004. "Cursed beings."
“You are lucky we are lenient for those that commit the worst of crimes.”
No matter what portion of the castle we were in, it was nothing short of beautiful. Only the finest of woods, stone and glass used on every object and surface. The stained glass window bathing the room in color.
I was sat at the side of a long table, sitting formally. Back straight, chest out, my hands resting in my lap. No one by my side other than the Queen at the far end of the table stretching across the room.
The council member interrogating me decided to remain standing, circling around me in his royal robe. His hands behind his back.
“I told you I wasn’t targeting anyone in the castle, it was an accident.” I said, looking down at the table. Avoiding eye contact with him and The Queen.
“Was withdrawing material you weren’t cleared for an accident? Reading it without permission? Taking unauthorized notes? What if that material got into the wrong hands?”
“I—”
“The guard you killed had a family as well you know.”
I remained silent. I knew he only wanted to dig deeper where it hurts, but...
“A mother without her husband, a child without their father… Will you tell them to their faces it was an accident during the trial?”
I closed my eyes, I didn’t want to show him my tears.
“P-please stop…” I whispered.
“What did you expect learning a spell like that even?” He walked around the long table, his voice echoed throughout the entire room.
“You are no battle mage, and we elves have kept ourselves away from war and conflict with others for hundreds of years. What is the point of your work?”
I raised my head, looking directly at him.
“I’m a researcher councilman.” I replied. “My main study is in dark magic, I am gifted with the ability to learn about it’s secrets and maybe help others. To gain a wider knowledge, I need to study and practice everything I come across. That includes spells that can do terrible things”
“Okay, and what does chaotic dark magic serve in a peaceful society? The magic of royal elves has helped build what we have now, the forest elves use their magic to maintain the forest and the land below us. What does dark magic do other than bring suffering and death?”
“That’s what I want to find out, there has to be good in dark magic.”
The councilman scoffed at my reply.
“For a researcher, you obviously didn’t study enough thinking your research would get someone killed. For all we know, maybe you aren’t gifted and are just like the other dark elves. What if this magic is corrupting your mind and wanting to enter and disrupt our peaceful society?”
“My mind is clear thank you very much, my intention is to allow dark elves to contribute to our peaceful society with their abilities that the Royals have kept forbidden.”
“My Queen, you truly support this?” He said, turning to her.
“Yes…” The Queen said, her voice was stern. Echoing all throughout the room. “If Vivian can find a way to safely allow dark elves to use their magic, I would lift the ban and allow it.”
He shook his head at her response.
“I hope you reconsider my Queen, nothing good will come of this research.” He turned to me. “Tell me Vivian… has your research found any good in dark magic?”
I sighed.
“No, not yet.” I muttered.
“and how long have you been doing this research?”
“...just under 20 years.”
“Hah!” He laughed at my weak response. “Nearly 20 years and nothing to show other than the death of a royal guard? How many more will you have to kill until you finally discover something good from this cursed art?”
“Council member Meirion, I think that is enough.” The Queen interjected.
“I’m not done!” He yelled at her.
The Queen rose from her seat and looked directly at him.
“I said, ENOUGH.” The Queen said with a raised voice, I could feel her voice echo throughout the room. “You can share your concerns at the next council meeting, this was an interrogation about Vivian’s crimes and her motives, not baseless accusations.”
She walked up to him, her hands folded in front of her as she stood over him.
“You will also treat me and my researcher with respect, understood?”
The councilman took a step back.
“Hmph, very well.” He said.
He stepped away from us, walking to the exit doors of the room. The two guards opened the doors for him, not acknowledging them as his loud steps became distant.
I took a deep breath and exhaled, looking at the Queen.
She only nodded, then looked over to the guards at the door.
“Guards, please wait outside and don’t allow anyone in unless it’s one of my advisors.”
“As you wish my Queen.” They both said in unison, walking out of the room with their spears. Closing the door behind them.
There was a short moment of silence between the two of us as the Queen sat back down in her seat.
“Thank you, mother.” I said.
The Queen sighed.
“What a mess…” she said.
I looked down at the ground, avoiding looking at her.
“I’m… truly sorry. For everything I’ve done.” I uttered.
The Queen sat her arm up on the armrest of her chair, her head resting on her hand.
“Vivian, look at me.”
I did as she said, looking at her.
“I know you made a mistake and are looking to do the right thing, but you did take someones life and it’s clear The Council wants you to cease operations, putting it kindly.”
“Kindly?”
“I fear they will kick you out of this castle. Keep you away from your research.”
“Maybe there is somewhere on the surface I can continue my studies?”
“We can’t allow that, no forbidden materials are leaving this castle. I can’t risk it. And…”
“...and?”
“It’s likely you may face banishment.”
“B-banishment!?” I stood up from my chair. “Mother, you can’t allow this!”
“Vivian, please calm down. At this point… I can only give you my full support, and hope some on the council turn the other direction at what you’ve done.”
“Do you think we should come forward to the council and tell them my connection to you?”
The Queen sighed.
“I think that would only make things worse dear… The moment they find out I have a dark elf child next to my other children, I fear there will be more resistance. You know how some are towards dark elves.”
“Cursed beings as they say?”
The Queen shook her head.
“Misunderstood, it’s why I wanted you to do this research. Like you said, I want you to find the good in dark magic. There is no good in keeping it locked away when I have the perfect researcher for the task.”
A subtle loud knock could be heard at the door and one of the royal gaurds entered.
“My Queen, Advisor Ithilian is here with an ugent message.”
“Thank you, allow her in.”
A young elf rushed in, no older than me. She gave a gentle bow and rose, adjusting her glasses from falling off.
“My Queen! It’s the council.”
“What is it?”
“They are declaring an immediate trial for your researcher!”
I slowly opened my eyes, the sun poured into the cabin through the window.
The sound of the sea could be heard out the window, the ship rocking back and fourth as it trekked across the sea.
Unfamiliar with my surroundings, I looked around.
A bunk bed… a table… the empty bottle of wine...
“Um… Cyril?"
“...”
No response.
I sat up, only to feel a major throbbing in my head.
Goddesses, too much wine last night.
I laid back down, my head falling straight into my pillow, my hands gripping my head as I felt my headache hit me.
Compared to laying on a floor for three days, the regular cabin bed felt like a luxury. Almost like I was back in my bed at the castle.
I turned my head and looked out the window.
Not even a week out at sea, and… The castle was so far gone now.
…
I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my mother as I was dragged away.
— Written by Froey. —