Dignified

Chapter twenty two

Estemus walked rapidly through a grand, luxurious hallway, the heels of his boots clicking with every step and echoing off the walls. He walked through a very large pair of double doors, slamming them open. At the end of the large, white room, a man with dark brown hair sat on a large golden throne, rubbing his chin as he watched Estemus step closer. He wore black armor with a matching black crown, outlined in a metallic royal blue which looked well with his royal blue eyes. He had a small beard and an annoyed expression on his face. "I've already given you my answer, Estemus." He said with a booming, low voice.

"They don't know what they're doing. YOU don't know what you're doing. Just let me ta-"

"I said no. You will leave them be and continue your work."

"But it's dangerous!" Estemus protested.

"I am not going to tell you again, Estemus. You can not take the Chronics away from them."

"They're only children!"

"They're smart children."

"Erymund, it's too much for the-"

"ENOUGH!" Erymund yelled, standing up, his black and blue cape swinging behind him. Estemus pursed his lips, but didn't say anything.

"They can handle it. Even though it was a mistake, they can handle it."

"Erymund, you don't know that."

"Estemus, my answer is final. I will give them the opportunity, and unless they give me a reason not to, I will let them keep the Chronics."

"Erymund, you'll regre-"

"Silence. I'm done talking with you over this."

"Artivale!" Estemus shouted. "Listen to me! You-"

"I said SILENCE!" Erymund walked over to Estemus and shoved him. "In case you've forgotten, I am the kind here, Avalon. You listen to me." He said, pointing at his chest. "You do as I say, and right now I say to leave it." They both turned and looked to the side where a door opened and in stepped a tall, thin boy. "Are you two discussing again? What is it you're not telling me?" He said. He had white hair and wore all white, the only exception being his royal blue eyes. Erymund eyed Estemus. 'Leave.' He thought, knowing he could read his mind. Estemus glared at Erymund before turning on his heel and rushing out the door, quickly disappearing to earth. "Dad, what was all that about? Why are you two always arguing?"

"Nothing. Fyden, I need you to mind your own business and stay out of this, okay? I'm sorry, son, but this doesn't concern you." Erymund said, placing a hand on Fyden's shoulder.

"Should I be worried?"

"No, not yet. I'll let you know when you should be worried."

Estemus walked through the streets, keeping his head low and his hood high. "That idiot. He'll regret it." He muttered lowly. "I'll make sure he does."