Return to Jorgaldur Volume V: Reunion (2)

Ex-fiancé

"The staff that dad made you has really caused a commotion," Krinia heard a familiar voice a few hours later.

They had stopped advancing. They were consolidating the terrain, and also dispersing and purifying the miasma. It was something that the fighters could only watch, so a break had been declared for a few days.

Lidia, Liodon and company had come to see them, without caring about the protocols of an imperial camp. They had met at Gjaki's mansion, and they had become quite close.

"It was worse than I expected. Luckily, the plans worked. I owe you one," the mage thanked.

The twins had helped plan the countermeasures, although they hadn't been the only ones by far. Everyone in the mansion had joined in the suggestions, although some had been rather extravagant or impossible.

"The only thing I regret is not having seen it," Liodon added.

"You really missed it. You should've seen her, all overwhelmed," Kroquia mocked.

"You could have helped!" her friend complained.

"And miss the fun!?"

Most of them were laughing when some visitors interrupted them. They had approached after discovering one of the newcomers, and they didn't seem to have good intentions.

"Mideltya! I finally found you! Come with me right now! Get away from that scum!" a voice called to Ted's girlfriend.

It was a young elf. Next to him, there was a small entourage, which included one of the mages who had been asking about Krinia's staff.

"Asondor... How dare you insult my friends!?" Mideltya got angry.

"I'm just telling the truth! Come with me right now! You're my fiancée! I won't let you be with that scum!" the elf claimed arrogantly.

"I broke off the engagement a long time ago! Leave me alone!" she confronted him.

Perhaps, in the past, she had respected him, even feared him. However, a lot had happened since then. Besides, she was surrounded by people she trusted and loved.

"I've told you to come!! Get away from those lowly people!" he approached and tried to grab her by the arm. He was angry that she had stand up to him.

Some of the elves who were with him noticed a certain presence and wanted to warn him, but it was too late.

It must be said that it wouldn't have been easy for him to take her away. Now, the elf woman was an experienced warrior, who had faced enemies worse than a jealous ex-fiancé. However, someone got there first.

"Slap!" the blow sounded clearly.

The elf was thrown back by the force of the slap and fell on his ass to the ground. Some of the elves who hadn't noticed him before wanted to confront the culprit, but stopped when they saw who he was.

Meanwhile, Asondor stood up, his hand on his aching cheek. He looked resentfully at the culprit, and hadn't recognized him yet.

Melingor, Lidia's husband, Ted's father, and Mideltya's future father-in-law, had a hard look. He was the one who had slapped him. Since it was a problem between elves, he was the most suitable to deal with it.

"You dare to call me scum to my face? Scum? Me? Melingor, general of the elven forces on the border against corruption? A hero recognized and decorated by the high priestess herself? Or perhaps it's my wife, her brother, or our son?" he asked in an aggressive, threatening tone.

Lidia looked at him curiously, as her husband rarely behaved like this. She had no doubt that he was acting, taking on the necessary role to stop the young elf from a rich family. It was unusual, but not the first time.

It is no less true that he was angry. He didn't like that the young elf had belittled and insulted his family, but normally he wouldn't have acted like this.

Asondor looked at him with stupefaction and remorse. Although he was used to acting like the master of the world, Melingor was a respected figure among the elves. Offending him wasn't something that he or his family could afford.

"Melingor, it was just a youthful slip. Let's leave it here," an elven mage with a long yellow beard intervened.

"Rilosor, are you sure you want to intervene in this? I advise you not to," the reptilian mage joined. She was also annoyed with the youngster.

"Krinia, this's a matter between elves. Don't get involved, it's not your concern," the mage was blunt.

"True, it doesn't concern me, apart from the fact that that idiot has insulted my empress and her guests," she pointed at Kroquia. "Besides, I wasn't getting involved, just warning you. You wanted a staff, right?"

The empress was looking very seriously at the scene. She wasn't getting involved, but fulfilling her intimidating role.

"Are you threatening me?" Rilosor asked, with a serious tone in his words, and some concern. This was getting out of hand. Insulting an empress wasn't a minor slip.

"No, no, just warning. I was lucky to have a friend who introduced me to the person who crafted it for me. Some of those who have been insulted by your protégé have a relationship as close or closer to that person than my friend. I can assure you that this situation won't make them happy," she revealed.

The mage didn't know what to say to this. Asondor had insulted an empress, and jeopardized the possibility of contacting an incredibly skilled craftsman. Not to mention offending Melingor. Perhaps, they had spoiled his great-grandson too much.

"We're leaving. I am sorry for what happened, and I apologize on behalf of my descendant and my family. I'll make sure that a formal apology is sent," the elf gave a slight bow.

It wasn't something he usually did, as he was also known for his arrogance. However, the situation required a little humility.

"But, she..." the young elf wanted to insist.

"Shut your mouth! Haven't you caused enough trouble already!? Take him away if he can't walk on his own!" he ordered the bodyguards

Asondor stood up hastily, somewhat scared. His great-grandfather had never yelled at him like that. He didn't even have time to look at Mideltya, who was between surprised and grateful.

Rilosor led the way, and made sure his descendant didn't do any more foolish things. He was in a bad mood, as a blunder had caused him a multitude of troubles.

"Investigate them. I want to know who all of them are," he ordered an assistant.

"Yes, patriarch," she obeyed.

Although, far from making things easier for him, the investigations would complicate them more. Apart from discovering that those humans were members of the old resistance of Engenak, and now respected figures in the kingdom, the biggest problem was the other names that came up.

There was Eldi Hnefa, a hero in Engenak. Also Gjaki, the Blood Queen herself. Or Elendnas, a hero among the elves, and his wife, whose importance was known although not very well why. It was evident that his great-grandson had to offer a very sincere apology.