12 Chapter 11: Taking up the mantle

"We are only incapable of that which we class as our weakness."

~Tasmiya Shaik

KINGDOM OF ARANDUIL

Eizgár~ Southern Regions of Aranduil

Reinhardt Estate

22:10

Sebastian pretended that he wasn't just insulted by his son and resumed his conversation.

'It would seem that most are unwelcoming towards the idea of me being the new Lord; however, that strikes me with little concern.'

'It is somewhat a call for concern, my Lord. Lady Charleia Sotiris informed me of a band of miscreants that intend to rebel,' Isaac frowned.

'They will be dealt with appropriately if there is any further action taken. In three days' eventide, there will be a Clansmen gathering for which all should be present. If there are any objections, I will hear of it directly from the source.'

'Now you sound more like it,' Andreas appeared at Isaac's side with a smirk. 'And who will be responsible for ensuring the message of the gathering is delivered?'

'I was hoping to rely on you for that aspect, seeing that you're more than just a capable self-employed butler,' Sebastian teased subtly.

'Reserve your flattery for the pretty lady who saved your life as though hers depended on it,'Andreas gestured to René at the far end of the room with a slight movement of his head, but Sebastian ignored him.

'Where is Archid? I believe he is much better suited to the task.'

'That Cavendish runt? I believe he was handling formalities with the present clansmen and as well as escorting our late Lord and Mistress's bodies.'

Isaac frowned at the disrespectful remark of his clan's name but withheld his anger. He had begun to protest about the gathering but halted himself. It was an obvious fact that Sebastian had not yet trusted him as much, but he well understood the reasoning behind it. He retreated his advance of words and awaited an instruction like he always would with Atticus.

'Cavendish? Care to explain,' Sebastian directed a glare at Isaac, but the man smirked.

'I have no reason to explain my familial relations to the likes of a man who fled from duty, my Lord.'

Isaac's sliver of arrows did not appear to have diminished since his last victory that impaled its target, and Sebastian withdrew the urge to argue. He was a man better than losing temper over trivial matters.

'Isaac, you are welcomed to act as Avery's escort, but on occasions that I will be seeking your counsel, Andreas will take over. Any objections?'

'I have no objections,' Isaac placed a hand over his heart in agreement. It was not the same, but he felt at ease now that he had been given a task.

'Very well, we will discuss further tomorrow.'

'One other matter, my Lord. The vassal of the house of Sotiris pleads an audience with you. I believe it is about the Coronation scheduled in a few days.'

Coronation? The thought had never occurred to Sebastian for how trivial a thing it was, titles, and stature that is. His only duty was servitude as the commander and leader; he did not bear reason like the others to hold a special occasion for the title's bestowment that rightfully belonged to him.

'I will consult with him later this evening.'

'Lady Avery will be formally pronounced her title and position as well.'

Well, of course, he would honor her with his presence and support. After all, it was a special occasion, and Avery deserved every bit the prestige and honor she would receive.

'I will leave the responsibility of security measures in your hands.'

'As you wish, my Lord.'

'Father, what of the matter of your attacker?' Callix stepped forward with a sleepy Zachari in his arms.

'I do not know the bastard's identity, but no doubt it is a hound of the Narrak. I'm certain that Lahn will be answering the questions.'

Sebastian flexed out his arm and ignited the tattoo on it, and allowed Lahn his freedom. The creature emerged and settled beside him.

~There is a tale that must be told.~

'Pray tell, what might that be?'

The creature closed its eyes briefly before opening them again.

~It is time to visit Xatara.~

'And why is that you cannot answer our questions?' Sebastian glared at the creature.

~You are an ignorant fool with the patience of a child. You should hear it from one who will ease the rage in you.~

Sebastian would argue with Lahn's word, but the creature was correct yet again. He needed to initiate control of his emotions before they began to hurt Avery again.

'Very well, we will seek her counsel after the gathering.'

~It is unlikely that Xatara will respond to your consultation at this time; perhaps you should request the healer to seek her word of approval. It will take more than a few days.~

'Very well.'

All present before him nodded and sought to leave as Isaac accompanied Avery out of the room.

René remained, and Sebastian heeded her presence. Her hair appeared a little darker than a strawberry blonde and was neatly fashioned into a twisted side braid that rested over her prominent bosom. She was adorned in a plain royal blue dress that was long at the sleeves, and it's length stretched a little over her ankles. Her skin seemed to have a fair glow about it, and her cerise eyes focused on him intently.

'Is there a reason that you remain?' Sebastian questioned sternly.

'I do believe you are in the accommodation of the treatment room which belongs to myself, my Lord, and I remain to ensure that your medication is taken.'

'I will be taking nothing of the sort. I do not need petty drugs; I'm perfectly capable of natural recovery,' He bit back with a smirk.

'If you were gifted with such an ability, then there would be no reason for me to force this upon you, but it was not as though I was asking if you would like to take it.'

The audacity of the woman to talk back to him. Who did she think she was?

~Be kind, you arrogant fool!~Lahn growled.

Since when had the beast cared about mannerism towards a woman?

'As I have said, I will not need it.'

'You will complete the course of the administrated drug, or the Trionitus will simply regain its forces, multiply and infect your blood cells because it was not annihilated because someone decided that his pride mattered more than his life,' She said with a polite smile.

