“Yup, that’s it. That’ll do it! That’ll do it.”

  Doctor Eisen carefully removed a beaker from the bunsen burner. The yellow liquid inside had begun to glow from reaching a boiling point.

  Using metal pliers, he brought the glass to an insulated pad for it to cool. After turning off the blue flame of the burner, and double checking all his work, he came to the conclusion that the specially tailored sleeping potion for Marin was complete.

  Eisen stepped back. He pulled the long gloves off of his arms and hands, then removed the green tinted goggles that uncomfortably sat over his glasses.

  “It will need to settle for half an hour,” he spoke to himself, reading the notes. “But that’s probably how long it will take that King to get here anyways.”

  Satisfied with the outcome, he closed the book to his notes and sat in his rolling chair. In a short amount of time, he would be administering a brewed concoction that should theoretically put Marin into a temporary sleep.

  Temporary was the key word. Seeing as most of Marin’s organs were not functional, he worried this might render him permanently asleep instead. The King made it clear, though, that it was a risk he was willing to take. Not having his memory bothered him enough for that to be the case.

  After a minute of staring at the shelves and furniture of his basement home, he finally realized he would have to get up and get out to find a servant who could relay the message.

  If only he had a personal servant he could just send out in his place. Then he really wouldn’t have to ever leave the basement. Alas, it was probably best this way. He recognized that he had to at least leave every once in a while for his own mental health.

  Meanwhile Marin was outside the castle, talking to a group of surveyors who had recently visited the Kingdom with a proposition of mining in the Murok Mountains. Helva was out there with him, and the group discussed possible operations in the near future.

  “We would want to set up a small drilling site north of the castle, just to take some samples of the rock. Free for you all, of course. If we find a decent enough percentage of rare minerals in the excavation, we can work out some possible deals.”

  The business man with the name Harold Stalmeyer stood in his long coat and plaid shirt before the two of them, hoping to reach some sort of agreement. His bushy mustache covered his mouth entirely.

  Helva aided Marin greatly in this conversation outside, as she knew the inner workings of the law.

  “We are pending Kingdomship,” Helva began. “We don’t technically own the land yet.”

  “I am aware of that. But I would like to get some samples before then so I will know if the paperwork will even be worth my time. It won’t hurt anything for us to do so,” Stalmeyer responded.

  Marin wasn’t pleased with the situation.

  “Would you give us a moment?” Marin asked Stalmeyer.

  He nodded, and stepped back to talk with his crew several feet away.

  Marin brought Helva close to him.

  “I’m not entirely comfortable with a mining operation here at the castle. And could you elaborate to me on the topic of us not technically owning the land, as you claimed?” Marin asked his secretary.

  “This is why it’s so important we pass inspection to become a Kingdom, Marin. If we don’t, Stalmeyer can submit paperwork to RAM, and if he’s approved, he can drill in Nocturne’s area without our say.

  We don’t have any rights, yet,” Helva explained to him.

  Marin lowered his head, not sure how to respond. The last thing he would ever want to see is a corporation making claims on his beloved castle.

  “You don’t have to worry, though. Since there is a valid settlement up here in the castle, their paperwork would be extensive. Extra forms would have to be filed in compliance with the rules about starting any operation near a citizen’s living space.

  I have a feeling Stalmeyer won’t want to go through all that, and he’d rather just make a deal with us instead,” she added.

  “So, what if we are not approved by RAM? What then?” Marin desperately asked.

  “We just wouldn’t see any of the money they made from drilling near us. A percentage would be sent to RAM instead.”

  “And if we are approved, we then own the surrounding land, and we can deny them excavating?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Marin slowly nodded in thought. It was during these times that he appreciated Helva the most. It was now made clear to him though, that it was entirely vital that they gain kingdom approval from the central government.

  Not owning the land the castle sat on made it open for anyone to come in. If he had known how important it was, maybe he could have done more to convince the agents of the kingdom’s qualifications.

  “I can see you’re against mining for some reason,” Helva brought up, interrupting his thoughts. “Want to share why?”

  “I want to preserve the land on which the Kingdom was built on, and maintain the natural quality of it all. I’m not against mining in the general sense, but I’m not fond of it being done where we live,” Marin answered.

  Helva didn’t look like she agreed, and that was due to the fact that Heroca Town was able to survive on several mining contracts of similar nature. It was a great source of income, but if the King was against it, money would have to be continued to be made in different means.

  “Okay, I understand,” she stated.

