by M. K. Eidem
"Kur…" The God's name passed his lips when he saw not the two Supremes he expected, but four. Two Red, a Black, and a White, and with them were the Dragoons he was about to go looking for. Cai's gaze shot to Kiran, and while the Elder's head had turned just as everyone else’s in the Council Area had, there was no surprise on his face. How long had the male known?
"Calm!" Kiran finally stood and addressed the growing volume of the crowd. As he was the most powerful Elder on the Council, it fell to him. Well, he had been before the Supremes had returned. It seemed, for now, they were allowing him to continue to lead it.
"I said, calm!" Kiran sent out a wave of power that quieted the crowd. Many returned to their seats, but some remained standing. "Elders of Mondu. Citizens of Mondu. The reason this Council was convened was to find out the truth behind the allegations raised against one of its members. But it seems another matter must be resolved before that can happen." Turning, he looked up to where the Supremes sat. "Elder Autumn, as you are the highest-ranking among us, I turn the Council over to you."
Only Kirall saw the slight widening of his mate's eyes or how her knuckles whitened on the arms of her seat before she calmly rose from what was the Silver Supreme’s seat. They had discussed that as there weren't any Silvers for Autumn to transform, she would assume that seat as she was the higher ranking Red. Kirall would sit in the Red's seat with Nixie and Dacke each taking their color’s seat. But they hadn't discussed having Autumn lead the Council.
"Thank you, Elder Kiran." Autumn's voice was strong as she bowed her head slightly to him before she let her gaze travel over those in the crowd. "Mondu is changing. It is returning to how it once was, where there were Others, Minors, Primes, and Supremes. While some were more powerful than others, it didn't mean they were more important or had more rights. The powerful protected those who were weaker, no matter their color or status. But while we are returning to how it once was, it doesn't mean it will be the same." She paused for a moment to let that sink in. "I am a Supreme because my ancestor was Razeth, the last Supreme on Mondu. Because of that, I am the Keeper of Kruba. A female, which most believed was impossible. It isn't. I am also mated," she smiled down at Kirall, "and Kruba also recognizes him as its Keeper because we are one."
"That doesn't explain them!" A shout came from somewhere below Autumn. Her dragon zeroed in on it and not surprisingly found Lando, ignoring him she continued.
"While I am a direct descendant of Razeth, they," Autumn gestured to where Nixie and Dacke sat, "were blessed by Kur."
The Assembly erupted in pandemonium. Autumn allowed it for several minutes, so everyone could voice their disbelief, then without a word, she released a wave of power that forced everyone back into their seats and silenced them.
"That's better," she said. "Now we can actually discuss this. Several days after the last Council adjourned, my mate and I invited our friend," she gestured to Dacke, "to Kruba. We wanted to personally apologize to him for what Elder Lando had put him through because of us." She saw Lando bristle at the condemnation in her tone and knew he would have risen to protest if Gal, Elder for the Gold Minors, hadn't put a hand on Lando's arm stopping him.
"It just so happens that my mate's family also arrived for a visit that day." She didn't feel she needed to state who that family was. "During that time, a change came over White Minor Dacke and Black Prime Nixie that could only have happened because it was Kur's will."
"There has to be more to it than that!" A White Prime Autumn didn't know exclaimed.
"I can't tell you what I don't know," Autumn told the male.
"Then they need to tell us." The male gestured to Dacke.
"Elder Dacke, do you wish to speak on this?" Autumn asked, looking to him.
"Yes." As he rose, Autumn resumed her seat. "As Elder Autumn has stated, I was invited to Kruba as a friend and not for anything odious as so many seem to believe. As for being chosen to be a Supreme, I was as shocked as any of you would be."
"How did it happen?" The White Prime was nothing if not persistent.
"I don't know, but what I can say is that while I, Elder Kirall, Elder Autumn, and Elder Kiran's family were together having drinks, I stepped out of the room. A sudden wave of power drove me to my hands and knees and left me gasping. When it was over, I rose and stumbled back to my friends. It was only then that I realized Kur had transformed me into a Supreme."