Sebastian cursed and inwardly groaned. His stay would be a long, excruciating eternity of people that only incited the rage within him. His stoic expression switched to a devilish smile as he swung his legs off the side of the bed; his eyes had a challenging glint to it.

'So you think you can tame the beast?' Sebastian was not the type to indulge in such terrible jests, and yet he could not withdraw the urge to laugh. What was it about this woman?

'Tame? I don't believe in robbing a creature of its wild nature, my Lord; however, if that's a challenge you're proposing, then I gladly accept.' It was René's turn to smirk, and she would dare not forfeit. Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt would regret the moment he challenged her. She did, after all, fancy the man since childhood.

'My Lord Alexander,' An Asharren warrior, arrived and kneeled.

'Ravelier Elisdair Sotiris,' Sebastian exchanged a meaningful look with the warrior.

'I pray you a Godspeed recovery. No need for formalities, you may call me Raven like old times.'

René nodded at Ravelier and took her to leave off the warriors.

'Isaac Cavendish informed me of your arrival. I do not care for the coronation ceremony. It is simply a formality to be completed, and that is the only reason I will adhere to its call.'

Ravelier observed Sebastian with a pained expression. Such cold words were spoken; he could hardly believe this was the man he once called 'friend.' Sebastian's current demeanor classed him as a man who had lost too much to move forward, and yet he advanced forth. His undying will was still an aspect that Ravelier respected. He was grateful that his 'friend' had returned, but the warrior before him had forgotten who he was.

'I believed you should have known that it was not my sole reason for the visit, but it seems Ethuaria has stolen your identity from you and has blinded you, old friend. I wish you the best,' Ravelier bowed in farewell and departed without another word.

Reinhardt Estate

South wing- House Of Sotiris

5:47 a.m

René roused earlier when the majority of the castle remained quiet and still in slumber. Hardly. The Asharra warriors were, as usual, early risers to the call of the avian creatures that circulated their daily flight within the Reinhardt Castle grounds. The youngsters, of course, were much confined to the comfort of their slumber.

Her chamber hardly appeared extravagant. There was the simple accommodation of a bed draped with almond hue sheets and cream-colored duvets. The pillows were a dark violet and were embroidered with pearl sequence in a repetitive diamond pattern. The bedpost was decorated with a white transparent material that concealed the sides of the bed.

At the opposite end, carved into the stone ground, was a dressing table designed from thin white twisted barks of wood that formed an oval-shaped template. The template was imbued with a reflection spell meant to act as what the Humes would refer to as a mirror and necessary accessories laid below it.

René buttoned up the black coat that form-fitted her waist and reached just above the ankles of her brown soft leather boots. She flipped the hood over her head and resumed her way out of her chamber and down the hallway.

On her way, she was greeted by a young asharren boy who observed his surroundings and studied the artwork on the stone walls. She made her way to him and acknowledged his resemblance to the new Lord in her care.

The little boy barely reached the height of her waist, and aimlessly stared at her. His dark shaded hair was long and neatly braided with a few strands at the sides of his face. His long, slit eyes held a golden hue. His small form was clad in a white tunic with gold designs, azure pants neatly tucked into his black boots, and finally a white coat of finery to complement his attire.

"Are you lost, young one?" René kneeled before him with a smile.

The boy nodded in agreement, and nervously averted his gaze.

"Forgive me, dear, I don't quite recall your name?" René slipped off her hood, and the boy smiled in ease.

"You're the pretty healer that saved papa yesterday! My name is Zacharius." He exclaimed.

The youngest son of Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt. She dare say he was lively and expressive in comparison to his father.

"Why, thank you, young lord." She expressed her gratitude for his praise.

"Young Lord? Please don't address me so formally, Miss. Brother Callix will be the one to inherit the title. I am simply Zachari." He reassured her and placed a hand over his heart to express politeness. What a charming little warrior.

"Well then, Zachari, I love how your hair is braided. Did your brother do it?"

"No, brother Callix is awful at braiding. Papa came to see me when I woke up and helped me with my clothes. He braided my hair too! Papa is scary sometimes, but he's not a bad person."

"Indeed, I am glad you understand that. Where did you intend to go?"

"Nowhere in particular...I wanted to see the castle with papa, but..." His cheerful display quietened with an expression of disappointment.

"Would you like to accompany me? I was on my way to the nearby town of Ezgár to gather some things for the burial ceremony."

"Really? I can?"

"Why, of course. I'll show you a bit of the town, but I'll have someone bring you back. To where I go after is not safe for you, is that alright?"

"Yes!"

"Shall we go then?" René took his hand in her own and resumed her way.

She mounted the magnificent beauty rich in a dark brown color and whose mane was wildly left to grow. The four-limbed creature resembled the Ethuarian horses; however, there were antlers on its head, and it had light dustings of white along its body. The creature remained still as she mounted with Zachari that was aided by a fellow asharren male who would accompany them as their escort. Zachari regarded the warrior; the young warrior was strangely concerned that his eyes were concealed by soft black material, and somehow he exuded a familiar presence. The warrior smiled and ruffled Zachari's hair before returning to mount his creature.

'Is this what they call a durein beast?'Zachari questioned.

'Indeed, it is Zachari. The Izavian Asharra breeds them.' René brushed her hand along the creature's side.

'They are more magnificent than I imagined them.'

René contemplated the outside appearance of the castle. The winter was drawing to an end, and spring would allow nature's greenery to invade the castle's lands and structure.