The Hidden King

Untitled Part 3

"Did you see Kenny last night? Was he the one who came to pick me up?" Amelia asked, noticing Ellie and Heidi's sudden interest.

"Yeah, it seems like Kenny swung by to give you a lift. I guess he was a bit miffed since we promised to have an uninterrupted night out," Amelia nodded knowingly. It was just like Kenny to be a little overprotective, she thought warmly.

Taking a sip of her tea, Heidi inquired, "So, you came over just because of that?" Amelia shook her head, her expression serious. "Kenny's gone missing. We've all been searching for him." "Hmm, Kenny doesn't strike me as the disappearing type. Maybe he got caught up hunting or something?" Amelia hoped Ellie's suggestion was right. Heidi patted Amelia's shoulder reassuringly, "Don't fret too much. Men have their moments too. Perhaps he just wanted some alone time, wandering off beyond the forest for a breather. Anyway, you haven't eaten, have you? Let's try Grandma's cooking in the temple today." With that, Heidi headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

As the moon rose in the evening sky, even the furthest search parties returned empty-handed. Rumors began to circulate, and hushed conversations filled the air. Mapor, the messenger from the Cheno tribe, had visited multiple times, desperate for news of Chief Kenny. A tribe without its leader was vulnerable, especially with tensions along the southern border and disputes over fertile river territories.

The night wasn't full, but the city slept soundly nonetheless. Standing alone atop the hill, Amelia scanned the sprawling Lawrence, hoping to find a clue among the stars.

Sometime past midnight, she spotted a figure near the city walls. It was Mapor, the Cheno messenger, his form frail and stooped. Emerging from the shadows, he hesitated briefly before approaching her, his determination evident. With her hand on her sword, Amelia approached cautiously. Suddenly, a crow's piercing cry shattered the silence, causing Mapor to flee into the darkness, leaving Amelia in pursuit, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"This is all too strange," Milia thought as she made her way back to her home, with a sense of unease gnawing at her. Mapor had been unusually bold in the council chamber during the day, and when he hurried over just now, Milia could see fear in his eyes. He had been visiting the tribe frequently lately, having multiple discussions with Kenny, who always returned late at night. Milia only had a vague understanding that the messenger had brought news from Thomas, the chief of the southern tribe, regarding negotiations over river territories. Thomas' tribe had been encroaching on Lawrence's rivers and docks, and there were even rumors of them attacking Lawrence's people during a full moon night. Despite the denials, they proposed joint development of the river areas for trading and cultivation.

Alone in her bed, Milia felt a loneliness she hadn't known since she and Kenny had married three years ago. Clutching the thick furs, she longed for the intimate moments with Kenny, slipping into a deep slumber amidst her worries.

The next morning, as the sun rose, Milia opened her eyes. She reached out to Kenny's side of the bed, feeling its coldness. He hadn't returned. Without time for despair, Milia swiftly got up, choosing a simple formal outfit from her wardrobe. Opting for tailored trousers and a shirt over the ornate robes, she adorned herself with accessories and tied up her long hair. Stepping out into the courtyard, she headed to the council hall to confer with the elders, as was her routine with Kenny.

People on the street glanced at her with curiosity and sympathy as she walked by, offering a smile in return. Inside the council hall, a gathering was already underway— the twelve elders responsible for various aspects of city affairs, along with the chief hunter, the head guard, and other tribe members who sought guidance.

Taking a deep breath, Milia approached them, meeting the gaze of Liam, the head guard. Liam glanced at Milia with a heavy heart. He and his team had returned from the riverside, only to be sent by Elder Gabriel to the farthest reaches of the forest in search of Kenny. They were the most experienced team, led by Liam's careful guidance. Milia could see the sorrow and pain in his eyes, and her heart sank.