Between Two Souls (English)

Into the Wolf's Den

**Between Two Souls, Chapter 11**

The sound of footsteps echoed from a palace corridor. Several men appeared, walking together toward the main courtyard of the kingdom, discussing something rather important. As they reached outside, they were greeted by guards prepared to protect the envoy of Arestiana.

"General Phobos, come here," called the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Phobos bowed in respect.

"Give these sheets of questions to Geertruide Hermann, our envoy."

"As you wish, Your Majesty." Phobos took the sheets of paper with both hands.

Stoick stepped forward toward the king. "Your Majesty, are you sure you want to send Lady Geertruide as our envoy? That woman is quite arrogant. I'm afraid it might worsen this conflict."

"Calm down, Stoick. That woman is hard to pressure and a bit sly in negotiations. Besides, your plan has already failed, so now you'll follow mine."

"Are you sure? Your plan sounds dreadful."

King Arthur smiled a little. "Do you have a better plan?"

The envoy group bowed in farewell, then departed from the palace courtyard. King Arthur and Stoick then went inside.

"No, but have you considered the casualties from this plan of yours? And Geertruide is a rather controversial woman. Especially with the route to the Roum Republic not yet cleared of rebel elf guerrillas," Stoick continued the discussion inside the palace.

"I've provided Geertruide with extra protection, and I'm confident the Kingdom of Elverind will assist as well. Just like the rebels I've crushed before, they're nothing. Stoick, I am confident in my plan. Every struggle requires sacrifice. Carlene is just a pawn I've ordered to move forward, so don't concern yourself too much with that woman."

Hearing this, Stoick could only remain silent and hope Arthur's plan would succeed.

"By the way, have you seen my son Adrien?"

"Oh, him. The Prince was last seen around the city. He went into the slums and hasn't been seen since. He was with Erika and Vino."

"That boy certainly has unique connections. Stoick, prepare breakfast and summon him to the palace! I want to speak with him."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Stoick turned, leaving the king, and quickly set out to carry out the king's order.

**"..............................."**

The sound of horse hooves echoed as they headed out of the city. Adrien, Erika, and Vino rode swiftly toward the headquarters of the Knights of St. Ares to request assistance. Although located outside the city, their headquarters wasn't far from Adrestia. They briefly spotted the envoy group from Arestiana.

Erika tried to see who Arestiana had sent. She was surprised to realize it was Geertruide.

Riding beside Erika, Adrien grew curious and asked,
"Erika, who did you see?"

"Geertruide. Either they're crazy, or someone forced that woman to be Arestiana's envoy."

"I've heard Geertruide is quite a controversial woman. What do you know about her?"