Fallen Souls

Chapter 20: The Tearan Royal Family

       All were convened in the old cathedral just outside the town proper. Rendell was sitting beside Chris and the Gregor twins. Izani’s brother, Ralph indeed has gray irises. He learned that his Proof is implanted in his irises and it enables him to see far away. Sir Somier was already there also. He was not eating sweets like he usually did and Rendell could guess why. Sir Beneufort’s right hand man was meanwhile waiting in the shadows. He couldn’t get himself to ask for his name because he emanates a very cold aura and his presence makes him uncomfortable.

       They were all waiting for Sir Beneufort. It had been a week since the prisoners escaped and it added to the anger of the king. That day, Rendell was able to return to the castle in the nick of time. He learned that Carlos told Izani that he saw Rendell walking around the castle, checking on things. Izani believed him then located Rendell immediately. He was relieved when he escaped suspicion.

       Rendell thought that the news of the escaped prisoners will travel quickly to the palace but he was wrong. After Chris returned to the castle together with the other knights, it was only the time when they received the news of the escape. Sir Beneufort ordered them to follow the prisoners while he and Sir Somier faced the king.

       They were unable to find any trace and just listened to the statement of the soldiers who were there. They were informed htat a hooded man broke in the mansion and helped the Brethanians escape. He was described to be strong and powerful to have produced a tornado that blew them all the way leaving a few to survive the attack.

       Chris and the others couldn’t think of anyone with that kind of power and Rendell felt very fortunate that they have no knowledge of the power of Zeron. Rendell suggested that it might be someone Sir Wilston ordered to rescue the prisoners. There was no conclusion except what he said so they agreed to it and reported it to the king.

       They all witnessed the king’s fury when he heard the news. It was the first time Rendell saw him like that.

They all heard a swish of a cloak. Sir Beneufort has arrived. They heard him approaching from behind. They stood as he entered. He stopped at the base of the altar and faced them all, his face grim.

       “His Majesty is very displeased about everything that has happened.” He said. “We failed and disappointed him.”

       “But there is nothing that we can do.” Rendell said. “We can never find the North because we don’t have any Brethanian blood.”

       “Rendell’s right.” Chris said.

       “What shall we do?” Izani asked.

       “The king ordered Sir Somier to discover a way to break the magic of the barrier.” Beneufort answered. “The rest of you will remain on standby or you can do your own research on this matter. The choice is up to you.”

       “Do you expect the Brethanians to attack soon, my Lord?” Chris asked.

       “Probably…but even if the Fallen Souls have returned, their military force is weak that we can easily outnumber them.” He said. “No, I don’t think they will attack. It will probably be a longer time before that happens.”

       “My Lord, what’s currently happening in the castle now?” Chris asked again.

       “The king already had a meeting with his general this morning. They went all day discussing battle strategies.” He said. “He is now preparing for war.”

       “For war?” Rendell said. “That is so soon.”

       “Our king is obsessed in killing the Fallen Souls. With their death, he will truly destroy the Brethan kingdom.” Sir Somier said.