Truth

Ianin was heading for Mount Minecraftia, vaguely he wondered if this was a mistake. But if his predictions were correct then Alora would be here at the castle with Onicent.

This would be more difficult then he thought it would be unfortunately.

Alora would be convinced of whatever Onicent told her and worst Onicent would not want her to know the truth. He wondered what Araia would say if she knew what Ianin was doing.

Araia had wanted him to run, and he would, after he protected his family as best he could.

He got to the bottom of the mountain and for a moment stared way up at its peak wondering where Alora would be. It would be easiest if she was in the garden. Then he had an idea.

He climbed the side of the mountain which took some time but would reward him in the end. Stalking along the side of the castle he searched for the nymph's who lived here.

They found him quickly.

They seemed quite nervous when they saw him, it occurred to him they probably didn't recognize him as a family member of the royal couple.

"What brings you here stranger," one of them side briskly.

Ianin gave them an easy smile, "do not fret. I am Dauntice's eldest son, long gone on travels and now merrily returned home."

The nymph's shifted, though they looked kinder now.

"Welcome home young lord." One said, and the others echoed her.

"I need to know, if Alora resides here," he told them.

"She does," they said.

"Please can you fetch her for me, we must speak in private," he told them.

They nodded, and then disappeared into the castle.

Soon they returned with Alora in tow. She looked uneasy and when she saw Ianin that unease deepened.

"You asked to speak to me on my own?" she told him.

"Indeed, lady and aunt, I have something vital to tell you." He had lowered his voice, "something that Onicent does not want you to know."

"Speak on then," she said.

"I know of the kidnapping of your daughter, but you have been tricked to who was responsible."

Alora's face darkened, a couple nymphs screamed as the plants at Alora's feet died.

"Onicent kidnapped Elsbeth guised as his brother to sow doubt into your siblings."

"Then why is she not here now?"

"I sent a message to Maiguh," he told her, "to ask him to rescue her, and he came here and took her with him to the End."

"They are there now?"

"Yes, but they are trapped there, the both of them, by Onicent's wrath." Ianin finished and waited for her response, she looked conflicted.

"How can you be sure of all this," she asked.

"I confess I am unable to say, but I am sure of my information and came to ensure you knew the truth at my own peril."

This was quite true. Ianin would have to depart.

"So Onicent has trapped them in the End?"

"Indeed, they cannot leave and no one can enter."

"Is she safe there?"

"Very, Maiguh has lodged her in his home."

"What is she doing now then?"

Ianin smiled, quite clever.

"I imagine she is sleeping or else doing some activities with the daughters of Maiguh."

Alora nodded, acknowledging the limit of his information.

"I will consider what you have told me."

Ianin knew he'd done what he could. So he left.