Novis

chapter 6

A meeting was held at Alium's head house, a building where the officials of all creatures gathered when problems occurred. It was much like a regular building although it had large iron gates and an immense wall surrounding the exterior to keep away anyone who wasn't welcome. Inside was nothing special either. There was a tall chair in the main room with 4 on either side of it. A long table sat in front of the chairs with glasses and water jugs set upon them. 

Eric entered with another man, much older than him, who took a seat on one of the chairs whilst Eric stood at the side. Soon 7 others gathered too and took their seats. The one in the middle was a lady with silver hair reaching her waist and a white crown upon her head. Her gown was fashioned with gems and sequins. Her ears were pointy and her lips were pastel pink.  She began to speak and everyone turned to face her with serious expressions.

"Well, as you know, we have someone amongst the people of Alium who has gone against the rules and set out the goblins to raid the humans. After much consideration, I say that it is worthy of punishment." Her voice was elegant, much like her gestures. 

"Lady Sullivan, do you know who it was?" The man sitting next to her spoke with a husky voice.

She nodded and then placed her hands on the table. Eric stood in silence, waiting for her to speak. 

"I did meet with the culprit and after a discussion, I changed my mind."  Everyone looked at her, shocked. "I will not punish her because of the reason why they ordered the army to attack."

"Excuse me, if I may, I think the reason was not good enough to let them be exempted from being punished," Eric spoke as politely as he could.

"Eric! you are not to speak!" the man Eric had come with spoke.

"But father-

"Wait!" Lady Sullivan held up her hand to silence them. She looked at Eric with piercing eyes. "so, you young warrior are aware of what the latest news is around here yet...you kept it to yourself? The younger generation sure are funny."

Eric avoided her eyes, knowing she was right. 

"There is a Novis amongst the humans." Everyone started whispering to each other after it was announced. "Sir Lance?" she turned her head to her left. "You too, conducted a meeting in secret about this, did you not?" 

Sir Lance bowed his head and sought her forgiveness. 

"A Novis, the lowest rank of the creatures. An outcast. She should be captured and sent away." The others agreed with Lady Sullivan. Eric bit his lip, debating on whether to argue or not. He knew he had to say something.

"She's harmless!" he regretted it as soon as he spoke. "I have met her before and-

"And? From one meeting you figured she is harmless? Need I remind you that humans are cruel and vile beings to begin with, which is why we took over this country. Can you imagine what a Novis would be like? They would utilise their magical parents and take advantage of us." She leaned her chin on her hands and raised her eyebrows. "Who are her parents? Which one of them broke the rules?" 

"Lady Sullivan, some of the vampires that work under me have done a thorough background check on her but her family history can't be fully identified. Her father seemed to have been a warrior though, I do not know which one." Sir Lance said.  

"Well then, we have to bring the girl in and-

"You can't!" Eric blurted out, without thinking. All eyes fell on him again, his father's gaze being the most frightening one. "They're not alive, her parents. She lives alone and has no connections to this world, which is why she still lives in the human world." He didn't know if what he said was completely true but he knew that Alicea's father's identity couldn't be revealed to them right now.  "you see, that's why she's harmless. She lives as a human and can not come here because neither her mother nor father are here." Eric lowered his head after speaking.  The officials all exchanged looks apart from Lady Sullivan, who had her eyes fixated on Eric. He could feel both his father's and her gaze on him.