The day's classes had ended with Illtris feeling confused and concerned. At her desk, she held a note that asked if she could bring the child she kept with her when she came to the Drathakin Estate. Feeling on edge about bringing Uslign with her to so unknown place.
But even though she had used a long-distance communication array to send the news about the Drathalkin clan she had not got any reply from her own.
'As things are I will be going as a representative of the Yuikra clan even if it is a casual visit.' {Illtris}
She knew, however, that would not be the case. Too many secrets had been found out in the past two hours that would have to be resolved.
"Uslign, time to get ready." [Illtris]
The child was playing on the floor with some blocks. No more than a year old the little boy looked just like her. She could not help but wonder what was going to happen. Uslign was a symbol of her family's hard work in gaining recognition as a nationally ranked clan. Though the sacrifice was heaviest on her because she bore him. So was the situation placed on most clans that did reside in Haldrathin territories.
The case was that all globally ranked clans were either Dragon or Haldrathin. Solely because of them being second order, and the other races being weaker than they were. She dreaded the boy's eventual fate which was to go mad. She would not, however, allow anyone to take him from her.
Watching from the entrance to her dorm room the child stood up and walked over to her.
"Where going?" [Uslign]
His broken common was amusing it was difficult to expect one so young learn to different languages so she had prioritized common.
"To visit with a friend. You remember Melryn right?" [Illtris]
With a smile and an enthusiastic nod, the little boy took Illtis's hand.
'I hope everything goes well.' {Illtris}
Locking the door to her private room Illtris made her way to the foyer of the dorm. Proceeding down the stair which lead from the third floor she could see someone who did not belong. A strangely dressed individual wearing a uniform she had only seen in passing.
This young woman maybe two years older than herself was standing in the middle of the foyer waiting.
"I hope we have not kept you waiting. To tell the truth, I was not expecting anyone." {Illtris}
The look on the young woman's face was kind but she did not speak. The situation left Illtris feeling uncomfortable she had decided when she left home to not have her expectations too high. Not everyone would be able to comprehend the power she had behind her. But she felt like she was being looked down upon by this person.
"Miss Yuikra, I am here by the instruction of my master. Please if you would give me your hand."
Extending her hand towards Illtris the young woman did not move. Feeling agitated by the current situation she stood her ground deciding not to move immediately. Suddenly insert name slipped his hand out of hers and began to walk towards the young woman.
Advancing only a few steps the little boy stopped.
"You strong." [Uslign]
He said with an exactness that chilled Illrises blood in an instant. The young woman crouches to his eye level looking at him with a loving gaze.
"So are you."
The exchange was brief but substantial. Illtris could not deny the sudden feeling of peace that filled that space.
Walking up to the child she took his hand again. Then moved towards the young woman. Both stood looking at each other the one with her hand extended the other trying to find a way out of the situation.
Reluctantly Illtris reached forth her hand and in an instant she went from standing in the dorm foyer to a large garden. Looked at her surprised. Having no idea where she currently stood. In her hand, she could feel the child was still there if only for a moment. It was almost instantly after she acknowledged he was with her that he ran off exploding around the garden.
"Uslign be careful! This place may not be safe." (Illtris)
As she called to him the boy stopped looking through an opening in the garden shrubs. Quickly, Illtris moved to see for what reason he had suddenly stopped. From where they were located both could see the immensity of Lanthim's residence. In all her travels for clan business Illyris had never stood in a residence built to this extent.
"How can all this belong to a clan ranked the same as mine." (Illtris)
She had attended parties and balls in residences that at the time made her feel in awe of that fellow clan's power and might. Now everything looked incredibly small.
"It can be an imposing view from there. However, you must go out of the gardens before you can see the full grandeur of the residence."[Syrelia]
Hearing a voice she recognized Illtris turned to see Syrelia standing behind her with a big smile.
"You mean to say that this place is larger than what I have already seen." [Illtris]
A nod came from Syrelia who still smiled.
