A Tale of the World **HIATUS**

Chapter 50: A Sad Goodbye

 A week following Richard's recovery, he finally awoken. Upon his awakening, he saw that he wasn't alone in the room. Nina was sleeping on her arms at the edge of the bed which Richard was resting in. He gently reached over and shook her awake. Nina grumbled as she wiped her eyes. Realizing that Richard was awake, Nina jumped up and cried, "You're finally awake! I should go get everyone!" She turned for the door but Richard quickly gripped her wrist.

"Wait! There's something I want to talk about, with just you," his voice softened.

Nina was unsure, but she certainly knew it was not going to be something pleasant. Sitting back down. Nina didn't make eye contact with Richard.

"How long was I out?"

"For about a week," Nina answered.

"How have things been?"

Nina balled up her fists and her breath became staggered, "Worse. Just yesterday, I witnessed a little girl being torn apart by demons. I was too late. I couldn't save her."

"So demons on land has increased, huh?"

Nina nodded her head.

"... I didn't want to mention this, but I'm sure you knew who it was that helped killed the celestial spirits."

Nina furrowed her brows in anger and disappointment. "I do. But it's not out of his own will. It's just as I expected. They are controlling him," she uttered through her clenched teeth. "The only place I will find him is if I go through the portal, but Damon said to wait until you were awake," she looked over to him with eyes of hope.

Without words, Richard knew what she wanted. "Although I was out cold, I was processing the magic transmissions from within the portal. I've figured how to create a way out, and in the process you'll be able to sneak those who aren't summoners in as well."

Nina's eyes lit up as she inhaled deeply with her chest rising.

Richard let out a soft sigh, "You're going, aren't you?"

Without words, Nina nodded her head.

***

Back in Nephila, Bernard was sitting in his study room until there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," he stated.

He looked up and saw an old man who sat up tall in his wheelchair. Bernard jumped up in his chair with a cold glare on his face, "Father! You didn't tell me you were coming. What are you doing here?"

"You may leave us," the old man said to the old Head butler who led him into Bernard's study. The butler closed the door after him. The old man narrowed his gaze upon his son. "The Lord is expecting his shipment by tonight. I suppose you have them ready? I also received notice that you are falling short every time. And meeting my son for the first time in ten years, aren't you glaring at me too much?"

Bernard clenched his fists, "Hmph, it's none of your business. It may not be as much as it was before, but, most of the summoners are entering through the poster portals. So capturing summoners and delivering them to Lord Luche is meaningless."

"My ancestors were saved by him. He gave us salvation and made our family name prosper and in return, we capture summoners for the Lord. This has been passed down between father and son. Until your son reaches the age of 21, he will know of nothing, just like you back then. Our wives and other children have no need to know," his father reminded.

"I never wanted this kind of life. What makes you think Michael will approve of this? What makes you think he'll do it?"

"Just like you, he will submit. Your loyalty to your family made you lead this kind of life. The same will go for your son, my grandson, Michael."