Audrey and Kareem sat down at the table. The only sign of their nerves was the slight sheen of sweat on Kareem’s brow.
The table was set for 3, but the food that was set out could have fed a small army, but prepared in such glamour for a king. It wasn’t that they couldn’t have such grandeur them selves, it was just they tried to show some modesty in their home, it kept the servants happier when you didn’t rub their noses in it.
The curtains on the other side of the room opened quickly when a thin, gaunt man walked in. Audrey and Kareem both stood quickly. Audrey performed a perfect curtsy, and Kareem a low and perfect bow.
“Majesty, you honor us with this invitation to dine,” Kareem said with neigh a crack in his voice.
With a voice that conveyed power and strength, contrary to what stood before them the ThriKing said, “Please sit, eat and discuss.”
Audrey just nibbled at her food, and Kareem ate just enough to be polite when the ThriKing finally spoke. They knew he wanted something from them, but after what he had already taken, what more could he ask for?
After a short time but what felt like an eternity the ThriKing leaned back in his chair and put his feet on the table. He then started to pick at a piece of meat stuck in his teeth with a small bone taken from the same carcass.
“Let’s first speak of your eldest son. You know why I did what I did? You know that I can’t take any chances? Prophecies are a fickle thing, and over the centuries I have learned not to take any more than necessary. As I promised you and as a favor to your loyal and noble house I did not kill him. I just sent him where he can’t hurt me…” He paused for just a second and almost looked abashed… “I admit, the finger was a show of power. I could have taken a lock of his hair, or even some toe nails, anything from his body would have done fine, but I want him to look at the missing appendage and wonder why such an event occurred, and maybe stay still, quiet, and happy in a life far from here.”
The ThriKing knew he was safe with his own thoughts here, neither of them would dare read them, and a good thing too, cause only he knew where he sent their boy, where no one could survive.
Audrey’s eyes filled with tears, from anger or sadness we could not know. Sensing the potential danger Kareem quickly spoke up, “We could not hope to understand the weaves of time and prophecy as such a venerable and wise one such as yourself. We thank you with our humble hearts for sparing his life, Majesty.”
Audrey’s emotional state completely ignored, the ThriKing continued, “Good, good. I have matters to attend to, so I will get to the point. I have use for your…” he emphasized his next word showing that he has been keeping an eye on them and knows everything…“gifted, triplets boys. The three that you have been training as psionic assassins…”