Varzana: Light of Prophecy

Chapter 2: Creature of the Night

There was no way out.

Swallowing hard, Cavan went with his father to the end of the table. Floor to ceiling window took up the wall behind his father as he took his place at the head. Cavan sat to his father's left and peered up at the banners and shield hanging along the walls. All of this was new. Bowing his head, he gripped his knees. He could do this. It was simple, eat, pretend to be part of the furniture and then run upstairs. It was simple.

"Rulers of Varzana."

Cavan's head popped up.

"Before we begin our discussion, let us eat," announced Noren as he lifted his glass.

The doors rattled causing the men to stop mid-motion to grab their own glasses. Cavan just stared.

The Banquet Hall's doors were forced open, and a man appeared with his arms braced between them. Servants appeared confused on whether or not to stop him. The figure stepped forward, and the doors were quickly reclosed. Lowering his dripping hood, his identity was revealed as he shook his drenched blond hair. He pushed the long strands away from his face, revealing his pointed ears. His cloak dropped to the ground into a puddle. Scanning the room, his eyes stopped on Cavan. The boy sat frozen and glanced at the empty seat next to him. Oh no. The man started the long walk across the room. Noren sat down with his lips pressed together. One by one the servants carried trays to the table. Some were set in front of the guest while other were placed along the center.

Cavan kept his eyes down as the man sat down. A tray was placed in front of him. Cavan just stared at the meat on his plate. The man had his elbow on the table with his hand interlocked over his food. He seemed to be examining everyone around him.

"Cavan?"

The prince jumped and turned to his father.

"Eat. It's getting cold."

"Yes." He picked up his silverware.

The latecomer peeked at Cavan. "Noren's your father?"

Cavan swallowed hard. "Yes."

"Hmm..." He leaned back in his seat. "Cavan?"

The boy nodded. "Yes, Sir."

Noren tapped his finger on the table.

"You're a Marlow, then?"

Caven kept nodding. "Yes."

The man glanced at the two other elf kings. Neff kept eating but was glancing at his father more than necessary. The prince seemed just as confused as Cavan about the stranger.

Noren forced a smile. "I guess I should properly introduce my son." He leaned forward. "As you now this is Cavan, my heir."

The men didn't knowledge Noren.

"I don't think you know Robert's son, Neff either." He motioned across the table to the prince. "Neff Marlow, heir to Salamane."

"Oh, the half-blood."

Neff's eyebrows pinched together as he sat up straight.

"Yes, my wife is a witch," stated Robert, glaring at the stranger.

The latecomer chuckled. "Well, for the next sixty year or so."

Robert breathed out from his nose. "Times have changed, Maniis. When will you stop living in the past?"

Maniis arched a brow. "Why?" He lifted his glass to his lips. "We didn't have to attend these pointless parties in the past."

"Maniis?" whispered Cavan. "You're the..."