"I've never seen a paladin sword in action before"

I raised a brow at Ophyr when he spoke. He didn't often instigate conversations, usually I was the one to annoy him with small talk but I guessed that today the vampire king was feeling chatty.

We had left the tavern a few hours ago and were currently riding down our main path to Gadriar. The sun was out and the weather was sublime, though for once the warmth and radiance of Apollo couldn't comfort me today. Last nights dream kept bugging me, replaying itself in my mind and sending shivers down my spine. The lich knew that we we're onto him.

"Really? You've never witnessed a paladin in battle before?"

"Yesterday was my first time" Ophyr chuckled brushing a long strand of hair behind a slender shoulder. Like onyx silken threads it reflected the light and I once again caught myself staring at him, silently taking in his serene disposition.

He was dressed in an airy white peasants shirt with simple black riding pants that laced up to his stomach and knee high boots. It baffled me how he could make such a simple outfit appear so regal. I on the other hand looked far less majestic, dressed in brown trousers and boots accompanied by a comfy white tunic. Though it was less fancy than what I was used to, I liked the fact that it felt so light. Walking around in a full paladin regalia all day wasn't exactly comfortable.

I took Kai's reigns in one hand while I used my free one to reach for my sword, pulling it out to show off. Instantly the runes and gold carvings on the blade lit up the second it came in contact with my skin, catching Ophyr's attention as it shimmered in the sunlight. He seemed impressed and I felt my chest swell with pride.

"This sword has been used by three kings up until now" I explained, showing him the three initials at the start of the blade near the hilt.

"C, B and A. Years ago, my grandmother Raine was in need of a husband. In Appollis, when a royal does not choose a royal consort, we look at the high priest for guidance. Surprisingly, the priest said that my grandfather, Caryan, a commoner, yet a praised Paladin was destined to marry her and be king." I explained with a smile, a swell of patriotism filling my heart.

"Caryan was the first to wield this sword, after his death my father Barron became the new owner and after he passed it became mine" I said before slipping it back into its sheath.

"I'm obviously not interested in having children, but my niece Deline looks like a good heir in my opinion. So I hope that one day when I'm weak and old or even dead, she'll ascend the throne and be the next Appollonian royal to wield this blade"

Ophyr seemed to be genuinely interested in what I had to say, silently watching me while I spoke. Perhaps I was oversharing with the vampire king, but wasn't sharing culture part of 'strengthening international' bonds or something?

"Does it have a name?" Ophyr suddenly asked, curiosity clearly present in his tone. His question made me hum, glancing at my sheath before shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head. "No, no it doesn't- a bit strange for a sword that has been around for generations" I admittedly mumbled as Ophyr offered me a chuckle in response. Heh, he had a point didn't he. No one had bothered to name this important heirloom. Of course, I had to forgive the fact that the two previous owners had held the sword during war time, so they probably just didn't have the time. It's quite impractical to be thinking about a hypothetical name for the family heirloom while using it to slice up an immortal creature who's about to rip your throat out. Rip ones throat out...

Memories of yesterday returned, the images of those bandit's corpses coming back to mind. The ones I had killed had been neatly defeated, those Ophyr had maimed- well... I had had nightmares with more pleasant scenes.

"Maybe you should be the first to name it? It's kind of boring to just call it the 'family sword' or something" the vampire king said and I smirked.

"Hmmm, you're right. I'll think about it" I began "it has to be something meaningful though, it should reflect the heritage of this sword..."

and with that we rode on, once in a while sparking a conversation or cracking a joke. We knew what dark future hung above our heads if this mission failed and we could not find any answers to defeating the lich, but right now there was no advantage in worrying like solemn ghosts.

So we traveled on, soon enough reaching the city of magic.

————-

Gadriar, or more specifically it's capitol Oddin, it had been a while since I had last been here but it was as majestic as I remembered. Lovely artisanal houses decorated with mysterious colourful plants unknown to me lined the streets. On street corners stood vendors who sold good luck charms and confidence potions while their clientele roamed around the city dressed in pompous mage robes and frivolous hats. The smell of fireworks, allspice and cinnamon was everywhere.

I couldn't repress a smile while we rode further into the city of magic, glancing over at Arrin who seemed both intrigued and confused. The paladin king had told me that he didn't travel often, that he let the diplomatic stuff to be handled by his ambassadors or advisors. I guessed the wondrous city of Oddin outshined his wildest dreams.