  “What would you recommend we do?” Marin asked her.

  “I would allow them to take a sample. They will have to send it back to their analyzing facilities, and that will likely take weeks, giving us enough time to get our answer from RAM. I’m afraid that if we outright deny them, they may start paperwork with RAM immediately to gain rights.”

  Marin didn’t even want to allow that, but if it was a strategic move, he would have to play the long game.

  Before he could get his answer out, though, both of them heard footsteps approaching.

  Marin looked over and saw Loid walking up to them in his sharp black suit.

  “What is the matter, Loid?” Marin asked.

  “Eisen has summoned you. The potion is done.”

  Helva went wide eyed, and Loid noticed. He gathered that she thought it was about the immortality potion.

  “...Not that one,” he told Helva. “A different one.”

  She then nodded as expected.

  “Okay, we will go see him together,” Marin responded.

  He turned to his secretary one last time. “I trust your judgment, Helva. Allow them the sample. Follow up with me on the details of their response tomorrow. I have business to attend to with the doctor that will likely keep me occupied for the rest of the day,” Marin explained to her.

  Helva nodded. She then approached the surveyors as Marin and Loid retreated back to the castle.

  “What’s all that about?” Loid asked Marin as they walked back to the castle. He saw the construction crew with yellow hats and wondered if maybe the King was starting a new building project.

  “A group of surveyors who want to see if the mountains contain rare metals. They’re asking for our permission to drill,” Marin explained.

  “You’d better be getting a cut!” Loid commented.

  “I’d rather them not be here at all. Excavation is messy and I’d prefer to not have our elegant castle surrounded by smog and machinery.”

  There wasn’t much Loid could say back with reasoning like that.

  They entered the castle as the two main door guards allowed them in. They walked down the grand hall as they continued to talk, and eventually made their way to the Doctor’s quarters.

  Down in the basement, Eisen was preparing the lab for the experiment. He zipped across the room, grabbing supplies. When Marin and Loid entered, he did not stop.

  “In the drawer of the desk in the front room is a sign saying ‘closed.’ Can one of you get that out and place it by the buzzer?” Eisen asked upon their arrival, not even taking a moment to look at them.

  Marin looked at Loid. He nodded, then went back down the hall.

  “I hear everything is in order…” Marin stated nervously.

  “Indeed. The concoction came out successfully, and I’m just grabbing everything I need for ya. Do you care where you’re stationed? I was thinking of having you just lie on the table since you’re incapable of feeling discomfort.”

  Normal people would’ve certainly wanted a bed. Laying someone down on a hard table would usually be reserved for a deceased person needing study. Then again, Marin was technically a zombie. He believed it would be a fitting place for him.

  “The table will suit me just fine,” Marin answered.

  “Very good. I have it cleared. Have a seat on the table, and we will shortly administer the serum,” the Doctor instructed.

  Loid returned back into the room, seeing Eisen pour the liquid into a drinkable vial. He was equally as nervous as Marin was about the whole event. They had both shared some words of preparation during the walk to the office, but as the moment drew near, he felt anxiety about what might happen.

  “Listen Loid. If the worst outcome is to occur, and I do not wake back up, I leave this castle to you. Everything and everyone in it will be under your care…” Marin began.

  “Don’t talk like that, Sullivan. You’re going to be alright,” Loid quickly said, cutting him off.

  “He might not be,” Eisen pointed out, bringing the vial over.

  Loid narrowed his eyes in disapproval at the doctor. Eisen didn’t even notice.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  “It’s in drink form?” Marin asked, gazing at the glowing yellow liquid. It almost had a metallic quality to it.

  “Yes!”

  “Perhaps you’ve forgotten, but my body is unable to process anything put into it,” Marin said.

  Eisen laughed. “Oh yeah, I know. That’s why this was so hard to make. It will dissolve in your stomach on its own and make its way to your brain. That’s why I need you to take this sooner than later, because in being exposed to the air, its already breaking down as we speak.”

  Marin sighed. Well, this was it. He wouldn’t be able to put it off any longer. He reached his hand out, and took the vial from Eisen.

  Loid placed his hand on Marin’s shoulder. He just now realized this might be the last time he would ever see him alive.

  “I’ll see you soon,” Marin said to reassure him.

  “I’m counting on it,” Loid said back.

  With his hood down and mask off, Marin leaned his head back, and allowed the liquid to flow down his decayed throat.

  Marin was incapable of swallowing at this point, and his esophagus had become no more than a dried open tube.

