• Laith Taher 171

Chapter Twenty-Four

Gilbert and his companions returned from their journey to
Cintana carrying a huge burden. How could he tell Adrian’s
family and other people about the torture Adrian had been
subjected to, and the way he had died?
As he reached the quarters of the Prouds, Gilbert
headed immediately to Leader Addison’s house, where the
tribe’s knights and senior figures gathered.
“Tell us the good news, Gilbert. Is our son all
right?” said Addison as his heartbeat accelerated.
The leader’s soul was like a barren desert, and good
news about his son was the rain that would bring it back to
life.
Gilbert sighed and remained silent.
“Why are you silent, Gilbert?” asked the leader who
started to panic.
Left with no choice but to tell the truth, sad Gilbert
said, “I am sorry, Addison, your son was double-crossed by
Harlem, son of Matthew, who tortured him for nearly a
week until he killed him.”
Have I led my son to death when I insisted on
fighting Matthew? was the first thought that crossed Leader
Addison’s mind.