Singularity

Credos castle was all but quiet. As Domascus waited for word from Avalon, he paced and muttered curses under his breath. His father stood there watching him as his patience wore thin.

“I don’t know why in the hell I listened to you.” Domascus grumbled.

“This was the stupidest idea you ever could have come up with. I should have went myself.” He continued to pace.

“You had no idea what you would be walking into. You won’t do her any good if you get captured.” His father replied.

“I know,” Domascus nearly shouted. “It’s just frustrating.”

“You love her.” His father stated.

Domascus looked shocked for a moment as the thought settled in. Before he could reply they were interrupted by the messenger returning from Avalon. The man bowed quickly before speaking.

“I met with the queen.” The man stated.

“Tell me exactly what she said.” Domascus demanded.

“She said that Avalon was bound to a set of rules and that she was bound by that. But if we filed the proper documentation she would be free to proceed with trade negotiations.” The man replied.

“Are you certain that was all of it?” Domascus insisted.

“Wait, no, you’re right. She said find the documents. The man that stood with her corrected it.” He replied.

“Thank you, you’re excused.” Domascus stated.

“You’re welcome sir.” The man left swiftly.

Domascus returned to pacing as he thought about the words he was provided with. Kira was trying to tell him something. But what was it?

“Shit,” He said as he put it together.

“What is it son?” His father asked.

“It was a code father. She’s been bound to Avalon and her magic is gone. The son of a bitch. He’s going to kill her and he doesn’t even know it. She can’t live without her power.” Domascus replied.

“Shit,” His father replied.

“I’ve got to go to her. I need to find out exactly how she was bound so I can break it and get her out of there.” Domascus stated.

“Be careful son.” His father urged. “You’re no good to anyone if they catch you.”

“I understand.” He grabbed his sword and slipped it on. “I’ll be quick father.”

Domascus disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. He aimed for the back corner of the library knowing he wouldn’t be seen appearing in there. He peered out from behind the book case and was nearly brought to tears.

“Kira,” He whispered.

She looked up and smiled, “I knew you would come.”

He rushed over to her intending to hug her, “Don’t” She snapped and backed away.

“He cursed the necklace. If anyone but Michalei touches me they’ll be imprisoned instantly.” She explained.

“Dear goddess, Kira.” He started to cry. “What has he done to you?”

“It’s in a book somewhere in here. Without my powers it’s been like trying to find a needle in a haystack.” She sighed.

“I never should have let you go Kira. I’m so sorry.” He said.

“You can use your magic to call the book to you. Then you’re going to have to take it and figure out how to fix this. I’m running out of time.” She explained.

“Having your power bond for too long will kill you.” He said.

“It’s worse than that. In three days I’ll be declared a woman. That evening he intends to force me into a union with him.” Tears fell down her cheeks.

“Son of a bitch.” Domascus said as he reached out his hand.

“Come to me source of the corruption.” He demanded.

The book flew off the shelf and opened up in his hand. Domascus read the spell and his eyes went wide.

“I know this.” He replied. “I will find a way to fix this Kira. I promise you.”

“I know you will.” She smiled reassuringly. “You have to go now before anyone notices.”

“Alright,” He sighed. “Hang in there. I’ll come back for you soon.”

“I believe in you Domascus.” She smiled. “Now go, I know how you hate long goodbyes.”

Domascus smiled and held his hand out. Kira put hers as close to it as she could without risking touching him. She smiled one more time, nodded that it was alright, and watched as he vanished into the darkness. A fragile hope was better than no hope at all. She returned to the desk to wait out the afternoon alone.

Domascus appeared back in the throne room. He stormed right past his father and up the back steps to the library. His father followed carefully eyeing the book in his sons’ hands. As he began calling forth his dust covered books he looked up at his father with fear in his eyes.

“It’s worse than anything I have ever done father.” He said soberly.

“She is bound by crystal and gold to the blood of Michalei. According to what she has spoke, if anyone but her were to remove the charm it would imprison them instead.” He explained.

“By the goddess,” His father hissed. “Can you break the spell?”

“I have to. She only has three days before he forces her into a union.” He replied.

“I’ll leave you to it son. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” He replied.

“I will father, thank you.” Domascus replied.

His father left quickly leaving him to read through the endless selection of books. Domascus studied for hours, but he was almost certain after the fourth book on counter spells that he would run out of time before he came to a solution. Saddened, he rested his head on the desk. Tears filled his eyes as fear gripped his heart. It turned into anger as he swore to himself that he would resolve it. He pressed forward well into the evening under the watchful eye of his father.

For two days straight Domascus did nothing but drink coffee and read books. By the third morning his father came to him. He handed his son a cup of coffee and sat down beside him waiting for him to speak.

“Have you found your answer son?” He asked at last.

“There is no way to counter this father. There are only two solutions I can find. The first is someone would have to trade places with Kira by taking the necklace from her. She would never allow that to happen. The other is to kill Michalei. But it would have to be done before the union or he will be too powerful to stop.” He explained.

“The day is not over yet son, keep searching. You may find another way before time runs out.” His father prompted.

“I hope you’re right.” Domascus sighed.

His father smiled, “Have faith son.”

Domascus watched his father walk away. He prayed that he was right. He couldn’t bear losing her. He continued to search vigorously knowing time was growing short.