"You have to know more than that!" the White Prime demanded.
"I don't," Dacke told him.
"What about her." He sneered gesturing to Nixie.
While Dacke bristled, he said nothing and looked to Nixie who was rising from her seat.
"Were you referring to me, White Prime Jar? If so, you will address me properly. I am a Black Supreme, the Keeper of my own Lair, and an Elder." While she didn't send out a wave of power as Autumn had, the inherent power of being a Supreme had Jar swallowing hard.
"My apologies, Elder Nixie." Jar bowed his head slightly. "I meant no offense, but I believe I can speak for everyone here that we need to understand how this most astounding event occurred and why you were chosen."
"Does Kur explain his decisions to you?" she demanded then looked to those in the Assembly. "To any of you? Do you question him when he blesses you? My transformation was very similar to Elder Dacke's. I stepped out of the room shortly after he did. I was driven to my hands and knees and left gasping. When I was able, I returned to my family and discovered both Dacke and I had become Supremes. As to why I was chosen, I have no idea, but I plan to live up to the faith that has been placed in me."
"If that answers your questions," Autumn began rising as Nixie sat down.
"She said she was the Keeper of a Lair," a Black Prime shouted. "What Lair?"
Nixie gave Autumn an apologetic look when she twisted to look at her. They hadn't planned on explaining this much, but as Nixie had opened the door, they'd walk through it.
"Black Supreme and Elder Nixie have claimed Vrakar as her Lair," Autumn announced, "and as you can see from where they are sitting, her sisters, Ravannah and Aisling are living in Vrakar under her protection."
Autumn made sure to stress Nixie’s power and status, but still, the Assembly erupted in disbelief. This was beyond unheard of. No unmated female was the Keeper of her own Lair, and she especially wasn't ever the protector of two other unmated females.
"If you wish to hear what Lair the White Supreme Dacke has claimed, you will be quiet," Autumn warned.
Immediately the Assembly went silent as they waited on bated breath to hear what she had to say.
"Elder Dacke has claimed the traditional Lair of the White Supreme." Autumn knew that told them nothing, but she wanted to see who would be bold enough to ask. She shouldn't have been surprised when it was Lando.
"And where is that?" he demanded.
"The traditional home of the White Supreme is Krapis," she announced.
"That's a lie!" Macawi exclaimed surging to her feet. "You destroyed Krapis when you forced us out! Innocents! Forced to flee in the middle of the night."
"It's not a lie, and you were never innocent, Lady Macawi," Autumn forced herself to use the respectful title of a mated female even though she didn't think Macawi deserved it. "Yes, Kruba forced out those that had been illegitimately inhabiting it, but it was not destroyed. In fact, Krapis' walls now gleam the white they always did when empowered by a legitimate Keeper."
"He can't be the legitimate Keeper when Krapis resides within another Lair's boundary!" Macawi argued back.
"That's not necessarily true, but as Krapis is no longer within Kruba's boundary, it doesn't matter."
"What? No! It's not possible to empower a Lair that size so quickly," Macawi shrieked.
"It is for a Supreme that has been blessed by Kur," Autumn told her then looked back to those in the Assembly. "Supremes have returned to Mondu. Whether there will be more, I cannot say. What I know is that this Council was convened to discover how a crystal taken from Earth
by General Terron came to be around the neck of someone who was once the Elder of Gold Primes, and why he was willing to kill everyone in the Assembly to keep it a secret."
"That's not true, and my Father is still the Elder!" Maaike exclaimed speaking for the first time.
"Then why aren't you sitting in the Gold Prime's area?" Autumn challenged back. "The Council Guards would have escorted you there with or without your father if he were still powerful enough to be recognized as the Elder." Dismissing Maaike, Autumn's gaze found Cai's. "Commander, I believe it’s time we resolve this issue."
The Commander bowed his head to her, then looked to two of his guards. They quickly left the floor to retrieve Tove, and everyone sat down to wait.
Chapter Ten
"Elder Autumn." Pele, the Elder for the Yellow Primes, stood then turned to address her. "I mean no disrespect with what I am about to say, but due to the reason this Council is being convened and your obvious personal involvement in it, it would be for the best if another Elder were to preside over the Council in this matter."
