Sabotage - Chapter Eleven

                                             Chapter Eleven



   A different, far more elegant room rises and solidifies. 'The throne room!' Mondre` realizes. Everdron stands on the platform on which the throne sits, seeming impatient. His aura glows with outrage when he sees the princes, Ryuu, and two other people appear with the nightshades. "What is this?" he bellows, walking down the steps. He stops infront of the princes. "You are filthy. Where have you been?" he snaps. Mondre` and Skreme wonder how to explain, but they can't think of an excuse. The two bandits squirm in the nightshades' grips. “You are going to regret this!” one shouts. Everdron looks their way and narrows his eyes. They go limp, staring blankly at the walls. Ryuu keeps still, trying not to draw his attention. Everdron faces the nightshades then nods. They gently place the princes down, who get to their feet. A nightshade hands Mondre`'s tunic to him. He takes it and puts it on. "Who are these ingrates?" Everdron growls, nodding once at the limp humans. Before the boys can answer, he turns to Ryuu. "And who is this?" "My name is Ryuu." the boy replies with a shaky, but firm voice. Everdron examines him. He notices the earring. Mondre` and Skreme watch as he stands before the thief. "What is a half breed like you doing around the Daemon High Prince of Veud and the Daemon Prince of Klohmoi? Did you kidnap them? Though I doubt that could be possible.” he says. “Are these humans your comrades?" Mondre` is amazed by what he just heard. Ryuu has the same look on his face. "Ryuu did not kidnap us. We left on our own. They followed us." Mondre` mumbles. "Silence." Everdron orders. "Half breed?" Skreme asks. "High Prince?" Ryuu asks, appalled. "You're princes?" "You are a half demon?" Skreme asks, eyes narrowed. "My mother was human. She died keeping me safe from a Demon raid. Ordered by High King Gothron!" Ryuu yells, struggling against the nightshade's grip. "Put me down!" The nightshade looks to Everdron. He gives a sharp nod. It places the boy down. He jerks away and glares at the princes. "I vowed never to associate with him or any Daemons!" he yells. Tears run down his angry face. "Oh, who cares? This is why we keep your kind as servants. Too emotional to do anything else." Skreme sneers, crossing his arms. Ryuu runs at him, fists clenched. A nightshade stops him by the neck of his shirt. Mondre` punches Skreme in the arm instead. "Ow." he hisses. Mondre` glares then faces Everdron. "He saved us from a squad who patrolled Nardo’s street. They were about to execute us.” Everdron‘s eyes turn to him. "He also helped Skreme when he cut himself on a Catha plant." "Cratje." Ryuu mutters. "Cratje. And from the bandits." Mondre` finishes. Everdron says nothing. "We owe him something." Mondre` says. "I owe it nothing." Skreme says. "We would not be alive if it was not for him." Mondre` says. "He placed us in the situations!" Skreme says, raising his voice. "Quiet!" Everdron orders in his booming voice. The princes become silent, but give each other foul looks. Everdron faces Ryuu. "I am going to release you, half breed. But know this. Do not think I am going to give you anything. Your life is what you should treasure at this moment." he says. "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask for anything from Daemons." Ryuu huffs. He walks past the nightshades to the doors. Everdron watches him leave then turns to the nightshades. They had placed the bandits down on the floor infront of them. "Thank you all, magnificent Nightshades. I will have your payments sent to you." he says, bowing. The nightshades disappear into thin air. Mondre` whirls on Everdron. "Why didn't you reward him?" he asks. Everdron ignores him as he walks by. "As for you two, you will be given baths then you will go straight to bed." he orders, snapping his fingers. Soldiers march in. Some escort the princes out. Mondre` looks back to see Everdron point to the bandits before the door closes. "Take these ingrates to the dungeons." Everdron orders. The soldiers grab the unconscious thieves then travel. Everdron turns to a wall. "Lieutenant." Ivinin steps out. "Yes sir?" he says. "Put more soldiers to the watch." "Yes sir." Ivinin says. He leaves to get more units. Everdron crosses his arms. 