The green waters of the Tropos Sea were moving more than usual, due to the rainy weather. 

   The Polian Empire had fought a war to get the lands of Aurora, so no country was launching passenger ships in this direction. Odilon, Polipedes, Mikaela and Fiorella were sailing on a cargo ship that was supposed to dock in Darkon. 

   "What will we do when we arrive?" Mikae asked. 

   "We need to find the treasure hunters, they must know something about the box." Answered Polipedes. 

   "You do know that Aurora is at war with Polian, don't you? That could be dangerous. We could land in the middle of a battle. What are you looking at, Frella."

   "He's been over there in that corner since we boarded. That was five hours ago." Said the blue-haired young woman. "I think I'll go talk to him." 

   "Better leave him alone." Polipedes warned. "Odilon is usually very ignorant when he is angry and very lonely when he is sad. Believe me we don't know what state he's in." 

   "Nonsense." 

   Odilon was sitting in a corner with his arms resting on his knees and his head resting on his arms. "I wonder how she is," he wondered with his eyes closed. "It's all my fault. I should have found her before they did." 

   "Old friend!" Fiorella said. "How do you feel?" 

   "I thought we didn't know each other. At least that's what you said in the square." Odilon raised his head. His eyes were deep. 

   The girl didn't answer. 

   "What are you doing?" She continued, ignoring the young man's rude speech. 

   "Asking the gods to protect my daughter." 

   The witch snorted. 

   "The gods don't care about us." She continued. 

   "How can you be sure of that." 

   "One day I did the same as you. Every day I asked for a better life, not just once, but several times a day; all in vain. My mother died for a crime she didn't commit. My father killed himself from so much grief, my sister and I wandered the world like some piece of crap that nobody accepts. And the gods? Where were they that they didn't see my cry? Where were they that they didn't hear my prayers?" 

   "But today you have a good life, don't you? You have a great financial condition, you are quite well recognized." 

   "No thanks to the gods." 

   "Or is it? But let's leave this matter aside. Tell me, what brings you here?"

   "Except for your legs?" He smiled. "I came to see how you are doing. I thought you were sad, but look at that, I can even see a laugh at my bad joke." 

   "Don't be so sure. I smiled just so I wouldn't put you off." 

   "mmm, I know. Don't feel bad, Odilon. We'll work something out." Fiorella nodded to Mikae and Polipedes, who were looking at the two from afar. Won't you join us? Let's get something to eat. 

   "I'd rather stay here a little longer." 

   "Then I'll stay here with you." The little witch yawned and leaned her head on Odilon's shoulder. 

   The prince was embarrassed by the situation.

...

Idris was sitting on a wooden throne set under a five-meter high statue of angel. The throne was above three flights of stairs. Above the statue were three stained glass windows, each representing the figure of an angel in a different position.

"What do you see?" The emperor asked, entering through the side door.  

"Love." Idris smiled and sighed. 

"I hope there is more to that vision of yours. Love is not important to us at that time." 

"Ah, yes...I see we are going to have visitors. Polipedes is coming." 

"Polipedes? I thought she was in prison." 

"She was, but now she seems to be in search of something...something very valuable." 

"As soon as she gets here bring her to me."

"But she's not alone." 

"I don't care if she has company, just bring her." The emperor turned on his back. "Come on! Dimitri's execution is ready. His death will serve as a lesson so that the rebels will no longer affront me." 

"Can't we just leave him in jail? You know how I hate violence, even more explicit violence. There will be children watching this, Menetuf." 

"Keeping him as a prisoner won't show these people any lessons; as for the children, let them see it, so they learn at an early age not to rebel against their rulers." 

"But it's just that..." Idris was interrupted. 

"Listen here..." Whispered Menetuf, violently holding Idris' arm, "do you want me to have another gallows prepared to put you next to him?" 

"No." He said in a low voice. 

"Then you had better start obeying me. As governor of this province you should be in agreement with me at all times." 

Idris released his arm from the emperor's hands. It was completely red, due to his perfectly clear skin. She rubbed it a little, while giving the emperor an irritated look. 

"I'm sorry!" Said the emperor. "Did it hurt badly? Let me see." 

The councilor pulled her arm and turned her back to Your Majesty. 

"Be careful Menetuf, my patience has limits." She spoke coldly. "Now let's go, since I have no choice anyway." 

Idris and Menetuf left through the right side door, heading towards the main balcony of the castle, where the scaffold was prepared. 

...

"How great, the circus has arrived in town." Spoke Polypedes as he realized that the harbor was filled with Polish soldiers. This means that my brother has obtained another victory. 

"Is the emperor of Polian your brother?" Odilon asked. 

"Yes. She and... that woman over there too." The sorceress pointed to Idris, who was walking toward them. 

Odilon looked the young light-skinned redhead up and down. He imagined things he could not say aloud. Frella, realizing that the prince was drooling over the sorceress's sister, crossed her arms and gave a huge beak. 

"The emperor wants to speak to you." Idris said immediately. 

"Aren't you even going to greet me?" Polipedes asked.

"I've had to watch a lot of hangings, Yavel. I'm not in the mood for your ironies." 

"At least you can say what this conversation is about." 

"I could...if I knew, but I don't. Menetuf only instructed me to intercept you as soon as you arrived, and that's what I'm doing now." 

Polipedes shrugged. 

"Let's go." I said.

"Only you can go, the rest have to stay." 

"What do you mean? What are these demands? They are coming with me." 

"I'm sorry, but that's the order the emperor gave." 

"Leave Polipedes." Mikaela said, stepping forward. "Me, Odilon and Frella can do something else until you come back." 

"Yes." Odilon said. "Your sister could accompany us around town."

"I'd kind of like to, but as governor of this province I can't give myself the privilege of wandering around and leaving real matters for later.”

"It doesn't matter." Frella said, pulling Odilon close to her. "We can manage on our own. Come on, Odilon. Will you join us, Mikae?" 

"I'd rather leave you two alone." 

"All right. Let's go, you gallant."

"Ah!" Polipedes said. "At sunset we'll all meet at the harbor inn, so don't go far."