Chapter 18: Utopia
"Goodluck," Lareia said, standing in front of Clint's mansion.
"Lady Lareia, if your predictions were proven right, I will grant you a wish of yours. Until then, please wait for me," Clint replied and kissed the back of her hand.
He then turned to the maids and butlers, then said, "Take care of my lady. If she was harmed in any way, prepare your grave. I do not give any mercy to useless people." The maids nodded and lowered their heads, some of them even shaking from fear of seeing Clint's eyes turn blood-red while stating those words.
Clint waved goodbye as he enters the carriage being pulled by two horses. The coachmen then pulled the leash and the horse started moving. He looked out of the window, watching the mansion fade from view as the endless thorns on the roadside replaced it.
After a couple of minutes, they entered the City of Percival, the only city of Fel Kingdom, found in the Western region. Different mythical creatures of the kingdom were found here, from children to elders. Most of them work here and live outside, no one stays here permanently because of the high tax. Schools, markets, and shopping centers can only be found here; so the city is packed 24/7. Vampires visit during nighttime, werewolves during the daytime.
Today is a special occasion, seeing how many vampires inside black hoods is looking around the city. The carriage stopped in the center of the city, where there is a dead tree standing. The coachman opened the door for Clint, and he gracefully went out, catching the attention of every citizen.
He is sporting a red suit, paired with black leather shoes. His red hair combed to the back while some fall over his blue eyes, and his lips curved into a mischievous smirk.
A man with white, long hair that reaches down to the floor and has marks of aging on his face, approached him. His eyes were crimson red, and he has a big body built.
"You finally arrived Duke Clint Nimbus. I will be attending the Grand Council on behalf of all the elders," he said in a husky voice, studying every inch of Clint's body. "You look very presentable, unlike your playful personality."
"Elder Desmond, you don't have to worry about me. I know when I should act seriously, this is political matters, and I will do everything accordingly. I am worried about you though, will you be able to keep your temper in check?" Clint replied in a mocking tone. It is well-known in the whole kingdom that Clint and Elder Desmond was never in good terms, but works perfectly regarding political matters.
"Watch your mouth, child," he said, a bit irritated.
Before Clint fight back, a swamp of hooded vampires surrounded them, waiting for orders. They regained their composure and turned to the crowd. They wore a very serious expression, and the way they stand and the aura surrounds them can make anyone lower their heads in front of them.
"Everyone is gathered. We are only waiting for your blessing, Elder Desmond, and your orders, Duke Nimbus," a vampire said, bowing down in front of them.
"Προστατέψτε τα βαμπίρ,
αποθηκεύστε τα από τη θερμότητα του ήλιου."
After Desmond chanted those words, the vampires felt a cold, protection around their bodies. They then removed all of their hoods, and looked at Clint, waiting for his orders.
"To the Phytos' Bridge." After his orders were said, the vampires turned into their bat forms. They flew towards the southern part, where falls were seen.
Flying above the kingdom, everything was withered and dark below them. The heat coming from the sun didn't burn the lower vampires, proving the effectiveness of the protection spell. It is the only spell in those symbols that the elders can use.
Nearing the bridge, they lowered down slowly, landing some feet away from the bridge. There are some stone figures of elves and other creatures that surrounded them. These are the encroachers that were unfortunately caught by the gargoyles and turned to stone.
"Everyone will stay here. Wait for my signal and stay calm, understood?" He said in a voice full of authority. The bats nodded their heads in understanding, and the two of them approached the bridge, the same time the elves started walking. Having a swarm of bats on the Fel side, a bunch of fairies was seen on the Tranquil side. As they walked closer to each other on the only bridge that connects the two kingdoms, the atmosphere became heavy, full of suspense that made everyone tense.
The clearest water flew down the falls, the source of it was too high for them to see, assuming that it is from the Valhalla Kingdom. It is called the River of life, where some wandering souls in the Utopia kingdom go. It is said that the water can extend a creature's life, but can kill someone who has millions of sins and never atoned for them.
On the other side of the bridge was the river Styx, a river dyed with black that falls by the Fleuretta cliff, down to the underworld. Anyone who fell on the river will be pulled down to the abyss hiding beneath it. Being inches away from it can summon the hands of the abyss, so everyone was especially careful around it.
"Duke Clint."
"Duke Tenjie."
"We met again," they said at the same time, looking intently at each other as if sparks are flying from their intense gazes.
"Elder Florin, it's been a long time since we last met, how disappointing," Desmond said mockingly, looking at the man beside Tenjie. He is an elf with white hair that reaches the ground, pale skin, and green eyes.
"Ah, it's nice to see you again, Elder Desmond," Florin replied sarcastically. "Shall we start then?" he asked. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Let us start with the handshake between the representatives of the Fel and Tranquil kingdoms. This handshake will be a sign of peace between the two kingdoms as the Grand Council takes place." After Elder Florin stated those words, Clint and Tenjie moved forward and did as said, without removing the intense gazes they are giving each other.
They kept their hands together, slowly tightening their grip, and Clint won; being superior in terms of strength. Tenjie pulled his hand away and they moved back to their former places.
"Beginning the Grand Council will the acknowledgment, I would like to acknowledge the representatives of the Fel Kingdom, Elder Desmond, and Duke Clint. From the Tranquil Kingdom, I would also like to acknowledge Duke Tenjie, and I, Elder Florin."
"As the host of this year's Grand Council, I would like to tackle our proposal to the kingdom of Fel. This would benefit both kingdoms, and I hope for your peaceful cooperation."