Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22:

After hours of training from Aideen, Azriel finally had exhausted all of his energy and, after wishing Aideen well and thanks, headed home to where many eyes were waiting for him to return.

As Azriel pushed the front door open, he heard a mass of voices which could only mean one thing: everyone was here. 

"Where have you been?" Mor asked, as Azriel stepped into the front room, where most everyone was. 

"Training," was Azriel's one-word response. As the Shadowsinger was walking towards the door that leads to the kitchen, Rhysand and Feyre stepped through. 

"Az, there has been a development in the Vallahan capital attack," Rhys said. Clearly, he was on alert in his High Lord role alongside his High Lady as he was speaking with purpose and of a high register. 

Azriel explained that he had just been training and that before he heard the latest news, he needed to clean up and make himself presentable to the others. After Azriel's cool bath to wake him up slightly, he lugged his wings and himself downstairs towards the others. 

Azriel entered the room and discovered that everyone had taken a seat, and due to the Shadowsinger's absence, he assumed that everyone had already heard what had happened. Everyone was now having private conversations with one another. Feyre was speaking with her sisters, Cassian and Morrigan were speaking. But Azriel was only interested in his High Lord and Lady. Azriel approached the couple.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier," he apologized, "What has happened? Any news?" Feyre raised her head from Rhys' shoulder and looked towards her husband and mate, clearly urging him to tell Azriel rather than herself. Rhys smiled at Feyre and turned to Azriel to explain. 

"No news or leads. But there has been another attack." 

"Where?"

"Still in the territory of Vallahan, but rather than the capital, they are moving to target other well-known cities. Whoever is orchestrating these attacks, has just hit Dewhurst." Azriel soon realized that the others in the room had begun to listen into his conversation with Rhysand. Azriel nodded in understanding. 

"Any casualties?" Azriel asked. 

"Not as many as the capital, but yes. However, the ruling family is growing weary. Dewhurst is where their youngest daughter is being taught medicine and healing. They are growing concerned at their families safety."

"Are they targeting the family?"

"Perhaps. Nothing is clear at the moment." Once again, Azriel nodded in understanding, whilst acknowledging the lives lost in this merciless attack. A voice spoke behind Azriel.

"What do we do next?" Mor queried to no-one in particular.

"If it is alright with you, I'd like to communicate with the ruling family," Azriel stated to Feyre and Rhysand. 

"We've already tried to build ties during these events. They are obviously hesitant to share with us." Feyre responded. 

"With all due respect, you two could potentially be seen as a threat as a ruling family of another nearby territory. They do not know who I am, and I am of no nobility. They may trust me. Please, at least let me reach out to them." Azriel pleaded. 

Cassian opened his mouth, possibly to retort Azriel's view on himself. Azriel stopped him with a glare and looked back towards Feyre and Rhys. The couple shared a look, silent words passing between them. Rhysand looked to Azriel.

"Okay. As long as you are sure, and please, do not put yourself at any unnecessary risk."

"I won't. I'll approach this slowly. I won't rush anything." 

---------------------

Shortly after the plan was made to write a letter to the leaders from Azriel, rather than Feyre and Rhys, everyone went back to their own homes. Leaving just Cassian, Azriel and Morrigan in their living room. Mor and Cassian were bickering as always, whilst Azriel was still exhausted from the training earlier in the day, so was resting his eyes on the sofa. 

"I'm going to bed before I end up asleep down here," Azriel said as he sat up and orientated himself correctly.  After saying goodnight and farewell to Cassian and Mor, Azriel went upstairs to wash and prepare himself for bed. Just as he was settling into his bed someone softly knocked on his bedroom door. After welcoming the knocker inside. Cassian appeared. He entered and sat on the end of Azriel's bed. After a few moments of silence, Cassian spoke. 

"Are you worried about the Vallahan attacks?" 

"At the moment, they seem to be focusing on Vallahan. So I'm worried about their land and their people. Not so much for us here in Prythian."  Cassian nodded.

"I think I feel the same. I'm just worried about the future." 

"How so?" 

"I just have a feeling that this is the beginning of something." 

Let me know your thoughts! -Jess