Imperial Capital Maldranith
"That little monster did what?" [Aielria]
The news of the attempted kidnapping of Syrelia Frenost had found its way to the capital with astounding speed. Few actually knew what had happened at Litralia's estate or what her daughter's condition was.
"I have been unable to receive any information from Litralia concerning the girl. it is likely that she is being hidden somewhere until the situation becomes under control." [Nedral]
Looking through a few papers that contained a general idea of what had happened. Nedral looked impatiently through them once more. While there had been an attempt the ones who carried it out were nowhere to be found. As if all trace of their existence had been wiped off the face of the planet. The one thing stood out in the report. As far as he could see was the complete disappearance of Syrelia from the estate.
"While unlikely, could it be possible that someone else got to Syrelia first?" [Nedral]
"Unlikely we have confirmation of her being in the estate during the incident. Syrelia only went missing after that point." [Fienya]
Looking to his left Nedral could see his first wife standing next to Aielria's desk situated in the center of the room. Never was one far from the other when it came to the grand schemes that ravaged the clan of late. While true Nedral did not approve of the means that either woman employed to ensure her desires were fulfilled. With Syrelia likely to become a great witch as she grew older. With the heir selection ceremony only six years away. Making a potential threat to one of her own daughters disappear with a convenient marriage was something Fienya had no real problems with.
"Lanmair Cousrlim an obscure fool. What compelled you to choose such a useless male candidate Fienya?" [Aielrlia]
"Regardless of the flaws, his clan is influential in the southwest also by coming from out of the empire gives a greater distance between syrelia and her mother when she marries." [Fienya]
In the end, that is all that mattered to Fienya. If Litralia was unable to influence the girl. In any way that could be seen as a challenge to herself. Then everything would move forward as she desired.
Looking displeased with what Fienya had to say nedral continued to look through his reports. Over the past several weeks leading up to the attempted kidnapping, several nonstudents had been allowed to enter academy grounds. While never causing harm or even being noticed in some situations these individuals all bore the same crest.
"What are you thinking about Nedral? It seems something other than your wife's plans for syrelia?" [Aielria]
From their position in the center of the room, both women watched Nedral carefully while turned through what was left of the report.
"A rumor has reached my ears that trouble me. That if true would explain the disappearance of Syrelia." [Nedral]
"What rumor would this be?" [Aielria]
Standing from her seat Aielria seemed strangely interested in this information. Fienya on the other hand just was uninterested in the change of conversation. While one looked out the nearest window the other looked directly into Nedral's eye's.
"It is rumored, that Lanthim has returned from the east." [Nedral]
With an uncaring look on her face, Aielria returned to her seat at her desk.
"I to have heard of this rumor. I see no threat, that this boy can cause as things are now." [Aielria]
Very little emotion could be felt from her as she slowly sat looking out towards the door that had just opened. A maid entered bowing low showing the required respect to those in the room.
"My lady, a young man has asked for an audience with you."
Aielria could sense no one out of place. Within the clan estate compound. Everyone who belonged inside the estate was present with no intruders or visitors.
"Bring this person to me, I would like to meet them." [Aielria]
Interested in how a someone could come within her range of influence and not be detected. Aielria gave the required instruction with the maid leaving hastily to see her mistresses orders carried out.
"It will be troublesome, if this person is one of those that Jeldrae told me about. Who constantly watch Syrelia like hawks." [Fienya]
The news from the academy had become troubling. Since the first introduction of Lanmair Cousrlim to Syrelia only a few weeks ago the number of people guarding her had risen frighteningly. Since that time more people from Lanmair's clan continued to arrive to help him leading to the attempted kidnapping.
"As thing are now until we know where Syrelia has been taken. Everything could be considered an inconvenience to us." [Aielria]
(knock)
"Enter." [Nedral]
As the door opened the maid entered first with no sign of anyone behind her. Entering the study the maid steped right after taking several steps inside. Bowing deeply towards the three who were now standing.
"My lady your grandson Lanthim Frenost has come."
Entering view, turning towards the door from the left side of the corridor stood lanthim bearing the same emotionless face he almost always did.
"My father how it pains me to visit during this troubling time." [Lanthim]
Nedral was speechless as Lanthim entered the study on his side a sword that bore the clan crest. Fienya, on the other hand, seemed more hostile towards the young man's presence presenting an offended expression.
"It has been so long since I last saw you, my son, please sit so we can talk a little." [Nedral]
Inviting him to sit Nedral felt right Aielria, on the other hand, did not like this boy's sudden appearance in the capital without her knowing. Very little happened in Maldranith without her knowing.
"What brings you to the capital child? I find it strange that you would return here before seeing your mother first." [Aielria]
Having not been made aware that Lanthim had in fact been in the empire for almost two months. Aielria had no idea what she was up against. Before he had begun he journey to the east Lanthim was not well known to the rest of the clan. So even with his return, there would likely be few who would actually report his presence. Allowing for complete secrecy and the ability of Lanthim to move as he pleased.
"News has reached my ears concerning an attempt to kidnap my sister, Syrelia. I have come to ensure that none of our clan has involved themselves in this plot." [Lanthim]
His word while calm had a sense of death hanging over them. Like a sword pressed against his back, Nedral felt that the wrong answer. Would likely lead to himself, and the other two women in the room dying without question.
"Our clan had no involvement in this plot. The henchman, of the Cousrlim clan were the ones who executed this action." [Fienya]
"I see, still it matters not. I find this person you have chosen to marry Syrelia to be unworthy. I would suggest ridding ourselves. Of such a troublesome engagement for the time being." [Lanthim]
Shocked by Lanthim's words the room became silent. Nedral looking to his wife could see the anger building as the silence continued.
"You have no authority to decide what it is that happens. When it come to the marriage of your sister. You are a man you have no power here." [Fienya]
Exploding in a rage looking towards Lanthim who's eyes were closed as she continued to yell at him.
"This marriage will continue as planned, and you will not cause trouble for us do you understand Lanthim Grenost?"
Opening his eye's the look on Lanthim's face was content. With the answer he knew we would receive. Not once had the thought that either his grandmother. Or the elf standing down from their position entered his mind.
"Vary well, I understand your position now I hope you will appreciate mine. Until I am satisfied with the strentolos clans ability to protect my sister she shall remain under my protection." [Lanthim]
"So it was you who took her. Return Syrelia immediately if you do not wish to suffer." [Fienya]
The agitated Fienya could not control herself. Watching as everything she had worked so hard for slipping away. The threat of her doing something dangerous was becoming a real certainty. Holding a piece of parchment that had a prearranged magic circle place on it. All fienya would have to do is apply mana and it would go off.
"If you think such weak magic could have any effect on me you are sadly mistaken." [Lanthim]
In a flash of smoke, the parchment went up in flames frightening Fienya who felt nothing. Looking to Lanthim, with fear realizing that if she tried again. He would just destroy the circle before she could deploy it. Fienya just stood pale as she thought of what could have happened.
"Until there is a change I am satisfied with. Syrelia who I have taken guardianship over shall remain in my care. She shall continue to attend The academy in Alistri, however, any interference from the clan shall be seen as a threat and be treated as such." [Lanthim]
Standing as he prepared to leave Lanthim could feel his grandmother's, eyes looking in his direction with fierce rage. Smiling as he left, lanthim moved silently down the corridor.
'Grandmother I will give you a tournament of blood.'
Laughing openly as he moved on lanthim looked forward to the coming days when the six academy's would come together to participate in the Grand Six Academy's tournament.