Chapter 73

Ryder's POV

I paused in my seat, my hands gripping tight around my staff as I tried to process what Elder Parker had just said. The more I tried to reason it, the more it sounded like a joke to me. How could one of the most respected elders in the council be dead? Was he sure about what he was saying?

"I really do not like these kind of jokes, Elder Parker," I said, my voice stern as a small frown settled on my face. "And besides this is not the time to make that kind of silly joke."

"But I speak the truth, King Ryd--" Elder Parker made to say but I immediately cut him short.

"We wait for the last elder to arrive before we start the meeting," I said, not want to believe a word from the elders mouth. "We won't have a meeting until he's here."

"Elder Parker speaks the truth, King Ryder." I turned to Elder Vernon who had just spoke and saw a sad look on his face. He shook his head as a small sigh escaped his lips before continuing, "Elder Parker met me this morning and explained to m