The Banquet Part 3

He sat on the couch of a large study, a drink in his hand, he heard loud music coming from the other side of the castle. It always intrigued him how the sounds of laughter could float all the way over here. He sat with his legs crossed, the top leg swaying front to back leisurely. He was waiting and expectant. Prepared even. He took another sip of his drink when the door to his study was pushed open.

"Sire, it is just as you stated. There are a few men on their way here now. There are words that it is a coup." a guard breathlessly warned while bowing.

Eldon's expression did not change. This was what he had hoped for. The neighboring kingdoms lands were in a state of unrest, all noble families were gathered in the castle to dine on abundant food and libations, what better way to convince his people of starting a war than to be directly attacked. "You have done what I have asked, I presume?" Eldon inquired.

"Yes Sire, we have lightened the security at the gates. The knights have been pulled away to talk with your hand, Edward." the guard answered.

"My family, where are they?" Eldon continued.

"They remain at the high table in the main hall. They are unaware of the escalating issue." the guard confirmed Eldon's next thoughts.

"Wonderful, prepare my gear. I will meet you in the back of the kitchen when the time comes. Until then, I believe I should make an appearance for my esteemed guests." there was a smirk on his lips as Eldon got up and left the room.

Alora felt the energy take over her. It was pulsating throughout her body, following the beat of her heart. She couldn't hold it in anymore. Something was coming and it was not good. She glanced again at Lydus's seat. He was still not there. Alora took a hold of Ayla's hand and gave the young girl a stern look. Ayla looked back at her sister puzzled. Alora shot out of her seat and excused her and Ayla from the table as politely as she could. Alora started for the back entrance of the main hall, the one connecting to the depth of the castle. She and Ayla could get lost in there and hide, Alora thought to herself. Their pace started off slow, so others would not take notice, but as soon as they reached the door Alora took off with her sister in tow.

"Sister, what are you doing? What is going on?" Ayla questioned trying her best to keep up.

Alora pondered that question for a moment before answering, "We are going to play a game Ayla, it will be fun. Trust me" Alora turned back to her sister and tried to put on a very convincing smile. Alora had no idea where she was going. The heat that was inside of her was pointing her in a direction and she followed blindly. They turned the corner and Alora barely dodged a passerby. She immediately stopped her speed walk and turned to the man and gave a slight bow.

"I am sorry to have almost bumped into you sir. My sister is in urgent need of fresh air." Alora lied through her teeth. She looked up to see a man with slicked back black hair, he was extremely handsome with defined features, a strong jaw, and eyes that were gold with specs of lava. She has never seen eyes like that before. They almost lock you into place. He looked muscular, wore a tan button up dress shirt, no jacket, and black pants. As she looked at him something primal began to awake in her. Much like how she felt when she was going to down her prey in the forest. The man looked at her, amused.

Eldon looked into this woman's deep blue eyes and he saw fear. What was odd was that he didn't feel as though she was fearful of him, in fact, he doubted she knew who he was. This intrigued him. What is she scared of? Nothing of note had happened so far.

"Is everything okay? You seem in great haste." the man smiled at Alora mischievously.

"Everything is okay. Just in need to separate ourselves from the overwhelming amount of people in the great hall. We will be just a moment." She did her best to smile convincingly.

Eldon was not convinced and would have pressed further on a normal occurrence. This woman was odd. She is unlike most noble women, from her dress to her lack of makeup.

"Who is your family? What is your name?" Eldon demanded more than he asked.

"We are the daughters of Sir Savren Tavelin. I am Alora and this is Ayla. We have only just come from our village and are not accustomed to city life yet." Alora bowed her head. She would normally not answer so easily to a stranger but she is doing her best to get this conversation over with and continue on.

Sir Savren, Eldon thought, the captain of the Knights, a leading general in his army. He made a mental note of this before stating "Carry on". He smiled one more time at them before heading into the hall. Suddenly a cruel thought popped into his head, I wonder if she will survive.