Eldric talked and laughed along with his peers at a social gathering arranged by Richard, but at the back of his mind, he could not quite forget the news about the Unknown that he got earlier. That was why he noticed right away when Joaquin entered the room despite being discreet. Eldric remained on his spot, casually sipping wine as Joaquin reported.
"Unknown have made their move."
It took all of his willpower to school his features and do anything but slam his drink. He nodded at the other man, who promptly left, then turned to Richard. His old friend must have sensed something as he immediately turned and met Eldric's eyes.
"Something wrong?"
Eldric was already putting on his coat. "Something like that. I'm afraid I have to leave early." He offered a rueful smile to the ladies.
Despite the protests and the promises that he would meet them again soon, he felt like that would not come any sooner for whatever awaits him in their headquarter.
++++++
The merry atmosphere turned tensed in the next second. No one spoke nor move except for the quick exchange of look the four of them shared.
Another knock.
Yolly and Frankie both leaped from their chairs, but Lia was astonished to see them do it without much noise. Tamara went for her trusted machete. Lia also stood from her seat, hands gripping the edge of the table.
Someone banged at the door. A man's voice sounded behind it. "I know you're in there. You're wearing my patience thin, lady. Or should I say, My Lady?"
"Mother," Lia called out quietly when Tamara reached out for the door. Tamara placed her index finger on her lips as she opened the door slightly.
"I think you are at the wrong house. Please leave."
The man leered. "I don't think so." He then gave a lopsided smile. "We meet again."
From where she was standing, Lia could see who was outside, but because of the other three blocking the view inside, she knew that none of the men could see her. She realized that this was the same man who stood in their doorway in the forest before. The one whom Ed — Eldric — pelted with stones. Was he here to take revenge for that?
The man still had his long hair though he looked much surlier and grimmer than before. Unlike back then, he had four men with him. Now, he brought about ten men.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Yolly bellowed, not at all cowered at the crowd in front of them. Some even flinched when she spoke.
"No need to be ballistic," the leader said, still using that patronizing voice. "You must have gotten the letters already," he pointed at Tamara.
"What letters?" Yolly asked.
"Nothing." Tamara denied.
Lia could not hear what Yolly said under the laughter of the leader of the gruff men.
"You must know by now that our Lord knows where your son is. He's alive, you know, waiting for his sweet mother to come to him." Another raucous laughter.