We were already in the demon forest by noon on the day after the next, and the difference in worlds couldn't be more apparent. Though we were traveling by the outskirts, the road between Cremia and Demon Forest, I saw many impossible creatures. Some I recognized, though overly exaggerated. Amongst them was a gigantic dragonfly, its wingspan equal to that of a man, floating near a frequently used pathway. Despite its imposing size, it appeared to pose no threat and was a common sight for the locals. I also encountered some people; although they appeared human, they possessed features of animals and beasts. They had metal colrs around their necks, signifying their sve status no doubt. I made a mental note to visit a sve market if I made it back.

  As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the ndscape, we prepared to set up camp once again. A group of soldiers went forth to get more supplies from a neighboring town since it's the st major human settlement we would come across.

  As the sounds of canvas being unfurled and equipment being arranged filled the air, I found myself standing at the edge of the camp, Vojnka and Mustapha by my side. We stood in silence until Vojnka broke it.

  "Why do you seek the Isle of the dark witch, your majesty"

  I looked at her, my expression asking how did she know, then she added, "I heard some soldiers talk"

  That's unfortunate. Knowing the reputation the isle holds I didn't want anyone to know yet.

  "There's something there I need"

  "No one goes there and comes back" the barbarian said. "And the kingdom needs you. You should send soldiers in your stead."

  Seeing as Mustapha wasn't stopping her, she must be conveying his thoughts.

  "I have to go" was all I could offer and there again I wondered if maybe I'm been controlled.

  ┌─────── ??? ───────┐

  Nerissa had always wanted to be close to her son, everybody knows that, but he had always hated her. He bmed her for everything ---been weak, not awakening, his father's death. Everything. Even though he was hateful, weak, useless, irresponsible, she had always wish he would open up for her for just a little bit. That didn't happen, and when her heart couldn't bear it anymore she ran.

  She was away till Gloria, the maid she gave charge to look after him, wrote her to say the king had changed. Nerissa couldn't believe it but was hopeful. She came back right away to Drakoria. Was he changed enough to forgive her? Was he changed enough to love her? She was shivering in anticipation until she looked into his eyes. It wasn't her son that stared back.

  "What did you say the problem was?" Nerissa asked Noura al-Fak, the chief alchemist in charge of the new soap Drakoria is now known for.

  They were in her garden where she seems to spend most of her time these days.

  "His majesty's formu has been stolen"

  "What?" Nerissa paused, her shears hanging in between cutting.

  "The new soap formu has been stolen"

  Nerissa turned to face her. The pce is heavily guarded and not even her is allowed to go in.

  "How did that happen?" she asked, going back to cutting.

  "We don't know" she replied, "one of us has gone missing since yesterday and hasn't been found. We can't expin how it happened but it's safe to assume he's out to sell the formu to the open market"

  That's not good, Nerissa thought, but she found herself not being very troubled. True it is where the whole kingdom is dependant on but something in her tells her that he would come up with something if this fails and she's curious to know what is next.

  "...he is not going to be happy with that" she finally said. "In less than two weeks, you all have earned what takes high nobles months to earn. He treated you well and you failed him. What do you intend to do next?"

  "Though the formu has been stolen, it's going to take a few days for them to figure it out" she said, like she had thought it all out and was just waiting to be told. "Let's take advantage of those days and sell more soaps instead of waiting for next month as pnned. And we keep it at that until his majesty comes back."

  It felt weird to see someone this competent relying on him, but even her can't say for certain he is not the same.

  "Lets do that then" she said. At least now she has an excuse to write him.