Chapter 45

“Ok Kita, how are we going to catch this dorphan? And does it have to still be breathing to cash in the benefits?” Ean asked.

“No, it does not. Most of the beast's value is after its death. Rector can use a magic negating ritual circle to prevent the beast from using its earth magic, and then you and I can end its life. Once overwhelmed it is known they can travel at remarkable speeds under the earth and without a tracking spell, would prove almost impossible to catch,” Kita said in a clear commanding voice.

Ean turned quizzically to Rector, “Ritual circles? Isn’t that wytchcraft only used by the strangers and mage women from Winterwurm?”

“I can only use a select few spells in that department. Protection, healing, those sorts of things,” Rector coughed, “The ones that lean to a darker side of magic, I am unfamiliar with.”

“I do not know what these supposed strangers or witches are, but our Illiad’s use ritual magic,” Kita started to say.

“We know. The women that are selected provide a