"This is my mother's garden it was decided to bring you here because it is closer to where my older brother is." [Syrelia]
In Illtris's mind, she remembered what her original purpose for coming to this country had been. For it was well known that Lanthim Frenost the only known male able to manipulate mana was a danger to the world order. She was to assess his abilities and if he was a threat kill him.
The events that occurred during the tournament opening had this impossible because Lanthim had suddenly disappeared.
"Is your older brother here?" [Illtris]
"Yes, and we are going to see him now." [Syrelia]
The exactness of Syrelia's response caught Illtris off guard. Since she had arrived in this country she had only seen Lanthim from a distance. The idea that they would meet seemed to be something that would never happen.
"Please follow me." [Syrelia]
Gesturing as she turned away Syrelia lead the two strangers out of the garden.
"Somethings to be aware of my brother is not in the best of health. So his ability to welcome you will be restricted." [Syrelia]
Nodding to comply with what Syrelia said Illtris started looking around as they moved along. Large buildings arose like trees everywhere she looked. Everything was like a maze to her unaccustomed eye.
After some time and no conversation, the three travellers reached the door that lead to the meditation rooms. A masterwork the likes of which she had only read books about. Upon this door was elvish runes the like of which she had never seen.
'Which tribe among the elves can make such a thing? I must tell Mother of this if we can convince such a tribe to work with us we will never have to worry about our position again.' {Illtris}
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With a smile, Syrelia enjoyed the expression on Illtris's face. It was a look that many would have over the coming days and years as other representatives of other clans would come to interact with the Drathalkin clan.
With a loud snapping creak the double door opened. A blast of natural mana stunned the two visitors never had they felt such a thing and still not affected in the least Syrelia led on. As Illtris followed she notice the girl leading her stop at one of the many doors. A look of longing expectation on her face as if something important was happening on the other side. She did not, however, stay at the door for long but kept moving.
At the end of the hall that seemed to go on indefinitely was a door with a table next to it. On the table were two small gemstones no larger than a grown man's thumbnail.
"You will both need one of these." [Syrelia]
Said Syrelia as she took one off the table.
"What are these stones for that we need them to enter." [Illtris]
"They are to keep the natural mana inside this room from instantly killing you." [Syrelia]
Hearing this Illtris thrust her hand forward upon which Syrelia placed the gem that painlessly semi-absorbed itself into the back of her hand. As Illtris looked at her hand amazed the child next to her was given his own.
"Now do not feel alarmed when we enter. The stone will protect you but the natural mana in this room. Is still extremely dense so prepare yourself for some discomfort." [Syrelia]
Immediately after saying this, the door swung open the feeling of being crushed came upon her in an instant and then faded. Inside the room on top of what seemed like. A large circle-shaped platform lay a man. She had only seen in passing while in the academy.
Lanthim Drathalkin was surrounded by his two wives, mother and two brothers. Much of his body was still badly injured from the combat he had endured. Illtris however, knew nothing of this so to see him in this condition startled her.
"Miss Yuikra welcome to the Drathalkin residence. I hope your transit was not too uncomfortable." [Lanthim]
His voice was not the one she remembered. Even passing through the halls one could place a voice if one tried hard enough.
"It was not what I expected. An activation sequence for instant transmissions of a person. Is not only incredibly advanced mana manipulation. But also without a very powerful regalia should not be able to be done." [Illtris]
With a calm expression, Lanthim lay on his back nodding his head slightly. It was true that many people even with regalia could not perform such a feat. But because of the information stored in the library, there were such individuals attached to Lanthim. He knows that no one could enter the forest to attain the secrets of the library. Without first having their first or second-order seal removed. His never having such a seal in the first place meant he was able to enter with ease when he first arrived.
