THE SINISTER TREE 2

Cool breeze gliding across the emerald green water surface, dancing over the gentle waves, glistering under the sun of the Great River. This gigantic river, flow across the continent, from the mysterious forests, last bastions of the Elvas, in northern Varlaurea, swung around the East Tar'veen Sierra. Pouring it water into Kao Ren Lake, then swung to the west flow through Varlann Empire territory, and then a vast marshland before crash into the open sea. Carrier with it is countless fish and rich alluvial sediment, not only that it also a highway connects many folks across the continent.

On a harbor of a riverside city, anchored a large ship. Gorgeous that vessel is, double decks, hull painted in mahogany red, with 4 tall mast and sail neatly folded on deck. On its stern the colour of Varlann Empire proudly fly, the ship's bow painted a majestic dragon head. On the deck, near the bow sat a Downers man, his eyes fixed on the vast water of the Great River. Over fifty his age seems to be, clothed in deep blue crossed-collard robe, made of the finest of silk. His hair and beard had turned mostly white; wrinkle, hyper-pigmented and austere face, proof of years on the battlefield but opposite to his face, his eyes still bright with the fortitude and the toughness of a leader, an emperor. An emperor he is, for he is the head of Varlann Empire, and newly emerged power in the Hundred Years War, he is His Imperial Majesty Suk Luo Tu.

From the wharves came a strange young man of 18 – 19 of age, shorthair and a pair of small antler protruded from his forehead, followed by a few entourages the young man boarded the ship, then came before Emperor Tu, interlocking his finger and bow. That was the second son of Emperor Tu and the one will inherit the throne, Crown Prince Suk Lam.

"father, I've asked the local governor, he said uncle Toa's envoy did pass by the city over a week ago, right on schedule and have nothing out of ordinary that fail to mention in the reports." Crown Prince Lam said.

"uhm… then, any news from Fon Chu, Lam?" Emperor Tu said, his gaze still fixed on the vast water.

"still quiet, father. Seem like your words still hold effect." Crown Prince Lam answered.

Emperor Tu nodded then order the ship to push off. Five minutes late, the paddles had driven the ship off clear from port and to the open water, the three sail slowly climb up the masts and stretched up, catching the wind. Emperor Tu still sitting there on the ship's bow, still contemplating gaze upon the open water, worrying about the fate of his missing brother, fearing the worst may happen, and not only that, fear for his work in the past two years may went up in smoke if Prince Toa's envoy not have been found.

Watching his father sunk deep in his contemplation and worry, Crown Prince Lam know not what to say, the idea of the worst case scenario had crossed his mind from the start of this search. If that worst case scenario befell Prince Toa's envoy, then the Hundred Years War will drag on. And that's why Emperor Tu himself and his son must find out what befell the missing convoy of Prince Toa.