"Amazing isn't it?" I blissfully sighed, leading our horses down a to me familiar street.

"Maybe I should travel more- once we destroy the lich and defeat your sister- yeah, I'd like to visit this place again" Arrin mumbled, eyes wide in awe when he saw a group of children blow bubbles that ,once in the air, morphed into the shape of animals. He looked like a child in a candy store and for a second I felt my heartstrings tighten.

Both Arrin and I hadn't exactly had much of a childhood. Two princes in the midst of a terrible war, forced to grow up too fast before we were handed a crown the minute we turned eighteen. Expected to uphold an incredibly unstable truce and perhaps even restart that pointless war when the time was ripe. I barely understood the Sarethian taxing system and politics before I was expected to make nerve wrekingly important decisions concerning those themes and judging by the person I knew Arrin to be, it was clear that he had lived through the same issues. My gaze slid over his smooth dark skin, those golden eyes that seemed wide with wonder and the way his curls bounced with every trot of Kai. He was beautiful, innocent even and for a second I fantasised about a world where the blood war had never happened. A world where we would've grown up together in peace. One where maybe instead of cussing me out at royal banquets, Arrin would've asked me for a dance.

"We're here!" I chimed when we reached a big two story house made from white limestone supported by oak beams and overgrown with Ivy. In one fluent movement I got off my horse Mira, stretching my back before tying her reigns to a hand carved hitching post in the shape of curving vines. Arrin followed my movements and we soon found ourselves in front of the door. It was a sturdy one with a big bronze knocker in the shape of a badger's head.

"So who lives here?" Arrin asked with a small frown while I reached for the ring and knocked a few times. I noticed that his more skeptical air had returned. I didn't blame him, despite how wonderous Oddin was, I couldn't expect him to just completely drop his guard and immediately trust everyone because it was a bit colourful here. Hell, he didn't even trust me judging by the collar that still snuggly rested around my neck.

"Winnie" I began " she's the one who made me my seeing ring and she was my tour guide back when I was visiting Gadriar to discuss a trading deal with the Ruler" I explained, giving a soft hum when I heard the sound of quick speedy footsteps near the door. Before Arrin could ask any more questions the massive door creaked open, obviously requiring a lot of strength from the tiny woman who inhabited this luxurious place.

"Hello? What can I-"

A gasp slipped from her lips and with wide eyes she looked up at us. Winnie was a small woman who barely reached my hips, with a gigantic cloud of white hair, deep brown freckles that matched her dark complexion and eyes as orange as ripe pumpkins. It was silent for a second before her face broke into a wide smile and she squealed throwing her hands up when she recognised me and dramatically bowed.

"Lord Ophyr of Sareth! It's brilliant to see you again! Oh- the last time you were here you were just a teenager! But look at you now!" Winnie laughed and I was sure that if she could actually reach my face she'd be pulling my cheeks. It was difficult to repress a smile or feel somber around Winnie, she was like a ray of sunshine and despite her age was as bubbly and eccentric as a maiden. I had no grandmother, she had died decades ago according to mother when she had still been sane, but I figured that Winnie was the closest I'd ever get to actually having one. I noticed Arrin smirk at how expressive this little lady was, raising a brow at me as if to say ''dear lord, she's a loud one".

As if on que Winnie turned to the king beside me, taking a few steps forward and inspecting him with cautious eyes. "And who might this be? Finally caught yourself a boyfriend?" she giggled, making both of us quickly protest her speculations. Damn, first 'Riddy' and now Winnie? Did we really look that much like a couple? Sure Arrin was an attractive man and I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't mind- priorities Ophyr, priorities.

"Oh- no, no, I'm Arrin King of Appollis and ruler of the paladin kingdom" Arrin quickly explained holding his right fist up to his left shoulder and giving Winnie a polite bow. The mage gasped at those words, clapping her little hands together in excitement.

"Two kings! Visiting me on the same day? Well isn't this a once in a life time experience" she laughed before moving back to her door and opening it up further for us. "Come in come in! I'll get you some tea!" She exclaimed as we followed the woman inside. The house was surprisingly cozy for its enormous size. The first thing we saw when walking in was a nice living room connected to a dining area and a kitchen who's window gave a lovely view into the garden Winnie tended too. The most noticeable thing however were the multiple bookshelves that lined almost every wall, holding books and scrolls and artefacts that seemed to pulse or sparkle every few seconds. I was sure one of the cat skulls near the couch winked at me, but I chose to ignore it for my own sanity.

