Lucien's eyes widened in alarm as he exchanged worried glances with his parents. Ryker, on the other hand, looked smug, as if he knew something they didn't.
Thorold's expression softened as he gazed at Lucien. "Don't worry, boy. This might actually be a good thing. Come, let's discuss this inside."
Thorold gestured for them to enter the tent, and Arin led the way, with Lila and Lucien following closely behind. Ryker brought up the rear, his eyes fixed on Lucien with an unnerving intensity.
As they entered the tent, Lucien noticed a small, ornate box on the patriarch's desk, adorned with strange symbols and markings. Thorold's eyes flicked to the box, and for a moment, Lucien thought he saw a glimmer of sadness in his uncle's eyes.
"Please, sit," Thorold said, his voice warm and gentle. "Let's talk about this message from the Council of Elders."
Lucien's parents exchanged a wary glance, but Thorold's kind demeanor put them at ease. Lucien, however, couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
Here's the continuation:
Lucien leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What does the message say, Uncle Thorold?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Thorold's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Ah, Lucien, you're always so eager to know what's going on. Very well, I'll tell you. The Council of Elders has requested your presence at their headquarters."
Lucien's eyes widened in surprise. He has never heard of the council of elders
Thorold's expression turned serious. "It seems they've received reports of... unusual occurrences surrounding you, Lucien. They want to investigate and determine whether you're... worthy of their attention."
Ryker snorted, rolling his eyes. "Worthy? Ha! They'll just confirm what we already know: that Lucien's cursed."
Lucien's face burned with anger, but Thorold's firm voice cut through the tension. "Enough, Ryker. We'll not have you speaking about your cousin like that."
Thorold turned to Lucien, his eyes warm with encouragement. "Lucien, this could be a great opportunity for you. The Council of Elders is powerful and respected. If they take an interest in you, it could change your life forever."
Lucien's mind reeled as he tried to process the news. Who are the Council of Elders want with him? And what did it mean for his future?
Seeing Lucien's expression Thorold leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he began to explain. "The Council of Elders is a group of respected family members who govern our clan's affairs. They make important decisions, settle disputes, and ensure the well-being of our family."
Lucien's eyes widened with fascination. "And what do they want with me?"
Thorold's expression turned serious. "To be honest, Lucien, I'm not entirely sure. The message was vague, but it's clear they're interested in meeting with you."
Lila spoke up, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "What could they possibly want with Lucien?"
Thorold's eyes locked on Lucien's, his expression cautious. "We'll just have to wait and see, Lila. It's possible they may have questions for Lucien, or... other reasons for wanting to meet with him. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't want to assume anything until we know more."
Lucien's face fell slightly, sensing that Thorold was trying not to get his hopes up. Ryker, on the other hand, looked pleased with himself, as if he knew something Lucien didnt.
Thorold nodded, his expression serious. "I think that's all for now. Lucien, Ryker, you're both excused. Your parents and I will discuss the details further."
Lucien nodded, feeling a mix of relief and curiosity. He stood up, and Ryker followed suit.
"Let's go," Ryker said, already heading for the entrance of the tent.
Lucien trailed behind him, his mind still reeling from the news. As they emerged from the tent, Lucien took a deep breath of the cool evening air, trying to process everything he had just learned.
Ryker glanced at him sideways, a smirk still playing on his lips. "You're really in for it now, Lucien," he said, before walking off into the darkness.
Lucien watched him go, feeling a familiar sense of unease. What did Ryker mean? And what did the Council of Elders really want with him?
Lucien trudged through the camp, his feet carrying him on autopilot to the tent he shared with his parents. The familiar sight of the tent's entrance was a welcome comfort after the uncertainty of the past hour.
He ducked inside, the warm glow of the lanterns illuminating the cozy space. The scent of his mother's cooking lingered in the air, making his stomach growl with hunger.
Lucien dropped onto his pallet, running a hand through his tangled hair. His mind was still reeling from the news about the Council of Elders. What did they want with him? And why did Ryker seem so pleased about it?
As he lay there, Lucien's thoughts swirled with questions and worries. He couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't even imagine.
As the silence of the tent enveloped him, Lucien's eyelids began to droop. The soft glow of the lanterns seemed to grow dimmer, and his thoughts grew cloudy. He was still trying to piece together the events of the day, but his exhaustion was catching up with him.
His last thought was of the Council of Elders, and what they might want from him. But before he could worry about it further, sleep claimed him, and he drifted off into a fitful slumber.