“Please Nicoli. If not for Jala Merrodin your son would be dead now. Perhaps if she had been with Micah, my son would still be alive. Zachary is right. We need to move on to more pressing matters.” Elijah Arovan’s voice stilled the room once more and Nicoli slowly nodded and leaned back in his seat. “Forgive him please, Jala. Nicoli is aggressive on a good day as one would expect from a Shifter and today is truly not a good day. It isn’t personal against you. It is his attitude toward the world at this time.”
“His name was left off the list of invitations to the Empress’s council meeting,” Jin Han’shy informed her calmly with a glance to Neph as he spoke the words. “It would seem that if you don’t hold your land you are no longer a High Lord in anyone’s eyes. Foolish, really, when you consider it closely. We are High Lord’s because of the power we hold and the people that follow us, not because of what lands we control.”
“Merro didn’t receive an invitation either. Sovann Sovaesh was not approved as Regent of my land and my son is too young to claim it. If I had not returned Merro would have been considered neutral lands such as Gaelyn or the Greenwild was before I claimed it,” Jala explained with a nod to Nicoli. “I hold no resentment or anger for your sharp words. We have all been insulted and we have just under three months to turn the scales back to our favor if we wish to attend the first council meeting,” Jala finished and folded her hands in front of her. “Which brings us back to the matter of the Blights and how to get them out of Glis,” Arjuna sighed.
“With the glasses to see the creatures it shouldn’t take much to simply wipe them out,” Lord Faydwer offered in a voice that was far more reasonable than the one he had been using previously. Neph watched him carefully and noticed how close attention the Fae lord was paying to Nicoli Blackwolf. He was trying to buy favor with the Shifters apparently, though Neph couldn’t see why. There was no profit to be had in it at the present time. Glis was simply too weak now.
“Actually I’d rather not wipe them out,” Jala said carefully. To her credit she didn’t shrink back in the chair when the looks of fury darkened several faces. Clearing her throat she held a hand up in a peaceful gesture. “As I said, I was in the Barrier,” she began hesitantly. “I…”
Her voice trailed off and she shifted in her seat. “I know you all think they are monsters, but they aren’t. Before the Barrier, I was in Arovan for the sole purpose of killing them all. But I understand better now and we can’t. They aren’t all monsters.”
“Tell that to the widows and orphans of my land. Tell that to the souls of the young women who died birthing creatures spawned of rape. Tell that to my people that have no home now Lady Merrodin,” Nicoli hissed. Every muscle in the man’s body was tense and Neph slid his chair back from the table just enough to rise quickly if needed. Shifters were not known for rational behavior when angry and Nicoli Blackwolf looked well beyond angry.
“We are all linked to the Barrier. Each creature living has a strand of magic connecting them to this world. I planned to kill them all, once I realized it connected them. It was the perfect path past their immunity to magic. I simply bypassed their flesh and targeted their souls and minds directly with my power,” Jala explained.
“Then why didn’t you?” Nicoli demanded, his voice booming over hers and drowning out all other noise in the room.
“I think she was getting to that if you would shut up,” Neph snarled in return. He had been doing his best to keep silent. All of the years in the Academy had honed his mind for politics, but he could only stomach so much.
“Please,” Jala’s voice rose and she held up both hands her gaze moving between the two of them. Slowly she lowered her hands once more and sighed. “I was about to unleash the magic, Lord Blackwolf, when I brushed against the mind of one of the creatures. It wanted safety. It wanted rest and peace. It was the same frame of mind I would expect to find in any of our people. It was not the mind of a monster. I tested each strand then and I did eliminate those that held darkness in their hearts, but I left the ones that were innocent to live.” Her eyes roved the table once more and settled on Arjuna. “In Merrodin, it is said that the Firym steal children from other lands and feast upon their flesh. There are stories about the Beastmen of Glis that gave me nightmares as a child. I was told that the barbarians of Delvay throw their weak or sickly children to their cats. We are all monsters depending on who you ask and while the Blights have qualities that I despise, that is not their fault. They can’t help the way they reproduce. They were created that way by no choice of their own. We have to find compromise with them.” Her words poured out from her and the room remained silent while she spoke.
