Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Chapter 271 A Meeting with the Strongest [Part 2]

Lady Tenia din Aedrider, the strongest known being, issued a command to Lucius. Though she verbalized no threat, every fiber of Lucius's being inferred that to be her intention, should he refuse.

While Lucius himself would be the first to admit he was headstrong, he was not stupid. Lady Tenia's request would be fulfilled without fail. What did surprise him was that the human scent he picked up belonged to Lady Voltara al Famyn. He found it strange she would be present in the elf palace and stranger still that she needed something from him.

Along with all of that, the place he needed to go was Stark Academy. What would they need from him there? Surely, they didn't need him to be a teacher.

"Well then," Tenia clapped her hands, and the pressure she exuded vanished. Her face was covered with a kind smile that was miles away from her intensity earlier. "Let's end this little squabble. I wish to converse with the handsome young man who has decided to visit our great country. Come, Lucius, join me for tea, won't you?"

"L-lady Tenia," Letheya stuttered, "H-he is m..."

"Don't worry, my little Letheya! We shall return him to you unharmed, and he will be able to assist you with your little squabble." Tenia beamed at the shivering elf princess.

She placed a dainty hand on Lucius's shoulder and guided him out of the room and along the pristine hallways of the palace. Neither of them said anything. To an outside observer it would look like he was scared of her, but in reality, Lucius didn't have anything to say to her.

The twins followed behind them at a healthy distance. Their faces were plain as day, and they had fear painted across them. Yet they still followed Tenia as she basically kidnapped their friend from an important meeting.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Tenia stopped before a large set of wooden doors and lightly pushed them open. Inside was a beautiful yet simple room. For a palace as grand as this, it was rather average. However, the quality of the furniture was still exceptional.

They were led to a handful of chairs surrounding a rectangular table. At the center of the table was a simple bell, which Tenia rang a few times before setting it back in its place. The three guests found seats across from the elven warrior and waited in silence.

"Well..." Tenia started.

"Who do I look like?" Lucius interrupted. He was very curious about her statement after she saw his face for the first time.

What was that old bastard's name?"

Lucius coughed awkwardly. "Lady Tenia,sorry to interrupt, but our purpose for joining you here?"

"Oh, you are right, apologies. Take a look at the head of the spear. This green metal?"

"Yes, what is it?" Desmond asked.

"Orichalcum." Tenia explained. "A very rare resource and a very hard-to-work-with material. I scarcely know anyone who is aware of its existence and even fewer who can work with it. Anyway, someone is leaking information regarding our country's research into this material to unknown parties. I want you to stop them."

"We can certainly do that, but my lady, why can't you? Surely you can search for and apprehend the culprit in a matter of hours if not minutes." Lucius wondered.

"Of course I can, boy!" Tenia scoffed, "But as I said before, the world relies upon me, but so too do I rely on it. Unless certain requirements are met, I must maintain a watchful eye. I cannot intervene in this. No matter my desire to do so. As such, you will be my eyes, ears, and blade."

"Is that all my lady?"

"It is. Go see Voltara."

Jade and Desmond watched as the woman retrieved the weapon from the table and returned it to her back. She smiled once more and then went to leave the room, but before she could reach the door, Jade called out to her.

"Wait! My lady, please, what does this 'orichalcum' do? Why is it so important?"

Tenia turned and smiled. "I am sad to say, but that is also information I am not willing to share at the moment. I will take my leave."

Tenia continued out of the doors, leaving the trio in stunned silence. As well as with dozens of more questions than answers.