23 Rewarded with Wealth... and then More Wealth 1 (1/2)

Keyne Stronghold.

Feng Jin paced around worriedly. His daughter had been abducted despite the security of their stronghold. It has been a big blow on him and a question to his abilities as chief. What shame it was, he could not even ensure his own daughter's protection. Feng Jin sighed. It seems they have been too relaxed these years.

The Keyne Stronghold had been established by his grandfather. Their clan originated from the Eashen Continent, past the great Aegean Sea. Because of their unfortunate decline in Eashen, his family migrated here just after the great revolt.

They were originally a tribe of warriors and merchants. Hence, their choice of land naturally leaned to the mountains of Nephele. The Keyne stronghold was established and had continuously prospered through the years.

The Keynes were known for their Eashen medicine, unique craftmanship and smithing, and also their unusual fur tanning. Their warriors are also quite proficient in ferocious martial arts contrary to Idalia's combat arts. These things made them well-known in Araceli City of the Amaranthian fief. Very few try to cross them. The abduction of Feng Mian has rudely reminded them of their complacency.

”Chief! It's the Young Miss! She has been found.”

Feng Jin abruptly stopped his pacing and turned to the boy who shouted frantically.

”Is that true? Where is she? Is she alright?

He fired off his questions rapidly while unconsciously shaking the poor boy's shoulders.

”Chief, calm down. Young Miss is unharmed. She's at the Great Hall. However, she has companions though.”

While saying this, the boy's expression turned strange and his complexion paled a little. Feng Jin frowned. Companions? Are they perhaps Feng Mian's savior?

”Companions?” He asked with suspicion.

”It would be better if you come see yourself, Chief.”The boy replied and they proceeded to walk to the Great Hall.

The Keyne's Great Hall was reminiscent of a small throne room. This is where the elders and officials of their tribe gathers. It is also where banquets and festivities of the tribe are held.

As Feng Jin went past the doors, he saw his daughter sitting at chair. Despite her unshevelled appearance, Feng Jin surmised that she was relatively free of injuries. What caught his attention more is the woman beside Feng Mian.

Her hair was darker than ebony. Her features undeniably beautiful. It was even more magnified by her startlingly brilliant emerald eyes. Eyes that he was quite familiar with.

Feng Jin's brows furrowed. Why was a descendant of the Amaranth Duke here? Direct descendants of House Amaranth has a particular distinguishing trait. That was their emerald eyes.

Being a tribal chief in the Amaranthian territory, Feng Jin is equivalent to a City Lord. It was necessary for him to know the notable people, their characters, and of course, their families and lineage. The first on that list is the Lord of their fief. As far as Feng Jin knows the current generation has only one heir. That was the only daughter of Duke Alaric. What was she doing in the Nephele Mountains?

Before Feng Jin could ponder more about it, his daughter has noticed his arrival.

”Father!”

Feng Mian approached him with a wide smile. He embraced her gently. Relief finally washing over him for real.

”Mian er, you're home. You're fine.”

The girl smiled sweetly at him as she broke away from his arms. She approached the woman with her.

”Father, this person is the one who saved me.”

---

Chalice stood up to meet the Tribal Chief of the Keyne Stronghold. She did a slight bow and studied the man discreetly.

According to the girl Feng Mian, her father's name was Feng Jin. Chalice thought that he was a perfect example of a tribal warrior. He was tall and quite muscular. His stern face was imposing in it's own ways. She could see a little bit of resemblance between the father and daughter.