After Robart left, Ayla remained in the room a little longer, calming her ragged breath. She was surprised and embarrassed that Robart had that effect on her. Not only that, but Robart treated her better than her father or her brother did. He took care of her and did not punish her. That man that everyone called a barbarian was more civilized than any other man she had known. And now that he left to face danger, Ayla was scared for him. In the short time they have been married, she found herself starting to care for Robart.

And earlier, Robart looked like he was in pain when he told her he is leaving for a week.

By the time Mylla came back, Ayla was finishing getting dressed. Mopping around was not an option. And Ayla knew that if she kept herself busy, the week would pass faster.

"Mylla, I have to go to the kitchen. I have to check the supplies and make a list of what we have," Ayla said and went to get parchment and a fountain pen.

On the way to the kitchen, Ayla crossed paths with Milton.

"Good day, my Lady," the man said.

"Good day, Sir, um, Milton," Ayla said.

"You should go to your room and rest; it's going to be a cold day."

"I have rested enough. Besides, Robart told me I have to make a list with the food supplies."

Milton studied the woman for a brief moment. He did not doubt that she was well educated, but he was unsure she knew how to make a supply list. And with Robart gone, he will have to help Ayla. Perhaps she would help him back. As the only Mage in the Castle, Milton had too much to do.

"My Lady, I could help you get that list done. I was born in this Castle and knew how the preparations for the Cold Season go."

Ayla was taken aback. She did not expect that a Fire Mage would take time to help her. Surely Milton had better things to do than to assist her.

"I do not wish to bother you. Besides, I am sure you have a lot to do," Ayla said.

"It would be my pleasure to help you. And if you feel guilty that I will help you, then you can help me in my tower later."

Ayla was confused by the young Mage. How could she help him? She didn't have mana. Ayla was about to tell the Mage that she will be of no use for him when Milton spoke.

"Let's make that list, and then I will explain to you what I need help with."

Ayla nodded, and together with Milton, she went to the kitchen. They spent what was left of the morning checking and writing the supply list. Ayla was amazed at how much they needed for the Cold Season. And in the time they have been in the kitchen, hunters returned with fresh meat, ready to be prepared in many ways by the cooks.

After a quick lunch in the kitchen, Milton led Ayla to his tower. To her surprise, the interior was well organized. From what she could see, Milton loved books because he had many bookshelves. On the first floor, which was the working space of Milon, Ayla saw two alchemist benches. It was the first time Ayla saw one, let alone two of them. She was fascinated. Next to one of the alchemist benches, Milton had a Rune Creator. And of course, there were many other things that Ayla had no idea what they were or their purpose.

"I am still unsure of what I can do for you," Ayla said.

"You are going to help me create magic potions."

Ayla froze for a moment, thinking that there was something wrong with her ears. She had no idea about plants or potions. Alchemy was an art itself. It took years to learn how to use the alchemy bench. And there were all kinds of plants, not only healing plants but also plants used to replenish mana fast, or for speed, endurance, strength, and so much more.

"I don't know anything about alchemy, so how can I help you?" Ayla asked.

"We will start with getting familiar with the alchemy bench. After that, I will show you how a minor healing potion is done."

Ayla was getting nervous. The Mage had to be crazy if he thought she would be capable of doing a healing potion. Most likely, she will waste the ingredients. Ayla tried to argue with Milton, but to no use, the Mage was very stubborn.

In the end, Ayla gave up and followed the Mage to the alchemy bench, where she listened carefully to Milton while he explained everything to her.

"Do you have any questions?" Milton asked when he finished his explications.

Ayla felt nervous and excited at the same time. There was a lot to take in, but she understood the basic concept of the alchemist bench. It wasn't very easy, but Ayla was positive that with a little practice, she would learn how to use it.

"No, I think I understand," Ayla said.

"Good. Now for the hard part," said Milton.

Hard part? Ayla thought that learning to use the alchemist bench was the hard part. What can be harder than that?

"Alright," Ayla said, unsure.

"Come with me," Milton said and led Ayla to a table full of all kinds of herbs and plants.

Ayla recognized a few herbs from books she read, but most of them were a mystery to her. She recognized reignweed that was good for pain. Also, sunweed, that women used to ease their cramps during their menstruations. Ayla was positive she saw a healing plant that her nanny used to heal Ayla's wounds each time would fall. That particular plan healed very fast and left no scars on the body.

"I am not going to explain to you what they are as I am positive you already know. But the tricky part is knowing which plant and herb can be combined to make a healing potion. Or any other type of potion you need. Some are only for external use, others are for internal use," Milton said.

For the next hour, Milton explained to Ayla each type and herb and plant and their properties. Ayla felt like a little child while Milton was her teacher, and she found that she loved learning about plants and how she could use them. Ayla might not have mana, but learning about plants and how to make potions, did not require mana. Up until now, Ayla wasn't allowed to do anything she wanted to do, but Milton was teaching her something new and exciting. And she wanted to know more.

To the surprise of Milton, Ayla was learning very fast. Her memory was impressive. Most of the time, he only explained once about a plant, and Ayla memorized the name and each property.

"My Lady, I have to say that I impressed. What you learned in such a short time took me months. How about we move to the alchemist bench, and I will show you how to make a minor healing potion?"

Ayla blushed. It wasn't every day that she received compliments. If she were to be honest, it was quite the opposite. For most of her life, Ayla never got praised. Each time she did something, her father would arch an eyebrow and tell her, 'Next time, do it better.'

Ayla spent all the afternoon in Milton's tower learning about plants and even making a few healing potions. The Mage watched her and helped each time she needed, while he created spell scrolls and more complex potions.

By the end of the day, Ayla got curious to know how Milton realized she is good at alchemy.

"How did you know I would be good at this?" Ayla asked.

"I didn't, but I needed help. Besides, if it would have been too difficult for you to do this, I would have shown you have to make spell scrolls," Milton said. Then, realizing how late it was, he added, "I am sorry to make you help me all afternoon. You must be very tired. How about I escort you back to your room and ask your maid to bring you the dinner there?"

"Only if I get to help you tomorrow," Ayla said.

"Alright," Milton said.

The Fire Mage was very happy with the Queen's help. This way, he could get so much work done. Eventually, he would have to ask Pirokar, the Arch Mage, for a novice.

**********************************************************************************************************

Once inside Hauke's house, Robart and the Paladins took a seat at the table. Hauke's wife and daughters brought water in basins for the men to wash their hands and faces. After that, the three women brought smoked meat and bread while the men talked.

"King Robart, are you here to inspect the Forge and the weapons we made? I would gladly show you everything we did," Hauke said.

"Nay. We are going to spend the night here. The Paladins and I are just passing by."

"We are you headed?" Hauke asked.

"The Old Mine. I received a parchment from Diogo, the Mine Chief, telling me that minecrawlers are in the mine. The beasts already killed seven miners, and at least fifty more are trapped inside," Robart explained.

"Minecrawlers? Nasty beasts they are. Around seventeen years ago, I had to fight some myself. They wanted to claim the Forge chamber. I almost lost my life back then."

"I don't deny they are thought beasts, but they don't stand a chance in front of the King and my brothers-in-arms," Sigmor said.

"Of that, I have no doubt," the chief said.

Robart and the Paladins spent the night in the Hauke's house, and early in the morning, they were already on their horses, leaving behind the Stron Hammer Clan. By the end of the morning, they were at the Old Mine.