Sins of the Father

"You said your father was dead," Paula said, staring at the older of the two men.

"I know, I lied to you," Veedi said. "These two fled to the Tree Gnome Village after my mother threw them both out, they tried to steal her inheritance from the restaurant's earnings."

"Come on Veedi, I'm your brother," said the younger of the two.

"I don't want to hear it Stanley; excuses, excuses, excuses," Veedi snapped.

"Let me explain Veedi, King Boelryn's been kind enough to let us stay," said the older man.

"Thank you for your kind words Arthur, but I think I should intervene," King Boelryn said. "Veedi, Paula, Ronthin, during your absence I learnt that. Excuse me."

Boelryn wiped his eyes with a handkerchief. Clearly saddened, he took a deep breath and tried to continue.

"I've learnt that our cousins at the Tree Gnome Village have just suffered the most devestating of attacks. Your father and brother are amongst a dozen survivors. It was the humans, they managed to break into the maze," Boelryn continued, still horrified at the news.