183 A Beast Urged Dinner

The rejoined party finds themselves reunited again except for their temporary member. Invited to dine together with the grand duke and the head of the Silstani family.

Weapons at their side they sit and eat together. Around 10 servants stand next to the walls carrying flasks and other possible replenishments. Sylvester sits at the head of the table with the grand duke to his left and Cristal to his right. Next to Cristal the other members of the party are seated beginning with Hellas and ending with Gunnir.

The meal is mainly fish based mixed with several vegetables. The smoked fish cooled down as the small prayers to the sun goddess take about 5 minutes. With Sylvester Silstani finishing his mutters, the servants start filling everyone's cups.

"How long will you and your escorts remain?" The long silver-haired man asks as his food is served first. Cutting the fish into many small pieces with their silver cutlery.

The grand duke lays down his knife and fork before he replies. "Unfortunately we are missing one. After that issue is solved we shall take our leave." The grand duke says facing the Silstani family head.

"Enough blood has been spilled." The silver merchant says as his eyes dart around looking at the party.

"We're not here to spill blood but to prevent more unnecessary loss. A fate we saved many noble families from. So I would appreciate you showing the same kindness to one of my escorts." The old man says with a straightened posture, beckoning a servant to change his cup. the cup of wine changed with a normal cup of water.

"Of course, just remember that favor does not last forever Dalbert."

The plates gradually empty as even more replenishments are brought in by the servants. Only the plates of Cristal and Tika are mostly left untouched. Both keep their mouth shut whilst also avoiding any eye contact.

"Is the food not to your liking?" Sylvester asks at the clear offense, the servants shrinking away from the question.

"The food is delicious. But please forgive our insolence, the Midium chains have… Already satiated our appetite." Cristal replies breathing heavily.

"My apologies, precautions are a thing of necessity. I'll have my court wizard look into the issue." The head of the Silstani family says as he signals with his hands to the servants. They take away the plates, replacing them with varying refreshments.

"Where is Kyeode? He's not one to leave his duties alone." The grand duke asks.

"He and Seltan are not in the territory luckily enough. They went south for business reasons that required their attention. The boy is to take over soon after all." Sylvester responds the silver hair quite the useful color at later ages.

"To take over soon? You're still quite the young buck yourself." The 110-year-old grand duke responds showing a noble trained smile.

"Agh, I'm not. Well… I might not be kicking the bucket soon, but I'm far too exhausted for this. Especially after… Silstine… I've not healed..." Sylvester shows true emotion for the first time in any of their meetings. The eyes were downcast, highlighting the bags under his eyes. Struggling to even utter the name of his late brother.

"Syl-" Dalbert Estian tries to speak but shuts up as he sees Sylvester raise his hand.

"What has transpired these weeks is solely to blame with the merchant families. Even causing all of you discomfort, during your short stay. The city of envy behaving like a city of crime and lowlifes and for that, I can only apologize." The merchant leader sends away the servants, even the two guards are not allowed to stay. "I'm not ungrateful for your help. All those involved in your discomfort will be punished severely. However, the Grand duke of Creseytesia trying to travel secretly with some adventurers doesn't bode well for Enver, especially if you were to be discovered. I don't care who's chasing you or what you're doing. Just keep it out of the city." Sylvester Silstanti stands up wiping his mouth with one of the many napkins before leaving toward the door.

"Aryien has gone and arrested most of the Dresano family. The extent of their involvement not yet determined. However, even if it was accidental they absconded their tasks for monetary gain. Putting the entire city at risk for their greed." Sylvester opens the main door. The two guards who were standing guard inside quickly bow.

"You all have this night to do whatever you like. Enter wherever you want or something else that isn't too much of a hassle. Just leave this city before dawn. That's all I ask." The leader of the merchant family does not turn around, some servants and guards follow him closely. At the ready for any command.

The party receiving this deadline and subsequent permission does not waste time. They immediately stand up and leave the Silstani estate. Upon departure, it's decided that the grand duke and Gunnir should stick together. Whilst the others go and search for any sign of their companion.

***

In the wet clouded night, the various gushes of wind carry messages of their own. Some carry the cold of the coming seasons whilst others seem to scream. Even now with the murder mysteries mostly solved, the citizens of Enver go to their homes early. Locking it tightly as parents read bedtime stories to their children. Different stories are told to children, the parent's wishes for their child different.

Some tell the story called "The Virtuous Knight" whilst others go for more niche options like "She, who cared" or "A rising sun" for the more religious orientated families. Tales that survived the test of times, unchanged or perhaps changed entirely. Yet all serve the same purpose, to let their child experience things without having to go through them. To make them think about those of the past who sacrificed everything to make the world it is today. And most importantly because stories can give hope, even in this dark night. Sometimes the sun seems far away when the clouds cover it. However, it is there, always. And if you wake up the next day then chances are you will see it again. So be happy that tomorrow will arrive and thus also love today, your tomorrow of yesterday.

A lesson taught to all the children. Because there is no worse sight for a parent than watching their child fear the life they've given him.