As for unsealing the first and second order seals Lanthim had devised the technique on his own without help from any sources within the library. Meaning that aside from the children born to him through his two wives, and other women of the clan. As well as all of his students. No one else in the world was able to fight against them on equal footing. It was impossible to hide this fact indefinitely and at present the ability to control who knew what was in Lanthim's control. By revealing these things to Illtris he could test her affection for Melryn while having desirable facts disseminated.
"What you say is true there are many things that should not be in this place." [Lanthim]
To this reply, Illris felt anxious she had been in the presence of Dragons and Haldrathin alike but she had never thought that there was something more than that. Looking about the room for a moment she noticed something sitting against the platform on which they all sat
'How is that here?' {Illtris}
The spear of Dyhnal is an option so ancient. That it had been lost from what metal it was made of. All that was known was it came from before the first breaking. She had seen it in the estate of the Demriloth clan the globally ranked clan to which her clan played tribute.
"I see you know what this is." [Lanthim]
Returning her attention to, Lanthim. Illtris was surprised by the sudden statement. How was she respond without proper instruction from her clan? It was true she could say whatever she desired in the current situation. But it would be difficult to not get caught in a difficult position.
"I know of it." [Illtris]
A true answer that did not reveal the whole truth was better than a blatant lie that would be seen through. And as far as she could tell he would see through any lie he was told.
From where he lay Lanthim could sense that there was more to her understanding of the spear. However, having yet to be recognized by the Halgothma clan. It would be less productive to prod too far for only merger information.
"I understand, having been in the higher echelons of our society from a young age. It only makes sense that you would know it." [Lanthim]
For a moment the room fell silent. Both Mynrea and Leinea looked at each other for a second. What passed between them no one but Lanthim knew. His being bonded to them meant they would never be interrupted. They all communicated through bonding in times like these.
"We will put this topic aside for another time. For now, we shall address the issue of." [Lanthim]
Knock Knock.
Stopping midsentence to the sudden knocking at the door. Lanthim's attention moved to the other side. Sensing two individuals, one a maid and the other someone he did not know.
"Enter." [Leinea]
As the doors opened Illtris was shocked by the person standing behind the maid.
'Why would Mother send my older brother?' {Illtris}
As the maid entered the meditation room the tall man behind her followed. Coming to the end of the platform bowing.
"My Master, a representative has been sent from the Yuikra clan."
In an instant, the entire course of what Lanthim had hoped to discuss was derailed. With only Illtris present it would be easier to slowly unfold. The realities of men that could manipulate mana. Hoping to use the girl's attachment. Melryn as a means to hold the information down for a while.
"My name is Geldrain Yuikra. I have been sent to represent the interests of the Yuikra clan." [Geldrain]
Bowing himself a side-long stare towards his sister. Showed his disappointment in her for what reason none knew.
"The Yuikra do us a great honour by sending a representative so quickly." [Leinea]
Now that things had advanced to such a point it was best to act accordingly. While Lanthim was the power behind the family in both wealth and combat power. To the world at large Leinea was the head of the clan. While this position should have fallen to Mynrea who was older. Leinea being his first wife allowed her to take the position.
That being said the Yuikra showed little regard for the Drathalkin. By sending a son to represent them. They showed their lack of interest in acknowledging this new clan.
"You may sit next to your sister we were just about to talk about an important matter. [Leinea]
"I thank you, Matriarch. To speak truthfully our side was not prepared for this kind of development." [Geldrain]
In reality, no one would be prepared. For the speed that the Drathalkin came into existence the current situation was normal.
"Being able to travel to meet with you today. Was far more convenient than was originally anticipated?" [Geldrain]
Nodding silently Lanthim continued to observe the conversation. Once he had learned what had happened between Illtris, and Melryn he placed a transportation portal in a convenient place. The city of Seolcon, the capital of the Doahlra Empire was where the Yuikra clan ruled.
Being able to allow the immediate movement of important people was a must. There was also the ease of movement of materials.
"We are pleased that your coming here was uneventful. Now is there anything from your clan that needs to be spoken before we continue further?" [Leinea]
It was evident that Leinea was not going to have the original conversation end simply because of this newcomer.
