City chatter mingled with turning gears and automotive horns. Euphonious, the music was more pleasing to King Theodore's ear than any radio could. He spent most of his days confined to his room, in bed. On the better days, when his heart was well enough, he would lean back in a chair on the balcony, listening. 

The castle was not far from the commoner's streets. Valcine, with magic to conceal, their ranks four or higher, were employed around the clock to ensure the palace was protected, rendering his balcony invisible to outsiders despite being as open as it was. It felt good, listening to the sounds of life and feeling the peaceful breeze through his graying hair.

God would reclaim his soul again; Theodore was sure of that. 

The King could only wait for death, his Healers unable to save him. Being immortal and witnessing his great country evolve into whatever it was destined to become was a fruitless wish. All of the magic in the world would never be capable of prolonging a person's life.

He opened his eyes again only when the wind seemed to change. "Klavier, my dear old friend." Voice faint, his smile was at least brimming. Turning his chair, Theodore slowly wheeled himself back into the room before exhausting himself. 

Arx stepped forward, helping him back into his bed. "Sire, do not push yourself."

"Between you and me," Theodore chuckled, though it sounded like a wheeze of air. "I would prefer to die on my balcony."

Letting out a breath, Arx simply nodded. "As you wish." 

"Well, anyway, what did our guest have to say for himself?" 

Arx recounted his discoveries in great detail, adding a personal request. 

The war between Carpathia and Litis would progress for years. They certainly wouldn't lose any time soon, as they held their own in most battles. However, Arx saw a bleak future for Carpathia if Litis continued to overpower them. More lives would be lost, Carpathian and Litisan. 

"It shouldn't be possible," Arx gazed at his open palms, still trying to wrap his head around everything. Only a year ago, he came around to the idea that Litis was using magic. Now Ezterra? That implied that anyone, regardless of their connection to magics' light, could have the power of a god. The idea that a country was more powerful than them, capable of more extraordinary feats than even the greatest Vazeer in history. Well, that made his hands tremble. 

Hands cold, Theodore reached out to Arx. A small gesture, but one Arx was grateful for. As the war raged on, as people continued to perish, the King's illness progressed, and his thoughts lingered on all he would lose. Without an heir, Carpathia would not have a King very soon. 

Theodore wasn't married. He had, at one point, conceived a child with a woman his mother, the previous queen, arranged. That child never made it past a day on this Earth. His relationship with his wife did not last either. The King divorced her only one month after his mother's death. And for the years to follow, Theodore never remarried or had another child. 

Arx looked into Theodore's paling eyes. They were not that different in age, but the King's illness had deteriorated his body so much in recent years. "I fear Carpathia will fall if Litis continues using those stones. Their magic is stronger than ours." A fact he hated to admit, but it was the truth.

Those stones were not as limited as their magic was. A Carpathian mage would eventually grow tired, and the strength and accuracy of their spells were dependent on their connection to magics' light. Litisan stones had no such restrictions. 

"Theo, our country is going to die." It killed him how terrified he was of that fate. Fear never looked good on a leader, but he felt he could lower his guard with Theodore. "I can not say if this thief is telling the truth. I'm not confident that this girl can be convinced to tell us where she got the stones. But…" Arx wavered. 

"It certainly is a gamble," Theodore filled in the silence, coughing as his throat scratched. 

Arx poured him a glass of water from a pitcher, helping him drink. So thin and weak, he prayed to God he still had time left with Theodore. He hadn't a moment to spare to be with him in recent years. He wanted the war to end before the King's passing. It would be better for the country; Arx would always rationalize that in a diplomatic sense. The truth was, he wasn't sure he could live without the King by his side. 

Leaning back against his pillows, Theodore relaxed. "He claims he can find her and steal back that stone."

"A plot to return to Ezterra safely, no doubt."

"I am sure it is." 

Arx knew that the thief was holding back information, as well. Such as who hired him and the girl's name. But he'd be damned if Silas really died, taking their only lead to find the stones with him. "Theo, I want to send the thief to get the stone." After a moment, he added, "I have a small team in mind to accompany him."

Theodore closed his eyes, weighing every outcome for Carpathia. Seeing a devastating future if they didn't at least attempt to look for the stones, he knew Arx was right. Litis would overwhelm Carpathia. He would die a worthless King. "Send for the stone," Theodore said, his fingers wrapping with Arx's. "I trust your judgment more than anyone in my court. I believe this can save our country."