The king and father Roberts had just arrived Irvington and the village streets were almost empty. The ones who didn't go to the witches to acquire magic were in hiding, afraid of what the black magic holders would do next.
The innocent ones lived in fear; for the holders had reigned terror in Irvington and in Blackthorn.
Even as much as it seemed most people were in hiding, Sebastian could feel the gaze of some night creatures on him even while he was in his carriage and he could still perceive their peculiar scent around as some passerbys were night creatures.
The soldiers had rounded up some suspected to practice the black magic and they were all gathered in front of the village cathedral. Priests of the cathedral were outside also, waiting for the crown's bishop to arrive before they begin their prayers and sanctification on the holders of black magic.
"Welcome my king, welcome father, sire" the four priests greeted upon seeing Sebastian, Father Roberts and Benjamin get down from the royal carriage that just arrived the cathedral.
"We can begin now" Father Roberts said the black magic holders who were bound together by a thick rope started struggling, trying to free themselves from the rope. The rope wasn't just any random rope, it was an ancient relic meant to subdue magical powers.
"Even if you kill us now, the witches are still very much alive and you won't believe how much power they've gained. One day, they'll rule this kingdom!" One shouted and Sebastian's expression hardened.
As long as he was alive, he wouldn't let the witches take over. Especially after finding out Mirabelle was cursed by one of them.
Usually, in Denver, if witches were sighted they'd be tied on a stake and set ablaze in the square but over the years after the discovery of more night creatures, the law changed.
If a witch was caught using her powers in the wrong way, that's when she'd be killed. So the black magic holders expected death but luckily for them, the priests approached it in a different manner.
"We don't plan on killing you, we only want to rid you of this dark power that's consuming you all" Father Roberts said and all the priests began anointing the feet and foreheads of the holders. They resisted obstinately but because the rope curbed their black magic, they were just mere humans now.
As they gathered to pray for the holders, few onlookers watched expectantly. Hoping that truly these people which were once kind-hearted humans and lived in peace with one another would return to their normal state.
The people had long been consumed by the black magic. They acted strangely and said things they wouldn't on a normal day.
As the prayers were going on, Sebastian called on to Benjamin.
"There are two hiding in the forest. Find them and bring them here" Sebastian said and Benjamin nodded before leaving in a subtle manner.
In the castle, Helena had earned her way into working in the castle's kitchen. Though, Maria still didn't like the girl but she didn't have a choice. Evon had convinced her countless times.
Helena was helping out with baking of biscuits and other snacks when Esther walked in. Esther was the servant who had taken Mister Nolan and Mirabelle to the guestroom and she was in the kitchen to get some snacks for the father and daughter as promised.
Helena who had slipped in the powdered substance given to her by her uncle into the biscuit batter earlier, asked Esther "The king wants snacks now?".
"No, he went out. He has guests and I came to get snacks for them" Esther explained.
"Ohh well, here you go" Helena handed Esther a tray of hot pastries.
Helena had separated the pastries for the king and the one for the castle's workforce earlier but little did she know she accidentally exchanged them. Now they were baked, everything looked alike.
She handed the one meant for the king to Esther. The oblivious servant took it to the guestroom where Mirabelle was still waiting.
"Papa, is that you?" Mirabelle asked after hearing the door open.
"My lady, it's me" Esther said and Mirabelle calmed down hearing the familiar voice.
"I brought you the snacks. Where's your father my lady?" Esther asked quite surprised.
"Oh he told me he went to trim in grasses outside. There is no problem right?" Mirabelle asked and Esther smiled, she felt pity for the blind girl.
"There's no problem, my lady. I'd stay with you till your father is back" Esther placed the tray of snacks on a table and sat on a chair waiting on any order from Mirabelle.
Esther felt the blind girl was unique and exuded such innocence that was attractive in ways that any bad person would want to taint and demoralize.
Her brown hair cascaded down her back and her freckles suited her face. She was the kind of girl anyone would want to hug and squeeze because she was so delicate and pure. But sadly, the fates allowed her be cursed.
Esther bit her lips as she wondered why the girl and her father came to see the king. For help or what? She asked herself.
From what she had seen in years in this palace, the king was merciless, cold hearted and didn't deserve to be in the presence of such a unique and rare creature like the one sitting before her; who was completely oblivious of her beauty.
Esther didn't realize she had began comparing the king to the blind girl.