Steven opened his eyes, then just rolled over and shoved his face into the pillow. He didn’t want to get up. But he also didn’t want to stay in bed. He needed to find coffee.


    Hearing a sucking pop sound, Steven inwardly groaned.


    “I have everyone one waiting just like you requested. Your majesty.”


    Steven turned over to see the wisp floating there with what he thought was a smug look about her. How he could tell the ball of light was smug was beyond him, but he somehow knew she was up to something.


    “I need coffee.” Was Steven’s only response.


    “Would you like for me to send some up?” Silvia asked.


    Steven sat up straight at that. “We have coffee?”


    “We do, the Chens drink it every morning.”


    Steven just blinked at the wisp for a moment. “Yes, bring me some.”


    Silvia vanished. Then the realization that everyone was waiting sank in.


    “Silvia, what do you mean by everyone is waiting?”


    “For your round table meeting, of course. I told you a time would have been better, but you said after you woke up. I still don’t think it’s necessary, but hey, who am I to have an opinion?”


    Steven sighed. Maybe having this meeting was more trouble than it was worth. “And how long has everyone been waiting? And who is everyone exactly?”


    “A few hours. And everyone, just like you said. I even had some drones go fetch Sirus and Goskia.”


    “Are you trying to be facetious?”


    “I do not know what you''re talking about, your Majesty.” Silvia’s voice came back all innocent like.


    Steven nearly told her to come back, but he had a better idea. Also he hadn’t gotten his coffee yet. And it has been far too long. No sooner than Steven got his clothes on, a knock came at the door. “Yes?”


    “It’s Fidah. I have your coffee.”


    “Come on in.”


    Fidah did so, and Steven got a glimpse past her. The hallway was packed full. It looked to mostly be drones, though. Steven sighed. “It seems Silvia is trying to make a point.”


    “She said it was the king’s orders to have everyone present for the meeting.” Fidah said.


    “I didn’t mean everyone. Just a select few. It seems I will have to be more specific with the wisp.” Steven said as he took the cup.


    “It’s hot, Master Odling.”


    “I’m aware. Have you ever tried it?” Steven said, looking down at the black coffee.


    “I have not.”


    “It’s better with milk. But I’ll take what I can get.” Steven took a sip and was surprised that it wasn’t all that bitter. He had never liked his coffee black before. But maybe after drinking all those drone eyes built up his tolerance for bitterness.


    Steven held it out to Fidah. “Want to try some?”


    “No, it’s fine. Mrs. Chen said there was not a lot left and I wouldn’t want…”


    “Just try some. It’s like a stamina potion without the potion toxin.”


    Fidah’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”


    “Yes, I am.”


    Fidah took a hesitant sip. “It’s not bad. But what did you mean by add milk? I’m no alchemist, but wouldn’t that ruin the effect?”


    “Not at all.” Steven said as he pulled out his pipe. After he took a long drag, he offered it to Fidah.


    “It’s a bit early for me, Master Odling.”


    “It’s never too early.” Steven said with a wide smile. “It goes well with coffee.”


    Fidah took the pipe and Steven mentally told Silvia to get a cup of coffee for Fidah.


    Silvia mentioned everyone was waiting, but Steven just told her they could wait longer. After a drone brought Fidah a cup of coffee and she finished it, Fidah spoke up. “I don’t feel anything. Maybe it only works on those from your world.”


    Steven smiled and headed to the door. “That’s not how that works. It will take ten to twenty minutes to kick in, unlike stamina potions.”


    As soon as he opened the door, the drones began shuffling out of the way and a few began calling out. “Make way for King Odling.”


    Steven chuckled to himself at that. If the drones kept this up, people would eventually think him an actual king. The drones were just so devoted to him. He wondered if this had anything to do with Nev’s oath to serve him. Would the drones turn on him when she did?


    Steven made his way to the room with the round table across the hall. It too was jammed packed and Silvia floated in the center of the table with a satisfied expression. No a satisfied light. He also noticed Goskia and Sirus, who both looked annoyed.


