A Tamia's Tale

Chapter 8: Mixed Blood

Edgard Greyhood was frantically walking down the long hallways of the castle accompanied by his new help, Archibald Sora. Hearing about the news, the young man immediately contacted his father and agreed in helping to find the traitor responsible for this letter. The whispers of a possible invasion from the Empire had already started to spread through the castle, but Jason Borone had swiftly moved to contain the situation, instructing the maids and guards to keep silent.

"The traitor won't stop at just this," " Archibald muttered between heavy breaths as they hurried along. Whoever had orchestrated this wanted to sow chaos and division in the kingdom, to exploit the princess's precarious position and the king's failing health. Edgar's mind churned with questions: Who stood to gain from this turmoil? Who would profit from the political weakness of the kingdom at such a critical time?

"I will interrogate the guards," Archibald stated with grim determination. Though his options were limited, he couldn't simply stand by while the kingdom was in jeopardy. Edgar nodded in agreement, and they parted ways. They had already scoured the throne room with Uther and Jason, searching the area where the letter had been left. But their efforts had yielded nothing—not a single footprint, hair strand, or clue. Even Uther's fairies, usually so diligent and precise, had found no trace of the intruder.

As Edgar moved through the empty corridors, frustration gnawed at him. He had tried repeatedly to contact his emperor using his enchanted mirror, but all his attempts had been in vain. After a time, he slowed his pace, pausing near a statue to catch his breath and collect his thoughts.

"If it isn't Mister Greyhood," came a cheerful voice, reverberating off the stone walls. Edgar turned to see Safaran Sora approaching, his cane tapping rhythmically against the floor as he balanced each step with care. Safaran's demeanor was as buoyant as ever, a stark contrast to the tension that weighed heavily on Edgar's shoulders.

"Mister Sora, a pleasure to meet you today," Edgar replied, quickly composing himself to avoid showing any sign of unease before such an influential figure. Although Safaran Sora was on his list of potential traitors, Edgar knew the man's motivations were well-known and seemingly benign. As head of the merchant's guild, Safaran was a man of refined taste, always full of energy, and had even lent his support to the knights during the troubling events two years prior. His loyalty to the king was unquestionable, rivaling that of his elder brother, Marsh, who had bravely defended the king during a mercenary invasion of the castle. Few men were more devoted to the crown than Safaran.

"I heard that we received a false letter, is that correct?" Safaran asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

Edgar, wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, nodded. "Yes, that is correct. I'm as baffled as anyone here. The letter has caused quite a stir, and I'm still trying to make sense of it myself."

"Has the princess been made aware of it yet?"

"I'm not sure," Edgar admitted. "Mister Borone is handling the situation, so I would recommend speaking with him if you need more details."

"Mister Borone, hmm?" Safaran mused, thoughtfully stroking his mustache. "I thought he had retired. What brings him back into action all of a sudden?"

The question hung in the air, and Edgar could sense his curiosity as well as some hostility behind these words. "It seems the situation is grave enough to warrant the ex-captain of the knights's return," Edgar replied carefully. "I am but a stranger but, the princess and the kingdom should profit immensely from all the experienced people we can get right now."

Safaran nodded, his expression thoughtful but unreadable. "Indeed, these are troubled times. I suppose we all must do our part." His tone was light, but there was an edge to his words that made Edgar wonder just how much the man knew or suspected.