บท 71: Prisoner
Zoar had been distant since the ball and Lyolis felt saddened since discovering that Tonsi was aware of her father's involvement in the tournament, and so, it was a surprise to find the blueish-purple orchids sitting in a vase by her bed, the kind only found in Totem:
I hope this reminds you of home
I'm sorry for not telling you.
Please forgive me.
Tonsi
Lyolis threw the white and golden sparkling card aside. Crossing her arms, sitting upright, and swallowed between thick goose-feather blankets, still covered in her white nightgown.
"Forgive you," she muttered, her nose catching the sweet, berry fragrance wafting off the flowers. Even though she felt more at home, her heart still weighed heavy. "She should've told me." The words were directed at the orchids.
The door to her enormous room swung open, allowing light from the stairway to greet the sunlight through the white curtains of her windows. Her mother and father appeared in an oddly good mood.
"My dear, are you still sleeping? It's midday and we can't have you looking like that … Weebert Womberwheel, his wife and daughters will be here this evening. You must look your best."
"What?" Lyolis words were sharper than intended. She glared at the orchids. That's why you've sent these … to soften me up … well it won't work!
Leofort gave a loud, bellow. He was in the best mood she'd seen since losing their Brusk. His eyes dazzling brightly, wearing his bear-head crown and fresh hide and trousers like he'd carved them from a deer that morning. Lyseria matched him though wore a smaller bear-head crown and a hide-made dress instead.
"This is great news for Totem. And one of the reason why we've come." The Chief laughed loud and obnoxiously, grabbing his belly. "That is, if everything goes according to plan." Lyseria glared at Leofort as though he'd said to much. He and turned his attention on the purplish-blue flowers. "Oh, where did these come from?"
"What plan?" Lyolis asked, tightening her arms. "The womberwheels are as ruthless as all the pioneers … "
Lyseria bent down and picked the card from the crowd, reading it slowly. A devilish look in her eye. "What is this?" She held up the letter intrigued.
As much as Lyolis tried, she could never put a lie past her mother. Lyseria watched her like a lioness over her cub, and since her birth, read her like a book. Every move she cautiously made. Every thought she conjured. And every breath that drew through her lips, Lyseria was there, watching and listening.
She grabbed her pillow and squeezed. "The Womberwheels are creating weapons for the tournament … Likely the same ones that are being given to the Howl King." She placed her face into the pillow, unable to bring herself to see their reactions.
Lyseria's nose wrinkled, a hiss in her tone, "you must keep your accusations to yourself, Dear … speaking so foolishly could create another enemy."
"If he's not already an enemy," Lyolis said, voice muffled. She lifted her eyes from the pillow, they glowed like golden gems, watching their estranged expression Lyolis had to make them listen. Had to make them hear the truth. "Weebert is not only supplying our enemies, but he is in league with the Mayor;
"Enough!" Her mother ripped the letter. "I don't know what games you and your friend are playing, but they need to stop before they destroy."
"Your mother is correct … we are not safe in the house of the invaders," Leofort said. They didn't agree on much of anything except when scolding her. He drew a flower from the vase, twirling in between his fingertips, and gently pressing it t his nose. The great Chief longed for his return, Lyolis could see it in his relaxed posture. Reminded of home as she was when smelling the sweet, berry fragrance. "And we are no closer to find Brusk'Kab
Words bursted through her lips, "I believe the Mayor has taken our Brusk ... He holds her prisoner, under his spell. You must confront him."
The chief tilted his head down. The grizzly-head crown watched her, glaring through black, rounded eyes, looking into her soul. The former Brusk who died before she was born.The greatest and most fierce of them all, her people said. Komian, the battlebear, they called her. Leofort had her by his side when they defeated the howl Chief, together silencing the howls of the pack.
"You disappoint me daughter. We're a guest inside his house. To speak so foolish could be our downfall." The bears head shook, then lifted, and Lyolis found her father's face once more, cloaked in sadness. He looked to Lyseria, her furrowed eyebrows and narrow golden eyes far more threatening than the bear-skulled crown crested on her head. "We cannot allow such a wild tongue tonight … Do see that you rid us of her presence."
Lyolis threw the pillow, slipped from the covers, and leapt to her feet. She felt warm, like beast blood streaming through her veins, heating up her skin.
"Rid me?" She spoke harshly. "I am not a feral dog to silence when I bite … I speak the truth, but you're both too blind to see it—"
"You will not speak again, child!" Her mother waved a hand with nails sharp as claws. "We will not hear another word." Her hair whipped as she turned. "Come along, Chief … we've got an engagement to plan."
"Mother!" Lyolis took long, grizzly breaths. "You can not lock me up in here."
Lyseria stopped, though did not face her. Even with her back turned her voice rang, "who said anything about you staying here?" And with that, they left without another word.
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง