Once More, With Reluctance

Chapter 3

Illuminated by the morning rays, a seemingly mystical glow surrounded the letter.

A pair of slim hands held the six-by-four envelope with the royal seal embossed in the center of the opening flap as wary eyes gazed at the object in consternation. A frown settled across the healer's face as she mused over potential reasons for the summons. It was extremely rare that they summoned her. Not that she could afford to snub the House of Summerhall seeing as she was in their territory and that the kingdom was her home. It had been for years now.

"Healer Saunders,

The House of Summerhall requests for your presence at noon."

And that was all.

Short, curt and to the point.

Well, it wasn't as if she had a choice.

XXXX

"Summoned?" repeated Aya as they strolled along the edges of Cerulean Plaza, watching vendors getting ready to set up their booths.

"Yeah," nodded the healer. She had immediately gone to find her friend after that. The mercenary had been at one of the training rooms in the Colliseré, otherwise known as the Meliora Colliseum – a place designed to accommodate all types of battle – from training to duels to competitive matches. It was a popular place, often frequented by duellers and adventurers from all over. Regular matches were often held, and they were usually crowded with spectators. Events and themed matches and duels were also common, with a variety of categories under them. The biggest event, however, was the Colliseré Championship, where winners could win a variety of unique prizes.

The two of them had opted to have a light breakfast before heading towards the Cerulean Plaza, bringing them to the present at hand.

"I wonder what they want you for though," mused Aya. "I mean with the skirmishes, the attack on that village, and everything else – it just seems too coincidental." And of course, the death threat – went unspoken.

Renelle nodded in agreement and pointed out, "Not to mention that there has been an appalling lack of information. It's as if someone's playing us, and everyone else." Annoyance coloured her tone.

"Anyway, it's still too early to tell. So... we'll see."

XXXX

"Sir, you have been summoned to the Royal Chambers," saluted the soldier crisply, his back ramrod straight.

"At ease," commanded Aidan automatically as he turned towards the recruit he'd been sparring with. "Well done, soldier. Keep this up and you may be promoted."

The recruit almost smiled before reverting to a neutral expression, "Yes, captain. Thank you for your time." Nodding once, the recruit turned to leave and head towards where his friends were waiting.

The Primus commander turned back to face the captain, "Is the royal family there already?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Alright. Dismissed."

Another salute.

Glancing at the sweltering weather, he readjusted his cape. As used to it he was, he still disliked wearing it in hot weather. It had been rather humid lately, he mused absent-mindedly as he called for some attendants to put the equipment away, thanking them politely before striding away.

It wasn't long before he reached the place. Nodding at the two guards before the double white gold rune doors, the commander waited patiently.

"Come in, Commander of Primus," came an airy voice that seemed to come from the room. At the words, there was a soft 'click' as the runes on the doors glowed briefly and shifted, twining and moving to the right as if there was a pair of invisible hands carefully guiding them in a delicate process and opened.