Empire of Shadows

Chapter 6: Rasmus

The pavilion where clan leaders comfortably settled down was packed with arriving participants. Championship ended several minutes ago when trumpets sang with low sounds. The results seemed to be summarized and Dark Clan should be the winner of the hunt, however Light Clan didn't show up, so everyone was waiting for them to be sure of the victory.

Rasmus noticed the scornful and disdainful glances towards their direction. They don't want to acknowledge our success. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Meanwhile, Philip was brought to his senses. The exhausted look and pallor were clearly reflected on his face. Felicia restlessly spun around him, examining the lad for any injuries.

"How you feeling, Phil?" carefully touched his forehead the mother.

"Fine," he shrugged off, "nothing bad."

"You have used up almost all your powers," Madam Dark felt the pulse, "even if you think you are not tired, you should rest."

"Your mother is right," joined the conversation clan leader, "we won't be spending yet another night here. We'll leave before the sunset, so you better gain some strength before departure."

Without waiting for his son's answer, Rasmus gave an order to the nearest standing disciples, "Escort Philip to his chambers and see that he has a good rest."

"Will be done, Leader," they folded their hands in front of the chests and hurried to the oldest Dark sibling, who pursued his lips in displeasure, visibly disagreeing with the decision.

As Rasmus watched them withdrawing, he felt Felicia's hand resting on his shoulder. "They did it. They showed these prideful mages that Dark Clan is capable to claim the title of the strongest among the others ."

"They finally started to recognize the power of our clan," agreed her husband, "everything is falling into its rightful place."

They both smiled knowingly to each other, enjoying the sweet taste of this small victory. However, the sudden energy shift in the air forced them to turn around.

They saw the glimpse of Light Clan's returning disciples. One of the three children of Clan Leader Light stepped out and loudly proclaimed, "I demand an immediate review of the results. Clan Dark used a deceitful trick to take the last dark energy piece!"

The crowd became agitated; the mages whispered and mistrustfully eyed Dark Clan's disciples. The brave ones even confidently commented, "I knew for sure they would throw something like that!" "They can't win fair!" "They should be disqualified!"

Clan heads looked around to read each other's emotions. A mix of spite and confusion was clearly seen on their faces. They were hesitant, not picking any side, waiting for two other leaders to solve this matter.

"Silence, everyone!" an orotund voice shushed the mages, "let them explain to us what is the reason for such serious accusations."

Edlyn Light stood in her powerful rigid aura, firm posture as unbending tree branch. She radiated solidness and righteousness.

"Mother, they sent a dark haze on us. It was like a fog, we couldn't perceive anything within hands reach," revealed the blonde maiden.

"Assume it was an illusion that bewildered us," added the twin beside her, "they broke the rules."

"No, we didn't, you're twisting the words," protested one of Dark Clan's disciples. "A fog is no illusion, so it's not prohibited to create it. And the fact that you got lost is only and entirely your fault."

"Son of a bitch, so in your point of view it was a fair victory?!" fumed the oldest of Light Clan siblings. "Let me just hit you in the face and call it a non-violent accident, I'll see how you like it."