A MAZE OF GREED

One of the members of the Council opened the file in front of him. He fixed his glasses while running his fingers on the first page of the file. He then started listing every point of events that happened over the last three months that had blown away their periods of sleep in the nights.

"Around three months ago, we first found a dead body of a woodcutter in the woods around the Vincardine. It was torn at places, brutally mutilated. The body was drained out of blood, not a single drop of blood was left in it. We have noted the details and the physicians have already submitted the reports of their findings.

But there is not much that we can understand. This was a strange event as we haven't witnessed anything like this before.

We then found a second body of an old woman who lived on the outskirts of Vincardine. Her dead body was also not in a better condition than the previous one. Then we found two more and now the fifth one."

The man stopped to look at others. No one said a word but Barrett Addington, the head of the council, watched every face present in the room keenly.

"From the marks on the dead bodies, I think it must be some wild animal. The marks of teeth on the flesh confirms the prediction." Mr Wright said while turning in his chair uneasily.

Another council member replied, "Which animal drinks only human blood till the last drop and leaves the dead body behind without addressing its hunger?"

That made Mr Wright clip his mouth. He also knew that his trial was fruitless but he had to do everything to convince the Council that it was not some serious issue and they should let the O'Dell family investigate it further.

"Lord O'Dell, people are worried and scared. Other towns are afraid that if Vincardine has to face such a problem then they will also face it sooner or later. Whenever they need help they turn to the O'Dells. But what if the mighty O'Dells can't protect their people?" The third council member shot a disappointing glare at Augustus.

Edwin clenched his hand under the table while his breaths became ragged. He didn't open his mouth till now since the beginning of the meeting. He only sat there listening to everything because of two reasons. First, he was told to do so by his uncle and second, he didn't know what to say.

Lester noticed his friend's distress and he subtly covered his hand under the table to calm Edwin. Edwin glanced through the corner of his eyes to see Lester nodding at him, saying to control himself.

"I understand your concern. But let me assure you that we are the O'Dells. Our forefather, George O'Dell Sr, established this town of Vincardine. And since then we have ruled this region and have protected our people. Our family have made many sacrifices for our people and we will not hesitate to do them again." Augustus said with a firm voice.

The members of the Council knew that if they continue to bother him then it would not turn out good for them. But the head of the Council stared into Augustus's silver-grey eyes unwaveringly.

"So what do you suggest to do, Lord Augustus?" Barrett Addington asked. "Or should I ask this question to Edwin O'Dell as he is your successor. And we should give a fair opportunity to the new generation as they are innovative, smarter and better than the old ones. That's what I believe, don't you agree Lord Augustus, Lord Wright?"

Agustus's jaw clicked in irritation as he knew that Barrett was provoking him.

"Yes, you are right, Sir Addington!" Mr Wright cast a look at his son with a smile sharing Barret's thoughts because of Lester.

Barrett Addington smirked then turned to look at tensed Edwin. "What are your thoughts on this Edwin?"

Lester tightened his hand on Edwin's which he didn't move the whole time. He knew how hard this was for his friend. Everyone was aware of Edwin's short-tempered attitude. Some even found him as a strange rich man who sometimes acted bipolar. He was cold cucumber a minute and the next he was burning lava. He was an unpredictable young man.

Though people feared him because of this, Lester knew that this was his weakness too. Edwin had gotten himself in trouble numerous times because of his short-tempered attitude.

He already had so much on his plate and Lester didn't want anything more for Edwin. That was the reason why he persuaded his father to let him accompany him to this meeting. Lester had to take out time from his work but he knew how important it was.

"With all due respect to the Council and its members, I think you should trust the O'Dell family's values and will to protect their people. I request you to let us handle this issue and give us some time to investigate the matter in details. I am sure we will soon find out the solution to this issue." Edwin said with a controlled tone, looking straight at the head of the Council.

Barrett Addington stared at the young blood of the O'Dell family for a minute longer. "And what if you fail to do so?" He cocked his brow.

Now the four men, excluding the Council members looked troubled at the question. Augustus mentally prayed that his nephew would not say something that would make him regret it later.

"The O'Dells will take the responsibility of these unfortunate events in front of the King." Edwin declared with determination.

Every pair of eyes looked at him in surprise as this was the first time that any problem had the O'Dells at this point where they were ready to put their status at stake.

"Hmm... very well then. I will not inform the King about this... not for now.. But if you fail to clean up this mess then I am afraid that I will need to involve the Crown in this matter."