CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Cleon and i stayed with the men for days, longer than the two days Cleon intended.

I really don't know what everyone's problem with Cleon is, i know his powers is quite a lot to take in, but other than that he is just a regular seventeen or is it eighteen year old.

And the leadership skills i've seen him display this past couple of days is inccredible. I can see now why the men respect him so much. He is gentle yet firm and he is so insightful. Lots of things the men including myself thought where meaningless he somehow makes us to see how wrong we are. And i think his most annoying trait is that he is always right.

Evelinde, Cleon called bringing me back to the present.

Cleon.

We will be leaving in a few hours time.

But i thought we were leaving tomorrow?

Yes but the feast of enchantment is tomorrow, and i have to see my family before the feast.

Wow, the feast really is upon us.

It is, gather your things, while i make some arrangements with Thaddeus and Mathias.

Won't all of them be attending the feast?

We are leaving together, all of us.

Okay.

I watched the trees as we galloped back to the palace, i am riding with Cleon the same way we came. With everyone else riding alongside us.

One can feel the excitement and merriment in the air as we got closer to the palace.

Getting to the palace gates, Cleon and i came down from our horse as a boy came to collect the horse from Cleon.

With a nod to the others Cleon and i left.

We will be going to see my family, i don't know how it will turn out but i need you to always stay beside me.

Okay Cleon.

I followed Cleon to the Royal wing and straight to the living room of the king. On getting there, the entire royal family were present laughing and enjoying some snacks and wine.

Father, Cleon greeted as we entered.

I bowed gently to the king and queen.

Cleon, i see you are back from your trip.

Yes father.

Hmmmm, why didn't you tell me before leaving, or do you think it is up to you to do as you please without my permission in my own kingdom?

I'm sorry father, when i heard the news of the soldiers predicament all i could think of was what could possibly be the cause. I admit it was wrong of me to go to them without first cosulting you. Please forgive me.

Word reaching me is that they are all fine, in fact they are more than fine. They are all strong and agile, so i take it whatever it was, was not serious then.

Father, i think whatever caused this is not from Aegalia, and with what the men said of seeing some strange men i think we should look into the appearance of these men.

Cleon, what is your problem? father just forgave you for going out to meet your men without his consent and instead of you to get down on your knees thanking him, you are here talking about things you don't know.

Casper, i'm thankful our father is not offended by my decision of going to see my men without informing him, and i'v apologised for it. However whoever is behind what happened to my men should be dealt with. This is about the security of the kingdom.

So you are trying to tell all of us here, that some strange men entered Aegalia without anyone of us here noticing?

I know it's hard to believe Casper, but it's not impossible.

Enough Cleon, like i told your men, the protection and barrier of Aegalia is something that is above them and you of all people should know better. However you are not like your brother so i'm not surprised if your way of thinking and reasoning is as low as those men who are under your command.

Father, this is serious, we all might be in danger. whoever or whatever these men are, i don't think think they mean well for Aegalia.

I said enough Cleon, the king shouted.

I've had enough of your disobedience, who are you to tell me if my kingdom needs protection?

Know your place Cleon, just because i allowed you audience does not mean you can stand before me and say whatever. Now listen to me, the kingdom will be hosting other kingdoms from tomorrow.

I need you to behave yourself and remain in the shadows, you and that companion of yours.

You are to be seen not heard, and that's all that's expected of you.

Am i understood?

Yes father.

Now leave my presence.

With a bow to the king Cleon and i left.

As we stepped out of the living room Cleon took me to a place with no guard opened a door and teleported us to his living room.

Wow, your family is something else, are you alright?

I'm fine Evelinde, i wasn't expecting or hoping for a different outcome. I knew this is what their reaction will be. I just felt i owe it to them to explain the situation as i see it.

So what are we going to do?

For now nothing, the feast is tomorrow and we can't afford to bring shame to Aegalia. So we watch and wait till after the festivities while praying that whoever this people are they won't do something during the feast.

And how sure are you of that?

I'm not Evelinde, that's the problem. I'm just happy you are protected he said pointing to the necklace he gave me.

The feast starts tomorrow, let's see what happens.