Chapter 19
Author's Note: Sorry for the prolonged wait guys. I had to go back to school and things have been pretty hectic since then. This long chapter😜 is dedicated to everyone who has ever read my book. Thank you for your support!❤
That Same Evening,
Vessiye Military Special Quarters,
Jeruvael,
Illearia.
The black vehicle came to a halt in front of a massive, black gate which was quickly pulled open by two armed guards. The vehicle was parked in an already marked out space. Lokan alighted from the front passenger seat and then hurried to open the door for Minerva. Xena alighted too, holding Wolbie on a leash. Teph stepped out last. He made sure to keep his face hidden from the armed guards, who for the most part seemed unconcerned.
They were at the Military Quarters because, Teph had blatantly refused to follow Minerva to the palace to meet with her father. So, Minnie had sent Lokan to get permission from Prince Aric to bring Tephinor directly to the quarters that housed the other four youths. Her father, trusting her good judgement, had finally agreed.
The building was an imposing stone and brick two storey duplex. The compound was cemented and four military vans were already parked beside it. The technology was part of Chestland's latest generous donations to Illearia.
Lokan climbed up the few front steps and knocked on the tall, black steel door. The door was pulled open by two armed guards in the Illearian army camouflage; of black, gray and green and spotting red berets. They saluted the princess as she entered with her entourage.
A young maid who was obviously still in her teens, came forward to assist Tephinor with his luggage.
"No, thank you. I can manage." Teph declined.
The young girl meekly bowed her head. Her long, black, curly hair was partly covered by a long, cream coloured, cloth veil that trailed down her back. Her worn, brown tunic reached her ankles. Despite her shabby dressing, her face was beautiful and her dusky skin told of her Arivyan descent.
"I help with all my lords' bags."
"Not mine. These are too heavy for you."
"Show him to his room instead, so that he can drop his bags. Then tell the chief maid to summon the young lords. I want to address them."
"Yes, your highness."
~
The maid led Tephinor and Xena up a flight of stairs. Wolbie bounced along beside Xena. They walked past four bedrooms and finally stopped behind the girl at the fifth room.
She pushed open the heavy iron door to reveal a spacious room.
It was painted in somber colours of ash and cream, but it was tastefully furnished. A king size bed with an overhead canopy, was by the wide window. The damask curtains over the bed had been parted aside. Beside the bed was a desk and chair, in another corner was an imported antique mirror with a dresser. Two leather sofas completed the room's furniture.
The maid pointed towards a closed wooden door in the room.
"That leads to your bathroom my lord."
"Thank you." Tephinor replied.
She curtsied and left.
Xena and Teph stood for a moment in silence, just looking over the room. Xena especially, was in awe. He had never in his life, seen something so grand.
Wolbie interrupted their reverie by, breaking away from Xena's hold and launching himself into the King size bed.
"Hey Wolbie! Get down, you'll make a mess." Xena instructed, but he was laughing.
The two young men instead of scolding Wolbie, climbed into bed on both sides of him. Xena began to rub his tummy.
"I'll miss you Wolbie." Xena said simply.
In response, Wolbie climbed up to his tummy and proceeded to lick his face thoroughly.
"Despite the short time we've known each other, I'll miss you greatly Asaph." Xena confessed, suddenly looking sad.
Tephinor hated goodbyes, but he figured that he was an expert at them, considering how many times he had had to say goodbye in his life. Still, experience didn't make parting ways with people you cared about any easier. And Xena was a very dear friend.
"I'll miss you too Xena, but, I'll make sure to keep in touch." Teph replied.
"And I'll do the same. Feed Wolbie fat, alright?"
"That's a promise."
"I must go now."
"I understand."
Xena got up and Teph did same. The two friends hugged and Xena left without another word.
For a while after that, Teph just lay on the bed, Wolbie resting his head on his chest. He was deep in thought.
What could fate hold for him in Chestland? He knew that once he made it through that day, he wouldn't have to worry about his father finding him for a very long time.
The knocking on his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in." He said, sitting up.
The young maid who had earlier shown him to his room, walked in.
"Greetings my lord."
"Peace unto your soul. What is your name?"
"I beg your pardon my lord?"
"Your name."
"Zeyna, my lord."
"I see." replied, a thoughtful Teph, who was more comfortable with addressing the palace helps by name.
"Her ladyship requests your presence downstairs. She summons all five lords."
"I will be down shortly."
Zeyna curtsied and took her leave.
It was time to meet the four entitled brats, thought Teph quite unkindly.
~
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