Imperial Capital Maldranith

Weeks passed since Lanthim's disappearance from his father Nedral Frenost's estate, deep in the southern province of Boucorym. As the days grew ever shorter due to the coming of winter, the news from the many search parties. That had been sent out to look for the boy continually would return with nothing. He was sitting with Torvalin, one of his eldest sons. Nedral felt tremendous pressure to have Lanthim returned quickly.

"So they have not found him yet; what does grandmother have to say about that?" [Torvalin]

Torvalin asked as he watched his father pace back and forth.

"He is to be brought to the capital once found." [Nedral]

Nedral answered, still pacing.

"What happens after that will be out of my hands." [Nedral]

He stopped to look out one of the many windows. That allowed an impressive view of the capital; Nedral's answer had little emotion. If anything, he was incredibly frustrated with the little fool. To up and disappear without reason or notice was incredibly dangerous.

For more reasons than simply the creatures that could kill him on his way to wherever he was going. The monsters at home were a great deal more threatening. The greatest of these was Arielia Strentolos, matriarch of the Strentolos clan. Of which the Frenost was a branch.

Having outlived many of his older brothers. To avoid unwanted marriage, Nedral replaced his surname, Strentolos, with Frenost to distance himself. He was going so far as to marry Fienya Trensilra. The daughter of one of the elvish races, four ruling clans increase the divide further.

This marriage had been successful for a time in limiting the amount of control. Arielia could exert over him and his growing family. Sadly, twelve years into their marriage, the Lucrentian Empire was increasingly threatened by its neighbours in a conflict that would later become known as the Reclamation War. It became necessary for Nedral to return to the empire.

As the years dragged on and thousands died, it came down to a young man. He was unable to use mana himself but had a genius mind. That began to create magic sequences that would change how magic was used on the battlefield.

He had a mind for learning and the combat training he had received in his youth. Nedral was, without any doubt, the most powerful individual on the front line during the war; however, in a society where women dominate. Eventually, all achievement will go to a man's mother, if she is living or his wife.

So, for his brave service during the war. Nedral ends up being married to Pamreila, his cousin, being pressured by his mother to bring him effectively back into the clan. Having done so without question, the war had tired him. Ultimately, there was nothing to be done but to fall in line.

"Has there been even a sighting of him so young he could not have gone far?" [Torvalin]

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Torvalin spoke confidently, having only learned about the situation a few hours ago.

'The boy has been gone for two weeks; he could not have travelled too far on foot. These people they are sending must have let him escape.' {Torvalin}

He thought to himself, looking at his father almost condescendingly.

"There are things that you do not know about Lanthim. That tip the scales in his favour against us." [Nedral]

Nedral spoke calmly; he rarely allowed one of his sons to make him feel uncomfortable with a situation or, at least, show it.

"From what I am told, he could be as far as the Yelsomen Wastes to the east." [Nedral]

He was saying this and looking down on his son. Nedral had the effect he had wanted. The proud son who thought he had found a weakness and was so confident about it. Just a moment earlier, now just sat shocked by what he just heard.

"I have called for a gathering of all my sons. You will be there as the eldest since Rymstiel is still in the Dragon Lands."

His tone was cold and unfeeling.

'My mother may rule the clan. However, no son of mine will look down on me.' {Nedral}

There was now an understanding between the two men. Who held the stick in this relationship?

Frenost Estate Boucorym Province

"My Lady Reiflin sent her familiars out again this morning. As you have ordered, they will continue till they find them." [Felyma]

Felyma stood behind where the mistress of the house sat with a distraught and distant look. Litralia had not slept properly for the last two weeks since Lanthim had disappeared. She sat on a window bench that allowed her to look out on the gardens.

"He would always be out in the gardens playing with his siblings, training, where I could see him even when I was busy." [Litralia]

Litralia's words could barely be heard by Felyma, who was almost directly beside her. Long had she suffered over the likelihood that Lanthim would not be found. Even with this dread in her heart, she had instructed to find him dead or alive. So all maids that were witches ranked six or higher had been put out to search for him.

"You will not find him if all you do is weep over an empty casket, Litralia."

A voice she did not wish to hear came from the open door.

"What brings you to my home at this difficult time, Fienya?"

Litralia asked the beautiful elf woman who had entered the room.

"I come to bring news from our husband, Litralia." [Fienya]

Fienya did not seem to satisfied to be a messenger for Nedral, it was for some servant too deliver such news from one estate to another estate, not her.

"All our sons are to come to him and prepare to retrieve Lanthim. Once his location is found, he is returned to the capital. He will be sealed, so as to bring him under control."

Delivering the message, Fienya reached the door, not waiting for a reply.

"I pity any of your sons who must try to bring him home." [Litralia]

Litralia turned off the bench, standing just before Felyma, who moved slightly.

"Fear that my son is dead does occupy my mind. Then again, how fast will that fear fly away when your sons? Return in shame after meeting him for the first time."

The smile on Litralia's after saying this was one of absolute confidence.

"You truly think that one six-year-old child. Will be able to defeat thirty of his older brothers?"

Fienya had a skeptical, condescending smile on her face as she asked.

"If I may say, my lady when the young master is found. It would be more likely that he would fade away. Before they had been sent to find him, they did. He has a nasty knack for getting around people who want to find him."

Felyma spoke quickly to get this thought out in the open.

Now, all three women stood looking at each other, saying nothing but what could be said. Lanthim was an enigma. The things he did and what others thought he would do never coincided. You could follow his daily routines to the letter, and then he would change them at the drop of a hat to keep you off base.

"Regardless, Nedral has made his decision." [Fienya]

Fienya turned away from the other two, exiting the room.

"I shall return to the capital since my purpose here is fulfilled. Is there anything you would like me to say to our husband?" [Fienya]

She asked, not caring to turn around.

"Nothing that I can say in person." [Litralia]

Litralia answered as she looked away from the elf who was no longer there.

"Hateful creature, she would have Lanthim in a cell with chains if she could." [Litralia]

Her anger towards the elf was well-founded; Fienya had always shown fierce hatred. For any child not her own when they would visit the capital. The girls were more or less safe due to their societal positions because of their grandmother. However, her sons had a dreadful time living anywhere near her.

"Regardless, my lady, I don't think she could do anything horrible to him." [Felyma]

Felyma spoke what she thought was true—having seen all the young master had gone through over the last five years. It was a greater possibility. He would return an even greater paradox than when he left.