The serpent spoke to Haida: ‘you are lucky, little mage, for I have eaten my fill of you kind on this day. I know where the door is, but I cannot open it myself. I will show you where it is if you swear you will set me free.’
Haida was uncertain, but she didn’t have many other options. She agreed to help the Mage Eater, and the two of them made their way through the darkness. She could feel a small bit of her magic return, so she used it to light the way. Something about the presence of the Mage Eater seemed to be affecting her magic, but the creature was giving her access to some small part of her magic.
When they reached the end of the underground tunnels, it was time for Haida and the Mage Killer yo part ways. The Mage Killer could sense powerful magic within the palace, but was not about to sacrifice its newfound freedom on a tempting snack. Instead, the serpent rose above Haida, and out of its mouth a curved dagger emerged where a tongue should have been. The dagger fell to the floor at Haida’s feet. ‘Be warned, mage, this dagger is not meant for human flesh. It is a part of my own power and will cut through the lines of any spell work.’ The serpent turned to leave and disappeared into the empty corridors of the palace. I her mind she heard the echo of the Mage killer’s voice, ‘let us not meet again. Who’s to say how hungry I would be. I would rather not eat you, but it is my nature.’
Meanwhile, Ingriss begins his spell.
Into the stone bowl went various liquids, both mundane and arcane. The bowl itself was an ingredient of the spell, an ancient relic of a civilization lost to its own bloodlust. Ingriss bound these forces to his will, and began the final stages of his spell.
Ingriss held the staff that once belonged to Haida. He had hoped she would agree to help him, but there was nothing for it now. He regretted having to throw her in the well. Still, there was work to be done, and very little time to waste. The king and his attendants had been removed from the castle while he cast this dangerous spell, and while Ingriss knew powerful magic couldn’t be rushed, he was keenly aware that the king was eager to put his plan into action.