Imperial Capital Maldranith
Weeks passed since Lanthim's disappearance from his father Nedral Frenost's estate. Deep in the southern province of Boucorym. As the days grew ever shorter do to the coming of winter, the news from the many search parties.
That had been sent out to look for the boy continually would return with nothing. Sitting with Torvalin one of his eldest sons. Nedral felt great pressure to have Lanthim returned quickly.
"So they have not found him yet what does grandmother have to say about that?" [Torvalin]
Asked Torvalin as, he watched his father pace back and forth.
"He is to be brought to the capital once he is found." [Nedral]
Nedral answered still pacing.
"What happens after that will be out of my hands." [Nedral]
Stopping to look out one of the many windows. That allowed an impressive view of the capital, Nedral's answer had little emotion in it. If anything he was incredibly frustrated with the little fool To up and disappear without reason or notice was incredibly dangerous.
For more reasons than simply the creatures that could possibly kill him, on his way to where ever it was he was going. The monsters at home were a great deal more threatening. The greatest of these was Arielia Strentolos, matriarch of the Strentolos clan. Of which the Frenost was a branch.
Having outlived many of his older brothers. In order to avoid any unwanted marriage, Nedral replaced his surname Strentolos with Frenost. In an attempt to distance himself. Going so far as to marry Fienya Trensilra. The daughter of one of the elvish races, four ruling clans to increase the divide further.
This marriage had been successful for a time in limiting the amount of control. Arielia could exert over him and his growing family. Sadly, twelve years into their marriage the Lucrentian Empire was becoming increasingly threatened by its neighbors. In a conflict that would in later years become known Reclamation War. It became necessary for Nedral to return to the empire.
As the years dragged on, and thousands died, it came down to a young man. Unable to use mana himself but who had a genius mind. That began to create magic sequences that, would change the way magic was used on the battlefield.
With a mind for learning as well as the combat training, he had received in his youth. Nedral was without any doubt the most powerful individual on the front line during the war. However, in a society where women are dominant. Eventually all achievement will go to a man's mother, if she is living or his wife.
So for his brave service during the war. Nedral end up being married to Pamreila his cousin. Being pressured in the end by his mother, in order to bring him effectively back into the clan. Having done so without question the war having tired him, in the end, there was nothing to be done but to fall in line.
"Has there been even a sighting of him being so young he could not have gone far." [Torvalin]
Torvalin spoke confidently having only found out about the situation a few hours ago.
'The boy has been gone for two weeks, he could not have traveled to far on foot these people they are sending must have let him escape.' {Torvalin}
He thought to himself looking at his father with, an almost condescending look on his face.
"There are things that you do not know about Lanthim. That tip the scales in his favor against us." [Nedral]
Nedral spoke calmly, rarely would he allow one of his sons to make him feel uncomfortable with a situation or, at least, show it.
"From what I am told he could be as far as the Yelsomen Wastes to the east." [Nedral]
Saying this, and looking down on his son. Nedral had the effect he had wanted. The proud son that thought he had found a weakness, and was so confident about it. Just a moment earlier, now just sat shock by what he just heard.
"I have called for a gathering of all my sons. You will be there as the eldest since Rymstiel, is still in the Dragon Lands."
His tone was cold and unfeeling.
'My mother may rule the clan. However, no son of mine will look down on me.' {Nedral}
There was now between the two men an understanding. Who held the stick in this relationship.
Frenost Estate Boucorym Province
"My Lady Reiflin sent her familiars out again this morning. As you have ordered they will continue till they find them." [Felyma]
Felyma stood behind where the mistress of the house sat. With a distraught and distant look on her face. Litralia had not slept properly for the last two weeks, since Lanthim had disappeared. She sat on a window bench that allowed her to look out on the gardens.
"He would always be out in the gardens playing with his siblings, training, always where I could see him even when I was busy." [Litralia]
Litralia's words could barely be heard, by Felyma who was almost directly beside her. Long had she suffered over the likelihood, that Lanthim was not going to be found. Even with this dread in her heart, she had given instruction to find him dead or alive. So all maids that were witches ranked six or higher had been put out to search for him.
"You will not find him if all you do is weep over an empty casket Litralia."
A voice she did not wish to hear came from the open door.
"What brings you to my home at this difficult time Fienya?"
Asked Litralia to the Beautiful elf woman that entered the room.
"I come to bring news from our husband Litralia." [Fienya]
Fienya did not seem to satisfied to be a messenger for Nedral, it was for some servant too deliver such news from one estate to another estate, not her.
"All our sons are to come to him and prepare to retrieve Lanthim. Once his location is found, he is returned to the capital he will be sealed, so to bring him under control."
Delivering the message Fienya made her way to the door not waiting for a reply.
"I pity any of your sons that have to try to bring him home." [Litralia]
Litralia turned off the bench standing just in front Felyma who move slightly.
"Fear, that my son is dead does occupy my mind. Then again how fast will that fear flyway when your sons. Return in shame after meeting him for the first time."
The smile on Litralia's face after saying this was one of absolute confidence.
"You truly think that one six-year-old child. Will be able to defeat thirty of his older brothers?"
Fieya had a skeptical condescending smile on her face as she asked.
"If I may say my lady when the young master is found. It would be more likely that he would simply fade away. Before they that had been sent to find him, actually do. He has a nasty knack of getting around people who want to find him."
Felyma spoke quickly to get this thought out in the open.
Now all three women stood looking at each other, saying nothing but what could be said. Lanthim was an enigma. The things he did and what others thought he would do never coincided. You could follow his daily routines to the letter, and then he would change them at the drop of a hat just to keep you off base.
"Regardless Nedral has made his decision." [Fienya]
Fienya turned away from the other two exiting the room
"I shall return to the capital since my purpose here is fulfilled. Is there anything you would like me to say to our husband?" [Fienya]
She asked not caring to turn around.
"Nothing that I can say in person." [Litralia]
Answered Litralia as she looked away from the elf who was no longer there.
"Hateful creature, she would have Lanthim in a cell with chains if she could." [Litralia]
Her anger towards the elf was well founded, Fienya had always shown fierce hatred. For any child not her own when they would visit the capital. The girls were more or less safe, due to their positions in society because of their grandmother. However, sons had a dreadful time living anywhere near her.
"Regardless my lady I don't think she would be able to do anything horrible to him." [Felyma]
Felyma spoke what she thought was true. Having seen all that the young master had gone through, over the last five years. It was a greater possibility. That he would return an even greater paradox then when he left.