It has been days after Nicklaus's secret visit to Mon Serinna. Nicklaus's, his bride and their entourage were set to leave Alkal for Lycanthrope, the kingdom of the werewolves. Not many people were there to see them off. Only a bunch of elders, even Mona Serinna was not there and neither was the eldest. The bride, Ophelia was just standing there like a doll, looking indescribably beautiful, her naive, innocent look made her even more stunning that she already was. The only change was in her aura; that dauntless unapproachable vibe was gone. Now she was just a bunny that everyone wanted to keep. Not everyone though, among the few who were sending the entourage off, Mona Galia, Parteia and Sirens didn't like Ophelia and they were not trying to hide it. Parteia looked indignant like someone had cheated her of her right, Sirens looked smug feeling that Ophelia was soon going to meet her doom at Lycanthrope, thinking that she was a sacrifice lamb. Mona Galia's expression was that of mockery and some excitement. Derrick observed all of these from the sidelines. He knew that the little independent town of Alkal was going to go through a reformation soon but even though he was good at collecting information, he still didn't know much about it. The little town was just too mysterious. He also knew that even though the people were not the mastermind, they had played big roles in the assassination of his king before but as usual, he still hadn't found the people who participated in it.
"We thank the elders of Alkal for your hospitality these many days. We would have loved to stay longer but royal duties call. The alliance between two people of different kingdoms will mark the birth of a new era. We look forward to it." said Willie Thian, the burly man. When he had finished speaking, he made a curtsied bow and stepped down.
"The people of Alkal, I'll be seeing you around. Ah aha aha", Derrick said. Mona Galia's nose was upturned. She hates this kind of people the most.
"Who does he think he is?" murmured Parteia
"Nicklaus Lynn".
Everyone was shocked at how arrogant the werewolf king was again, even his friend Derrick couldn't help but shake his head. This was just too typical of him. He didn't make any speech or niceties just went on to introduce himself. Who doesn't know the name of the most dangerous king in the lands. Although the elders were not pleased, they didn't say anything.
"King Lynn, we will honour our promise." said Mona Galia. She was trying all her best to hold her anger in. They had prepared a long speech but the king just said his own name. What was that? She too was not going to make any speech. Shouldn't they be on the same footing as the king now since it was an alliance? He could keep his arrogance for now, it would not be long until their end. She watched the entourage as they left, gradually disappearing beyond the horizon...
***The Hall of The People***
All the elders were seated in their positions at the table but one seat was vacant. The elders looked more solemn that they were when the werewolf king had visited. They were summoned because the eldest, Artima said their was a traitor among the elders.
"In the history of Alkal apart from the time when that girl's act was considered a betrayal, there had never been a traitor in Alkal. Do you think there's been a mistake?" said a Temis
"Do not mention that incident again, especially not in a gathering like this. Are you trying to make matters worse?" warned another Temis
"Who could be the traitor?" the first Temis asked again
"Shut up! If you have a death wish die alone. Don't soil my name by asking such foolish questions."
All of this was done in whispers. It was already bold of them to be conversing, how could they be loud?
Very soon Mona Galia walked in. The empty seat was hers. She curtsied to all the elders before sitting down.
"I should have called this meeting immediately I found out about the traitor but with guests in our midst, I didn't. After all we can't put our dirty linen out in the open. Someone here has not only betrayed Alkal but has also attempted the murder of a child of ours." said Artima, the eldest. There were gasps everywhere. Even though they had their differences, it was a common thing in every society for people to have different views but Alkal had always maintained peace. There had never been internal strife that could have lead to an attempted murder. Was someone trying to shake their beliefs?
"Serinna, up to you." said Artima. Mona Serinna stood up walked to the podium with the stone tablet.
"Pradashan" she commanded. The tablet lit up raised itself in the air and projected a video on the wall. In the video, a figure was seen walking through the meadow of beautiful grass, passed through the brook went on to the shrubs and the finally the familiar River Aurora. The figure stood by the river, as if admiring it. The camera zoomed in on the river. It captured the figure putting something in the river. It was done so smoothly that if the camera was not zoomed, one would just think they were playing with the water. Not long after the figure rose up and turned to leave. The camera again zoomed in on the bracelet the figure was wearing. It was a golden bracelet. The bracelet had the eyes of an eagle at the centre.
The. elders were too shocked to say anything. Before they could even wrap their heads round what was happening, many more pictures were displayed. They were of the same silhouette in dark cloak meeting people from the outside world at different times in different places. The camera zoomed in on one of the pictures and a familiar face looked back at them.
All eyes moved from the wall, to a seat. Mona Galia was not too surprised. Although, she knew that she hadn't achieve all her goals, they were already set in motion. She had gotten her revenge.
"Mona Galia, how could you?" asked Mona Lisa angrily. She had been tasked to take the couple there, so had been the most affected when the fishing failed. She had had many thoughts about the incident but never had she imagined this scenario.
"How couldn't I?" she retorted. "My sister, Selene was the brightest. She had so much potential and its should have been her seating there as the Artima, yet she was sent on a task to a faraway land and when she came back, you all know what happened right. Even her daughter is still missing. Yet, you guys went on to form an alliance with outsiders. The outsides you so despise. How righteous" She laughed bittering. Tears ran down as she laughed. She looked lonely and tired. She loved her sister so much but the Hall was too cruel. Only seeking benefits for themselves.
"You all don't have the rights to call me a traitor cause you all are the traitors. I will end myself here but this will not be the end. Everyone will perish with my sister, I assure you."
The Atmosphere was so heavy that no one responded or continued to question her. Everyone began to doubt the decision made in that year about Selene. Were they right or wrong?
A loud bam and Galia layed sprawl on the floor. Blood was flowing from her eyes, nose and mouth unto the floor. The site was gurry. The elders were all shaken to the bones. Galia had been fighting for her sister's honour not for greed but she had still betrayed her people by colluding with outsiders. Even though Galia had killed herself, the case was far from been over. In fact, they felt move unease. Something big was about to happen but they didn't even know we're it was coming from or what their fate would be afterwards...