The Hidden King

Chapter 17

"It's Burke, the youngest son of Thomas. This lad appeared out of nowhere, boldly joining the God Clan at the temple. In the presence of priests and elders, he shamelessly proclaimed that during the tumultuous events in the city-state of Lawrence, when Joseph and Ethan arrived, he was also present. He claimed to have witnessed Joseph boarding the Fangtooth Dock and setting sail, only to be secretly poisoned by Thomas, who then instructed Burke to follow Joseph to ensure his demise from poisoning a few days later."

Milia and Heidi listened, mouths agape, as Liam recounted this startling turn of events. Initially rendered speechless by the sheer audacity of it all, it wasn't until they heard the blame shifted onto Thomas for the murder that they found their voices.

"This is sheer absurdity!" Heidi exclaimed, her indignation palpable as she sprang to her feet. "Now that Thomas is deceased and the vial has been confiscated by them, they can concoct any tale they please, can they not?"

Milia's knuckles tightened on the table, her expression growing pale. "Who exactly are these individuals from the God Clan? And why are they aiding Kenny?"

Liam paced the room, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his countenance a mosaic of conflicting emotions. "Now that the High Priest has been taken away by them, supposedly to be tried in the God Clan's territory, we find ourselves powerless." He sighed wearily. "Last night, I spoke with Kenny in the temple dungeon.

He adamantly denies responsibility for Joseph's demise, insisting it was the work of another. Despite the evidence against him, he refuses to confess. The man is truly unhinged."

"And what of Kenny now?" Milia inquired, her concern evident.

"Liberated from captivity, Kenny departed of his own accord. His whereabouts remain unknown to us." Liam shook his head ruefully. "We lack the authority to pursue him any further; he is now a free civilian."

Milia lapsed into contemplation, grappling with the realization that her pursuit of justice might be forever obscured by the prevailing chaos.

The Lawrence Castle descended into unparalleled disorder. Hunters and gatherers abandoned their usual tasks, flocking instead to the tavern square. Clusters of people congregated, their murmurs portending imminent unrest. Bereft of leadership and with the sudden absence of the High Priest, the populace found themselves adrift amidst a sea of uncertainty. Rumors and conspiracy theories swirled through the streets, each more fantastical than the last.

Some claimed to have witnessed the "deceased" Kenny swaggering out of the temple, while others alleged grave misconduct on the part of the High Priest, resulting in his dismissal. Alec, newly returned to the guard, found himself thrust into the midst of this turmoil. Despite his efforts, chaos threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, amidst the chaos, he managed to find a moment to caution Heidi to exercise caution, as rumors now painted Milia as an accomplice in these unfolding events.

Meanwhile, within the temple, the newly appointed and enigmatic successor, High Priest Osha, presided over a solemn ceremony. Gabriel and the remaining elders convened within, ready to extend their welcome. Osha, with his stern visage and imposing demeanor, exuded an aura of authority befitting his new role. Gabriel, the last bastion of leadership within the clan, briefed Osha on the escalating unrest within the city.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Osha concurred with Gabriel and the elders' proposal, selecting Liam as interim leader and scheduling a public appointment ceremony to be held in three days' time at the clan assembly.

Upon learning of Kenny's release, Ethan hurried to the Olive Tree Courtyard, where he found Milia emerging with a horse. Sensing his intent, she gestured for him to follow, leading him into a secluded alley. There, Milia positioned the horse to shield herself before addressing Ethan, "I was just about to look for you. It seems I may need to stay at your place for a while."