'This is worse than I thought. I must inform the High King.' he thinks. He walks out of the throne room when Bersion hurries up. He looks rushed. "Advisor Everdron. Did you hear about the princes?" he asks. "What of Their Majesties?" Everdron asks. "They are missing." Bersion says. "They have been returned and are fine." Everdron says, walking past him. Bersion is puzzled and follows. "What do you mean?" he asks. "I sent the Nightshades to find them. I need to speak to the High King." Everdron says. "His High Majesty is in the Royal study. He does not know yet." Bersion says. "Good." Everdron says. Gothron is sitting behind the desk, reading a thick novel when Everdron walks in. "Your High Majesty." he says. Gothron looks up. "Yes?" he says. Everdron remains silent, putting his thoughts together. "The escort who had been following the princes recently informed me that your son and nephew escaped their sight." Bersion says. Gothron stands quickly, tossing the book onto the desk. "I sent the Nightshades. They found them safe. But they were in the company of a half breed and rogue humans." Everdron says before Bersion says anything else. "What did you do with them?" Gothron asks. "The humans are in the dungeons. I released the half breed. Apparently, it saved the princes from a squad who was going to execute them." Everdron says. Bersion does not seem pleased. Gothron is appalled by the very mention. "Where is Mondre` and Skreme?" he asks. "They are being cleaned in the baths as we speak, Your High Majesty." Everdron replies. "And have you increased the escort?" "Yes, Your High Majesty. It seems as if Their Young Majesties have been doing this for some time." Everdron says. Gothron sighs, gazing at the floor. "What is going on here?" he mumbles, mostly to himself. "I am not sure, Your Highness. But I shall see to it that it stops." Everdron vows. “You may go.” Gothron says. “Yes, High Lord.” both Advisors say. They walk out. Gothron sits back down and rests his head on his hand. He picks up the book he had been reading, which was laying open face down, bending the pages. He closes it and puts it away. He walks out of the study to the stairs, climbing several flights then turns and walks down the corridor. He stops at a door. It was black, with gold wiring down the length of it with thin gold plating as leaves. He opens it. In the bed in the middle of the room, a figure breathes softly, wrapped in a soft gray gown and deep gray covers. Her eyes are closed. Her blonde hair is spread out over the pillow her head lays on. Her right arm is resting on the pillow by her head. Her other arm lays over her stomach. He smiles then it changes to a frown at the thought of waking her. He walks over and sits by her side. He touches her shoulder and rubs his thumb over it. Her dazzling green eyes open at his touch. She smiles at the sight of him. “Hello.” she says. “Hello.” he says. She notices his concerned expression and sits up. "What is wrong?" she asks. He moves his hand from her shoulder to her knee. “Mondre` and Skreme escaped the escort and came to be found outside, but were returned by Nightshades.” he says. “How?” she gasps. “Are they all right?” “They are fine. They are in the baths. They were brought back with human rogues and a half breed, who supposedly saved them.” he says. She looks down at the bed, a frown edging it's way across her lips. “Where is it now?” she asks, looking back at her husband. “It is gone. Everdron released it.” he says. Her frown deepens, darkening her face. “He should have made it rot in the dungeons.” she mumbles. He takes her hands into his. “I only wanted to inform you, my love. We do not need to dwell on it now.” he says. She calms, giving him a smile. "All right." she says. He gets up and walks over onto the other side. He slides off his boots then changes his clothes. He lays beside his wife and holds her close. She wraps her arms around him and falls back to sleep. Mondre` and Skreme lay in their beds. Skreme has his eyes closed. Mondre` stares up at the ceiling. "We need to apologize to Ryuu." he mumbles. "No. He's a half breed. They can't be trusted." Skreme mutters then plants his face into the pillow. "He didn't even try to kill us." "He was about to slice my arm off." "He was only trying to help. We need to tell him sorry." "No, we don't." Skreme says, still in the pillow. “Half breeds are part human. They can't be trusted, just as humans can't be trusted.” “Fine. Never mind then.” Mondre` says nothing more, staring up at the canopy that drapes over his bed. Skreme is soon sprawled over his bed, fast asleep. Mondre` looks over to him then listens. The breathing can still faintly be heard in the walls. The time keeper pendulum sways, ticking out a steady sound. Mondre` forces himself to stay awake by pinching himself on the arm. The breathing finally stops. He quickly climbs out of bed, putting two pillows in his place. He grabs a handkerchief from a dresser draw then stands by his bed, concentrating hard. He travels to a dark vast room. Glowing gold, silver, and white coins sit within vast treasure chests. He crouches and collects enough coins for the kerchief to hold. He ties it up then tries to remember the inside of the tower. He waits, seeing everything shift around him. He feels a breeze blow by when the dark tower room appears. The fallen vials still drip from the attack earlier. He walks to the trapdoor. It was still locked. He unlocks it by sliding the latch back. It is shoved open. He falls back. Ryuu almost falls over himself. "How