“They have invaded my land and I will kill them all. You may think you know them, child, but I doubt you have the knowledge of them that I do. They are unthinking bloodthirsty brutes. If you try to reason with them they will devour you.” Nicoli’s voice had grown cold and by his expression Neph guessed the man was hoping she would insist on visiting a Blight Hive herself.
“Emily, show them,” Jala spoke so softly that Neph almost missed her words. The black Bendazzi stared up at her impassively and yawned. “Emily, your entire race depends on you now,” Jala’s voice rose a bit as she stared down at the Bendazzi who simply regarded her with indifference. “Emily!” Jala snapped as she kicked the Bendazzi lightly in the butt.
A snarl erupted from the cat as it moved back from the table and shifted to the human form Neph had so rarely seen. On the few occasions he had managed to spot her, Emily had been ragged to say the least. Typically the Blight was dirty and naked, but today she was clean and well dressed. Emily glowered at the assembly who simply stared at her in dumbfounded shock.
“Emily has lived with me since I attended the Academy. She is Blight and she is not a monster. They can be reasoned with and they are intelligent creatures, not bloodthirsty brutes. If not for Emily, I would have been dead long before I ever marched against Avanti,” Jala informed the room quietly.
“You brought a Blight into this council room?” Nicoli roared as he rose from his chair.
“Actually, I didn’t. I left my Bendazzi at home. I didn’t bring them until Lord Faydwer requested to see them,” Jala replied loudly as she rose from her own chair, her expression filled with resolve. “I don’t want to fight you, Lord Blackwolf, but if you take one step toward Emily, I will kill you,” she warned.
“Both of you sit down. You are in my home and you will not behave like hot headed fools while you are here,” Elijah Arovan commanded and Nicoli had the grace to look at least a little chagrined.
“You have my sincere apologies,” Jala said with a bow of her head to Elijah before she once again took her seat. “Emily is under my protection as much as I am under hers. I asked her to reveal herself and I will not allow her to be hurt because of it.”
“May I ask exactly what you want from us on the account of the Blights, Jala?” Arjuna spoke up before Nicoli had a chance to open his mouth again.
“I ask that this council grant me thirty days to make contact with them and attempt to reach a compromise. I don’t ask for any help on this matter. I simply ask that you do not attack them during this time,” Jala explained. “Out of the question,” Nicoli snapped.
“I’m afraid I agree with Nicoli on the matter. We have limited time to retake Glis before the council in Sanctuary is held, and Nicoli must have his position as High Lord back before then. We cannot wait for a peace that might not come,” Elijah added with a frown.
“They are in Faydwer as well and I will not even consider hesitating on their removal. They are a threat to my people that must be dealt with quickly,” Lord Faydwer chimed in.
“I am content to allow Jala her attempt,” Jin Han’shy announced as he leaned back in his chair. His gaze flicked to Nicoli Blackwolf and a small smile played across his lips as he regarded his fellow High Lord’s outrage.
Neph watched them both for a long moment and stored the knowledge away. He hadn’t realized th
ere was enmity between the two men, but it was knowledge that could be useful later.
“That’s because your own lands aren’t in jeopardy!” Lord Faydwer stormed, his bright green eyes narrowing with anger.
“Even if we save them now, at the rate they reproduce and grow they will be a threat in the future. My vote is to burn them out while we can,” Arjuna sighed, with an apologetic shrug to Jala.
“That leaves Delvay, Oblivion, and Goswin to vote. At the present we have four to two,” Elijah regarded the remaining Lords as he spoke and raised an eyebrow in question.
“The Blights are no threat to my lands, but I respect the danger my allies are in. Thirty days is a very long time to wait when people may die from your delay Lady Merrodin.” Zachary Dark spoke softly and slowly shook his head. “I won’t ask my allies to wait thirty days.”
