Chapter 3: Councilmen
After interrupting the discussion, an older man approached and joined their conversation. He had a balding head, with silver hair on the edges like a bird's nest.
"Councilman Alders." greeted Rika as she made room to include the councilman into their discussion. Rika's eyes brightened as her thoughts invariably turned to the memory of a young man who stood valiantly in front of her facing an oncoming horde.
"Mr. Alders, when can I meet with Zarek? Has he been getting my letters? I want to confirm a few things with him and now that I have risen in rank, I believe I have met the expectations of the Council."
"Lady Rika, Zarek is quite the lucky man. Who else can say he has a Grade A looking out for him? It is almost incomprehensible that such a young and charming woman like yourself doesn't consider any other suitors for your affections. It is almost as if the man has monopolized your thoughts. Please consider that you are the rising star of Eagle Street and your status alone should dictate who you associate with."
Observing the rising glint of anger in Rika's eyes, the old man quickly switched tactics. "Of course, the Council has been watching out for Zarek and he has been doing very well in the defense of our city. I will look into it personally as to why he isn't replying to your letters. Maybe he is busy with all the training he is being provided, just as you were busy trying to break through."
Rika considered the councilman's words and was about to reply when she noticed a young man entering the hall. The young man had flowing gold hair and was quite handsome. Shooting a knowing glance at Mr. Alders, Rika remarked, "Excuse me, I have some other things I have to do." Saying so, Rika walked to a side door in the hall and escaped quickly.
Lord Darius chuckled appreciatively at Rika's disappearing act while throwing a side glance at the somewhat peeved looking councilman.
The young man caught sight of the disappearing Rika as she escaped through a door and he quick walked over to the councilman, before hurriedly bowing to the two Grade As in accordance to protocol and said, "Grandfather, I hurried over when I got your message. Where is Rika going? I wanted to congratulate her and brought her a gift."
"Gentlemen, please excuse me. I must speak with my grandson." The councilman guided his grandson to the back of the hall.
Watching them leave, Darius turned to Gerris and said, "Gerris, you haven't said a word and I noticed a certain look in your eye whenever you interact with Rika. What say you, son?"
The blond-haired man smirked and said, "The councilman reaches too far trying to set up his grandson with a Grade A. Only another Grade deserves someone like Rika. I would throw back the councilman's own words to his face regarding status but I find it disparaging to deal with such an uncouth fool."
Darius laughed and said, "Gerris, the real reason why you didn't say such a thing was because you didn't want to risk your benefits from the council. I think you have your work cut out for you though, hearing about this Zarek character. Rika's actions speak for themselves in regards to how she feels for the boy."
Gerris laughed with derision, "You really think I care about some boy who can't even reach the most basic F power tier? He can at most watch from afar and look up to us Grade A. There is one good thing about uncouth fellows like Alders…he is willing to get his hands dirty to achieve his goals. Seeing how he has kept Rika from seeing this Zarek for so long, I'm sure he will have other plans in place. In Eagle Street , power always prevails and schemes are for the riff-raff catering to the powerful. Let the ants play as they will."
Darius watched as Gerris flicked his sleeve at the end of his words and exited the hall. Darius whispered to himself, "Friend, we were all once so weak. What happened to the man who fought desperately together with me just a few years ago? If it weren't for the fact that I could create enhance pills, would you still even associate with me?"
Alders, seeing Darius leave the hall, turned to his grandson and admonished him, "Gabriel, how will you even have a chance of winning Rika's heart if she runs at the mere sight of you?"
"Grandfather, I have followed your instructions, but ever since I spoke some unkind words regarding Zarek, she can't even stand to be in my presence."
Alders sneered and said, "How can that girl be so blindly infatuated? No matter, we just have to approach this problem in a different direction. We need to get rid of Zarek. His orders were already sent out, but it isn't too late to change the directive to have his squad sent to Trebz."
Thorne's eyes widened in shock, "But, if Rika finds out we sent Zarek to a Juggernaut's territory…plus she can probably find the report that the squad that was confirmed eliminated was sent there…"
"Don't mind that, I will think up some excuse and appear contrite and apologize when the news comes down of his demise. I will make sure a subordinate of mine sends the change in orders and pass it off as a miscommunication. In the meantime, you lay low and don't go around Rika until everything passes. This way she won't take it out on you."
Thinking of the beautiful Rika, Thornenodded his head and said, "Ok, I will follow your lead."
"My rivals on the council will have to think twice before going against me once I have a Grade A as a part of my family." Thoughts of gaining more power swirled a beautiful dance in Alders mind as he trotted off to speak with other influential citizens of Eagle Street .
"Now arriving: M.D. Please watch your step."