Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 5

Annoyance had slowly but surely given way to pangs of panic.

Arvek's earlier confidence that he would find Selim hanging out an acquaintance's, or one of his haunts evaporated as each one turned up empty in answers. Those who know Selim from previous encounters denied knowing his location, and their bafflement was too genuine to Arvek to make him think they were trying to make sure he couldn't find his brother. Out of places to go, he was forced to return to the palace, questioning if his father had even had anything planned for Selim, and if his mother's initial accusation of Lia was correct.

A mental image of Selim hanging out by the doorway the fateful day Lia left flashed through his mind, reminding him of Selim's odd calmness throughout all the drama. As he walked up the steps, having handed his horse to a stablehand, the image haunted him. However he couldn't place a finger on it. There didn't seem anything out of the ordinary there in that moment, nothing that would indicate something had transpired between Lia and Selim that would cause his disappearance.

But then again. He paused at the entry, realization coursing through him, as though it contained some sort of answer. It was the last time Arvek had seen Selim. And Lia did have to pass him in order to leave the courtroom.

It just didn't make sense, though. He gave his head an angry shake and entered. It absolutely made no sense. If Lia was attempting some sort of hostage situation with Masitof's son, she would have been better off trying to him, Arvek, and not Selim. The very fact that Selim was able to stay around Niara the entire time Lia worked should have been indication enough that Selim was not essential to the workings of the government.

Masitoff wouldn't trade the Veil villages for his second born.

Arvek made for the courtroom, ignoring anyone who called out to him for whatever reason. Even if it was not a trade Masitoff would make, he still needed to know. They had already lost several days, but if they made any attempt to hurry, they could probably find Lia before too long.

When he entered the courtroom, he found his father deep in discussion with his advisors, a table before him with all kinds of papers scattered about. The king glanced up, but resumed his perusing of the papers until it registered that it was Arvek who came in. He let the advisor finish his sentence before holding up a hand addressing Arvek."It is not like you to abandon your duties," he said sternly.

"Forgive me, Father," he said, genuine in tone, but furrowing his brow. Surely Niara told him where he was at? "I've just returned from the city. I was searching for Selim."

The king sighed. There seemed to be a hint of irritation. "Your mother asked something about me coming up with some task for him, but I have no time to give him thought. The king of Phrompt has sent word about negotiations."

Arvek hesitated. The well trained part of his brain immediately came up with questions to inquire about the situation and help work out solutions and responses with Masitoff, attempting to push the issue of Selim out of his mind. But the other part of his brain, particularly the one still playing the memory of the last time he saw him, stood firm about Selim's disappearance and the suspicion of Lia.

The king beckoned him forth. "Come now; this will greatly involve you. I wish you were here yesterday; these things could have been resolved sooner."

Slowly, Arvek crossed the room. He stopped on the other side of the table, staring at the letters but not processing them.

"It of course has to do with the fact that Phrompt is suffering from a plague," the king said, oblivious to Arvek's plight. "He is hopeful that we will help them, and he believes that he has much to offer."