Summoner's Second Chance

Chapter 41

"Three days and not a word from him. What do you think happened to him?" The room was tense, and filled with anxiety. Liu had opened the window to let some fresh air in, but it was of no use, for everyone is still as tense and nervous as before. "Although it is highly unlikely, Trace might have been captured by the enemy." Gilbert's words incited even bigger anxiety from the others, and the fact that he spoke so seriously unnerved the others even further.

"That is it." Melody stood up from her chair. "I will request for the king's help." The others attention immediately snapped to her. Olivia stood up from her chair, and held her hand. "Melody, I understand how worried you are about Trace, but asking for the king's help may not be the best solution." Alice nodded, and put a hand on her shoulder. "She is right, Melody. What would you do when you are finally in the king's presence?" Melody shook her head with a determined look. "If anything, I am his sister. There is a chance the king would want to help me."

The others couldn't deny her statement, but they are still worried about her well-being. What if she spoke out of turn because she was so flustered? Trace would be back hearing his sister was thrown behind bar! Even then, Melody is still adamant about meeting the king. Fang sighed, and nodded a few times. "I understand. We will go and request for the king's aid. But, we are coming with you."

Melody lowered her head toward him. "I am grateful." Fang nodded, and walked toward the door. "The sooner we go the better. We do not know what happened to Trace, but if he is in a dire situation, then we must make haste." Nodding to Fang's words, everyone made their way toward the king's palace. Melody had asked for a carriage to quickly carry them to the palace, and they were soon in front of the gate.

The guards guarding the palace stood in their way, stopping them from entering. "What business do you have here? I will ask you to leave if you have no business here." Melody stepped to the front and spoke. "I am Trace Redfate's sister, Melody Redfate. I am here to request for the king's aid regarding the disappearance of my brother." The guards looked at each other in confusion. The one questioning her raised a hand, and spoke. "Please wait while I confirm this." The guard ran toward the guard station, and spoke with a higher ranking guard there.

After a few minutes, the guard ran back toward where Melody and the others are waiting, and nodded. "We will take you to the king." Melody nodded, and followed the guard inside the palace. They were led to the throne room, and found the king standing with general Oliver. The guard saluted the king, and spoke. "Trace Redfate's sister wished for an audience with you, my liege." The king nodded. "You may leave." The guard bowed, and went out of the room.

The king swept his gaze across them, and smiled. "My, my, so many familiar faces." The king looked at Fang, Liu and Gilbert as he smiled. "You fought with strength and dignity in the arena. I am sure your future as a Summoner is bright." The three bowed to the king, both proud and happy for his praise. The king turned toward the girls, and nodded. "The ladies of two large noble family. How are things with your family?" Alice and Olivia bowed, and answered with a simple smile.

"Now then..." The king cleared his throat, and the air around him changed. "I know why you have come here, and what you seek from me." Melody nodded. "Then I beg of you, your highness. Please, save my brother." The king closed his eyes, and spoke slowly. "I am sorry... but I still need more time to assemble the rescue team." His words were filled with sorrow, as if he was about to lose not just a powerful soldier, but a dear friend of his. "I will be ready by tomorrow morning. I can only hope the gods still protects Trace from death's grip."

The king opened his eyes, and looked at Melody. "I apologize, Melody Redfate. I should've stopped him when he went to the Venomblood's mansion alone... I regret the fact that I didn't even let some of my men follow him inside." Melody furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "My king, you knew where Trace went?" The king locked his eyes with hers, and nodded. "Yes... He and I knew that the Venomblood family was suspicious, but we do not have any concrete proof to judge them." The king sighed, and rested his back on his throne. "If Trace came back with proof... then it will put an end to their tyranny. I am sure this is what was on his mind."