The three elders sat in their room. They had given strict orders to everybody not to disturb them. This was something serious, life- changing. And they were the ones who had to take decisions and the responsibility to stand by it- whatever the consequences.
By the laws of the land, they were the most educated in their kingdom and had been given the honored position to be the guiders. They were discussing the case of Daren and Azelia, which included the past, present and whatever was to come.
“I think the boy is the one. He is true. I see it in his eyes.” Miranda said adamantly.
“Why is lying to us then? Why can’t he just say he is 17?” Alastor said, irritated. He did not like the looks the boy gave him, and his mannerism certainly did not resemble those of a future king, or rather emperor. He wielded power, undoubtedly, but it burst out of him in waves, unchanneled and wild. Which was evil. Goodness was always channeled and weak, you had to build it up, but the level of power in a boy already equaled some of the strongest fighters of the kingdom.
“What if he lied? Who cares whether he is 16 or 17?” Miranda said.
“It shows he has the knack of lying with full conviction, like he totally believes in it himself. Who knows how many more lies he has conjured up to play us?”
Irritated, Miranda said, “this conversation has no end. What do you think, Kllastio?”
The third elder was the oldest and therefore, the wisest.
“What is truly right, only time can tell. But as of now, I have no reason to doubt the boy. We can talk to him and find out the truth. His eyes seem true to me.”
Miranda gave a triumphant look and Alastor groaned in frustration.
“This is a grave mistake. A mistake Achyranthus will pay dearly for.”
*******
Daren and Azelia were sitting in their room, having had very uncomfortable conversations. They both had now realized that something was seriously wrong with them and were trying to keep their thoughts to themselves. Azelia was doing something with a pen and paper while Daren was staring blankly at the ceiling, totally bored.
So, the knock on the door was a welcome change from the monotony.
The door opened to reveal his captor. “You have been called.” He said to Daren.
Daren knew it was pointless to ask questions because he was not going to get any answers. So he just got up to follow the man. Just as they were about to leave,
“Can I come with you guys?” Azelia blurted.
Daren looked at her. Why the hell did she want to come with them? And then she lowered her eyes, as if embarrassed at herself. He almost empathized with her. It was the place that forced people to make a fool of themselves.
His captor turned around, and glanced at her and then Daren, in quick succession. His meaning was clear do you guys have a thing going?
Daren shook his head defensively. Why was he being defensive, they hadn’t done anything wrong!!!
“The elders want to talk to him alone. I am sorry but you can’t,” the captor said to Azelia.
“It’s ok. Fine.” She mumbled, without looking up from her work.
Weird girl, Daren thought as they moved out of the room.
*********
