Chapter 252 Facing the Elders (1/2)

After the Matriarch left, Arran and Brightblade finished their breakfast in silence That Brightblade had no intention of sharing her plans was obvious — although Arran made a tentative attempt to question her about it, she simply cut him off with a small but firm shake of her head

That usually wouldn't have sufficed to dissuade hi further questions, but today, there was an unusual severity to her eyes And although she showed no other signs of concern, just that was enough to tell Arran she wasfor Brightblade to show even the slightest hint of worry, and that she did so now could only mean her plan was a risky one, with the outcoive hi Instead, he passed the day training his sword skills, cal on the familiar movements of practice

Even if the situation was not one he could resolve with his sword, just feeling its heft in his hands as he practiced provided a sense of control Aood to be res as simple and reliable as the steel of a sharp blade

Late in the afternoon, two ers frohtblade Both carried the sa of Elders the following day, and that their presence was required

They already knew about the , of course, but Arran realized that there would be dozens ofthe sahtblade's plan was, it had been set intoit Now, all that remained was to see where it would lead

Arran's sleep was troubled that night, filled with dreaainst hito sleep

Fortunately, a hearty breakfast and so than the night had been, and by midday, he felt rested and prepared for whatever the day would bring — as prepared as he could be without knohat he would face, anyway

That his weariness had passed by then was a good thing, too, because not long after htblade approached him

”It's time,” she said

Arran looked at her in wonder She earing formal white robes, but if her intent was to look venerable, the unusual outfit achieved the exact opposite The white robes were ill-fitting and aard, like the kind of thing a fresh novice ht hen su robe would have been better There were enough strong th and training the only things they cared about And in a training robe, she ht be seen as one of those

But this… Arran frowned in puzzle, inexperienced le Elder Her youthful looks were no help here, either — to someone who didn't know her, she would barely look older than Arran hihtblade was no fool If she had chosen to dress like this, it would be intentional

His suspicions were confirhtblade looked at Arran with barely veiled airl again?”

Arran was in no ave her a flat stare ”What do you expect ?”

”I expect you to keep your mouth shut,” she replied ”Those old foxes are crafty, and they will use your words against you if given even half a chance Only speak if it's absolutely necessary”

To this, Arran had no objections Even ignoring his distaste for politics, his tiic, not learning about its Elders

He gave Brightblade a short nod, and with that, they set off toward thehall was in the House of Seals, and although Arran did not know exactly where, Brightblade knew the way already

The hall was less than a quarter-hour away froh a series of wide paved streets that were lined with opulent stores andthe way, Arran nearly found himself speechless when they arrived

Some part of hih perhaps a large one But instead, he found a grand palace, its thick walls seeiant slab of h it ell over a hundred feet tall, it had been constructed with such attention to detail it al

”Not exactly subtle, is it?” Brightblade said as they approached

Arran did not answer He was too busy taking in the spectacular sight