"Grandma Cassandra learned the two Witches' itinerary from the Council. This heavy snow has swept across the entire western region of the Old Continent centered around the Pantanal Great Swamp. Early this morning, the Princess's party was forced to land in Vincent Town, about 180 miles, or roughly 290 kilometers, from here. They will first transfer to carriages, then take a train onward to Huntington."
The Nun sitting on the sofa spoke. Shade nodded, looking out the window with considerable concern.
"Only 180 miles left? In normal weather, they could get here in four or five hours."
"But in weather like this, I'm afraid we won't see them until tomorrow."
Sister Devlin said, then added:
"Also, when evacuating from the Steam Airship, Legenes Prisha disappeared. The local Church received orders that he was suspected of involvement in a fire in Tobesk, so he was to be temporarily arrested. But he left beforehand. Miss Galina and Miss Sylvia have no idea when he left either."
"He'll probably arrive here before the Witches."
"He's a Chosen One?"
Shade turned away from the window.
"Yes. There is some information I haven't yet told the Witch Council."
He briefly explained Legenes Prisha's abilities and the power of his ancient angelic bloodline.
"Sister Devlin, it seems the Bloodkin prophecy has come true. The evil thing beneath the Pantanal Great Swamp is about to be released. It is only waiting for the stars to reach the proper positions."
"Since this prophecy has already been reported to the Seer Association, I imagine the Church will soon determine the true date."
Shade nodded. The gloom in his heart was even heavier than it had been the previous night.
Since he did not need to welcome Princess Margaret's party, trapped in the blizzard, that morning, Shade went to Coldwater