    “First off, I want to say thank you for all of you coming. Even though I didn’t invite you. The meeting was only supposed to include Nev, Fidah, Silvia, and Leo. But my beautiful ball of light decided she would make a point. I suppose her point was to annoy everyone. Which she seemed to do quite well from the looks of it. I’m sorry you all had been waiting for hours.” Steven turned to the drones. “You may all go about your day. And thank you for coming. Also, you no longer have to obey Silvia’s order till I tel you otherwise.”


    Silvia’s light flared. “Hey that’s…”


    “Shush you, I’m not done speaking. Wait for your turn. Thats the whole point of this table after all.”


    The drones began shifting out of the room, and Steven noticed the chained girls. “You lot can go too.”


    It took a few minutes for everyone to clear. “It’s looking much better now.” Steven saw a single drone still standing in the back dressed in what looked like naga gear but he ignored that for now.


    Steven sat down and then noticed the Chens were still in the room as well. “You can also leave.” No sooner than he spoke, Mr. Chen was out the door. However, his mother stayed. “Want know what going on.”


    Steven shrugged. Who knows, maybe she would have some insight. This also reminded him of coffee. “Before I forget, I was told we are nearly out of coffee beans.”


    “My coffee beans.” Mrs. Chen said.


    “Okay, well, your coffee beans then. You need to give some to Goskia to see if he can grow any.”


    “Who goatskin?” Mrs. Chen asked. “Bean are roasted. Cannot grow.”


    “I am Goskia.” The old Naga said before turning to Steven. “I’m sorry, Steven, i don’t have the time to take on any more projects at the moment. Rebuilding the clan leaves me with little to no time for anything else.”


    “You will do as Master says!” Nev said, glaring at the old Naga.


    Goskia lowered his head. “Of course. i will see it done.”


    “Nev, that’s not howe this works. If he can’t get to it right now, it’s fine. We can just give him the beans and he can just get to it when he can.”


    Goskia went to speak up. But Mrs. Chen spoke up. “Bean roasted! Goatskin snake man can’t grow.”


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Steven looked at the old Asian woman with amusement. Living in a tree house with floating rags, spider people, elves, and talking balls of light was fine. But planting a roasted coffee bean is where she drew the line of unbelief. Also, did she just call him Goatskin.


    "The name is Goskia, ma’am. Also, the bean being roasted won’t be an issue.” Goskia turned to Steven. “What is this plant do, anyway?”


    “Its like a stamina potion without the potion toxins.” Steven said.


    Glancing at Fidah’s wide eyes darting all over the place, he could tell it was definitely having an effect. Caffeine would likely be something new in this world. Or at least something they haven’t discovered around here yet.


    “A potion with no side effects.” Goskia said to a wide-eyed Sirus.


    “Silvia, please make sure Goskia gets some beans when he leaves.”


    “Of course. Your Majesty.”


    “Thank you Silvia. I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for your wise guidance.” This seemed to perk the little ball of light up a bit. “Okay, let’s move onto some more important things. I formed this round table so I could make some informed decisions about what to do next.”


    “Master,” Nev said as she raised her hand.


    “Yes Nev.”


    “Why is the table round?”


    Steven was surprised she didn’t actually know. She seemed to know a lot about his world from his dreams. Such as raising her hand as if she was in a classroom.


    “It’s to show that we are all equals here.”


    “Master I think not!” Nev said.


    “My King, that is preposterous.” The single drone said from the back.


    “Equals?” Sirus questioned.


    “I told you this wouldn’t work,” Silvia smugly said into his mind.


    “I believe what The Master is trying to say.” Leo interjected while somehow getting everyone’s complete attention. “Is that all our opinions matter to him equally.”


    “Thank you Leo.” Steven said before he realized Leo had just called him The Master.


    “It’s obvious The Master is above us in station. All of us here are either bound to him or are his subjects.”


    Steven wanted to interject but found his self unable to put forth the effort.


    However, Chen’s mom didn’t have such qualms and spoke up. “I not his subject, I work for flying cat.”


    Leo turned to look at the old woman with confusion. “Are you saying that the one who prepares food for The Master is not bound to him?” Leo turned to the wisp with wide eyes before looking at Nev.


    Nev’s face turned to fury and she stood up. “Silviaburlaxatrix. Are you telling me she is not bound? And you allowed him to take the amulet off?”