did you get in?" he snaps, quickly stepping inside. Mondre` gets to his feet. "I traveled here." he replies. "Get out!" Ryuu orders, closing the door behind him. He bolts the lock fast. Yelling and banging occurs below. "I thought the Nightshades killed it." Mondre` says. "Why are you still here?" Ryuu asks angrily, walking up to him. "I wanted to apologize for what happened." he says, standing his ground. Ryuu passes him and starts picking up the bottles. "You have. Leave." he says. Mondre` sighs. He tosses the bundle of money down beside the boy. Ryuu can hear it holds a great deal of money. "What's this for?" he asks. "This is what you should've been awarded with." Mondre` says. He disappears without another word. Ryuu gazes at the spot he had been standing then opens the kerchief. Glistening gold coins shine up at him. 'This....It's so much!' he thinks. Mondre` lays down as the particles collect around him. The particles tickle his nose as they move back out. He holds it until the room appears then sneezes. His covers rise from the wind it creates then float down on top of him. Skreme jumps awake. “What happened?” he asks. “Nothing. Go back to sleep.” Mondre` mumbles, moving his pillows. Skreme yawns then lays down. That morning, after prayers and before the High King or the High Queen wake up, Everdron brings the squad of soldiers from Nardo's street into the throne room. Mondre` and Skreme watch from behind the throne. The squad removes their helmets. One man has maroon eyes. "High Advisor Everdron." he greets, bowing. The others do the same. "What is it that you wish to speak to us about?" Mondre` recognizes the man's voice. "That's them." Skreme says to Mondre`. Mondre` keeps his eyes on what is going on. "I hear you let two boys escape you several days ago." Everdron says. The soldiers bow their heads in shame. "Yes sir. We are deeply sorry." the leader says. "It is a blessing they did escape." Everdron says. The soldiers look up. "Excuse me, sir?" the leader asks, confused. "It is a blessing they did escape before anything happened to them." Everdron says. He gestures to the throne. The princes step out and stand to one side. The soldiers' eyes widen. "Are these the boys?" Everdron asks. The leader can hardly breath as he gazes at the two. "Um..We...I mean..." "For if the Prince of Klohmoi and the High Prince had not escaped, they would have been executed? Is this correct?" Everdron says, lowering his voice. The soldiers don't say anything. They are completely terrified. Skreme smiles at their fearful expressions. Mondre` isn't enjoying it. Another squad walks up and grabs the first. "Take them to the dungeons." Everdron orders. They bow and drag the men out. "No!" "Please, High Advisor!" "We did not know!" the first squad cries. The doors close behind them. "You may return to the study, Your Majesties." Everdron says dismissively. The princes leave the room. "That has been taken care of. Now I just need to somehow mention how dirty the sewers are without making him too angry." Skreme mutters. At the guild, there is a knock on Ryuu's bedroom door. "Ryuu? Are you up yet?" Ashla calls softly. "I'm awake." he says, striding over to a crate. He hears her open the door. "What are you doing?" she asks. He wipes a tear off his face. "I need to leave." he says. She closes the door behind her. "Why?" she asks, walking up to him. He hesitates then shakes his head. "I don't want to talk about it." he says, carrying more clothes to his pack. She grabs his arm. "What is wrong?" she says with a serious tone. He looks away. She steps into his line of sight. "Did something happen last night?" she asks. He frowns, but gives a small nod. "Tell me what happened." she says. He keeps quiet, trying to avoid her eyes. She stares hard at him. "Ryuu." she says. He grimaces. "I....showed Skreme and Mondre`......the tower." he mumbles. She gasps. "You know you should not go there! What if someone caught you?" she hisses. "Someone did." he says, stepping past her. "Oh no. Who?" she asks. "Nightshades." he replies. He stuffs his clothes into the satchel. She is pale with fear. "Nightshades?" she asks shakily. "They were there to retrieve Prince Ream and High Prince Andre`. Or whatever their real names are." he says, punching the clothes in. "What do you mean?" she asks. He stops, holding back more tears. "I brought the High Prince to the Fireskins." he says. "And High Advisor Everdron knows I'm half human." She places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You do not need to leave because of that. He does not know where we are, does he?" she says. He slowly shakes his head. "But they do." he says bitterly. She frowns then gives him a confident smile. "I do not believe they will tell. I have a feeling they are trustworthy." He snorts. "Ream isn't. But maybe Andre` is." he mutters. "Why do you say that?" she asks. He takes out a bulging ivory silk kerchief. He unties it