151. Adam In Trouble

151. Adam In Trouble

“We are sorry for calling you so late, Sonarot,” the Chief said.

“It is always my pleasure to be called by the Chief and Great Elders,” Sonarot said, noting that Elder Peace and Elder Gold who sat beside him.

“We waited until after you had finished eating to call for you, so I hope that it is not a bother,” the Chief said.

“It is no bother,” Sonarot said, taking a seat opposite the three of them. “How may I assist you?”

“We had heard news some time ago that Adam spoke our tongue,” the Chief said.

“He is fluent in our tongue,” Sonarot said, confirming the Chief’s thoughts. She understood why he was asking, since Adam learning the language in such a short time to such fluency was something which no doubt alarmed them, especially due to the process of learning the language.

“We were not informed that he was learning the language,” the Chief said, staring at the woman.

“I did not know.”

“So he learnt on the road?” the Chief mused, staring at the woman.

“I do not know.”

“You did not ask?”

“I trust my son and my nieces,” Sonarot replied, firmly. “If they wished to teach Adam their tongue, then it was their decision to make.”

“It was not their decision to make,” Elder Peace said, firmly. “To teach our language to someone who was an outsider not months ago, it is not done.”

“It may have been that they had no choice but to teach him on the road due to an unforeseen situation,” Sonarot said. “He is no longer an outsider, either.”

“They have not informed us of the matter yet,” the Chief said, his voice disapproving. “Even if he is your Nephew, and that Jurot is his brother, there are steps to take.”

“I cannot tell you why they taught him the language, that is something only known to them.”

The Great Elders wondered what had possessed them to teach him their language. Was he a bad influence on them? Did he pressure them?

“Shall I call them?” Sonarot asked.

The Chief threw a look to Great Elder Peace, who nodded her head. Technically this was under the Chief’s and Great Elder Teacher’s domain, but Great Elder Peace was one of the wisest Iyrmen.

She nodded.

“You know, Elder Zijin, I can’t help but feel this is about me,” Adam said, staring at the Elder as he appeared for the second time that evening.

“Elder business,” the Elder said. “Jurot, Kitool, and Jaygak are being called.”

“I didn’t even do anything,” Jaygak said.

“That is yet to be confirmed,” Elder Zijin said.

Jaygak bit her lower lip, unsure of what she had done to be called in front of the Great Elders. She had kept her pranks tolerable, though she couldn’t help but wonder if this was because she swapped out the chilli peppers used in dinner.

‘No, they wouldn’t call me out for just that,’ she thought. ‘Was it because I tossed Raygak into the river earlier?’

Kitool elbowed the woman to stop her from thinking. “We will be informed of why we were called once we arrive.”

Adam brushed Lanarot’s hair as she sat on his lap, sucking on a cube. “Will Aunt Sonarot return?”

“Soon,” Elder Zijin promised, bowing his head.

“Alright,” Adam said, frowning as the four left.

Jaygak stood awkwardly in front of the Great Elders and the Chief. She was slightly relieved to see Sonarot’s smile, meaning that the situation wouldn’t be too serious.

“Do you know why we have called for you?”

“No,” Jurot admitted, taking the lead for the others, as he was the oldest.

“Sorry,” Adam said. “I should have told you.”

“When did you learn it?”

“I think I learnt it before I fought Amokan and Timojin.”

The Chief raised his brows in surprise, and so did Sonarot.

“That long ago?” the Chief asked.

“Yes.”

The Chief sighed. “Your secrets are too heavy to keep.”

“If you feel that the Great Elders should know, then I’ll leave that matter to you.”

“I will not tell them until you give me explicit permission, or if it is important to reveal your history to protect you.”

“I appreciate that, Chief,” Adam said, nodding his head. “I trust you Iyrmen wholeheartedly, even if that trust is not returned.”

The Chief bowed his head. “I apologise for taking your time this evening.” He approached Lanarot and brushed her hair, rubbing the top of her head. She squirmed under his touch and complained with a squeal as she hid against Adam’s chest harder.

“Why are you hiding, you silly girl?” Adam said, picking her up. “It’s the Chief.”

“You really are her brother,” the Chief said.

“Of course,” Adam said, pulling Lanarot back, pressing their cheeks together. “Can’t you see the resemblance?”

“I can tell she will be as troublesome as you in the future,” the Chief said.

“I thought Iyrmen didn’t lie?”

The Chief smiled. “It is a gut feeling.”

“How dare you condemn my little sister,” Adam said, hugging the girl and swaying from side to side. “If the Chief bullies you, Lanarot, you let me know.”

“What will you do?”

“I’ll give her the chance to bully you back, of course,” Adam said.

Jurot clenched his jaw, barely able to contain his laugh. Adam’s audacity didn’t fail to surprise him.

“I am sure you will,” the Chief said. “I will leave you to your evening.”

“Bye Chief,” Adam said, holding up Lanarot’s hand, waving at him as he left.

When the Chief finally returned to the Great Elders, they waited for his explanation.

“So?” Elder Gold asked. “Are you going to tell us that it is just as expected?”

The Chief sighed. “Yes.”

“Why does he have so many secrets?” Elder Gold grumbled.

“Perhaps he is more of an Iyrman than we thought?” the Chief said.

“Do not joke so eagerly, Chief.”

The Chief closed his eyes, thinking about how close the boy was with his sister. “No,” he said, smiling. “He is certainly more of an Iyrman than we thought.”

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The Iyrmen quickly realising just how much of a threat he really is.

Good job, Lanarot, protecting your older brother.