The Cunning Shadow - A Drow Story

CHAPTER VI The round table

Rhuel purposely made it early to an important gathering of the new members of the council in the castle. Walking back and fort inside the room, waiting for someone as if he had some urgent matter to discuss. But he was always like that – always feels the need to move around. It eases him.

Located in the middle of the room was the largest stone table inside the castle. This table have been for long, where the great minds has met – Evil or good. Hopes and dreams for the better future has once been the use for this room. Not anymore.

Today this room was for the greater good as the drows would like to think, strategies, whispers and secrets that has yet be unveiled.

Queen Higr' came to the meeting before her new advisors did. She would like to measure how incompetent or how reliable her newly appointed members are, simply by observing them choose their seat on the round table.

"My queen," said Rhuel, bowing to queen Higr'.

"You finally came to your senses." Walking pass Rhuel.

"You don't have to call me that when no one is around. We both know we do not have respect for each other," added the queen.

"I told your little snakes that I did not want any seat on the council, but threatening me to put that bastard boy as replacement was an insult. Not just to me but for everyone in here," shouted Rhuel, his voice has more gravel to it.

"Ohh, brother," said queen Higr' contemptuous.

"Don't be absurd." The queen sat in her throne.

"Act like that and you might still give me the impression that you still have not moved on," added the queen.

"I will not have my presence here, just to be mocked here by you." Rhuel turned his back to the queen, walking towards the door.

"Did she suffer?" said the queen with her smug face.

Rhuel halted. Suddenly feeling the quick rising of his temper.

"Turn your back on me again and I will have you killed," threatened the queen.

"Go on then! As if I have a care." He continued walking away.

"She's alive you know," said the queen.

Rhuel stopped and turn back to the queen, pondering his next move.

"I knew it. I know where she. Too bad, you're leaving." Raising her eyebrows.

"You think you..." Rhuel was suddenly interrupted when half of the new members went.

The queen turned her gaze to Rhuel and slowly smile.

Rhuel was more agitated now. Wanting to more about what her sister had to say, he decided to stay and may be get a seat on the council. He would not want to cause a scene and he will not bring his reputation on the line.

With sneering face, he walked towards the table and chose the seat next to her sister – the queen.

"Welcome back, brother," Whispered the queen.

Without looking to the queen, Rhuel grunted on what she said.

Kliraith – the queens general, came from outside the door and went to the queen.

"My queen," said Kliraith, bowed down and giving her palm to the queen.

"Six from your council members have arrived, Mreak Guvtk', Mreak Slirin, Mreak Nerima, Mreak Viten, Mreak Owir and Mreak Rhuel," said Kliraith.