to reveal glowing gold coins. Her jaw drops in awe and amazement. "Andre` gave me this last night as a reward for saving them." he says. There is a knock on the door. He ties the kerchief up and puts it in the satchel. "Who is it?" she asks. "Jaran." a familiar voice says. "Come in." she says. Jaran steps inside. He sees the siblings standing by the bed then sees the satchel. "What's going on?" he asks. "Nightshades attacked Ryuu and took Andre` and Ream back to the palace." she says. Ryuu feels relieved she said nothing else. Jaran looks nervous, but concerned. "Are you all right?" he asks. "I'm fine. Only a little scared now." Ryuu replies. "I would be too. As long as you weren't hurt." Jaran says. He turns back to the door then stops, turning back. "Do you know what happened to them?" he asks. Ryuu's face turns red with anger. "I think they're fine." he says stiffly. "You're too slow. Parry more." Skreme says to Mondre` as they fence in the huge courtyard. Soldiers stand all around. Mondre` parries his thrusting wooden blade then lunges. He wasn't listening. He was still angry at Skreme for acting the way he had with Ryuu. The plan had just been to tell Ryuu they would never be able to talk to him or visit the Fireskins again. But everything had gone wrong. After last night, Bersion had received a report about the money in the treasury. It was several suns short. He had puzzled over it, but he suspected the intruders, not Mondre`. Everdron stands on the courtyard steps, watching them. Marinae sits under a gazebo, fiddling with a bouquet of flowers. No one told her about what happened. Marques Bradin and Marquises Esther were informed of the intrusion. They decided to stay and help investigate. Skreme blocks Mondre` then slashes at him. Mondre` backs away then thrusts again. Skreme swings his blade on his and snatches it out of his hand. It flies into the air then falls into Skreme's left hand. He points both swords at Mondre`. Several soldiers clap. "Perfect, Prince Skreme." Everdron says, clapping. Mondre` doesn't seem bothered by losing another match. He was letting his cousin win too easily. Skreme knew it. "What is wrong with you?" he asks, tossing Mondre`‘s blade back to him. Mondre` catches it. "There is nothing wrong." he mutters. "Again." Everdron says. Both boys get into their fencing positions. In the dining hall, Gothron, Lithera, Yorroe, Katalin, Marques Bradin, and Marquises Esther are having luncheon together. High Advisor Bersion stands by Gothron’s right. A ring of soldiers stand along the walls. “Could there be a tunnel under the wall?” Katalin asks, cleaning her mouth with a napkin. “Perhaps. But the guards would have seen if anyone was digging.” Gothron says. “Maybe they were unable to be seen.” Yorroe suggests. “You mean they could be strong enough to travel?” Marques Bradin asks then takes a bite of bread. “Assassins are known for their abilities to get in and out. It could be possible we have a true killer on our hands.” Lithera says. “Could the Eastern Kingdom have sent it?” Marquises Esther asks. Marques Bradin shakes his head. “The units would have detected them coming through. Now maybe one of the separate kingdoms might have.” he says. “Unless the Avantras sailed around in the Abyss.” Yorroe points out. “That would take eternity.” Katalin says. “Not if you are determined to do your job. I met a private once who was sending a message to Callinsto city. He would not even stop for a drink.” Yorroe says. “He delivered the message, but he was sick from dehydration.” “Poor soul. What happened to him?” Marquises Esther asks. “He was upgraded to squire.” Yorroe chuckles. The group laughs. Everdron steps in, holding his robes tight about him. “Advisor? Where are the children?” Lithera asks. He looks to her then searches the couples until he gets to Gothron then smiles. It is a cruel smile. “Advisor?” Gothron says, standing up. Yorroe gets up with him. Everdron opens his arms, pulling out a long silver sword with a hilt made into feathered wings. The grip is sea green. He points it at Gothron, who stands still. The weapon begins to drip a liquid. “That is not Everdron.” Yorroe says to the Royals. Everdron raises the weapon then lunges. An explosion occurs from within the palace. Everyone in the courtyard hears it and looks upward. Dust billows out one side. "What was that?" Marinae screams. "Stay here." Everdron orders. He disappears along with several units. Skreme looks to Mondre`. "Did you set anything?" he asks him. Mondre` only shakes his head. Skreme looks up the steps. "It is probably that half breed and his friends. We need to go after them." he says to him. "What is going on?" Marinae asks as she nervously walks toward them, clutching the bouquet. "Nothing, Princess. Come with me, Mondre`." Skreme says, putting down his practice sword. He runs up the courtyard steps, but stops halfway to turn back. Mondre` hadn't moved from his spot, his