HIDDEN PLANS.

CHAPTER 67: HIDDEN PLANS.

Cormac was on his way back to the fortress from a visit to downtown Rivendell. He walked with just his friends, needing no guard as usual.

He came across a group of humans who were having a procession for who they lost. They were in deep mourning. He saw that they carried two bodies, and they were little.

"They were kids?" he muttered, feeling bad. He also stood still by the side of the road as he honored the dead. The tragic incident at the arena left many broken. He watched as a woman cried out in pain as she was being held by two other women as they walked.

She turned and saw him, then she furiously approached him, grabbing him by the shirt as that was lighter to grab than the high-neck five-foot leather jacket he wore over the shirt.

"You did this! You all are the reason for this! I warned them not to go, but they did. Just kill me and let me join my children. Kill me!" she said tearfully as she grabbed and pulled Cormac by the shirt, smacking him.

A couple of folks were able to pull her away and apologize for her conduct. She tearfully continued the procession.

Cormac stood and did nothing as she took out her pain on him. He wasn't hurt by her actions toward him. He was pained because of the pain of her loss. Having had losses himself, he could relate to her pain.

"Where is the Queen?" one of the men said as he approached Cormac. "Her subjects are in pain and distress because of her, and she remains in her fortress. What a leader she is."

The man pursed his lips in disdain as he walked away. Others spitefully glared at him, and he did nothing. He looked down in shame, deep in his thoughts. His attention was suddenly drawn to what a person said.

"I've always said it, right when we were little. Queen Amelia shouldn't be our leader in the first place. Cormac's meant to be the King of Rivendell."

"Don't say it out loud. One of them could hear you," his counterpart whispered looking around.

"But it's the truth. She's just a usurper. Nothing more. The only reason we're able to live in this delusion of peace is because they need us, and they can't just kill us off. What would they feed on?" the man responded, whispering as well.

"And the land is strangely more fertile on this side," his friend added.

"Exactly!" the man remarked. "Well, I believe Cormac would have been a better leader. He even came to see us. He walks amongst us and is more conversant with us, but not the high and mighty Queen Amelia."

The man scoffed derogatorily. Cormac's friends looked at him as they also overheard the man.

"Should we-"

"Don't. We'll stir up more unrest," Cormac interrupted.

"But they just disrespected the crown," one said.

"And do what?" another interjected. "He spoke the truth."

"Don't let them hear you as well, Maxine."

"Or what?" she replied challengingly.

"Enough, everyone. I don't want to hear another word on this matter again," Cormac said fiercely, then he started walking away from there.

"Where are you going?" one of them asked.

"The fortress, dummy," Maxine replied, rolling her eyes as she shook her head.

They escorted him to a certain extent but stopped along the way. But as they walked, some of the humans glared hatefully at him. He ignored them knowing they were just pained.

They finally left downtown Rivendell and were close to the fortress.

"I'll see you all in the near future," he said as he walked in through the first gate, leaving his friends there.

He walked into the great hall and met no one there. He furrowed his brow as he expected to see Amelia there. Then he heard footsteps approaching. He soon found out that it was Jasper walking to the great hall from a different entryway.

"My Lord," Jasper bowed.

"Where's the Queen and the elders?" Cormac inquired.

"At the great hall, my Lord. They went there not quite long ago," Jasper answered.

Cormac nodded and hastily made his way there, following the path that led to it underground. He met guards at the door and they bowed to him. One of them pulled a lever which opened the doors and he walked in hastily but gallantly.

The eyes of everyone were on him as he walked in.

"Glad you could finally join us today, brother," Amelia said. He bowed in response and sat down.

"Like I was saying before the intrusion. We have never been breached in such a manner for centuries. The last time such happened was during the Great wars. I strongly believe that the werewolves are responsible," Lord Xander said.

"I strongly believe so. They aren't hindered from passing through, so what stops them from launching such an attack?" Fiala said.

"But this is a first of its kind. How did the werewolves get the mages to do such a thing? It isn't regular with their mode of action," Lord Deren said.

"I know you've had very long years of experience than we all, but what if things may be different now?" Lord Xander responded.

"I think you're right. Yes, you are Lord Xander. They fear that we have an edge over them. They fear that Aleena is on our side. We need to find a way to get her back by all means," Amelia said.

"Her being here is the reason why we are in this mess in the first place, Your Sovereign. We shouldn't bother wasting resources trying to bring back the trouble we've been helped to get rid of," Lord Kristoff said.

"How can you think she's trouble?" Amelia asked furiously. "With her on our side, we have the advantage."

"We've always had the advantage, Your Sovereign. The only reason we seem limited is because of the barrier. We don't need her for any reason," Lord Xander said.

Cormac sat back and listened to them as they went back and forth about Aleena. He began getting annoyed and frustrated at their bickering.

"Enough!" he yelled. They all quieted down, surprised at his outburst. He looked at everyone with anger in his eyes.

"Have you ever thought about what the people are going through? Hmm? They are in distress and need their leaders to provide comfort and assure them of their security," he said. They arrogantly rolled their eyes, despising what he said.

"I want Aleena back as well, Sister. But I know she will be fine. She's tougher than she looks. But for now, our priority should be to bring succor to our subjects," Cormac said to Amelia.

"He is right," Lord Deren concurred.

"Well, I determine what is priority, and I say finding Aleena is our priority," Amelia responded. Cormac shook his head in disbelief as he chuckled softly.

"Why is finding Aleena so important to you, Your Sovereign? This is becoming an obsession," Lord Deren inquired, looking keenly at her.

Amelia kept quiet for a bit, looking away.

"Just know that it's for our good," she replied.

Cormac knew there was something more. And it couldn't be a wildly acceptable thing.

After the meeting, Cormac was headed back to his chamber when Caspian stuck his whistle at him. So he walked toward Caspian.

"I think there's a way we can find Aleena," Caspian said.

"Really? How?" Cormac asked.

Someone in a red cloak emerged from a corner

. Taking off the hood, the person bowed.

"I am Mara."