14 Lucundiz (2/2)

However, Dustan did not respond. He only sighed while shaking his head. Just like Dustan, Lucundiz could only sigh, too. Although she wanted to ask more questions, from Dustan's demeanor, she knew it would be a waste of time.

”Lucu, do you have any idea what those Halflings want to reveal? I thought we got everything from the previous interrogation,” Dustan asked. Although he was changing the question, why they summoned him to Echia puzzled him.

”I am curious, too. It seems as if someone or something unlocked a section of their repressed memories,” Lucundiz said while shaking her head.

”They kept on shouting the words - From nether he will emerge. The connection of the realms will emerge in Kynar, and from nether he will emerge,” Lucundiz added.

Meanwhile, Dustan and Leo, who listened from the side had puzzled expressions on their faces.

”What does that mean? Who will emerge from nether, and what is Kynar? I've not heard of such a place in Skyhaven,” Dustan muttered. Leo had the same thought in mind. In fact, he believed the prisoners only said nonsense to get Dustan's attention.

'How am I supposed to get any information from those madmen? Kynar? Nether? my god, will I lose my legs today?' Leo mused.

”We don't know what they are talking about. When I searched the archives, nothing like Kynar came up. Meanwhile, nether could refer to the mythical essence which flows between the realms of the living and that of the dead. But, we have no record of such a thing ever existing,” Lucundiz said.

”Wait… why am I here? According to what you have said, how does any of this concern me?” Dustan asked. Leo was also curious why they were in Echia. From what Lucundiz said, he too did not know what the matter had to do with them.

Although the duo stared at her with keen expressions on their faces, Lucundiz remained silent. And, she closed her eyes, too.

”Lucu, what are you hiding from me? Did…” before Dustan could finish his statement, Lucundiz interjected.

”Dustan that's not all they said. They mentioned your name and said you would user in an era of doom,” Lucundiz whispered with her head lowered. Her declaration stunned both Dustan and Leo.

”The Commander? That's not possible. Those bastards are only making a fool of us! How can we believe such nonsense? Do…” before he could finish his statement, Dustan interrupted him. ”Lucu, who is waiting for me in the prison?” Dustan said.

Although he spoke in a warm voice, Lucundiz's body trembled. Meanwhile, Leo's eyes widened. He involuntarily blurted out the words, ”You made it up? You're leading my commander into a trap? How dare you?!” he said.

”Calm down, Leo. Lucu is not lying. Let's listen to her explanation,” Dustan said. There was no change to his expression still.

However, Lucundiz still had her head lowered, and she remained silent.

”Lucu, what do they have on you? Tell me, I'll help you. Did…” before Dustan could finish his statement, Lucundiz interjected. ”Dustan, I'm sorry. I tried to contain the news before it got out, but it made its way to the ears of Prince Marko. He said he would make life difficult for Irene if you didn't come. Did not know what to do…” Lucundiz paused at this point as her voice became shaky and incoherent.

”All right. I understand the current situation. Prince Marko wants to use the babblings of the Halflings against me, right?” Dustan asked.

Saying nothing in response, Lucundiz nodded her head.

”Are those two members of Prince Marko's envoy?” Dustan asked. A chill went down Lucundiz and Leo's back while his voice echoed. They could fell a minute, but devastating energy surging.

”No… no, they are my men. They will protect your subordinate,” Lucundiz said. She no longer lowered her head, she wanted Dustan to see the sincerity on her face.

”All right. No need for too much talk. I'm sure we will resolve everything in the Coombs,” Dustan said with a warm smile on his face.

However, Leo and Lucundiz remained silent, as different thoughts flashed through their minds.

'So, the aura I felt earlier belonged to the guards of Prince Marko. For him to use Irene to threaten Lucu, it means he has something concrete this time around. Well, let's see what that brat wants. Who knows, I might the chance to work out,' Dustan mused as he closed his eyes.

With none of the trio talking, they traveled on the Jelly Fish in silence. Tracing the trajectory of the creature, it headed towards several pitch black structures which looked like chimneys.

***

Author's Thoughts

***

Hi guys, Mrdojo here.

Bren and Leo made appearances in the Tiodon Kingdom. In the previous versions, they were unnamed characters.

P.s. this chapter is the end of chapter 3. In case you haven't noticed, Book 2 is following events in three places (Mathras, Kynar, and Hoogport). Other locations might make a brief appearance, but those three are the primary locations for Book 2.

p.s.s. forget about book 2 description. I only wrote it because I did not want to reveal spoilers.

Thanks for reading.