"You know, the king has not said anything yet about the missing fabric," Chief Silas said, pouring himself a full glass of alcohol. "I just hope he does what we want him to do."
"Do not worry, my friend," Chief Adrian replied calmly as he raised his own cup. "He will. The king always takes his time before making decisions. This is no different."
"I know," Silas said, taking a long drink, "but this time he is taking too long. I fear the plan may fail. Perhaps we should consider another strategy."
"No," Adrian said firmly, a crooked smile forming on his lips. "This one will work. It only needs patience. Do you remember what happened to Lord Sebastian? It took time, but we eventually put him in his place."
The two men burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the room as the alcohol clouded their judgment.
The following day, King Alexander summoned the lords and chiefs for a meeting.
"I have made my decision," the king announced. "Chief Monroe will spy on the borders so we may discover the true source of this problem."
"I have written a letter to King Amir," Chief Adrian said, stepping forward. "Chief Monroe will take refuge in his palace during the mission. I received a reply this morning confirming his agreement." He handed the letter to King Alexander.
"And I have selected our best soldiers to accompany Chief Monroe," Chief Silas added. "Since the attacks usually happen near the river, I believe it would be safer to take the route close to the mango trees. There will be fewer ambushes there. I have also drawn a map of the route." He presented it to the king.
"That is wise thinking, Chief Silas," King Alexander said. "You have my appreciation." He turned to Monroe. "Do you have any objections to this mission?"
"No, Your Majesty," Chief Monroe replied confidently. "I will do everything within my power to uncover those responsible."
"Very well," the king said. "You will depart the day after tomorrow. Prepare yourselves. This meeting is adjourned."
Chief Adrian and Chief Silas returned to Adrian's house, unable to hide their excitement. They drank deep into the night, celebrating what they believed to be a flawless plan.
Chief Monroe, on the other hand, returned home and informed his wife of the mission.
"I have asked the maids to pack your belongings," Ruby said softly, worry written all over her face. "But, my dear, I do not have a good feeling about this."
"You worry too much," Monroe said gently, lifting her chin. "You are thinking about what happened to Lord Sebastian. I will be with the best soldiers, and both King Alexander and King Amir stand behind me. There is nothing to fear."
"Perhaps you are right," Ruby said after a pause. "King Alexander values you greatly, and you will be staying in King Amir's palace. I suppose there is nothing to worry about."
"That's more like it," Monroe said with a smile. "Now, give me a hug."
She stepped into his arms, holding him tightly, as though her heart already sensed what was to come.
The day of the mission arrived. Soldiers stood ready, horses were prepared, and weapons were inspected. King Alexander personally ensured that nothing was lacking. Chief Monroe was fully prepared, but Ruby remained uneasy, whispering silent prayers as she watched them depart.
Three days passed.
There was no word.
The palace fell into unease. Never before had a chief gone on a mission without sending news. King Alexander immediately wrote to King Amir—but received no reply. Troubled, he decided to travel to King Amir's kingdom himself.
After three days of travel, King Alexander arrived. During their discussion, a shocking truth emerged.
"There was never a letter sent to my kingdom regarding missing fabric," King Amir said. "Nor was there any request for Chief Monroe to stay in my palace. All twenty carriages of fabric were returned safely to my kingdom."
"How is that possible?" King Alexander asked in disbelief. "Only ten reached us. My people are suffering because of this shortage. We also received a letter—one bearing your seal—agreeing to host Chief Monroe."
"That is impossible," King Amir said firmly. "I never received any letter from you. How could I reply to something I never saw? This must be a conspiracy."
King Alexander's heart sank.
"If that is the case," he said slowly, "then Chief Monroe and the soldiers… they are missing."
"I understand how you feel," King Amir said solemnly. "I will help you uncover the truth. We will find Chief Monroe and the soldiers."
King Alexander returned home in despair. First Lord Sebastian. Now Chief Monroe.
A terrifying thought crossed his mind.
Who will be next?