Chapter Three

Four days later...

Peering outside the window, stretching as she'd sat there a little too long. Noticing the sun's position in the lavender skies, it had to be middle to late afternoon. Looking over another Magickal History book, she poured the last of the brew from the pot into the mug. Glancing around the room one more time before leaving and going to the back entrance and out into the courtyard. It had been more than a few days since the last nature meditation, now was as good of a time as any other. Setting the mug down on the small white table, taking a few deep breaths to center herself. Getting lost into a trance as she heard footsteps. The sound stopped directly behind her.

"Empress?" The well known voice called to her.

"Yes, Ambrosia?'

"There is someone here for you,"

"Send them here please."

"Yes, right away, miss." She said, then darted off to get the client, whoever it was this time.

Wondering who or what had shown up, knew she'd find out soon enough. A few minutes later, the servant girl brought a grey standard sized gargoyle to see her. Bowing to the mistress, then going back to her daily chores.

Turning to the gargoyle with a soft smile; "Hi there, what's your name?"

"I'm Ludwig miss."

"Ralvania... Have we met before?"

"It is possible."

"Yes, maybe.. Let's get down to it shall we? What have you come to see me about?' She inquired.

"I don't know if you can help me or not. I need someone with a gazing tool... to make sure someone I care for is safe."

"Why can't you check on this person, If I may ask?"

"I can't be seen near her."

"What? Why?"

"I was her guardian. My superiors felt I was getting too close to her. They banished me to another realm."

"Where does this friend of yours live?" She inquired.

"Her name is Veronica, she's just outside of Galderia, she's a witch still in training."

After a long and uncomfortable pause, he looked at her. "If you can't help, could you recommend a gypsy witch?"

"Follow me to my office, I'll help you."

"Would you like me to have a drink brought in for you?"

"Oh no thanks, I just need to make sure my friends okay."

"That's understandable," She said, walking him through the main hall of the castle, then into the office. The gargoyle sat down and waited.

Quickly grabbing a few things needed for the gazing spell, a few candles, crystals and magickal rocks. Lighting the candles with inner magick, she got right to work. Fifteen minutes she turned to the gargoyle, who looked panic stricken.

"Come over here please."

He walked to her with caution as they stood in front of the mist covered cauldron, he stared at her with confusion.

"Look into the cauldron. Is that her?"

Hesitating only a moment, he peered down as the mist cleared.

"Oh yes that's her. Thank you so much."

"Good, I'm happy to have eased your worries." She said, closing the ritual and snuffing out the candles with a snap of her fingers.

"What do I owe you for the service?"

"I don't charge for it."

"Seriously?"

"I may come to you one day for a favor, you must repay it then." She said.

"Oh, of course, anything you need."

"Is there anything else I can assist you with today?" She asked him.

"No I must get back to my home, thanks again empress." He replied, then showed himself out of the castle and off to his home.

The empress shook her head and went to write her thoughts on Ludwig the gargoyle.