A thick fog was covering the ancestors' tombs when the girl arrived at the pantheon. Snowin's dress fluttered and if anyone could have seen her at that moment, would have thought she was a ghost. The sun was still high in the sky, but even so, the mist lay like a pale blanket around everything, from the gardens to beyond the walls. Snowin already knew days like this happened quite often in Scaz; the elders used to say they were a bad omen. Pretty soon she dismissed such an inopportune thought, remembering the reason she was there: her brother Joshua. He had to be close by because every time the boy got angry: he would run to hide in the cemetery. Snowin was only two years older than Joshua, but since she was a prudent and sensible young lady: the innocent selfishness of her little brother had never got on her nerves.
Not far from there, in one of the chambers of the family mansion, the lords were chatting with their guests after a splendid lunch. The afternoon had quickly drawn to its end as the group conversed animatedly. They occupied one of the rooms on the second floor to better enjoy the fresh breeze that filtered through the double-barred windows.
The Straugh mansion, despite being a formidable acropolis, was decorated with sober luxury. In each chamber could be appreciated the gentle touch of its owner: April Straugh. So being known as one of the best-fortified residences in the region, contrary to expectations, the familiar mansion was actually elegant in a cozy way according to the taste of the lady.
Now the guests laughed again after hearing an anecdote from Mr. Straugh, however, April remained oblivious to the conversation, apparently with her thoughts far from there.
"It is clear that you cannot be prouder of your children, Straugh, but I would say that you feel devotion for your eldest daughter."
"Snowin and Joshua are very important to me" – Straugh agreed after emptying his glass – "But a better daughter than Lynn won't be born in this world"
"Not more beautiful..." Added a young gentleman who wore an extremely rich outfit. He was known as Viktor Archill and, despite his youth, the gentleman had become close friends with Straugh in a short time.
During their conversation, Archill had graciously declined any drinks. On the other hand, he hadn't stopped talking as he constantly shifted in his seat.
"I agree with you, Archill. And with all due respect, my old friend Ronald Straugh, no doubt it's everything thanks to her mother" - Dr. Strong finished winking at his friend.
Then the three gentlemen smiled as they looked at the aforementioned; unfortunately, the lady remained without paying attention.
Strong and Straugh have known each other since childhood and today their ties couldn't be better, even if they were close relatives. At the time, the rumors from the high society said that Straugh would finally betroth his daughter to the doctor's firstborn. It was actually a juicy topic of gossiping between the aristocrats. Therefore, everybody in Scaz was convinced that the families would announce their engagement sooner rather than later. The groom-to-be: young Alexander Strong had become famous thanks to his excellent diplomatic career and his relevant performance as an ambassador of the country.
"By the way: Lynn is coming back tomorrow, we're all looking forward to her arrival" – Straugh announced as he refilled his wine glass "– On the other hand, we had a rather long talk and I'm afraid the night will surprise you on the way home, my friends. I must insist both of you stay in our mansion's protection until the new day arrives. I personally hate inns. And, as you may know, our house is formidably protected; no creature could bother us ever"
"Certainly, I shall be happy to accept your kind hospitality, my friend. And I suppose Archill will be just as delighted" - Strong replied confidently.
"You're not wrong Strong, of course, I gladly accept" - The young man quickly agreed– "I would like to thank you for your generosity, Straugh. By the way, regarding your esteemed daughter: I had understood the young lady would arrive before this date"
"Certainly, Lynn's trip was delayed due to some detours she decided to take in transit. I have to admit the young lady is rather intrepid" - Straugh affirmed with a grave air first; however, a semi-smile showed how a part of him was actually prided on that peculiar trait of his daughter's character.
"Indeed" – Viktor Agreed – "Ladies these days get terrified with just the perspective of the shortest trips"
During the evening Archill had endeavored to keep the conversation alive; cheering at various times with witty comments and switching to a new theme each time the previous one had run out.
It was obvious that the young gentleman was very interested in the Straughs' older daughter. However, the father was famous throughout Scaz for rejecting any suitor who came to request his permission to court the young lady.
Archill had also managed to get comments from the lady of the house who had remained silent, looking somewhat anxious. And clearly thinking the lady remain oblivious to the debate out of worry for her daughter, Archill wanted to start a conversation:
"If I may, I understand your concern, ma'am ¿Have you heard about the Almaiar?"