"And for what reason did you two lords decide to visit me today?"

Ah, that dreaded question. I gave a deep sigh, already worrying Winnie who was filling up a kettle that was the size of her torso with water. "Oh, darling, that doesn't sound good" she muttered, placing the kettle above an unlit stove. With just the snap of her fingers a small fire started to burn, heating up the water while Winnie got some home made tea bags.

"It surely doesn't-"

"We're in deep trouble" Arrin sternly said cutting me off. It was obvious that the man didn't enjoy being in the background and though in any other situation I'd shoot him a sharp 'excuse me?' For interrupting me, I instead just allowed him to do the talking for now.

"Deep trouble you say?"

"The blood war is about to start again" Arrin explained, causing Winnie to frown, worry painting her face as he spoke. "Ophyr's sister Lyliane was planning on poisoning him after he returned from Appollis" Arrin began ,strategically leaving out why I had been there in the first place. I decided not to comment on it, it wasn't important at the moment.

"-and taking the throne so she could recommence the war and burn down Appollis, we luckily intercepted this plan via the seeing ring you gave Ophyr... but our troubles don't end there" Arrin glanced at me and I looked back at Winnie.

"The lich is involved"

The woman paled, pursing her lips as she averted her gaze. "The lich" she said under her breath, clenching her little fists before taking a deep breath and composing herself, offering us both a weak smile. "This is quite the situation..." Winnie laboriously remarked "but I would not be Winnie Silverbell if I just left it at that, huh? How can I help you two? What answers do you seek from me?" She asked, reaching for the kettle now the water was warm and pouring it in three cups before offering us one each and leading us to the cozy looking couch made from a patchwork of colourful fabrics.

"We want to know how to kill the lich" I said getting straight to the point. Winnie gave a deep hum, taking a sip of her tea before raising a finger and pointing at a book at the other side of the room. It slipped out of the bookshelf on its own and quickly flew over to her hand. When I looked at Arrin I had to , despite the gloomy situation, stifle a laugh because the man seemed shocked again, he really wasn't used to seeing magic like this, huh?

The woman set her cup down on the little coffee table so she could take the book in both hands and quickly browse through it, stopping at a very specific page before holding it up for us.

"To kill the lich, you'll need a paladin sword blessed by a vampire's blood" she explained.

My eyes widened and Arrin and I exchanged a quick triumphant glance. That was it? That was all?! Brilliant! We could make it right now couldn't we!

"But- hold your horses" Winnie sighed, ghosting her finger over a small line written in cursive. "It required the blood of an immortal vampire and well..." instantly every inch of hope I had sank away and evaporated into thin air. Arrin looked equally as crushed. Ever since an unknown paladin had poisoned the vampire water supply with Blackrye, a plant that took away our immortality, subsequently starting the first blood war, there had not been a single immortal vampire left. I myself was mortal borne, never having known the old ways of my kin.

"We're doomed" Arrin groaned, burying his head in his hands while I was still trying to process this news. Winnie however raised a hand, pulling both of our attention.

"Not so fast" she began, going a few pages further before tapping her fingers on a chapter that read 'Sandrillion'.

"I was planning on sending you a lettre about this, Ophyr, but you got to me faster than I got to my quil" Winnie said with a soft chuckle. Both Arrin and I were beyond confused. I had no idea what Sandrillion was and it was obvious that Arrin was just as unfamiliar with it as I. That's when Winnie chose to drop the bomb.

"Sandrillion is the only known cure against the effects of Blackrye and I happened to have found a map leading right to a tree full of it"

My jaw dropped.

This meant more to me than just defeating the lich and preventing a second war, this meant more than anything really. I could restore the immortality of our people. I could bring back Sareth's former glory and once and for all stop the pain my people had been through for decades.

I glanced at Arrin who looked worried. He seemed conflicted and I felt my body tense. He knew that I wanted to restore the power of my people, but to him it was simply increasing the danger his own subjects were in.

"If you ingest the fruit, your body will instantly accept the power of the Sandrillion and dissolve any trace of Blackrye in you. This makes your blood as potent and as powerful as the Sandrillion itself, which means that only five drops of it mixed into the water supply of Sareth could fix the entire kingdom"

Now I was feeling light headed, Arrin on the other hand looked as if he was about to faint. The solution to years of suffering was here, right in front of our eyes yet this probably would be the hardest thing to actually bring to fruition, not because of the required journey but because of the man I'd have to go on it with.

