Nix hurried through the winding corridors of the castle, his mind still buzzing with mixed emotions. He couldn’t shake the intimate moments he’d shared with Ambrose, replaying the tender touches and stolen whispers, yet frustration gnawed at him. He had overslept—something he rarely did—and now, half the day had slipped away from him. Ambrose was trapped in meetings, Callen had disappeared, and Nix had no choice but to figure things out on his own.

At least Yan and Fern had provided him with a hearty brunch and some snacks to take to Hamford. Nix carried a thick blanket along with a parcel of meat, cheese, and bread, but as he wandered deeper into the castle, he realized he had no idea where to find the imprisoned soldier. The twisting corridors were like a maze, and the castle was far larger than he’d anticipated.

After a few wrong turns, Nix decided to retrace his steps back to the entrance he remembered. He figured that if he kept his hood low and moved quietly, he could make his way to the cells unnoticed. He found a stairwell that descended into the colder, darker depths of the castle and, after a quick glance over his shoulder, he descended, pulling his cloak tighter around him.

Halfway down, the clank of armor and approaching voices echoed off the stone walls. His heart leaped into his throat, and before panic could settle in, a large figure stepped out of the shadows, pulling him into the darkness. A hand clamped over his mouth.

“I told you to wait for me, sorcerer,” a familiar gruff voice whispered.

Nix let out a breath of relief, recognizing Callen’s broad frame. The patrol of soldiers passed by without noticing them.

“I’m sorry, Callen! I didn’t know where to find you,” Nix whispered as they moved down the corridor, careful not to make a sound.

“I came looking for you earlier this morning, but you were still sleeping,” Callen explained, his voice low.

Nix felt a blush creep up his neck, the memory of why he’d overslept causing him to stammer an apology. Callen merely waved it off.

“It’s not a worry. We’re here.”

They stopped in front of a familiar cell, and Nix’s heart lifted as he was greeted by the dwarf’s warm, gravelly voice.

“Little Witch!” Hamford grinned from behind the iron bars, a twinkle of affection in his eyes. Nix smiled, finding himself growing fond of the nickname. 

“I brought you some food and a blanket,” Nix said, kneeling beside the bars and passing the bundle to Hamford. “Are you alright? It’s freezing down here.”

Hamford tore into the fresh cheese, savoring the bite before giving Nix a grateful nod. “I’ll hold out just fine, Little Witch. I won’t let you down.”

“We leave at dawn tomorrow,” Nix said, his voice growing more confident as he watched Hamford nibble contentedly. “We’re going back to the sea where the kraken took you.”

Hamford’s weathered face softened. “I appreciate what you’re doing to clear my name, lad, but don’t you go getting yourself hurt. Be careful out there. And make sure you come back and see me, even if you don’t find what you’re looking for.”

Nix felt a pang in his chest as Hamford’s large hand clasped his. There was a sincerity in his eyes, a kind of trust that bolstered Nix’s resolve. 

“I promise, Hamford. I have a plan.”

The fire in Nix’s eyes made the dwarf believe him. As the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, Callen called out, signaling that their time was running out.

“Next time I see you, you’ll be a free man,” Nix vowed, flashing Hamford a determined smile before pulling his hood over his head and slipping away behind Callen.

Hamford watched them leave, the blanket clutched in his hands. As he settled down in the corner of his cell, a chuckle rumbled through his chest. That little sorcerer had more heart than most men he’d known. He thought of the stories his father used to tell him about the bravery of the Water King. Hamford had only been five years old when the King had died, but the loss had changed the course of his people’s history. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but think how much Nix reminded him of the old Water King—both in spirit and in courage.

***

Back in the main halls, Nix and Callen climbed the stairs leading back to the castle’s upper floors.

“Anything else you need, sorcerer?” Callen asked as they reached the top.

Nix paused, remembering something. “Oh, yes! I asked Yan for a fighting staff. Can you give it to her for me?”

Callen raised an eyebrow. “A staff? You’re not much of a fighter.”

“I know,” Nix admitted with a sheepish grin. “But there’s something I want to try, and I’ll need it for the voyage tomorrow.”

Callen didn’t seem entirely convinced by the vague answer but nodded. “I’ll make sure you’re prepared.”

As they parted ways, Nix caught sight of a tall figure in royal dress. His heart skipped when he realized it was Ambrose, walking with the chancellor, no doubt en route to another endless meeting. The chancellor was talking rapidly, reading aloud from a scroll, but Ambrose’s attention seemed elsewhere.

Nix’s feet moved before he could think. “Ambrose!” he called.

Ambrose’s face lit up, and in a heartbeat, he had crossed the room to cradle Nix’s face in his hands. “You’re up and about sooner than I expected,” Ambrose teased, his voice low and playful.

Nix flushed, the memory of the morning still fresh in his mind. “I’m fine,” he whispered, glancing at the chancellor. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to know if Professor Ithil was available.”

Ambrose smiled, his hand slipping down to take Nix’s. “I’m sure we’ll find him in his study. Come on, let’s go look for him.”

Without another word, Ambrose turned, pulling Nix along behind him. The chancellor sputtered in confusion, his long robes swishing as he hurried to keep up.

“Your Majesty! Where are you going?”

Ambrose didn’t bother to stop. “We have other business to take care of. We’re preparing for tomorrow’s voyage.”

“But what am I to tell the King?!” the chancellor called out, clearly exasperated.

Ambrose’s grin only widened as they rounded the corner, leaving the chancellor behind in a flurry of disheveled scrolls and exasperation.