    Silvia’s light began to flicker wildly. “I’m sorry. I’ve been busy… and the cook just kinda appeared out of nowhere.”


    “Calm down, guys. It’s not a big deal.” Steven said.


    “Not a big deal!” Nev said, slamming her hand down on the table. “This is a huge problem! I have drones patrolling the area at all hours. I built you a three hundred drone army for your personal safety. With your shards you are nearly impossible to assassinate aside from poison. I won’t allow my only chance to transcend to be taken away so easily. Your safety is of the upmost importance.”


    Mrs. Chen shrunk in her chair at Nev’s out burst.


    “She wouldn’t…” Steven started before Leo interrupted him.


    “I believe the solution is simple. We have the cook take an oath.”


    Steven was looking at Nev with confusion at her outburst when he realized what Leo suggested. He tried to open his mouth but again just couldn’t build up the will to do so.


    “I have to agree with Queen Nevateb,” Sirus said. “Steven’s safety is now tied to the wellbeing of my clan. And this is a huge risk.”


    “Do you say I try poison this child king?” Mrs. Chen asked as she stared daggers at Sirus.


    Steven had to admire the courage of the old woman. He wouldn’t stand up to Sirus like that.


    “I’m not saying that, but if you were compromised…” the old woman interrupted Sirus.


    “Compromised! I no be compromised.”


    “Okay, that’s enough.” Steven said, no one even paid him any mind. Nev was even arguing with Silvia about something.


    Steven was about to raise his voice when Leo spoke up. “The Master is correct.” Everyone stopped talking and gave the sphinx their complete attention. “Old woman Chen, I’m sorry I don’t know your name. However, I believe this can all be solved by you taking an oath to serve The Master.”


    Steven wanted to say that she did not need to take an oath and that he would rather her not. But again felt his will compressed.


    “I take no oath.” Mrs. Chen said while crossing her arms. “Also, I not old.”


    Nev stood up and Steven seen what he could only describe as a giant spider shadow loom over the old woman. The fear in the old woman’s eyes struck a nerve in Steven and he stood up.


    “Enough!” Steven said, glaring at Nev.


    “I’m sorry Master, but this…”


    “No, we can discus this later. She does not need to take an oath.”


    There was silence for a good thirty-seconds before the old woman spoke up. “Aashi Chen.” The old woman said before standing up and walking to the door. “I make food now. You no have to eat. But you can.” She then left through the door.


    Steven assumed that was her name and did his best to make a mental note for when he went to apologize to her later. He then sighed. “Can we move onto an actual topic that I want to discuss?”


    “Please go on.” Leo said.


    Steven looked at Leo. The sphinx has changed in attitude a lot since he first met him. He briefly wondered if Leo had some sort of speaking ability. Then he realized everyone was waiting for him to speak. “So first thing I want to discuss is Eve. I need to know the best plan of…”


    Silvia flared her light. “Steven, he has returned.”


    “Wait. What? Who has returned?”


    “Herald.” Silvia said.


    “Who is Herald?” Nev and Leo asked nearly at the same time.


    Steven’s eyes widened. “How close is he?”


    “Within a few minutes.”


    Steven turned to the only drone left in the room. “Escort him to this room immediately.”


    “Yes, at once my King.” No sooner than the drone stood up, two more drones appeared from nowhere. “Allow us, Chosen one.” The drone sat back down with a resigned look on his face as the other two drones took off out of the room.


    Steven was startled at the sudden appearance of the drones. He was just happy they were on his side. He assumed that was high stealth at work. Leveling up stealth again needed to be a priority. It was quite powerful, as even Sirus was startled by their appearance.


    He then turned back to the drone. “Why did they call you chosen one?”


    “It is a name my drone brothers began calling me after you bestowed me with the name Charles and assigned me as your dungeon keeper.”


    “Steven’s eyes widened. Just now realizing who the spider-kin was. There were just so many drones he had a hard time telling them apart.


    “It’s nice to see you are doing well, Charles.” Steven quickly changed the subject. Not wanting the drone to realize he hadn’t recognize him. “How will they know where the vampire is?” Steven asked. This was something he was actually curious about.