“The matter is settled then. Even with the remaining two votes, you lose,” Lord Faydwer announced with a smirk.
Jala watched them silently and sighed heavily. “I will ask again for the Lords present to please reconsider their votes. Slaughtering them for simply existing, is wrong.” She watched everyone at the table for a long moment and then nodded sadly. “I see. Well then, the other approach that I didn’t want to use…” She turned to Neph and he could see the question in her eyes. Are you with me? He smiled and nodded in return and she closed her eyes for a moment before looking back to Elijah. “Before I continue there is another matter I would speak with you about.”
Elijah frowned with an expression of doubt on his face and nodded slowly. “If you feel it is important enough to bring up at the present moment, then please speak.”
“It is along the same topic. Monsters or innocents and all,” Jala said with a faint shrug. “You have a girl in your keeping. Her name is Zoelyn, I believe. I want her.”
“You what?” Elijah stammered, glancing from Jala to Nicoli as if trying to determine if he had heard her correctly.
“She is called Undrae in your lands, from what Valor tells me. In mine she would simply be Zoelyn. I want a chance to help her. Lord Arovan will you allow me to return to Merrodin with her,” Jala explained further.
“I’m not sure you understand the problems that this girl has, Lady Merrodin. She is cursed and for one such as yourself, she is very dangerous,” Lord Arovan objected.
“I understand quite well the events that led to her being taken as your ward. It was explained to me by Valor as well as one of his knights. I accept that there could be danger involved, but I am still inclined to help her. Will you allow me to return to Merrodin with her?” Jala pressed.
“If you truly wish to take on such a burden, I honestly cannot deny your request. If not for you, Arovan would likely be ashes. I owe you too much to refuse you,” Elijah sighed.
“Good. Now remember those words after what I say next,” Jala sighed as she stood from her chair and carefully pushed it back under the table. She stood just behind it and carefully crossed her arms across the back as they all watched her. “The balance of power has shifted considerably during the war. High Lords that were once the most powerful are now dependent on their allies for shelter. From what I have seen in the aftermath of the war, Firym and Merrodin are the most powerful houses in this room. I asked you to allow me the thirty days and now I’m telling you I am taking the thirty days. The only one with enough military strength to stand in my way is Firym, unless you all band together against me. Which leaves you all open to Rivasa who, as I understand, still holds a decent amount of power even after their losses. There is, of course, Nerathane to consider as well.”
“You arrogant bitch!” Nicoli raged.
“I will be sending my dragons to watch the border of Glis to prevent military movements into that region. My envoy will work swiftly to settle this and with luck on our side it will be resolved well within thirty days,” Jala continued, ignoring the outburst completely.
“Who exactly do you intend to send as an envoy?” Madren asked, his voice barely audible through the grumblings of the other lords.
Jala smiled and raised a finger to point directly at Shade. “He is going,” she announced and by the expression on Shade’s face, Neph could tell he hadn’t been informed of her choice at all.
“What?” Shade choked, his eyes locked on Jala in an expression of disbelief.
“You are already in hiding Shade. You have been declared outlaw in the city of Sanctuary. You have experience dealing with Blights and you are clever with your words. Most importantly, though, you are likely the only one in this room that truly believes this is the right thing to do. Even Valor has his doubts about my plan, but I know you understand. You are the perfect envoy.” Jala smiled at him, but it was a bittersweet expression to Neph’s eyes. She hated the path she was on and he knew it.
“You could have given me a bit of warning,” Shade sighed. He rubbed his face for a moment and nodded slowly. “You are right, though, and I am the best choice for an envoy. Everyone else seems to be plagued with common sense.”
“And if I attack Merrodin in response to your actions?” Arjuna asked, though there was no malice in his voice it was simply a question.
“Then I will weep for you at your funeral, Arjuna, and mourn the loss of a man I considered my friend,” Jala answered without hesitation or concern.
“Chances are your armies would never find Merrodin anyway. As I said, I support Merrodin in this and the Han’shy lands can be very confusing to navigate. Unless of course you intend to cross the distance through flames which I’m sure would be equally hazardous. There is no telling what Lady Merrodin keeps around her fires in Merro,” Lord Han’shy mused with a smile.
