A group of six magicians nervously huddled together. They stood in the middle of the magnificent conference hall being carefully examined by all the elders and senior officials. The main reporter was sweating so generously, that seemed he was about to flood the whole room. No wonder the poor wizards were so scared; they were about to tell the most powerful witch of all dimensions that there was actually no need in the invasion of Terra Terrorem.

- So, what did you find out? – Iduna asked emotionlessly.

- We… We tried several… eh…several breath tracing spells and potions of footprints… This man lived in that cave alone and never had any visitors. However, he had some of the ancient forbidden books from the Nulla Archive. For these reasons, we contacted the teleportation department. Seems like the suspect has no portal permissions and was teleporting illegally between Terras, so he tried to hide it but we still managed to find the proofs of his presence here and in some other dimensions that he attacked.

The Head of the council closed her eyes. Just like Arcada and El, she didn’t need this report to know the truth. Now she looked simply irritated but still kept asking questions the protocol demanded.

- How about Terra Terrorem? – the old witch sighed foreseeing the answer.

- We are pretty sure this man has never visited this dimension. Though, we can’t be same sure about HIM, since HE is capable of hiding HIS magic very well.

- I see. So, no valid proof. – mumbled Iduna – What does he say himself, though?

- He doesn’t answer our questions… - another detective pressed his head into his shoulders – Except about Deas Dalias. This man called HIM “My Lord”…

- Well-well… - the Head of the council smiled.

- But… It is very strange… We have never seen something like that before… His words are… We are not sure…

- What do you mean by “not sure”? – the witch asked strictly.

- He is not under any suppression spell, but his words are… They are not his… As if there was another voice in his head and we are not sure that this voice is telling the truth.

- So, to sum up, there is no actual evidence of his connection to The Monster above all monsters? – Arcada stood up.

- Just like there is no evidence to the contrary! – suddenly shouted out Ephir – My apologies, Head Iduna.

- On the other hand, we have dozens of captivated soldiers who were returned safe and sound back to Nulla Meridianus. – the old teacher kept speaking without paying attention to any objections – From my point of view, this looks like a kind suggestion of peace.

Quiet whispers filled the hall turning into loud discussions. The elders helplessly gazed at each other trying to list all reasonable arguments for and against the war. Arcada applied all his oratory skills attempting to convince his hesitating allies and opponents. Among this hustle only El remained silent. She carefully stared at Iduna. The girl tried to catch every movement and every breath that could give out the old witch’s true intentions. The redhead shortly moved her eyes to Ephir and grinned. This shallow sallow man was jumping around the Head of the council like an annoying fly, and we all know what attracts flies most of all. Yet, for a moment, observing those two El felt strange anxiety.

Iduna loudly tapped her cane on the floor and announced one more voting. She did it without any enthusiasm though, as she could already clearly hear during the discussion which opinion was winning. The results of the voting weren’t very unexpected for her.

- Seventeen against. Three for and one abstained. To my great disappointment, You, my friends prefer to co-exist with The Monster above all monsters. I must remind you, though, that we still attacked Terra Terrorem which questions the peace between us and HIM.

- Send him a pretty basket of fruits with an apology note, he will appreciate it. – huffed El.

- My dear young Alsinde, I believe those discussions are already not for your ears. We will have to come up with financial decisions and announcements for the citizens now. You may leave. – Iruna replied with insincere politeness.

- With great pleasure. – the girl bowed and grinned.

The redhead settled on the windowsill in the passageway intending to wait for her teacher. She rolled out the crumpled tailcoat and put it over her shoulders, protecting herself from the cold draft that was an often guest of the Hall’s ancient corridors. The girl had almost fallen asleep when a painting guardian powerfully shook her, yelling something incomprehensible.

- Stop! And now repeat it once again! – ordered the witch rubbing her eyes.

- He is dead! Dead! The scarred necromancer! – the man screamed again.

- How?! – El widely opened her eyes.

- He was in the cell and then! And then! He mumbled something and fell on the ground! Dry as a mummy! – the soldier tried to explain.

- Mumbled something?

- Yes! He… He killed himself… - the man whispered.

- Wait, wasn’t he in magic-blocking chains?

- Yes! Yes! Sure, he was! We locked him properly before putting him in the cell but I… I don’t know… Maybe he was just too strong…

- Not strong enough to avoid being imprisoned but too strong for the chains? Wonderful, my friend. Now go ahead and repeat this all in front of the elders and well… Rest in peace then! – the redhead patted the guardian on his shoulder and coldly smiled.

Speaking honestly, she wasn’t very surprised. It was foolish to think that powerful accomplices of that old necromancer would let him live and regularly open his month risking their safety. Yet, El didn’t expect it to happen that soon and still inside the walls of the Council’s Hall.

Half an hour later the soldier left the conference hall being white as chalk. Apparently, most elders, including surely Iduna, weren’t happy to hear such news. When the council’s meeting was over Arcada silently approached his ward and just kept silent for a few minutes. They both didn’t need many words to understand each other, everything what the witch needed to know she could read from her teacher’s face.

- Well done, El. – finally said the old man kindly smiling at the girl.

- I guess, today we won, right? – the redhead smiled back.

- Ah! Two Alsinde at once! – shouted out an unpleasant voice right next to the magicians.

- Oh, sure! I haven’t suffered enough today! – the witch grinned at the shallow sallow man who swiftly approached them.

- Arcada! I see you couldn’t teach your daughter properly! – hissed Ephir.

- Wow, have you ever seen this hamster that angry? – El glanced at the old wizard.

- Mind what you say Eluta! I know what I felt that day and whatever you claim, I know that Deas Dalias was here!

- I am convinced, you were just misled by that mysterious necromancer Ephir. No need to be so offended. – Arcada said calmly.

- Shut up! I don’t need an opinion of a person as worthless as…

The sallow man didn’t manage to finish his phrase. A small but heavy fist smashed his jaw making Ephir stagger and step back. El gazed surprised at her hand and then disgustedly wiped it on her clothes.

- I won’t say that I didn’t enjoy it… - the witch said thoughtfully as her eyes turned completely black.

Ephir obviously wanted to say something or, to be more exact, to scream something probably offensive but a highly aggressive look of the witch immediately persuaded him to leave silently. However, he still threw a couple of rageful glances at the redhead.

- You better be careful with him… - Arcada pronounced slowly – He is marrying the daughter of Count Virnenum soon and will become a Count himself.

- Okay. Next time I smash him, I will first wash my hands with soap and put a white glove on. – replied the witch – Come. Kids and D are waiting.