The council chamber was full and loud.
I sat on the throne at the top of the dais.
“Sire, my name is Mened. I am the Duke of Arynthia. It would be an honor to serve on the council of Celentra.” He bowed low, but his eyes scanned the room as if he were looking for something. An opening, a moment. The same look Sil wore.
“Mened, you speak like you are loyal, but your eyes do not. I am looking for members of the council who are one with the people. Not eyes above them.”
“But Sire, a people cannot govern themselves.” He lifted his chin.
“The people will be governed by a council that is a part of them. “See yourself out of my court before I see you out with guards,” I stated coldly.
“Very well, Sire.” He backed away, his cloak sweeping the ground as he walked out of the chamber
Next, a man walked up, covered head to toe in dirt. He wore worn clothes and carried a simple straw hat in his shaking hands. “Sire,” he bowed low, “I come to ask to be a part of your council. I am not a noble.”
He lifted his head slightly. “But I have seen what this freeze has done to our people. I only want to help the people of Celentra to have the life they deserve.” He lifted his eyes to mine. “I am a farmer from Arynthia, and I would devote my life to Celentra’s needs.”
I like him. Kathera’s voice flooded my mind. I felt her warmth through the bond, as the smell of roses flooded me.
“What is your name?” I asked the farmer whose hands seemed to shake slightly.
“Garrett, sire.” He said, and stood up straighter, dusting off his tunic.
I leaned in, my elbow on my knee. “Why do you shake, Garrett?”
“My body hasn’t been the same since the freeze. My body moves on its own, but it doesn’t affect my judgment.” His hands still shook, but he seemed steady.
“Tell me one thing you love most about Celentra.” I sat back.
He swallowed. “Of all the things I have seen throughout all of my years, the people of Celentra are the strength of the Empire. We endure, we grow, and we change.”
“Garrett?” I asked simply.
He looked at me, his eyes steady.“Yes?”
“You are now a member of the council. Report here tomorrow morning; you will help us pick the rest of the council.”
“Sire?” His voice was stronger than before.
“Garrett.”
“You need to know something.”
“What?”
“On my way here, I passed through Saminda. A group is gathering there, calling themselves the Soldiers of the Dark Awakening. I believe they may pose a threat, Sire.”
I raised a brow; I already knew of the threat. “Thank you, Garrett. It appears we need to find the rest of our council quickly,” I stated.