own sword by his side. "Come on." Skreme says. "Let Everdron handle it." Mondre` says, shoving the sword in the ground. He walks to the gazebo. Marinae stops infront of him. “Are you all right, my Lord?” she asks. “I am fine.” Mondre` mutters, going by. She looks to Skreme, a puzzled expression on her face. "Did something happen?" she asks him. He shrugs, confused as well. He walks down the steps to the gazebo, where Mondre` sits. "If Dad or Uncle Gothron figure out we know them, we're in serious trouble." he says. "I don't care." Mondre` mumbles. "Stop being such a child. Just because you can't return to the guild, doesn't mean I have to get in trouble." Skreme says, standing over him. "What guild?" Marinae asks. He realizes he just blurted it out. He waves a hand. "Stay out of this." he snaps. She puts her hands on her hips. "If you do not tell me what is going on, I am going to tell High Advisor Everdron." she threatens. A bitter expression makes it’s way across Skreme’s face. "Fine. I will after we get this oaf going. Someone will get hurt if we don't." Mondre` narrows his eyes at him. Everdron and the soldiers arrive in the throne room. He scans the area, but feels nothing strange. Another explosion makes him whirl around. 'The dining hall!' They race to the door. Everdron opens it to find a thick smoke cloud in the middle of the room. Something moves out of the corner of his eye. A figure in robes runs to the far end of the table then stops and turns. They gaze at him from under long black hair. They have something long in their hand. They jump through the broken bay windows. He is about to chase after them. A wind kicks up from within the smoke cloud. He raises a hand to block the wind from his face. The soldiers cover their eyes. The wind dies down. Everdron lowers his hand to see the six Royals, Bersion, and several guards standing in the center. "Your Majesties, are you injured?" Everdron asks, stepping up to them. Gothron swiftly faces him. Everdron feels a great pressure wrap around his body, pinning his arms to his sides. It centers around his neck. He can barely breath. "Your High.…Majesty......what....are you...doing?" he gasps. He is pushed up onto the wall. Gothron’s eyes are bright copper with wide green pupils. "How dare you attack us and kill my soldiers!?" he growls. Everdron does not understand at first. He looks to the floor. Eight dried mutilated bodies lay there. He then remembers the intruder's outfit. "Your Highness, it was.....not me." he forces out. "Then who did it?" Yorroe asks sharply. His eyes had become completely yellow, his pupils thin green slits. Katalin holds his arm. Lithera stands by Gothron while Marques Bradin and Marquises Esther stand behind them. "I.....do not.......know." Everdron says. His wind pipe was a thin passageway for air. His vision blurs. Mondre`, Skreme, and Marinae run in. "Dad, no!" Mondre` yells, grabbing his father's arm. Gothron keeps his gaze steady. "It was someone else, uncle. Not Everdron." Skreme says. He had never seen his uncle so angry. It scared him. Gothron glances at them. Everdron remains set against the wall. "It is the truth, High King. We were with the High Advisor the entire time." one soldier who had followed Everdron speaks up. Bersion steps up beside the High King. "High Lord. I doubt it could have been High Advisor Everdron. Have Tauva or Belphabas interrogate him to be sure." he suggests. Gothron's eyes return to their original colors. But his aura remains bright with anger. Everdron is released. He slides down the wall, clasping at his throat as he gulps for air. Gothron straightens his tunic, gazing down at him with no emotion on his face. "Take him to the dungeons. I will speak with him later." he orders. Four guards bow and walk up to Everdron. They help him up then travel. Gothron turns to Bersion. "Find this assailant and catch them immediately!" he orders. "Yes, Your High Majesty." Bersion says. He travels from the room with a unit. “Take these men to Tauva.” Gothron orders. Soldiers pick the bodies up and take them away. "Where were you?" Lithera asks the teenagers. "We were in the courtyard. High Advisor Everdron was with us when the first explosion happened." Mondre` says. Yorroe turns to the rest of the room. Stone bits are scattered about a dent on the floor from the explosion. The dining room table was split in two. "I am staying until this issue is resolved." Gothron says, facing his wife. “I think that would be for the best.” she says. “I would have to agree. This needs to be dealt with.” Yorroe says. "Do you understand?" Gothron says, facing his son, nephew, and the Marques‘ daughter. “Yes sir.” the three say. Gothron sees the fear in their eyes. He places a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "It will be all right. We will fix this then you can go wherever you want in the palace. But until then, stay close." he says. "Yes sir." Mondre` says. "Go