More importantly, if he was prepared to allow the vampires to regain their immortality to prevent a new blood war.

————-

I didn't know what to say or do. I was fucking terrified and for once I was genuinely speechless. I was a king, making difficult decisions was my breakfast, lunch and dinner, but this? This was in a whole new level.

I glanced at Winnie and Ophyr, pursing my lips as they looked at me in expectation. It was clear that it didn't matter if I wanted to restore the Sarethian's immortality or not, Ophyr looked like he was ready to leave any second and find that Sandrillion himself. What did matter was if I was with him or against him and that was a way more nuanced question.

If I helped the vampire king regain immortality that would mean that the vampires would once again become some of the most powerful creatures known to these lands. Under the rule of Ophyr- I could perhaps accept it, but I had to consider the dangers of another ruler coming along and deciding that Sareth needed an expansions pack.

Not helping him however meant that the lich would win and that my kingdom would fall faster than a card house during an earthquake.

In my eyes both ideas were dangerous, yet only one of them could cause immediate consequences. So after taking a deep breath I slowly nodded, looking at the vampire king before swallowing.

"Where can we find the Sandrillion, Winnie?"

Ophyr looked like he was about to cry, moved by my decision to look past my prejudices and help him to reach a common goal and that feeling did warm my heart. He mouthed a soft 'thank you' at me and when I tell you that I had never felt so enamoured...

Winnie gave us a warm smile, browsing through the book until she found an old map and handed it to us.

"Remember however, you need to cut the Sandrillion off the tree with the same blade that cut the Blackrye that poisoned the vampires, but I see you two already have it in possession"

Both Ophyr and I stopped, looking back at Winnie in sheer confusion, causing the mage to frown. Instantly the mood dropped.

"What do you mean?" I carefully asked.

Winnie paused for a second, realising something by our reactions and shooting us a sorrowful look. The mage stood up and walked over to me, extending her hand before pointing at my sword that hung by my leg. I slowly blinked, disbelief bleeding into me as I slowly as in a trance handed her the blade.

When Winnie touched the sword the runes didn't light up in their signature gold shine, but instead gave off a deep blue, all but one symbol which was emitting a sharp red hue.

"The paladin who poisoned the vampires with Blackrye and by that started the blood war was no one else than the first of your line, Arrin"

My mouth felt dry as Winnie pointed at the bright red 'c'.

"Your grandfather, Caryan of Appollis"

I head never heard such deafening silence, as if a lever had been switched and all the bearable gray in the world had been turned into a deep cold black. This couldn't be true, this was preposterous, my grandfather- he-.

But then it dawned on me.

He never told us how he became king, he never told us why the high priest had pointed towards him to ascend the throne and marry princess Raine. A commoner, a simple paladin who was admittingly good at what he did yet why him-...

The high priest knew and perhaps- he had even asked Caryan to commit that horrendous crime.

I didn't have much time to process this.

I heard Ophyr get up, silently walking out of the room and making a B-line towards the door that lead to the garden, throwing it open before going through it and slamming it shut. Winnie and I both winced as we were left alone. The mage deeply sighed.

"Just give him some time-... he probably just needs to process it" she said trying to comfort me. Nothing could comfort me however, not right now. I didn't like the vampires, especially due to the war I didn't exactly have the best bond with them and though I could admit that I enjoyed Ophyr's company I considered it an exception. Did I however, condone what happened to them?

The Blackrye had made them mortal, it had robbed them of their long lifespans and so much more but it had also made them susceptible to illness. I had heard the stories from Sareth that would float over to Appollis by travellers who had recently visited the kingdom. How plagues would wipe out entire cities under Sarethian rule just because the vampires didn't know how to deal with illness. They never had to before and their kingdom was not built in a way that helped them easily fight it off. It was repulsive, and though I didn't like to admit it,it tugged at my heart.

I was reluctant to restore their immortality, but I still strongly despised the person who had caused all this madness. It still was hard to believe however that the culprit was part of my own blood. I had blamed Ophyr for years for the death of my father caused by his mother, but in the meantime my grandfather had literally doomed his entire kin.

"I'm going to go talk to him" I mumbled. Winnie and I exchanged soft smiles before I got up and walked over to the garden door, slowly pushing it open before entering.