"¡Oh, of course! ¡What a great misfortune!" - April answered with sincere affliction - " For such a young girl to leave this world... it's horrible. I really have no words; I feel physical pain just thinking about it "
"The rumors affirm the author was the demon of the red castle "- Archill interrupted - "According to some facts, he did not let the young woman die and they assure that he keeps her in his domains on the border of Scaz"
That comment made Mrs. April exchange glances with her husband; she looked very upset for a few seconds until she nodded at Archill. Then as if she couldn't hold the words anymore, she turned to Straugh.
"Dear, the children" - And then, as if apologizing to the others, she added: "They are playing in the garden's labyrinth, however, I get nervous every time these hours are to arrive..."
"¡Come on April! ¿What can possibly happen to them?" - However, after these words, she showed such an expression of anguish that Straugh had to give in - "Well well, it's fine dear; just ask Sokol to go get the kids. And please, tell him: he is allowed to pull Joshua's ears in case the boy fiercely resists stopping playing"
April smiled, obviously relieved and also amused by the direct allusion to Joshua's mischievous and rebellious character. Then, without losing time, she excused herself and walked out of the room in search of the butler.
"You must understand friends, with these recent events... I believe we will never live without apprehension in these lands." - Straugh spoke to the guests in a low voice.
About five minutes passed before April returned to the chamber.
"It's done" - The lady sat down again with a less affected face - "I've left everything in Sokol's hands. Ah! gentlemen, please, forgive such haste"
April Straugh looked charming even though she usually didn't spend too much time caring for her image. Her greatest treasure was the three children she had brought into the world and it was evident the devotion she felt for them. Far from looking like the mother of her eldest daughter, April could be passed perfectly as her sister. Given that, due to her petite physique, she still looked like a young lady. And, on the other hand, her daughter was rather tall and looked developed and mature.
The conversation was renewed animatedly, this time with more interventions from the lady who had a frank character and was good-natured. From time to time, Mr. Archill inquired about Lynn's studies and her social circle.
Then, about ten minutes later, a small, charming figure interrupted the dialogue.
"Mother, we have searched for him so much! He's not even in the pantheon...!"
It was Snowin, the girl's face was flushed, and her eyes were wet. Before, the guests had joked when they claimed the eldest daughter had inherited her mother's beauty; instead, the truth was that Lynn didn't look anything like April.
The first daughter had certainly inherited her father's features: from the height to the dark hair color and the exotic purplish-blue eyes. She also resembled him with her high forehead, the marked chin, and the fine, straight nose. There was not a single April characteristic in her firstborn. On the other hand, the two younger children were the copy of the mother: with their round faces and pixie figures.
Sokol, the butler, let go of Snowin's hand, and immediately the girl ran to hug her mother who continued to sit looking perplexed without taking her eyes off the little girl.
Then Straugh seemed to take the matter seriously, and he stood up with a sharp move. At that moment, a group of servants arrived at the hall looking quite discouraged. They exchanged some quick comments with Sokol. Then, after some short instructions from the old steward, they practically ran out of the room.
Excusing himself from his guests, Straugh approached the butler and began questioning him. After a few seconds, they parted ways but both men were showing deeper frown lines.
The experienced employee was a victim of bewilderment:
"It is as if the young master had vanished." - The man concluded, looking very pale - "My lord..."
April's eyes were wide open, and there was a grimace on her girlish face. However, seeing how Snowin began to whimper, she did her best to compose herself in front of her daughter. So, with gentle gestures, she got up and took the girl by the hand.
"Dear, ¡the sunset…!" - Said April as she got close to her husband, and Straugh could see how her lower jaw was trembling frantically.
Despite her agitated state, the lady gently hugged Snowin and kissed the top of her head.
"Snow, come with me to your room; Lisa will go as well." - The lady spoke lovingly and quite calmly as she approached a young servant - "Everything will be fine my darling."
After softly embracing Snowin once more, April nodded to her husband who followed them with his eyes until they were lost in the corridor.
"Quick, alert the guards, Sokol. " – Straugh ordered with cold calm. – "I want to know if there was any trouble at the gates."
Then he turned to his guests, who were now standing attentively, and said: " My friends, excuse me, I think the matter requires my direct supervision."
Later, after minutes of searching everywhere, a single name could still be heard in a cry: ¡Joshua!
It seemed as if the boy had vanished. But it wasn't until the sun had completely disappeared from the horizon, that the true pandemonium broke out.