Book One – Chapter 10

Suppressing her anger, Midnight remained composed amidst the continuing mockery. Keeping her natural pathera form, she pressed on swiftly through the tunnels, sensing that the sprites’ whims could transform into cruelty and brutality at any moment.

As the tunnels widened, offering divergent paths with the breath of the mountain wafting through both, Midnight discerned traces of witches along the right tunnel. Through the darkness that served as her whiskers, she felt sigils etched into the stone, and the thick tang of witch magic warned of their proximity. Sensing tension and danger, Midnight veered towards the left tunnel. The Albweiss Mountains were infested with the Coven of Shaira, who claimed vast parts of the mountainside lands in the North-East. Since entering the Albweiss Mountains, Midnight had strategically navigated away from the periphery of any witch presence. With the exception of the crystal chamber, she had steered clear of their influence.

The sprites, revelling in Midnight’s discomfort, redoubled their efforts to unsettle her as soon as Midnight committed to the left path.

You sneak around the witches’ den?

Did you not come to see them then?

You should pay them a visit.

Many others paid them a wizard.

But you, you are alone.

Pray tell, where has your wizard gone?

Did you not come to set your wizard free?

Or do you not know where he might be?

They brought in many wizards just yesternight,

Many bound, the rest frozen in fright.

Midnight shook her head, acknowledging what might be a potential intent for sharing authentic information, though suspecting the sprites were likely plotting another challenge. She understood the delicate balance of providing what they sought in order to appease their capricious nature without giving away her intentions.