"I completely agree." Lando immediately stood to show his support.
Kiran also stood. "I too believe that would be for the best. Elder Autumn cannot provide testimony and preside over these proceedings at the same time. I also feel that neither the other Supreme Elders nor I should preside over it as a show of good faith."
"I agree with that too," Lando said, "and am willing to accept this daunting but important task."
"I just bet you do," Autumn muttered, but only Kirall heard her.
"You would not be a good choice either, Elder Lando, as your close relationship with Tove is readily known, and his family sits with you," Pele told him. "No, as per Council rules, the next highest Elder in status shall preside. That would be you, Elder Rad." Pele turned to the White Prime.
"But he's a White!" Lando protested.
"Are you claiming that I can't be impartial because of my color, Elder Lando?" Rad growled.
"No, but Elder Kiran recused himself because of there being a Black Supreme."
"Your argument makes no sense, Elder Lando, as you volunteered to preside when you are also a White," Kiran fired back. "For the record and so there is no confusion, I recused myself because Elder Autumn is my son's mate. Not because there is now a Black Supreme.”
"Thank you for that clarification, Elder Kiran," Rad spoke. "Now, as I have no relationship with Elder Dacke nor any other Supreme Elder, I accept the responsibility of presiding over this Council until the issue before us is resolved," Rad announced for all to hear.
"Autumn?" Kirall asked, looking to his mate. If she wanted they could protest this decision.
"It's alright," she told him, "but I want clarification on something." With that, she rose. "Elder Rad."
Rad stood and faced her. "Yes, Elder Autumn."
"While I understand and accept the reason you will be presiding over the Council today, that does not mean that myself, the other Supremes, Elder Kiran, or even Elder Lando will be prohibited from casting our vote on Tove's guilt or innocence."
"Of course it doesn't, Elder Autumn," Rad reassured her.
"Then I have no problem with what has been suggested and look forward to having this matter being settled." With that, Autumn sat, and two Council Guards escorted Tove onto the floor.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Tove paced back and forth in the cell he'd been moved to. It was intentionally small, so he had to remain in his Other form, not that he planned on shifting. The energy from the jewel Macawi had smuggled to him had been enough to allow him to shift, partially heal, and then shift back, before it was drained. Now he'd have to wait until he was near his mate, so he could pull power from the jewels he knew she would bring before he could regain his full power and strength. For that to happen, he had to go before the Council. Then he'd make that Red bitch pay.
Finally, his cell door opened.
"It's about time!" he growled at the two Council Guards, not intimidated by their Beast form. He was after all an Elder.
"The Council is ready for you," was all one of them growled.
Tove allowed the guards to escort him down the corridor and through the thick doors that sealed behind them. He was slightly taken aback by the massive number of Dragoons filling the Assembly. It was as if all of Mondu was there. It was then he realized they were here to see his triumph, especially since there was no way anyone could prove where he'd gotten that crystal. All he needed to regain his position and status was to get closer to Macawi. He could already feel the thinnest trickle of the power coming from his jewels. Smirking slightly, he looked to where he and his family usually sat, and his steps faltered.
It was empty.
Where was his family?
His mate?
The jewels he so needed?
He could feel their power, but where was it coming from? Following the jewels’ pull, his eyes traveled down to the Minor area where they widened as he found his mate and family sitting with Lando. What in the name of Kur was going on?!
He watched his mate's concern-filled eyes travel over him. He knew he wasn't looking his best. His Elder's robe and what he'd been wearing beneath it had been shredded when he'd shifted at the last Council. He knew what he'd been given to wear didn't fit his status, but he refused to waste any power on creating better clothing than what he'd been given.
Shifting his gaze, he was surprised to see Torn and his family sitting next to his brother and sister. His oldest rarely sat in the family area during a Council meeting, and he never brought his family with him. His eldest must have finally realized that he needed to support his father if he ever wanted to amount to anything.
