Chương 27: Renlin

Teresa was sitting on the edge of the bed, wrapped in her white robe. She lowered her gaze and noticed that, despite all the time that had passed, the blood was still there, dark, stubborn, as if it refused to leave her. She slowly rose and walked toward the bathroom. That was when she saw him. Oliver stood before her. His face was pale, almost corpse-like. Blood still dripped from the corners of his mouth.

"Look at what you did to me, Mother", he said in a hollow voice.

"Look at what you did to your own son. And you would call yourself a mother?" Teresa staggered backward, her breath catching, her eyes filled with terror.

"I'm sorry, my son…I'm sorry", she stammered.

"But there was no other way. It was necessary for the kingdom. To protect everything our house has built and defended through the centuries!" Oliver slowly shook his head as he stepped closer.

"Keep telling yourself those lies if it helps you sleep at night, Mother", he hissed.

"But deep down, you know they aren't true". He reached out a hand toward her, as if to seize her, then Teresa jolted awake. A thunderclap tore across the sky. The window was wide open, and rain was pouring into the room. Her heart hammering in her chest, she got up and hurried to shut it. Then she slid down onto the floor, sitting on the carpet and breathing deeply, one hand pressed against her chest to calm her racing heartbeat. Oliver was dead, but he would never truly leave her.

The following morning, Oscar presided over his first council meeting as King. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. In front of him, spread across the great table, lay numerous signed decrees, all concerning the war against the coalition of the southern and central lands. He had authorized generous pay for any magical creature willing to join the royal army.

"Your Majesty, it has been a demanding meeting, but an extremely productive one", Karl said as he rose from his seat.

"I am certain these decisions will halt the enemy's advance".

"Where do you think you're going?" Oscar asked without turning around.

"To rest, Your Majesty".

"I do not recall declaring the council adjourned", Oscar replied coldly.

"Sit down. Now". Karl nodded and returned to his seat. Oscar began to walk slowly around the table, studying the councilors one by one.

"All of you are accustomed to my brother Oliver's short and pointless meetings", he said.

"But I am not him. Not in the slightest. Every meeting is essential. Every word is precious time that can be used to make this kingdom greater and more powerful". He stopped.

"And this council needs a new voice. Someone who shares my vision. Someone willing to do whatever it takes for the good of the kingdom". He raised his eyes toward the doors.

"Declan the Spider, enter". The doors slowly opened. A man of average height entered, bald and without eyebrows, leaning on a cane as he walked. He bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, it will be an honor to serve you". Oscar smiled.

"Take a seat, Declan. The meeting has only just begun". Karl lowered his head, exhausted, as Declan took his place. That night, the elves had set up camp among the trees, pitching large tents beneath the forest canopy. The fire crackled softly. Ethan was on watch, sitting beside the flames with his sword resting at his side. The female elf with orange hair and violet eyes approached and sat down across from him.

"Human…" she said.

"I still don't know your name".

"Ethan. Ethan Light", he replied.

"May I know yours?"

"Renlin…something", she said with a laugh.

"You don't have a surname?" Ethan asked, smiling as well.

"No. I've been an orphan since birth. I never knew who my parents or grandparents were. Around here everyone calls me Renlin of the Orange Hair. You can do the same".

"I will". Renlin smiled, then stood up and stretched.

"I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep. If we get attacked and they're about to kill you, scream loudly. Maybe I'll wake up and come save you". Ethan chuckled softly.

"Deal. Good night". Renlin disappeared among the tents, while Ethan remained by the fire, staring into the flames in the middle of the night.