SAVIORS [OLD]

Chapter II (trash)

  Candelabra and chandeliers were the only light that illuminated the very old library of House Wysthar from the darkness of the starry night.
  They reflected through the marble checkered-tiles, with panel walls and rich red carpets and curtains displayed in the large room filled with bookshelves to which the Lady-poet had read all.
  . . . a ruler whose blood's the same with ruthless descendants of her own— 
  Upon hearing a soft knock on the door, the weary poet was irritated.
  "Come in!" she yelled. The Lady heard the door swung open and two pairs of nervous footsteps approaching her. 
"Ma'am Elyni," a shy servant stammered, "a messenger brings news to you."

  News late at night?

  Then the presence of silence was in the room as the two servants waited for the Lady's gesture for continuation of speech—until she raised her hand, "Proceed."
  The maid exited the room quietly and closed the door behind her, mindful of privacy of conversation.
   The Lady now faced the man, in hesitance of abandoning her poem she was writing ere. "What say?" she asked coldly. Her voice sounded like stone grated against stone. A voice that sounded like the last words of a dying person had forced to say before he drew his very last breath of life.
  "Lady Elyni," the messenger began, "the Queen says all Lords and Ladies must be present in court tomorrow dawn."
  "Is that all? Pray tell, is this of important matter?"
  "Aye, ma'am, and I know not."
  "Did not the Queen give reason?"
  "Nay. That was all Her Majesty had said. My deepest apologies."
  "Very well. Tell my servants; prepare my carriage early tomorrow and ready breakfast, too."

  • • •

  Soft puzzled and curious murmurings stirred in the chamber, then all were hushed in the loud boom of a rich voice, "I request all silence!"
  Her eyes were stern and—
  Only a bright man can see deep pools of greed in the Queen's eyes. A man who is not blinded by a fervid desire of glorified demise.
  A golden crown and jewelries were worn on the Queen's head which adorned her youthful face as black tresses flung freely behind her back, its ends nearly touched the floor. 
A green-silk shawl covered her shoulders and a long gown that fitted her slim body which trailed behind her as she walked towards her seat in front of the tables of her royal noble servants. "I announce treaty between our kingdom and Peryxia," she spoke loud enough for everyone in the chamber to hear. 
"However, it is yet not fulfilled and we must pledge alliance that we always had sought through our aid. The King's People has been gradually vanishing night after night, and the cause remains unknown. Through finding out and eliminating the culprit behind all this madness and thence shall alliance be granted."

  "Your Highness, do ye wish this treaty with an opposing realm of ours for benefits of future war?" a lord asked. A smile almost grew on his face.
  "Aye. They stand so indestructible in battle."

  And they stand yet so vulnerable in battle without.

  "Two lords and ladies; who amongst you all wish to accept my mission?"
  They exchanged hesitant glares to another, in wonder of what this will do good to them. Selfish.
  Elyni rose from her seat and took a brief bow, "It is I, Your Highness." Yet she had sworn not to partake in any missions for the Queen. Now, she shall do this for her kingdom.
  The Queen nodded and smiled.
"Ah, so lords and ladies expect a reward? Then, aye, there is a reward: one bag of rubies each."
  Their mouths dropped in awe— "But! I shall decide whom to choose now: Lady Avcia Fauron, Lord Hasfor Sklajei and Lord Noas Vin. All four shall ride by the day after tomorrow and shall ready their magics and horses. Four is enough to hide in the shadows from monsters of the Dreaded Land whilst in venture.
I rely on you. Gastrivhon relies on you. For the sake of alliance."
 
  Elyni wanted to roll her eyes in disagreement. The Queen only wants more blood and power against other opposing countries.