STOLEN COMPENDIUMS

PROLOGUE

TODAY IS A very special day for the whole Easterlyna. Today is the day that we will be recognized by the rulers from every region in the land.

"Aurthur!"

Napalingon ako sa isang sigaw ng babae. Tumakbo siya papunta sakin habang tinatali ang kanyang magulong kulay pula na buhok. Halos mabangga niya na ang karamihan sa nadaanan niya pero wala siyang pinansin ni isa sa mga ito.

"Aurthur, ready ka na ba?", halata ang pagkasabik niya sa mangyayaring pagtitipon mamaya. Ang kanyang ngiti ay aabot sa kanyang mga tenga. The same typical cheerful Penelope.

"Ito medyo kinakabahan,pero magiging okay ang lahat tiwala lang", sagot ko habang sabay kaming naglakad papasok sa palasyo.

Mamaya gaganapin ang assembly ng mga pinuno ng pitong bayan dito. Ginaganap ito tuwing dalawang taon at sa loob ng 140 years ay ngayon lang gaganapin sa aming lugar.

Easterlyna is the far eastern land in Archendeia,and the only land where mortals live. In short, we are the only region home for powerless beings. Although we are not the youngest region, the rulers from other region refused to hold the assembly in our town. During the latest voting phase of the assembly location, our region got 3 out of 4 votes. Kahit na hindi lamang ang votes ay napagdesisyonan na nilang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang aming bayan.

Automatic na nagbukas ang gate sa harap namin. Kilala rin ang bayan namin dahil sa mga inventions na ginagawa namin upang masabayan ang espesyal na kakayahan ng ibang mga bayan. Isa rin si Penelope sa pinakamatalino rito at marami na siyang naiambag sa bayan.

"Wear this", bulong niya sabay abot ng isang hikaw. Knowing her I would already assume that this is a listening device."Naglagay ako ng listening device sa iba't ibang side ng meeting table. Other regions might plan something so it's better na marinig natin usapan nila".

Although she's cheerful, she is also goal-oriented. She promised that she will dedicate her life in protecting the town from outside threats.

"Paano kung malaman nila 'to, what if makita nila kung saan mo tinago ang mga 'to?", tanong ko sa kanya.

She answered as she winked her right eye while keeping a wide smile, "Trust me, nothing bad will happen"

Naglakad kami sa magkaibang direksyon,papunta ako sa main hall habang siya ay papunta naman sa artifacts hall. She's tasked to guard the most important place in the castle.

Hours passed and the assembly hall is full of citizens from different regions. Even under cold war, several regions maintained their professionalism and acted accordingly to the event.

In front is a stage with a big round table and eight chairs forming a semi-circle. In front of them are large name plates placed on the table with their respective regions. The order from left to right determines their power and influence in the whole land.

Archendia maintaining it's spot for a hunded years. Sitting next to him is sitting the king of Diannir.Then Meraidne, Lunne, and Sheeva follows. The third right-most seat is empty with the name of Avalon. The last two seats are filled with the kings and queens of Sheevan and Easterlyna.

Kahit na napapanood ng lahat ang nasa entablado, hindi lahat ng bagay na mapag-uusapan nila ay maari naming marinig. A red button is placed in front of them. Kapag may confidential silang pag-uusapan ay puwede nila itong pindutin at magkakaroon ng isang barrier sa buong stage.

"The development of Easterlyna is quite fascinating", a gentle voice came from the queen of Naymar while looking straight to the intricate ceilings of the assembly hall.

"Tell me, how did you managed to elevate your region? Don't tell me you're housing people with powers to make them your slave",said the King of Diannir. His deep and villainous voice is enough to silence the whole assembly hall.

Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago may pumutol sa katahimikan. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa pagtitipon ay nagsalita na rin ang pinuno ng Archendia, "Are we here to compliment or belittle each other or are we here to discuss how some of you are betraying the laws"

Everyone looked toward the Queen of Archendia. Her blood red eyes looks completely blank and here wine red hair are flowing down to her shoulders.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", tanong ng pinuno ng Naymar.

She then gently pressed the red button in front of the table. Lahat ng tao sa assembly hall ay nagsimulang magbulungan kung ano sa tingin nila ang nangyayari. Dahil sa binigay sa'kin ni Penelope, naririnig ko pa rin ang usapan nila.

"After some deep investigation, it seems that Naymar and Sheevan are not the only alliance existing right now. Two or maybe three of you are secretly gathering your resources to start another war", it was the Queen of the Archendia speaking.

"Seriously, a war? If you look around you everyone of us is at peace so why would bother to start another war?", someone answered.

"The reason why I also agreed to hold the assembly here, in Easterlyna, is because you are the one being targeted"

No one in the table dared to speak.Biglang nawalan ng connection ang listening device na binigay sa akin ni Penelope. Did they found it out?