  As he slowly brought the vial to a complete 90-degrees, all he could think about was if this would be the last action he ever took.

  “That’s all of it,” Eisen notified Marin after a moment.

  Marin brought the vial down, and sat straight up again.

  “How long for it to take effect?” The King asked.

  “Just lie down now and close your eyes. You should feel yourself drift off in a matter of minutes,” Eisen said with sweaty palms.

  He was also quite nervous, but did a great job in hiding it.

  Marin laid on his back on the table, in an orderly state. He crossed his fingers on his chest, and began to meditate.

  “...Could you imagine getting your memory back?” Loid asked him as he stared at Sullivan’s zombie face without the mask.

  “I’m hoping this will do it,” Marin responded with his eyes closed.

  That was the last thing he would say.

  Within the next few minutes, Marin had become so still, both Eisen and Loid swore they were staring at an aged corpse.

  Eisen checked his watch. Five minutes had passed by.

  “It should very well be in effect,” the Doctor noted.

  Loid looked back at Marin.

  “Sullivan?” He asked.

  No response.

  They both peered over Marin’s unresponsive body.

  Eisen rudely snapped his fingers besides Marin’s ear. None of Marin’s muscles flinched at the sharp sound.

  “Completely unresponsive. He’s officially asleep,” Eisen stated with confidence.

  Loid almost couldn’t believe it. It actually worked. Marin had fallen asleep for the first time since he woke up on the abandoned castle floor months ago.

  “Incredible. At this point I thought nothing would get him to ever experience sleep again,” Loid shared.

  He couldn’t pull his eyes off of the King. Loid felt a mix of fascination and worry for his best friend. He continued to gaze at his uncovered face, and he began to wonder how Marin dealt with the constant undead state his body was always in.

  “How long do we leave him like this?” Loid finally asked.

  Eisen had been hovering over his body as well the whole time.

  “Let’s give him the standard eight hours. Tonight, we will attempt to wake him up, if the potion doesn’t wear itself out by then.”

  The doctor finally peeled away, and returned to his main desk, gathering notes.

  “I will be looking for the rapid eye movement sometime during his sleep. That will tell me that he’s technically still alive, and his brain is cycling through the normal phases of sleep. He may very well wake up and remember everything.”

  Loid nodded to himself in response. He wanted to spend the entire time with Marin down in the basement, but there were castle affairs that direly needed his attention. He also needed to check on Helva and see what the miners were up to.

  After a few more minutes, Loid finally decided it was time for him to leave.

  “Alright. Take good care of him, Doctor Eisen. I will be back to check on him in a few hours.”

  “Do as you wish,” Eisen responded without turning around from his desk.

  Loid glanced at Eisen’s back for a moment in thought, then departed.

  Upstairs in the castle, everything continued to run smoothly. No one besides Loid and Eisen knew the current inoperable state of the King. Loid checked with Helva shortly after, who was back in the main office going through paperwork.

  She talked with him for a while, explaining how a sample of the ground would be taken 12 feet under for evaluation by Stalmeyer and his crew.

  “Marin’s not very interested in mining,” Loid told her.

  She nodded. “It’s his preference. If we are approved as a Kingdom, we won’t allow them back over here.”

  She took a sip of her tea, which had gone cold from the interruption of the mining crew in the first place.

  “What potion were you referring to earlier, if you don’t mind me asking?” She added.

  “Has to do with Marin regaining his memory,” Loid responded.

  “I see. I hope it works out for him.” She looked over her large agenda book that stayed permanently open on the desk.

  “Oh, and Loid, you have some letters here. Something to do with the kitchen, I think.” She went through a bin close by and gave them to him.

  “Oh jeez, I hope it’s not a problem again with that new cook we hired,” he grumbled to himself as he took them.

  In the basement, Eisen watched over Marin closely, constantly checking on him and making notes. Hours had passed, but Marin had not entered REM sleep yet.

  Not entirely a good sign, Eisen thought to himself.

  He wheeled back over to his desk and checked the notes for the sleeping potion.

  I hope the self-dissolving properties I added didn’t interfere with the potion’s primary function… Ah, I’m sure it has to do with Marin being… Well, undead.

  Eisen began to wonder that since certain parts of the King’s body had shut off for not being necessary, perhaps parts of his brain did too. Specifically the part about dreaming.

  Eisen scratched his stubbled chin in thought.

  You better wake up later, he thought.