    “Don’t worry, Master.” Nev said, “I have already found his location with my webs, and my children are approaching him as we speak.”


    “Oh. Alright then. Any way, to answer your question. Herald is…” Steven started.


    “It’s fine. Silvia has already filled me in.”


    “Okay. Well, I guess we just wait.”


    It didn’t take the drones long to escort Herald to the room. Steven was the first to speak. “Tell me what you have found out about Eve.”


    Herald took in the room, then turned his complete attention to Steven. “Mr. Odling.” Herald nodded in respect before continuing. “I have discovered much in my brief journey. First, miss Evesakia was forced to eat these.” Herald said as he pulled out an inky black orb.


    “May I see that?” Goskia asked.


    Herald looked at Steven before handing it to the old Naga and continuing. “She is in a state of transition at the moment. I know that is probably obvious. However, the only way to get her out of the state is to continue the process.”


    “Wait. Are you saying we turn her into undead?” Steven asked.


    “Yes. From my understanding, it is the only way to help her. It is unheard of to turn one back during the transition. However, it is possible to change her from undead into living. Although I know little about the matter, I returned as quickly as possible.”


    “I have seen nothing that has even remotely looked like this. How would we even feed this to her?” Goskia asked.


    “At this stage in the transition, simply place the orb onto her skin and her body will absorb it.” Herald said before turning back to Steven. “Also, the transition stage is not one she can stay in for long. If the ritual is not completed, she will wake up as an undead, with little to no memories of her past life. It is possible that even now she has lost some of her memories.”


    Steven’s eyes widened, and he looked at Silvia. “I don’t know what to do.” Steven said through their mental link. “Should we complete the process? Is there no other way?”


    “You can trust Herald what he says is true. As for if there is another way. I’m unsure. If there is, I’ve not heard of one. Ive never even came into contact with these orbs before they must be new. Even the Elder wisp wasn’t sure what was happening to Eve.”


    “I say we proceed.” Goskia said. “Matters of the mind are not simple. I can likely help her remember some of her memories. And if there is a way to turn her back, then we will find it.”


    Sirus just sat there, eyes wide. Steven often forgot that Eve was his niece. He didn’t even know if she had any other family or not.


    “Sirus, what do you think?” Steven asked.


    The dour Naga was silent for a moment before he spoke. “Save her any way we can.”


    Steven turned to Herald. “Is there anything else we need to know?”


    “No, Mr. Odling. There is nothing else concerning miss Evesakia.”


    “Well, let’s get to it then.” Goskia said. “If it is a matter of the mind, we need to not waste anytime.”


    All eyes turned to Steven. “Let’s do it.”


    Within a few minutes, everyone was in or hovering around Eve’s room. Goskia placed the orb on Eve’s arm. The orb immediately looked to be getting sucked into Eve and the black veins all over her body began to pulse again. Both Steven and Goskia turned to look at the vampire.


    “This is to be expected. It is part of the process.” Herald said.


    “How long can we expect this to take?” Steven asked.


    “A day or two at most. She can only absorb one orb every three hours.” Herald then pulled out a box full of orbs and placed it on the table.


    “I want you to return and figure out how to turn her back.” Silvia told Herald.


    Herald nodded. “Expect this to take me some time. I tried to learn of this, but turning undead back to the living seems to be a well guarded secret. However, I will not fail you.” Herald then turned to leave.


    “One more thing. We will no longer be at this location.” Silvia said.


    Nodding, the vampire butler left. Steven barely paid any attention to this his eyes were locked on Eve. Long after everyone left, Steven sat in the room with Eve, hoping she would wake up, and praying, she would remember him. Out of everyone he was surrounded by, he felt Eve was truly his only friend. Everyone else just wanted something from him. Though she thought he was someone else.


    Fidah brought Steven some food, and he absentmindedly ate it. He only left the room once to go outside and get some air. He grabbed a random book from the library on his way back to her room, hoping it would help kill some time.


    At some point, Silvia appeared next to Steven and told him it was time for him to absorb his next shard. They still needed to help Fidah’s clan. Once Eve woke up, he needed to absorb the domain so they could head out. He told her he would do it in the morning. Silvia assured him she would make sure Eve received an orb every three hours and told him to get some rest.