Welcome to My World

Chapter 43 Meanwhile in Xadia...

"What? The reagents of Evenere and Del Bar have gone missing, along with Queen Aanya?" The man said, obviously panicked.

"Yes, my lord. The only evidence that we could find was that Queen Aanya's books were scattered across the floor, and this. It was found in the library amongst the books." The delegate from Duren held up a single glinting jewel. In the light of the setting sun through the throne room windows, it glowed in all colors, constantly shifting.

Del Bar's representative gasped. "We have one too! It was found in the throne room, where our reagent was last seen! We had assumed that it had fallen off of his jewelry."

"As do we." The man speaking for Evenere said somberly. "It is clear to see that someone has abducted our rulers."

The man on the throne rubbed his beard, a display of thought. "Yes, you are surely right. I recognize this stone. It is found only in the deepest parts of Xadia, in the Caihong Pass. It is known as the Rainbow Stone."

Del Bar clenched her fists. "Xadia would dare attack us?"

"Outrageous!" Evenere growled.

The man's face twisted into a serious expression. "Yes. Now, will you join me in making preparations for war?"

The room was filled with choruses of yes. They discussed things, then dispersed.

The man walked out of the room, going casually through the halls. A woman clad in white joined him. "You were whipping those delegates into a frenzy!" She accused. "You manipulated them!"

The man shrugged. "They made their own choice, Opeli. Now leave me."

Opeli stormed in front of the man. "You forget. You are not the king. And you are not above the law!"

The man paused, amused. "Ah, but I have the authority."

"Yes, but you won't after I tell others what you have done!" Opeli challenged him.

"Ah. I see. Well, then I suppose I must make sure you'll never get to tell others, then, musn't I?"

Opeli narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean by that, Viren-" Then she screamed in agony.

Faster than the eye could see, Opeli lay unconscious on the floor, a pool of blood spreading around her. Viren, for that's who the man was if you didn't guess by him being a total dirtbag, nodded to the shadow warrior. The warrior did not respond, dragging Opeli's body down a secret passage way.

"Guards! Guards!" Viren yelled. Immediately, a troop arrived. Viren made a show of grief. "It's too late... It killed Lady Opeli... She had sacrificed herself for me... It absorbed her body..."

After he was done leading the guards astray, he continued on to his lair. There, a cloaked man awaited him. His eyes were set on one of Viren's enchanted ball, this one showing a young girl. She was lying on her side on the stone floor, and tears streamed down her face despite her being asleep.

The man turned to Viren. "Lord Viren."

Viren nodded in greeting.

The mysterious man continued. "You're late."

"I ran into Opeli again, but I've taken care of her this time. She won't bother us any longer."

Silence. Then, "I see. But when shall I have my revenge?"

Viren ground his teeth together. This man was insufferable, but crucial to his plan. "When I'm done with her."

"She killed my son."

"I am aware."

"NO, YOU ARE NOT!" The man screamed. "Your son, and your daughter, are alive and well! You have never been forced to endure the death of your child, knowing you have failed in the parent's job of keeping your child alive!" At this point, he broke down sobbing.