Lord Protector novel (Zeke Williams) novel Chapter 1603

Jaddaeus stared at Manny. “Do you think that we would be able to stop him with our current manpower? Instead of letting him slaughter his way in, why not do it without any violence?”

Manny nodded resignedly. “Yes, sir.”

Several moments later, he returned leading Zeke and his party who were looking equally confused.

Did I knock some sense into them the last time I was here? It's uncharacteristically courteous of them.

Jaddaeus was already standing at the entrance ready to receive his guests. When Zeke and his party appeared, Jaddaeus ran forward at once to greet them.

“Welcome, Great Marshal. Apologies for keeping you waiting. This way, please.”

Zeke frowned, his suspicions deepening.

If I recall correctly, Jaddaeus declared himself a sworn enemy of mine the last time we met. He must have an ulterior motive for bowing and appeasing me like that.

Zeke and his party allowed themselves to be led indoors and seated.

“I am the Great Marshal of Eurasia, the wielder of the Dragon King Sword,” Zeke proclaimed. “You are unworthy to receive me. Have your patriarch come out to meet me instead.”

Jaddaeus appeared conflicted. “Apologies, Great Marshal. Mr. Carter is currently undergoing solitary training and does not wish to be disturbed. That is why he has sent me here instead.”

“If that's the case,” Zeke answered, “I won't force the issue. You, however, are not worthy to be seated next to me like an equal. Remain on your feet and make us some tea.”

Da*n you! But I must play along to ensure the success of the bigger picture.

Jaddaeus bit back his retort with great effort and did as Zeke ordered.

“Mr. Williams,” he said with forced politeness. “The valerian leaves we have here is a family heirloom that had been our possession for centuries which is found nowhere else in the world. As an honored guest to our home, it would be my pleasure to brew you a cup for your enjoyment.”

Tyler regarded Jaddaeus with skepticism as he took the box and sniffed loudly.

“Of course, it is, good sir.” Jaddaeus turned to address Tyler pleasantly. “There is an interesting story behind our acquisition of these leaves, by the way. To make sense of the legend, we must first travel back three centuries up to our lineage...”

“It's true!” Tyler shouted joyfully with tears in his eyes, not hearing a word Jaddaeus had said. “It's real valerian! And the purity of it, mmm! How thoughtful of you and your family, Mr. Carter! Hurry up and brew us a pot, I can't wait to sample this!”

Zeke stared in astonishment.

How gullible he to be distracted so easily from the task at hand by a box of tea leaves!

“Of course, we can, good sir,” Jaddaeus replied with a smile. “We'll revisit the fascinating tale of our heirloom while savoring it, shall we?”

As he went over the story with excruciating detail, he summoned his tea mistress to prepare the tea.

While Tyler was spellbound by the exploits of ancient Carters, Zeke's sense of unease began to grow.

Why does it feel like Jaddaeus is stalling for time? There are hardly any Carters in sight the entire time I've been here. This doesn't look right. It's usually bustling with activity here. Jaddaeus must be distracting us from something else they are up to.

Zeke stood up. “How brazen of you to be playing us for fools, Jaddaeus. Enough games, I am ordering you to have your patriarch meet me now.”

With his deception so easily pierced, Jaddaeus was near tears in despair though he somehow still managed to keep his cool.

“What do you mean, Great Marshal? I am doing the best I can to be a good host to you and your people. Why would you assume that I am-”

Before he finished his sentence, Zeke's fist flew out and stopped an inch before Jaddaeus chest.

Though Zeke did not strike Jaddaeus, the shockwave from the strike itself sent him flying back.

Jaddaeus crashed into the wall and skidded.