tilt her head to give him better access. “Your return will be perfect. I heard that the king and his future queen will be back at the palace tomorrow,” he hummed with a smirk. He was about to kiss her when he abruptly pushed her away.

“Whore! You’re not my Katelina. I want her right now!”

Floria’s eyes widened at the sudden change in her master’s demeanor.

Merlot cursed, his voice filled with pain and desperation. “The potion. Inject it into me now!” he commanded, his voice trembling. Floria quickly grabbed the vial from her satchel and, without wasting any time, injected the potion into his neck. The liquid glowed briefly as it entered his bloodstream, and Merlot’s body convulsed violently before gradually calming down.

Beads of sweat formed on his trembling body. “Damn this demon!” Merlot grunted, his voice laced with venom.

“Master, will you be alright?” Floria asked, her voice filled with worry.

“I’ll be fine. The ritual to make the dragon egg mine took a toll on my inner energy, causing this demon to surface,” Merlot explained, panting.

Floria nodded, concern etched on her face. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Merlot shook his head, his breathing gradually stabilizing. “Just focus on your mission. Your return to Jade Palace is crucial. Once you’re there, we’ll proceed with the next phase of our plan.”

Floria took a deep breath, steeling herself for the task ahead. “I understand, Master. I won’t fail you.”