Chapter 16

  Around four days later, Rillian Adore was fully healed. In that time, he didn't need as much assistance, so Drakkel checked on Mori, Sonalita Pir, and Caz Lianga.

  Mori had been following Shia around, learning about the demons with Drakkel's approval. Because he was shown to be intelligent, he even took some general lessons on math, history, and politics with Knowl who said his lessons could even increase from there.

  When Aurien Wavel had time, he also taught Mori how to utilize sword energy, especially because Drakkel said that the boy had some talent and might prove to be a good recruitment for their Swords Clan. When Aurien Wavel checked himself, he found it to be true and gladly helped out.

  After everything was settled, everyone including Rillian Adore now stood in the throne room as Drakkel led them through what they were going to do.

  “I’m sure many of you have already been briefed on this, but Aurien Wavel and I have made a decision. We will gather more evidence and bring our case before the Emperor!”

  There were no questions, so Drakkel moved on. He was in a hurry because he knew; the longer a rumor stayed in rotation, the more solidified into a truth it became. Some of the charges didn't hold up, but some had eye witnesses. If he didn't absolve himself now, he could only take on the blame and wait to die.

  He continued, “Next, we will locate and gather testimony from Sword Master Ebinenda Itor who was a friend of my mother, Arcadia Luma.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Arcadia Luma left a note saying that she would know the full story behind her demise.

  After some discussion with our spy network, we found that besides Perilous Earthly Mountain which Rillian Adore and I already visited, there are only two places within the mainland of the Empire that someone like Ebinenda Itor could hide for a long time without being bothered. Either far north or far south.

  So…”

  He gazed at Caz Lianga and Sonalita Pir. “Since no one is looking for you two I would like you to head up to Northguard to check.”

  Drakkel thought that Sonalita Pir and Caz Lianga could be trusted so they had already been informed of the secret behind his birth. In response to his current statement, Caz Lianga silently nodded while Sonalita Pir bowed her head.

  Drakkel continued, “And I will go south on my own. The Empire has to be swarming with patrolling Swords Clans now. They wouldn't expect the person they are looking for to be traveling alone.”

  At this point Drakkel was used to it. The person he expected actually stepped forward. “It's too dangerous to go alone. I’ll go with you.”

  Drakkel didn't argue this time. Yet, he also knew that this wouldn't work. He and Rillian Adore had traveled together for so long that they would be too easy to recognize.

  Soon after Rillian Adore, Aurien Wavel stepped forward as well. “If you two travel together, your presence will be too obvious. But… if the Dancing Swords Dancing Troupe travel together, who would question it?”

  Drakkel's eyes widened. Of course! His Senior Brother and clanmates had been traveling incognito for so long and yet no one knew it was them. Even now, their identities had not been revealed. If anyone asked them about it, all they had to say was that they expanded their troupe and recruited new members.

  At first, Drakkel didn’t want to bring his clanmates along as he feared losing them again. But now, it seemed he had no other choice.

  He took a breath and clenched his fists, letting out a long sigh. After a moment, he bowed his head to his Senior Brother.

  Turning towards the demons, he said, “Then we will proceed as discussed. Everyone is dismissed.”