The War Of Gemstone: Owl & Flower
The Witch's Visit

A few days later, Nael said goodbye to his daughter. He wears a black robe and a pointy black hat. A sling bag containing a lot of magic equipment hung on his right shoulder. “Mother go first.” Nael then stepped out over the fence. A broomstick just emerged from the air in his hand.

“Good, be careful on the road,” said Faye as she waved her hand at Mother.

Nael tilts his broom and sits sideways on a broom handle made of black oak. With her magic, the broom flew carrying Nael in the air. He pulled his bag into his lap so as not to fall. His hand gripped his pointy hat which covered part of his fluttering long hair.

The woman was flying higher and higher until she could directly touch the white cotton wadding in the sky. The wind hit his young face despite his old age. He took a deep breath while closing his eyes. Feel the coolness of the clear morning sky. Nael deflects his broom as a flock of birds fly in the opposite direction.

Nael arrived at the royal gate the next day. Milk-white walls with intricate and beautiful carvings surround the city and the castle within. A red flag bearing the image of a five-headed dragon fluttered at the top of the walls and towers. The flag is attached to a metal pole with a gold layer at the end.

The woman got off her broom and turned her aching waist left and right. “A tiring once. I want to finish this and go home.” With his magic, the broom vanished back into the air.

Two fully armored gatekeepers greeted Nael at the gate. “Welcome to Tenebrum, Mrs Venefika. Your Majesty is waiting for the presence of Madam.”

One of the soldiers with a feather attached to his head protector approached Nael and bowed. “Let yourself take you, Mrs Venefika.”

The soldier escorted Nael to a large, luxurious room with all the gold and silver adorning the room. Even candle holders and flower vases are made of a glistening layer of gems. A long table with both chairs at the end of the table fills the middle of the room. An old man with white hair and a golden crown rose from the chair and greeted Nael. “Welcome, Great Witch, great Lady of Venice. Please sit.”

Nael bowed, “Hail King Erlobad, Lord of Tenebrum. Thank you for this lavish welcome.” He then stepped onto a chair at one end of the table. The male servant came to pull the chair for Nael, then he placed the gold-plated napkin cloth on Nael's lap. Nael hands his pointy hat to the female servant beside him. Another man came with a glass of wine. He poured it in a glass in front of Nael. The last three maids came carrying a number of luxurious dishes that were even too luxurious for the woman.

The Erlobad King sitting at the other end of the table smiled. “Please enjoy. I'll explain it after lunch.”

They both ate well. Thanks to his experience visiting from one place to another, Nael understands the ethics of eating in the kingdom. When he was done, the waiter came to pick up the plates and spoon.

“Thank you for the banquet,” said Nael. “The food was indeed made so perfect that it tasted so good, it's just that the smell of the stinging candle was interfering with my appetite, Your Majesty.”

“A scented candle shouldn't be a big deal for the Great Witch, right?” The King smiled. “After all, this candle is expensive stuff. I got it while visiting the country in the north.”

“It's impressive.” Nael sipped the red wine in a beautifully shaped glass. “What kind of countries does Your Majesty visit? I'm curious.”

“Negeri with snow-white fortresses and castles. No way, a witch like you doesn't know the land.”

The man chuckles. “Of course. I promised I'd say it after the banquet was over.”

“Say.”

“I'm fascinated by the Magic Gems you created. A jewel with the power to change the world. I want one of them, the jewel of your late husband.” Erlobad grinned. “Now nobody has it, right?”

Nael's eyes narrowed. He understood Erlobad's intention to ask that. “I will not give you the Magic Gem of Murtal, after all the gem is gone. Not found anywhere.”

“If you can't, how about making one gem for me.”

“I refuse, Your Majesty,” replied Nael firmly.

Erlobad frowned astonished. “Why? Does this great king not deserve the blessing of magic from the Witch Goddess? Money, warriors, land, there's nothing I can't get.”

Nael breathed. He pushed his chair and got up. “It is not good to master great power for yourself. If just anyone had it, it could damage the mind and poison the soul. Ruling you and pulling your body into the darkness.”

King Erlobad smiled wryly. “I don't understand what you mean.” He berkilah.

“Sorry, I'm talking recklessly, my King.” The woman turned around to take her conical hat and stepped into the door. He stopped then looked at the king through his shoulder, “Again sorry my King. I still have goodness in my heart, I will not easily make Magic Gems for people who are only selfish.” Nael smiled and left.

The king chuckled, “Ah so yes. All right, very disappointing.”

A soldier came to take Nael out.

After the woman left, a figure clad in a red coat appeared silently behind the king. His eyes were as thirsty as the king, thirsting for power. “The witch has refused. What's the next step, my King?”

“Call the red knights. We'll dirty our own hands.”