A Meeting with Emrys Wulfric

Dear Dairy,

This morning, I went to the library, hoping my little soldier, Librisylph, had gathered some information about Sir Reynard. Remy told me he didn’t find any books on Sir Reynard and had checked all the libraries except Pyrocrest Sanctum and Umbralith Crypt because he’s afraid of darkness and fire. Nexy looked hesitant. She said she didn’t find anything either and that she didn’t want to be part of my army anymore.

Remy was astonished and asked why, but she stopped him and said she didn’t want me to disturb them again. I tried to convince her that if she knew anything, I just wanted to know about it. She didn’t change her mind. Nexy said she asked her mother about Sir Reynard, and her mother told her not to talk about him. Her mother said the past was horrific, and she didn’t want it to come up again. Nexy thought that to protect us, they removed everything about him from the world.

She insisted that I not interfere with the ministry or go against the Lord of the Lores. I assured her that I was just curious and asked her to let me know if she changed her mind. Suddenly, Albert came out from the bookshelves, asking who I was talking to. He was surprised that Librisylphs had become my friends because they don’t get attached quickly. Looking at Nexy, I told him no, I didn’t think so. She looked ashamed but couldn’t help it.

Albert said he was waiting for Lilith. He thought he got a blank paper instead of the map by mistake. As we sat at one of the tables, Albert gave me the paper. In the corner, it was written that Garrick Dunewald is the guide. He said he planned to give it to Professor Emberforge because it was blank. I recalled the night I first came to the school and the map Garrick gave me looked exactly like this paper. I told Albert to wait for Lilith; maybe we could find its true nature.

Together, we went to the food yard where Lilith was sitting alone at the last table, still looking upset. When we insisted, Lilith said she sent a letter to her godmother Julia but hadn’t received a response, so she was worried. Albert seemed convinced by her answer, but I wasn’t.

Albert asked her about the map, and she showed the same blank map. They thought someone might have switched their maps and planned to complain about it. I suggested they meet Dunewald instead of going to Professor Emberforge since it was written that he is the guide, and they agreed.

We had our breakfast and went to class. After class, we went to find Dunewald at the island’s main gate where he works as a guard. He wasn’t there, so after waiting for an hour, I remembered Professor Xorki was waiting for me. I told them I needed to go but suggested that they should check Jacob’s map, too, in case something was hidden in it. Lilith thought they should examine the paper, and they planned to go to the library.

It was evening, and I found myself in Terravale Hall’s common room, where I told Tansy I wasn’t feeling well and asked her not to let anyone disturb me. It was a fib, but I needed to escape from the chamber without anyone noticing. Sneaking away quietly, I slipped into my room and donned a white ethereal dress with a black shimmery cloak. Carefully, I made my way through the forest lane of Terravale Hall, ensuring no one caught sight of me.

At Professor Xorki’s nook, he was waiting for me anxiously. He asked if anyone had seen me, and I reassured him that I hadn’t been spotted. Then he handed me the “Naricula Exhumus” potion to rub on myself, and with the help of his spell “Transire Sine Mora,” we whisked away to a dark, dismal basement-like office.

Blood splattered on the floors and walls, books scattered on shelves and the ground, animal skeletons littered the space, and torn curtains hung in disarray. A dark and ghastly mice sat on the table, its left eye gruesomely mutilated. I struggled to contain my scream and steady my racing heart.

My eyes landed on a dusty mirror, where I couldn’t see my reflection clearly, but in the dusty gold corner, I noticed the name of the place — Kettlebrew Café. I was astonished to realize that this dingy, impoverished-looking room was actually within the Kettlebrew café.

As I surveyed the room, a voice emanated from the chair behind the table, facing away from us towards a large map. “Hello, Professor Xorki,” it greeted. Though terror gripped me, the professor remained calm and composed. The figure in the chair turned, its face obscured by a tight robe, and inquired to the professor that why he was there or if he missed him. The professor’s expression remained serene as he replied, “and what can bring me here? ”. With a sudden burst of energy, the figure dashed towards the professor. I was completely shocked, but he embraced him emotionally.

Professor Xorki inquired about the figure’s escape, and as he began to answer, his eyes met mine. I noticed they were like a dark, ominous night with a black moon. He greeted me, and the professor introduced him as Mr. Emrys Wulfric.

Seated on the tattered chairs, the professor explained that he had gone to see Gwendolyn Ione at the Heirloomburg Hospital, she is hoping Dr. Hani Heirloomburg could save her life. Mr. Wulfric expressed skepticism, stating that the broken princess had not helped her own people, how Dolyn have trust in her?. He recalled her fearlessness and skepticism. However, I interjected, remembering Dolyn words, “the end is another beginning.” Suddenly, both men seemed convinced by my words.

Mr. Wulfric inquired if the master had been informed, and the professor admitted he had only mentioned the meeting with Dolyn, withholding this information.

After Professor Xorki left to wait for Ms. Rosiegen to pick us up for our journey to Næglingræd Hills to meet Master Wigweard, I found myself alone with Mr. Wulfric. He remarked that I was different from the Hawthornes. Confused, I asked what he meant. He explained that the Hawthornes lacked the courage to stand against the powers that be, whereas I showed defiance. He saw strength in my eyes, something that set me apart. I listened quietly, absorbing his words.

Curious about my grandmother, I asked Mr. Wulfric what he knew about her. He revealed that Queen Genevieve Hawthorne was once a great warrior, but when she became a mother, she transformed into a fearful, lost witch. She hailed from a town consumed by death eaters and resided in Ebonhaven Village. Upon marrying my grandfather, she moved to Luna Mount Palace, although they weren’t its rightful owners initially. Their status elevated them to become one of the town’s kings. However, after my grandfather disappeared, Queen Genevieve retreated from the magical world, leading a mundane life with my father, King Benjamin.

As I roamed the room, examining the books, I stumbled upon a portrait of a young woman. Mr. Wulfric grew agitated, instructing me not to touch anything. Reluctantly, I settled into a chair, waiting for Professor Xorki. Turning to my diary, I began to jot down my thoughts. Mr. Wulfric sat nearby, his gaze fixed on me like an eagle eyeing its prey.

Yours in uncertainty,

Zoe