章 21: Eveline
It was hard to keep the tremor from my hands and calm my heart as I walked briskly to Lynwood Manor. I passed a few Guardians that wouldn't make eye contact with me as well as two of the Phoenix Guard. Their armor was such a drastic contrast from the realm's that it made me stiffen in surprise. Dark plate metal armor with winged helmets that had dark purple plumes and matching purple tunics with a Phoenix rampant. It was also easy to see why some regarded them as saviors with the look. I saw them more as fallen Angel's.
Two of his guard stood outside with unreadable expressions.
"Is Lord Lynwood here? I was sent to see him as well as his daughter. I'm Swordsmaster Eveline."
They exchanged looks before uncrossing their pikes and opening the two large oak doors. I was seen in by a servant who led me to the dining room where an elder man sat with a young girl.
"My lord, Lady Eveline-"
"Swordsmaster," I corrected quietly.
"Swordsmaster Eveline!" He corrected quickly.
The lord looked up looking indifferent and gestured to an open chair opposite of him. My worry grew as I tried to keep pressing forward with my plan.
"The first lady guardian in years turned out to be the first ever Swordsmaster-impressive," he said evenly still refusing to look at me straight on.
He took a bite of his bread.
"Have you ate yet?"
"Nay, lord Lynwood."
A small smile played on his face. "Please. Call me Michael and this is my daughter Cassandra that I wrote to you in regards about. I know its unusual after two or three generations for the gene to still be prominent, but I promise you didn't make this trip for nothing."
Cassandra was dressed in a men's tailored dark purple button up top with unruly mid length brown hair and green blue eyes that showed determination. I really hoped she had the gene, bit I did have my guard ideals of her joining with her father raising his own guard. I wanted to keep corruption as far from our gates and my pupils as possible. Granted, the likelihood of a young girl starting such a cause was highly unlikely.
"I admit, Lo-Michael, I was looking forward to meeting your daughter as she could be the next girl in the Nephelium program or even just in the Guardian program. Thank you for allowing her this opportunity."
"Who am I to stand in the way of her dream. Now allow me to have someone bring you some food."
He called for a servant who rushed to get me a plate of eggs and oatmeal. As I waited, another of his guard came in. My blood ran cold when he removed his helmet with his one good hand and his stump. He was alive. Maverick. He had fresh healing gashes on his cheek.
"UNCLE!" squealed Cassandra happily. "You came."
He looked at me and stiffened his small pupils dilating as we locked eyes for serval moments. My blood ran cold as I tried to stay calm. I didn't realize he was related to the Lynwood line.
He gave her a small kiss on the top of her head.
"I'll come see you later," he said stiffly. "I didn't realize you had company. Forgive me."
He left without another word and a cold silence fell in the room. My food was served and I quickly shoveled it down trying to have an excuse for my own silence as my mind reeled. He was alive. He was alive and part of the private guard force of Timberfell. My stomach turned.
"Sorry for my nephew's intrusion," he said after long heavy silence.
I forced a smile to my face. "It is not a problem."
"As you see, I've added some of my own men on as guards here. Helps keep things orderly."
"I think its wonderful," I lied. "If you don't mind, Michael, I would like to do the test and head on for the final candidate while the weather holds."
"Of course."
I took my dagger from my side and handed it to her. She took it and with no hesitation made a small cut on the center of her left palm. I watched and it miraculously healed. I let out a sigh of relief.
"I look forward to seeing you in a year, Cassandra. Thank you for your hospitality, Michael."
"My pleasure," he said evenly.
My skin seemed to crawl as I left. I was a bit uneasy with how easily he let me leave. Why didn't Maverick say anything? It wasn't like him not to cause a scene. Perhaps his uncle had finally got through to him, but the who thing still made my gut clench. I needed to get back to Reytor.
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