  The day progressed, and Loid couldn’t swallow the anxious feelings he had about Marin. Not many people noticed the King missing, but a few did. Loid hoped he would be awake by dinnertime. Marin was almost always there for that, and if he wasn’t, citizens would wonder why.

  Loid couldn’t help but already start to prepare a worst case scenario speech in which he would have to address to the Kingdom that Marin died, and he would be taking over. In his brain, he was constructing certain parts of it throughout the day.

  Dinner was nearing, and most people’s shifts were ending. It had seemed that Marin never woke up on his own yet. Loid checked the time. It had been about eight hours. It was time for him to return to the doctor’s basement and wake up Marin.

  Discretely, Loid made his way back to Eisen’s office. He stepped down the stairs and traveled the narrow hallways into the lab.

  When he entered Eisen’s main room, he gazed at Marin, continuing to lie still on the table, with the doctor hovering over his body.

  Eisen looked troubled. Loid read it as a sign of doom.

  “It’s been eight hours,” Loid stated.

  “...And here you are,” Eisen responded with annoyance.

  “Yes, here I am! Now wake him up,” Loid commanded.

  Eisen stared for a second, then stepped back. “Why don’t you wake him up.”

  Loid’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t sure what stunt this was, but he didn’t take time to dwell upon it.

  He walked in front of Marin’s body.

  “Sullivan?” He said.

  There was still no response.

  “Sullivan!” Loid began gently rocking him.

  With Marin’s mask still off and eyes closed, Loid had to remind himself this was his friend, his King, someone who had accomplished so much in the last few months. Not a rotten corpse that had been dug out from the cemetery behind the castle, brought in by the sick doctor for some morbid experiment.

  Loid grasped his shoulders and began shaking him in a more violent manner. “Marin!” He yelled out.

  Still nothing.

  Loid finally turned around. Eisen had retreated to the corner of his room, shrouded in shadow, just the frames of his glasses shining dimly.

  “What have you done…?” Loid uttered.

  “So, he’s not waking up…” Eisen responded with dread. “I was afraid this might happen.”

  “Did you kill him?!” Loid demanded.

  “There’s a solid chance I did.” Eisen finally walked forward, his body illuminated again from the small amount of lanterns in his quarters. A grin stretched over his face.

  “...But there is a chance I might save him yet. Finally, a challenge.”

  Loid couldn’t believe that Eisen would have a smirk on his face at a time like this. It seemed that the doctor cared nothing for Marin. He just saw him as an experiment, an issue to solve and nothing more. He had been using the King as a means to an end of his own mortality.

  Loid never liked Eisen from the moment he saw him. Out of respect for Marin, he held his tongue on all the negative things he could say about the doctor. It was quite obvious, at least to him, how much Eisen disliked people, being a doctor for the castle, and dealing with anyone. All Eisen cared about was himself.

  “You better save him. Or I might repay the end of his life with yours,” Loid threatened.

  Eisen let out a chuckle, not phased at all by the threat. He began grabbing tools from his drawers.

  “Calm down, son. Don’t make threats to me that you’re completely incapable of following up with,” the doctor easily responded.

  “You obviously don’t know who I am. And who are you calling son? I’m two years older than you!” Loid demanded.

  Eisen ignored him as he began setting up some machines onto the table.

  “Do you hear me?!” Loid shouted, seeing that the doctor was not taking him seriously. Eisen was acting either incredibly brave or stupid in not acknowledging what he had to say.

  Loid continued to make threats, but after a moment, the doctor finally paused, leaning his hands against the table, thinking about how to respond.

  “I can see that you’re very fond of Marin, Loid. I get it. He’s a good guy! But what I don’t need right now is for you to lose your composure while I work. Now, either leave, or stand there in silence. Because if you keep YAPPING YOUR MOUTH, I will inform you on why you should

  FEAR ME!!!” Those last two words came out as a monstrous roar. A beastly, guttural tone of voice that was impossible for any human to replicate. It was apparent that Eisen had something inside him. Something not very pretty, something he chose not to reveal very often.

  That actually got Loid. He felt a shiver run up his back. Edward Eisen was dangerous. Very dangerous, he realized, as his intelligence and years of potion crafting had turned him into a living weapon through grotesque means. His current, normal-looking outward form was just a guise to what he could unravel if he deemed it necessary.

  Loid retreated to the corner, and stood there with his arms crossed, a stone-cold look on his face.

  You are a freak. I would have never allowed you to enter this castle.

  ...Please, save him.