Chapter 83: chapter 83

A week before the royal hunting expedition, Caspian and Felix made a quiet journey to the distant village of Ealdor—a place so remote it was almost forgotten by time itself. Nestled deep within a forest thick with ancient trees and perpetual mist, Ealdor was far removed from the noise and pride of the capital. The path that led there was narrow and overgrown, winding through shadowy woods where sunlight struggled to reach the forest floor.Only a handful of souls lived in Ealdor. The village was small, its homes scattered and built from age-worn stone and timber, with moss clinging to the rooftops and ivy creeping over the walls. Life here moved slowly, untouched by the urgency of court politics or royal ambition. And yet, within this quiet solitude lived a woman whom Caspian’s father had once trusted above all others—a blind Oracle named Ingrid.She was known not only for her visions but for the unsettling accuracy of her words. Her blindness did not hinder her; in fact, many believed she saw far more than those with sight. Her small cottage sat at the edge of the woods, half-hidden behind overgrown hedges and twisting vines, as if the forest itself wished to keep her secret.Caspian had never met her before, only heard of her through whispers and worn-out tales his father used to tell in low, serious tones.Caspian and Felix departed the castle in the hush of night, long before midnight struck. The silence of their escape matched the urgency in their hearts. With only the stars to guide them, they rode swiftly through the dark countryside, the world around them still and unaware.By the time the first light of dawn brushed the sky, they had reached the outskirts of Ealdor. A fine mist lingered over the fields, and the chimneys of stone cottages had only just begun to breathe smoke. The village was small—almost hidden from the world—but not without its stories.When they asked about the Oracle, there was no confusion. The villagers responded with quiet nods and subtle gestures, pointing toward the edge of the settlement. It was clear—everyone knew her.Her hut stood at the far end of the village, partially hidden beneath a curtain of ivy and wild vines. It was a modest structure, weathered by time and tangled in nature’s embrace. Nestled quietly at the edge of the woods, it looked less like a home and more like a part of the forest itself—ancient, secretive, and strangely alive.Felix knocked twice, his knuckles pressing against the old wooden door that looked ready to fall off its hinges. The silence on the other side lingered a moment too long. Then, the door creaked open.A woman stood before them—barefoot, draped in layers of faded cloth. Her eyes were clouded with blindness, yet her face carried an unsettling smile, as if she saw more than anyone with sight ever could. She looked to be in her forties, though her presence felt older, timeless.Felix hesitated, caught off guard by her eerie calm. He tried to steady himself and said, “We’re here to speak with you. We come from—”But she cut him off, her head turning toward Caspian as if she had known he was there all along.“What took you so long, my king?” she said, her voice soft, but sharp with recognition.Caspian narrowed his eyes. For a heartbeat, he wondered if she could actually see them. “I was… preoccupied,” he replied coldly. “After what your prophecy did to my father.”She chuckled lightly. “Ah, yes. The prophecy. I warned him, your grace. But kings hear only what pleases their ears. He saw the beginning, not the end.”“I don’t know if I should dare to invite you inside my rotten little hut,” she added mockingly.Caspian took a step forward. “Don’t worry. We didn’t travel this far just to admire your doorstep.”Inside, the air was thick with herbs, smoke, and secrets. The dim interior flickered with shadows. Once they settled in, Ingrid lowered herself onto a wooden stool.“I am sorry for what happened to your father,” she said. “But I told him—what he saw was only half the truth. He refused to see the other side.”Caspian leaned forward, his voice steady. “I don’t intend to repeat his mistake. That’s why I’ve come. I need your guidance.”“You won’t, my king,” Ingrid replied gently. “But fate has a mind of its own. Sometimes, even kings are only pieces on the board.”He exhaled, then said, “I know this creature—this winged beast—is more powerful than us. But there must be a way to destroy him.”Ingrid’s expression hardened. “Killing is not the solution, my king. Blood leaves behind a trail that always finds its way back.”Felix stood abruptly. “We didn’t come here for riddles or sermons. Just answer His Majesty’s question!”Ingrid bowed her head slightly. “Forgive me. I meant no offense.”Caspian didn’t move. His voice dropped, calm but demanding. “Tell me where to find him. And tell me how to end him.”For a long moment, Ingrid was silent. Then, she leaned forward, her blind gaze fixed unnervingly on Caspian.“You already have the key,” she whispered. “The key to his world. The one thing that opens the gate to him.”Caspian frowned. “What key? What are you talking about?”She smiled again, that strange, knowing smile. “May I speak honestly, my king?”Felix stepped forward. “Watch your tone, witch! You stand in the presence of the crown!”But Caspian raised a hand. “Let her speak.”Ingrid folded her hands in her lap. “The being you speak of is not of our realm. He belongs to a world older and darker than ours. He is not bound by our rules, nor our weapons. Do not try to fight him. You will lose more than your crown.”“I don’t care,” Caspian said bitterly. “He seeks to take the woman I love. I will not sit idle while he weaves his way into her soul. If I have to rip out the skies to stop him, I will. And you—” He leaned closer to her. “You will help me, won’t you, Ingrid?”She whispered,  “I will, my king.”Caspian's expression hardened. "Then tell me—where is he?"Ingrid inhaled slowly. “You’ll find him in the northern mountains. But to bring him to his knees, you must possess the one thing he cherishes above all. And that, my king…” She tilted her head slightly. “That is already in your possession.”Caspian’s brows drew together. “What is it? Tell me.”“I’ve told you all I know,” she said, leaning back. “I can speak no more.”Caspian turned to Felix, giving him a silent nod. Without hesitation, Felix stepped forward and seized Ingrid by the neck with his bare hand.“Speak when you are told to!” he growled.Ingrid’s voice came out hoarse, yet fearless. “You cannot scare me, boy. You're stepping into a darkness you’re not prepared for. There are forces beyond your comprehension… and this path you walk is paved in fire.”Felix tightened his grip, but Caspian stepped in.“Let her go.”Felix obeyed reluctantly, his hand falling to his side.Caspian stared down at Ingrid, jaw clenched, "I’ll find my answers, and you will help me, if you want to keep that head of yours on your shoulders."“You’ll understand, soon enough. Ingrid said quietly, rubbing her throat. "Just remember… even the key may choose not to open the door.”Caspian didn’t want to hear any more of her riddles. He had heard enough—speaking to that woman felt like torture. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the hut. Felix followed close behind.