"So old friend Arcones?" Michael asked as he was sitting down on his chair.
At this question Trinity was completely stunned. This is the first he has heard about Arcones in forever, and he could not understand how it was that Michael was talking about this subject as if it was something completely normal. Even uttering the name of those vial creatures was consider a blasphemy and here they were two of the most powerful lords having a meeting about this forbidden subject.
"I see that I was correct in assuming that you were aware of strange events that have been occurring al throughout the realm," Yazakiel said not sounding at all surprised. He was in fact nonchalant about the mention of these beings. The opposite of how Trinity had reacted.
"I've heard the rumors and have also felt the change in the air. something strong is coming, but" Michael paused and looked at his friend before continuing in a calm voice "I was not 100% sure, at least not until I learned of your visit. As much as I invite you to visit me, I know that only an urgent matter will make that happened. Ans seeing that you are here my thought led me to believe that the rumors are true and that this feeling that has been bothering my soul is in fact real."
"I see. Well, my friend I am sad to report that you are correct. this change of energy or whatever it is that you want to call it, it's real. I have felt it as well and for the sake of the balance and the peace that has reign over earth we need to act now before it is too late." Yazakiel concluded in a demanding voice knowing very well that it was very to act now than let things progress and put the world in danger.
"Arcones are vicious creatures. They are summoned to create and wreak havoc at their master's command. But the trick is that to summon them there needs to be an offering of both angel and demon blood, a willing offering done out of one's own freewill." Trinity who was still in a state of shock whispered to everyone in the room in the hopes that maybe they were talking about something different, and he had misunderstood. He then turned to Yazakiel and directed his next words to him, "This means that if you are right my lord, there is someone amongst us willing to betray and challenge the balance." Trinity's voice increased towards the end of his statement. He wanted to make sure that everyone understood and was on the same page regarding this grave matter.
"The bigger problem right now, is that we don't know who those traitors are. It is no longer a question of, if someone is willing to betray us and or their covenant. It is a question of who? And who is leading them?" Ezequiel who up until now had been quiet decided to speak up. He needed these angels to get on board with his plan. "There is no time to waste in trying to understand the why of the situation. This is happening and we need to act now."
"What do you suggest?" Michael asked intrigued by Ezequiel's determined attitude. Up until this point, he had been a human statue, so it was refreshing for Michael to see that there was some determination in the young man.
"We need to go on an expedition"
"An expedition?" Michael was intrigued
"Yes, an expedition to the forgotten forest," Ezequiel was direct, "As all of you are aware we are not able to use our magic there or even try to sense if something is going on. No trick of ours has a single effect on that place. It is common knowledge that the forgotten forest is a place that is beyond divine intervention. Once a demon or angel enters this place, they become close to human beings. And it is because of this that I believe the forgotten forest is our best bet. If I were one of those traitors and I wanted to hide or meet someone in secret, there is no better place than this."
"And because our powers are so limited when it comes to this specific location, we have no other choice but to actually go there and investigate." Trinity added to Ezequiel's statement understanding his train of thought.
"We are planning to send a group of our best men to do a recon. We still are not sure if anyone is meeting there, but it does not hurt to try and find out. Ezequiel will lead the expedition," Yazakiel explained "His mission is to gather as much information as possible and if the opportunity presents itself and we are correct about our theory, he will capture a traitor in order to be interrogated"
"I will send some of my soldiers to aid you," Michael said, "I hope you don't mind. The more the better I believe."
"I would like to volunteer my lord. If in fact Arcones are being summoned than I would like to take part of this expedition." Trinity the ever so responsible soldier was eager to put an end to this.
"Thank you, Trinity, I did not expect any less from you, but I believe Ezequiel can handle himself and bring us good news" Michael concluded.
Michael looked at Ezequiel and expected a confirmation from the young man. Something to assure him that the man understood the amount of faith he was putting on him, but as expected no confirmation came. Not even a nod and in return Ezequiel spoke words that shocked and paralyzed Michael the father.
"My lord, I believe that you need to send lady Emilia on this quest."
"Lady Emilia? Why? Are you two close?" Michael entered a state of shock.
"My son you never told me you were well acquaintance with my lady?" Yazakiel had also been thrown a curve ball and could not help but look at Michael sharing a look of panic and realization.
"Yes, my lord, I am referring to Lady Emilia and no we are not close nor am I acquaintance with her." Ezequiel sensed that everyone in the room had entered a state of shock and although he did not understand the reason behind this, their attitude did nothing to worry him. He stayed rooted to the ground and did not weaver an inch of the confidence he was exuding, "I dare believe that it would be in our best interest for her to go on this expedition. One day she will take over your position, but as far as I am aware she has had no real experience. I've heard the stories of her strength and brilliance, but without field experience all that means nothing. In fact, with her lack if she ever is put in a situation, she could be overconfident and that can be deadly. I believe that this is a good way to start her of, ease her if you will. But the point is that she needs to take part on this to learn first-hand what a commander should be."
"I can't believe I am saying this, but my lord, I agree with Lord Ezequiel," Trinity was as surprised as anyone that he was agreeing with the young lord. "Lady Emilia needs the experience, and this recon mission could be a good start."
Michael and Yazakiel shared a meaningful look. Yazakiel was aware that his son had made a valid point and he knew that Michael also agreed with him, but he understood the reservations that were being plaster on Michael's face. It is hard to send a son out into the unknown, he could not even imagine what Michael was feeling when the focus of conversation was his only child. Yazakiel knew that no father could protect their child forever, but at least for right now he was going to back up and support his friend. Emilia had a destiny that was already written. There was nothing Michael or he could do about it and although, Yazakiel had already accepted this unspoken rule he knew his friend was still struggling with it.
"Perhaps on another occasion son," Yazakiel turned his attention to his son, "Lady Emilia will get the experience she requires, but this expedition is not in her cards."
Ezequiel was about to bout his father's statement, but after looking back and forth between his father and lord Michael who were still sharing a knowing look, he understood that there was no point on trying to persuade them. His father had already made the decision on the matter and he was in no position to fight it.
"As you say father."
Michael never felt shame for the love he demonstrated for his daughter, but right now he felt shame for himself. He was just not able to part from her. He wanted to keep her and always make sure she was safe. How is a father supposed to let go and accept the inevitable?
Michael was still fighting this inner dilemma when suddenly that door to his study burst open and the sweet smell of strawberries invaded all his senses.
Amelia his sweet wife came in holding a tray.