on." Yorroe says. The three teenagers and the escort walk out. "Your High Majesty." a captain says, racing in with a patroller hound. He carries robes over his arm. "What is it?" Gothron asks. "I was able to find these in the courtyard." the captain says, holding up the robes. "Have the hounds found the scent yet?" Gothron says. "Yes, Your High Majesty." the captain says. "Take the clothes to Belphabas then return to the search." Gothron says. "Yes, my High Lord." the captain salutes. He touches the hound's neck then both travel. The soldiers and Everdron appear in the middle of the dungeons. The High Advisor is hanging limp between four of them while the rest carry the dried bodies. A captain with a hound and robes appears at the dungeon entrance. "Lady Tauva!" one calls. Tauva steps out of her room. She sees them with the bodies and Everdron. "What happened?" she asks. "The Daemons were attacked by someone. The intruder killed these soldiers. High Lord Gothron believes it to be High Advisor Everdron. He attacked him." another says. "Something is wrong with his throat. He can not breath." the first soldier says. "This way." Tauva says. They follow her to a cell. She waves a hand as she pushes open the cell door. The mess inside disappears, leaving it clean. The soldiers place Everdron on a bench then walk out. The first soldier faces Tauva. "Someone will be down here to ask him questions. But I know he did not do it." he says. Tauva smiles. "I doubt he did." she says. The guards bow their heads then leave. Tauva turns to the rest of the soldiers. “Place those in my laboratory.” she says. “Yes Ma’am.” they say. They and the captain walk into the room. She turns back to the cell. She can see that Everdron is having a hard time breathing. He leans against the wall, gasping for air. She sits beside him. "Let me see." she says. He lifts his head to show her his neck. She can see that it is broken in certain places. One bone is at an angle that keeps him from breathing or speaking properly. She puts her hand on his neck. Light pink magic flows out to wrap around his throat. His bones pop back into place. He does not wince. She finishes and lowers her hand. "Are you all right?" she asks. He clears his throat. "Yes." he says gruffly. "Good. Now, if you do not mind, can you tell me what happened?" she asks kindly. Mondre` explains to Marinae with the help of Skreme what was going on privately as they stride down a hallway. Marinae is completely shocked by the news. "You met a half breed?" she asks them. "We didn't know he was a half breed. I think Jaran may be one too." Skreme says to them. "Jaran is the leader of the Furskin Guild, correct?" she asks them. "Fireskins Guild." they tell her. "And you believe this person, Debern, could be the intruder?" she asks them. "Yes. There is something about him that is strange. And when that Elite soldier was killed, I felt a strange feeling." Mondre` says to them. "So did I." Skreme tells them. "I did not feel anything today." she informs them. They stop walking. "I didn't feel anything either." Skreme says to them. "Neither did I." Mondre` says to them. "Are you all right, my Lords? Milady?" a guard asks. "Yes, we are fine." Skreme says. They continue walking, puzzling over the situation. Everdron finishes explaining what happened. Tauva does not say anything, gazing at the seat opposite them. Her face is blank. He understands that look. "What is it that you know?" he asks. She looks to him. "It is not me. I think......" She pauses. "You think what?" he asks. "I think.....I heard High Prince Mondre` mention someone's name when he and Prince Skreme came in a few days ago. The High Prince had a burn on his left shoulder." She looks straight into his eyes. "It was from an Avantran touch." she says. He feels cold inside. "Are you sure?" he asks. "I recognized it immediately." she says. He rests his elbows on his knees. "Do you remember the exact day it occurred?" he asks. "It was the day before the Marques and Marquises arrived." she says. 'That was the day I sensed that presence.' he thinks. "What was the name?" he asks. "Debern." she says. “Bloody Unistra.” he mutters. "Do you know him?" she asks. "During the war. I thought he was dead." he hisses. "What do you want me to do?" she asks. "There is nothing we can do right now. The High King needs to calm down before I explain." he says, sitting back. “You should have informed me of this.” “I apologize. I did not inform you because I could not prove it had been there. Their Majesties would have most likely denied it.” she says. "True." he says, looking away, so she decides to change the subject. "Would you like a cuppa tea?" she asks. "Yes, please." he says. She gets up and walks to the cell door. "I am going to have to close the door for a moment." she says. He nods. She closes the door and locks it then goes off to fix him a drink.
 
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