“As far as I am concerned, the matter is settled on the Blights, so, on to the final matter I have to attend to here,” Jala began once more and didn’t bother to pause long enough for anyone to object. “NephDelvayon has charges against him on the matter of the magics he used in the final battle. If you will all notice he wears the ring of Merrodin on his finger and has sworn his fealty to me. Any crime that he commits on my behalf is my crime. He fought for me, so if you have grievance with him, then direct it at me.” Jala paused again and summoned a large white book to her hand. Gilding flashed along the edges of the pale leather as she set it carefully on the table. “This is a book of law from Merro. If any of you care to look inside it, you will discover that no magic is forbidden in my land. Actions are judged, not methods. What Neph did was for the greater good of Merro as well as Arovan regardless of what power he used to do it. Until Delvay is reclaimed, Neph is under my rule and judged by my laws. If you wish to press the matter, Elijah, I understand and I will answer for the crimes. Neph, however, is to remain out of the matter entirely. Until the time I believe I have likely worn out my welcome in your hall, I will be in contact with you once the matter of the Blights is resolved.” Jala pushed away from the chair as she finished and waited for her comrades to rise before turning for the door.
“I will summon guards to fetch the girl, Lady Merrodin,” Elijah announced as he rose slowly from his chair.
“You can’t seriously mean to allow her to leave this room after her threats,” Nicoli’s voice was filled with utter disbelief as he stared at each of the High Lords in turn.
“I am in her debt, Nicoli. What would you have me do?” Elijah asked in a voice that sounded more weary than angry. “Kill her. Capture her. Anything but simply bow down before her like a groveling pup.” Nicoli’s voice rose as he spoke.
“My Nephew is betrothed to her, if he hasn’t already married her. Her child is present and if that isn’t reason enough for you, and you hadn’t thought to count numbers, Nicoli, I will do it for you. With the people she brought with her, and Jin on her side, she has us outnumbered in this room. Leave off with it, Nicoli. She has us on this one and I won’t allow her to be harmed in my home.” Elijah sighed and turned back to Jala.
“This way, Lady Merrodin,” he urged as he started off for the doors.
/> “I truly regret that things had to take this path,” Jala informed the Lords and bowed her head in respect as she turned for the door.
“I truly regret that you took my crime as your own,” Neph whispered to her as he fell in step beside her. He hadn’t thought to press the matter when she had told him she would take care of his problems, but in hindsight he should have. Given how the council meeting had gone Jala had enough to worry about without adding his difficulties to her own.
“I regret that it was considered a crime at all. If you hadn’t acted, think of how many would be dead now. It will all work out, Neph. I’ve given this more thought than I care to admit and this is the way things had to go,” Jala replied with a faint smile. “Silly me. I thought all the work was done and I had nothing but happily ever after to look forward to. It was just a respite, though. Happily ever after is still a long way off, I’m afraid,” Her smile faded as she glanced back into the council room and then looked to Shade in confusion. “Madren isn’t leaving with us?” She asked softly.
“Guess not,” Shade replied with a shrug looking equally puzzled.
“Maybe I didn’t have his support as firmly as I thought I did,” Jala murmured absently. She exhaled slowly and shrugged as if it didn’t truly matter, but Neph could tell how much it did matter just from the look in her eyes. To Jala, friends were everything. She had done so much to help Madren that she thought it safe to call him friend and ally. “Shade would you be willing to give us a ride back to Merrodin in your ship? From what I understand of this girl I won’t be able to transport her with a spell,” Jala asked meekly.
“I should say no just for the sole reason that you assumed I would give you a ride home as much as you assumed I would be your envoy,”
Shade grumbled, and then nodded to her and rolled his eyes. “I will be outside getting the ship ready. From the expression on Blackwolf’s face when we left the room, I think we should bail from here as quickly as possible.”
The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 4 The Blessed Curse Page 11