"I have been informed of my clan's position on specific matters. If there is a conflict I will speak at that time." [Geldrian]
A simple answer that had troubling implications. For as long as what he heard pleased the clan position. There would be no opposition. Anything else would likely harm relations between the clans.
"Shall we move on to the main point of this gathering then?" [Lanthim]
Having waited long enough Lanthim spoke. The situation was acceptable, he wasn't being too badly treated by this person at least not yet.
"Representative Yuikra, the other day due to an event that transpired. At the academy this young woman, a member of your clan witnessed. What was meant to be a closely held secret." [Lanthim]
Hearing this Geldrian looked to Illtris with interested eyes.
"I see when the report of a sudden change in the Strentolos clan. Reached us a few hours ago there was mention of something strange. Had unfolded between Illtris and your brother Melryn." [Geldrain]
Again the room fell silent. To Lanthim's right Melryn sat with a suprise look on his face. His elder brother on the other hand looks calm with an unreadable face. It had been assumed that Illtris was some kind of agent sent to ascertain Lanthim's ability. This was the main reason that the young woman had so little interaction with him.
"Good sir the point is this young woman has seen my brother. Manipulate mana without the assistance of regalia." [Lanthim]
Stunned for a moment Geldrain looked to Illtris with a look of puzzled frustration on his face.
"Is this true Illtris?" [Geldrain]
Looking mournfully at her hands which she had placed in her lap the young woman simply nodded saying nothing.
"There seems to be a lot that will be needed to be discussed. If it pleases you I would like to remain in the estate until I have a satisfactory report to send to the matriarch of my clan." [Geldrain]
With a smile, Lanthim waved his good hand toward the maid.
"See that this man has all his needs met. As for accommodation see that he has the best view." [Lanthim]
At this gesture, both Geldrain and Illtris looked toward Leinea. Expecting this man who they knew could manipulate mana. But not beyond the first order. To be chastised by the matriarch of the clan. That expectation, however, would not be satisfied. All Leinea did at that moment was smile and nod towards the maid who immediately left the room.
"As this news has unsettled you we will speak of it in more detail another time. For the boy you have with you have him come to me." [Lanthim]
In a moment of spontaneous panic, Illtris forced Uslign behind her. The movement was so quick that Lanthim was himself surprised.
"You need not fear miss my intent is to help nothing more." [Lanthim]
With eyes like knives, Illtris just stared at the young man who lay covered in wounds.
"What can you do!? You can't even help yourself. How can you help Uslign?" [Illtris]
Smiling almost maliciously Lanthim pointed towards her with intent.
"Halgathy, a female that has given birth to a half-breed child to reinforce the ties between the Haldrathin and the clans beneath them." [Lanthim]
In an instant, all eyes turned to Illtris who now wanted to pick up the child and run as fast as she could. With all her heart she wished she could but Uslign had freed himself from her. Standing almost like he would after having a horrifying dream.
"Can wbaddweam go away?" "Uslign
Bad dreams or as Lanthim knew them memories. Genetic memories of the entire Haldrathin race go back to before the first breaking. From an age when the races of this world were not tied down to the planet upon which they currently stood. It was these memories that would lead to the madness that would destroy all Haldrathin half-breeds.
"Yes, child the dreams can go away. Come let me help you."[Lanthim]
With his hand still pointed towards Illtris the little boy began slowly to walk towards that hand.
"Uslign come." [Illtris]
Attempting to stop the child from going anywhere her brother had grabbed her hand.
"Wait!" [Geldrain]
Ceasing to struggle Illtris looked over to, Melryn. Who gave her a confident smile as if saying "Do not worry."
As the child moved closer to Lanthim. at the tip of his finger, a mana sequence was taking shape. Drawing closer the sequence finished just as Lanthim's index finger made contact with the boy's forehead. To the people from the Yuikra clan, it looked like nothing happened. But without any doubt, something monumental had just happened.