The safe place? Al's cave. Al serves us tea before I can even realize we're here. "I brought them."
"Thanks." Al motions to our chairs. "Sit, Your Highnesses."
"I am fine with Thomas." I sit down looking at the tea. Jessica sits next to me twisting her cup. "My magic is open now."
"How does it feel?" Al sips watching as William moves through the room. "I had some level of issues when I was young. I don't think I recall that time well, though."
I smile. To reach ninety... Is that something I can possible hope for? It would only be possible if I step down. I cannot be king at ninety. I wouldn't be good enough. "Al?"
"Yes?"
"You're revered within the goblins. Were you an actual leader?"
"No. My brother, Agoin's father, was someone I let lead. I never fought over his actions. If anything I was his support and the reason everything was stable. My actions though did make things a little questionable. The family wanted me leading and I always said no. My actions started the situation with Brok."
"Assumptions." William places his hands on the mirror. I knew there was one, but I didn't realize it was so big. "Can I call Odin?"
"You can." Al says.
Jessica puts her tea down to focus on Al. "I... I wasn't involved in Telligence at all. I was dragged around some making it look like I was involved, but truly I am just a side character in this area."
"You are always the main character in your life's drama." Al interjects.
"Be that as it may, I did not make any real impacts here. I am not even supposed to be here."
"That is wrong as well." Al leans back watching Jessica. "You are needed here while the events transpire."
"Why?" I ask.
Al glances to me. Then eyes William and Odin. They're signing too fast for me to understand. "Being king is not about wearing a crown and acting the victor. It is about making your country, your population feel safe and seen. It's about giving chances to the ones who live with you in your community. You are standing before a vast number of people. And in moments of stress such as what happened today, you should be there to say everything is well and right. It is probably your most important job." Al pauses to catch my eyes. "And putting the right person in the right job. That can be a difficult job."
I close my eyes recalling the question I had for William. How did we need to be seen during dinner. And now...? We're here far from the population. "Why are we here?"
"Protection and safety."
I flinch. "Are they... The Strigipsx... Would they attack the estate?"
"They never feared not attacking our homes. When we expected an attack, we made sure everyone was hidden deep in their homes or the mines. We found areas to hide."
"Such as this cave." I scan the place. It may be the reason Al found it. Safety far from all concerns.
"It does have a path to the main village. Few can take the correct paths. I light it with magic if needed. I am a sentry post." Al stands up. He moves to William's side. "It is time for you to return."
William nods letting the mirror spell close. "They didn't make it inside, but it was safer to have these two here." William offers Al a deep bow. "Thank you for this."
"Any time. If you need my support, I will gladly offer. Rest as long as you need."
"If only." William looks to me and Jessica. "I'm putting you in front of the healers. Jessica, you know first aid. Use it. Thomas, you are going to act as mage healer. Listen well and learn. I'm getting Callie."
"Don't tease her." Jessica growls. William smirks and disappears. We're going in a different direction even if at the same time.
Standing before a room of cries of pain... Is something else. I am quickly put to work. Just as Jessica is. We have skills that can be used here. Callie appears while I am working. I didn't notice. It has me aware my magic skill is stronger than hers, but I still need to practice. I need to learn healing spells, read my mother's spell book, and practice a lot.
This can help. And I am helping. My first time using my magic completely under my control. It is comfort even if I feel lacking.