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The wizard chuckled, the sound echoing off the cold walls of the dungeon. "Answers, my dear king? Such a commodity comes at a price, a toll paid in the currency of truth. Are you prepared to handle the weight of revelations?"

I nodded, determined not to let his games deter me. "Speak, wizard. I have little patience for riddles."

He leaned forward, the chains creaking with the movement, and locked eyes with me.

The wizard leaned back, a sinister grin playing on his lips. "Concern yourself not, majesty. After all, what harm can an old sorcerer do?"

I resisted the urge to unleash my frustration upon him, realizing that extracting information from this wily mage would require more than straightforward inquiries.

I knew the wizard wouldn't reveal more than he already had. He was notorious for demanding a high price for his visions, dark magic, and wisdom. For now, I was not willing to pay.

I turned away without uttering another word and left, with Allan trailing behind.

**

The castle's