His gaze shifted again, this time to Lando. He frowned when instead of meeting his gaze, the male raised his eyes up and to the side. When he did it a second time, Tove followed where he looked and came to a complete halt.
No! That wasn't possible. But sitting there next to two Reds in the Supreme area was a Black and a White Supreme.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Autumn was shocked by Tove's appearance as he crossed the Assembly floor. His once long, golden hair was now nothing more than stubble on a head that still had blackened areas. He'd lost body mass, and his face was gaunt. This was not the same Gold Prime she'd first seen a week ago.
She watched his gaze travel first over those in the Assembly and then to the area where the Elder for the Gold Primes should sit. The smirk that crossed his face quickly disappeared, and he seemed to falter when he discovered his family wasn't there. Tove quickly found them and continued forward, but his gaze hadn't remained on them long before it shot up to where she and the other Supremes sat. That's when he came to a complete halt.
She wanted to sneer down at him, wanted to unleash all the power she now knew she could call on and destroy him, but knew they wouldn't learn anything if she did and it would cause many to distrust not only her but all Supremes.
"Autumn?" Kirall asked, reaching over to grip her hand.
"I'm fine," she told him looking away from Tove to her mate. "Really."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. I just want this settled so we can go home and put all this behind us."
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
"Gold Prime Tove," Elder Rad stood and addressed him. "You have been brought before the Council to account for your actions during the last Council and the accusation that was raised."
"It's Elder Tove," he corrected angrily.
"One must have an empowered Lair to be an Elder," Rad coolly reminded him. "You currently do not."
"Yes, my mate informed me of how she and my unmated female were forced to flee our Lair in the middle of the night. How Kruba viciously attacked when it knew I wasn't there to defend it. Once this travesty of a proceeding is finished and I'm exonerated, I will reclaim Krapis," he declared glaring at Rad. He'd never liked the White Prime, the male often sided against him on important issues.
"I'd like to see you try," Da
cke challenged standing, as was the protocol for whenever an Elder spoke for the entire Assembly to hear. It meant it was to be added to the archives. "Krapis and what was once its territory is now mine."
"That's impossible!" Tove fired back with apparent disbelief. "No one can acquire and empower enough jewels on their own for a Lair the size of Krapis in such a short time."
"A Supreme can," Dacke taunted, "especially when an entire Hoard of drained jewels is left behind by those under the protection of the previous Keeper."
"See? There!" Tove's arm arrowed out at Dacke. "You just admitted that you are trying to use my Hoard against me. It will never allow that to happen and will force you out as soon as I am released from Dramman."
"I don't believe you heard Elder Dacke correctly, Gold Prime Tove." Rad, who had looked to Dacke as he spoke, now turned back to calmly face Tove. "He said the jewels were drained and left in Krapis."
"That's a lie!" Tove exclaimed.
Rad looked to the White Minor's area. "Lady Macawi, please stand."
Macawi’s lips tightened. While males were rarely allowed to speak directly to a mated female that wasn't a relative, they could when it was a Council matter, and it was an elder speaking. Knowing she had to answer, she slowly rose and turned to face him. "Yes, Elder Rad?"
"When you left Krapis…" he began.
"Was forced out in the middle of the night!" she corrected.
Rad nodded his head at her correction. "When you were forced out, how long had Krapis and Kruba been battling?"
"I don't know," she told him her voice quivering so that many had to lean forward to hear. "I was petrified. My mate had been wrongly imprisoned, and we'd just returned to our Lair and gone to bed when we were attacked. We barely got out before the walls came down."
"Lie." Autumn stood. She refused to let Macawi continue to spin this web of deceit, and while she didn't raise her voice, it was easily heard by all. "It began the morning of the second day after the Council adjourned. It took less than two hours to drain Krapis' poorly empowered Hoard. That was more than enough time for you to save what you wanted before you abandoned your Lair, which is what you did. It was your choice to leave behind the drained jewels. Therefore, they became the property of Krapis' new and rightful Keeper, White Supreme Elder Dacke. As for the walls coming down, Krapis remains fully intact. Elder Kiran?" She looked at Kiran. "Did you or did you not fly passed Krapis later that same day?"
