The alternating red and green flashes became even brighter after the soul appeared. Shade could not even tell what color the soul had originally been.
"I am Megan Edwards. My grandfather was Pride Edwards, the third generation Lord of Green Lake—your lord. Now tell me, where is the key?"
The alternating flashes irritated Megan as well, and she fired off the question quickly.
The other words in her statement had no effect. Of the soul that appeared at the bow, only "Edwards" and "key" drew a response. Against the violently alternating red and green light, the soul in the guise of an old boatman looked at Megan and spoke a few words:
"Materials: an egg laid by a rooster, the lord's blood, a flawless yellow sapphire, century-old red coral, and memories of the family fortune."
"I have all of them. Take them quickly. Oh, Sylvia, can't you make this damned light a little dimmer? Even if I close my eyes, I can still see it."
"This is caused by the relic. The light is abnormal. Bear with it a little longer. Did you really bring all the materials?"
The Black-haired Witch leaning against Shade covered her eyes as she asked. Shade had no idea why she was leaning on him, though perhaps it made casting easier.
"Of course. This isn't the first time I've searched for a key!"
Like Shade, the Great Witches were growing irritable. Fortunately, all three had strong Spiritual Power, and Megan and Audrey had years of experience going mad, so they should be fine for the moment.
Any Edwards Descendant's blood would suffice as the lord's blood. The gemstone and red coral were among the expensive materials they had anticipated long ago. As for "memories of the family fortune," they used a ledger Audrey had brought,