See Chapter 1 for disclaimer and etc.


Hadrian couldn't get over the fact that Royce seemed distracted by something, something was on his old partners mind, the thing is what? Royce had never been one to show any emotions. He could remember only a handful of times where Royce had showed emotions, the recent ones was when he thought he wouldn't be a good father to Mercy, he was scared by the thought. And what he had said in the hall. Hadrian could tell the changes in his friend. Some he could tell he was trying to be the man, that Gwen had wanted to be. And who Royce always wanted to be if he had ever had the chance before now.

Hadrian had been watching Mercy and Allie play. Arista and Modina talking them. In a few hours it was dark. And everyone fell asleep Hadrian and Arista sleeping in their chamber. Mercy and Allie were in the chamber with Modina.

No one knew that Royce was gone til morning.


Suddenly the alarm sounded Hadrian was on his feet. It was morning why did the alarm sound? What was going on? Footsteps were heard in the hall.

"Sir Hadrian! Sir Hadrian!" The guard yelled. Hadrian opened the chamber door

"What's wrong? Why did the alarm sound?" Hadrian asked.

"The Princess Mercedes, is in distress." The guard said.

"Why? How?" Hadrian responded voice hard cold. Just then Breckton, Amelia, and Modina came up with Mercy and Ally and four guards. Mercedes was crying. Hadrian went to her.

"What's wrong dear?" Hadrian asked.

"Daddy is gone, my Daddy is gone, he isn't here. I can't find him..." Mercy said.

"I'm sure he is just outside somewhere." Hadrian said trying to comfort the girl. Breckton broke that hope, with his next words.

"Hadrian, the chamber was practically torn apart, there was a glass of wine on the floor. And a jug of wine on the table open."

Hadrian froze there was no way Royce trash the chamber and there's currently no way he would waste his favorite wine.

"You suggest that someone put a drug in the wine that not even Royce could see?" Hadrian asked and as soon as he did, he knew the answer to that. Yes someone would have too. But who? And how had they gotten the chance? No one even knew that Royce was here except a select few and even then no one knew of his coming... damn... Not even Hadrian himself had known...

"Search Everywhere. We will find Royce. And someone find me Myron! No better yet I will find him myself." Hadrian said walking off.

The guards and everyone looked for Royce but had no luck. Hadrian soon found Myron, and the monk answered his questions, they then went together to talk with the elves that had come to escort Royce and his daughter, they knew nothing...

"At least we know one thing about this whole mess.." Hadrian said to Myron, Arista and the others as soon as they met up.

"And What's That?" Marvin asked for all of them.

"Royce is still alive." Everyone nodded and agreed with that, the king of the elves was still alive and that was the One good thing out of all of this...


Note: How could they possibly know Royce is still alive, you may ask well after reading all the books of this world including the Age Of Myth & Swords. The Fane is the ruler of everyone (elves) right? The Fane is the only one that can kill other elves unless the current Fane grants someone Ferrol's blessing, the Fane or king currently is Royce. I figured that since Royce is the Fane, and you know all the current rules of the elves are those described in Age of Myth &Swords as well as in Heir Of Novron, that if someone killed Royce the elves would either go on a killing rampage again or Mercy would be the new Fane, with a new challenge. I think at least... Anyway that is how I'm currently thinking if it's wrong let me know, as I certainly don't want to have false information in my thoughts... As I truly love these wonderful characters.

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Thank you all for reading!