25 The Capitals Response (1/2)

The Capital's Response

Seven days had gone by since Arilya and Vadis had their discussion in the wooden cabin. After reaching a mutual understanding, they informed the capital about everything they knew without leaving out any information. They did not want a case where their error in judgement would cause potential disaster. Hence, they used the only swift-pigeon in the settlement to send their message.

In Mathras, the swift-pigeon was the preferred means of sending urgent messages by all arms of the military. Although the bird looked just like a regular pigeon, its speed could not be underestimated. With its small frame and frightening speed, it could easily outmaneuver predators.

Meanwhile, Deython and the others returned five days after their departure. Although he did not doubt Arilya's words, Vadis became at ease when her words matched what is deputies saw in Lumvug's settlement. With Vadis command, Feynron dispatched several Forest-Elves in the settlement to Elhorn and Lumvug's settlement.

However, Elhorn and Lumvug remained in Fyhir. Arilya did not, and could not set them free yet, because she didn't know if the High-Elves from the Capital would like to question them.

Unfortunately, the swift-pigeon had not returned. So, they could only wait in Fyhir. Being High-Elves, Vadis made sure Arilya and her deputies stayed in the best rooms in the settlement. He also dispatched several Forest-Elves to fulfill their need. Meanwhile, Elhorn and Lumvug shared a decent room, and they had to settle their needs by themselves.

To prevent an unfortunate incident, Vadis assigned several Forest-Elves to watch over them. He did not want a scenario where they would runaway from the settlement. Vadis also instructed the guards of the settlement to prevent the duo from leaving, no matter the reason.

…

The next day.

The sun had yet to raise in the early morning sky, but the Forest-Elves in Fyhir moved about in several small groups. As the sounds of birds chirping, and the faint whistle on the morning breeze echoed through the air, a group of Forest-Elves cleaned the fallen leaves around the settlement while another carried larger vases of water on their shoulders. Another group marched through the settlement while others hurried to their assigned posts.

Those in charge of cooking woke up earlier than the others and was done cooking for the entire population of Fyhir. Those in charge of cooking we're group in two categories; those who cooked for the High-Elves and those who cooked for the others. Naturally, the cooks for the High-Elves were the best in Fyhir, and they paid special attention to the food and water prepared for the High-Elves.

Meanwhile, in the tallest building in Fyhir, Vadis paced around his spacious office with a faint frown on his face. His office looked ordinary and plain for someone of his status. Apart from a large table, two chairs and a bookshelf, nothing else decorated the room. Even the third floor which Addor and Feynron stayed, looked better than Vadis's.

”Did something happen to the swift-pigeon? This is the eight day, yet it has not returned. If it does not return today, we will have to make a trip to the nearest settlement… That will be troublesome,” Vadis muttered as he paced around the room.

Just as he finished his statement, someone knocked on the mahogany door leading to his office. Before he could react, a familiar voice drifted into his ears, ”Apologies, Captain, but I've urgent news. The Forest-Elves in the pen, mentioned the swift-pigeon has returned. It has started the other birds again, and it won't respond to anyone but you,” Addor said.

Vadis's countenance brightened after hearing Addor's report, however, he said nothing in response.

”Captain? Are you…” before Addor could finish his statement, Vadis interrupted him. ”I'll be there in a minute. Tell Captain Arilya and her deputies to meet me in the Dining Hall. You and Feynron should come, too,” Vadis said.

”Okay, Captain,” Addor instantly responded.

Wasting no time, he left to enact Vadis order. Meanwhile, Vadis used another exit to leave his office.

…

A few minutes later.

Arilya and her deputies, and Addor and Feynron sat in a spacious dining area which had several beautiful flower pots placed at strategic positions. Within the well illuminated dinning room, the smell of the delicacies placed on the table pervaded the air. However, none of the High-Elves ate, or looked as if the food enticed them. Instead, they each glanced at the door leading into the dinning area with an expectant look on their face.

Over the last couple of days, Arilya briefed her deputies on what she and Vadis discussed, and the implications of the response from the Capital. When Addor told them about the return of the swift-pigeon, it naturally made them anxious. The same could be said for Addor and Feynron, none of them knew what to expect, and Vadis's delay only made them more anxious.

”Why has Captain Vadis not returned yet? Does it take this long to subdue your swift-pigeon?” Arilya said as she stared at Addor.

”I'm sorry, Captain. Our swift-pigeon is quite the deviant. It usually stays in Captain Vadis's office, but once it gets free, it terrorizes the birds in the pen. Only Captain Vadis can subdue it when it misbehaves,” Addor said with an apologetic expression on his face.