Vaehandre: Where The Stars Fall [Under Revision]

Chapter 26: A Choice for the Chosen

[Photo: White Night Palace by Ya Lun]
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The Northern Elite traveled back to their castle on the eve of the gathering. When the sun rose the next day, Aiden requested a meeting with the council.

Alistair set the meeting in order. Five commanders were present at the time. Those who survived the battle were Commander Gene and Etor. Newly promoted Commanders were the archer Tybalt and the swordsman Rulf. Owen had regained his rank as Commander as well.

Aiden told the gathered council what King Eleon had offered him.

"This is generous of King Eleon, but how safe is Rathorn?" questioned Commander Etor.

Commander Tybalt shot an angry look at Etor. "I am from there, and I can tell you of all the history that we know that the keeps defenses have never been breached."

"Even so, the sword should remain here with the Elite!"

"Anyone who would seek its power would come searching for it here," put in Commander Gene. "Rathorn is a very secluded place with its harsh land and steep gorges. Traveling there would be difficult, and with the keep, on the highest peak, any possible attack would be seen. Of course, the patrols would have to be made in order first."

Nodding his head, Commander Rulf said, "And if Sir Aiden holds command over an entire army, that would certainly put ease to our minds on the safety of the sword."

"How certain are we that people won't recognize Aiden as the White Knight?" questioned Commander Etor.

"I've heard talk from other knights. Most of them don't have a clue who the White Knight is; some even assume that it was Commander Owen himself who held the sword," Commander Rulf said reverently.

The company shifted their attention to Owen.

He looked up at all of them and scanned the room. "I think the decision should go to the wielder of the sword himself," Owen suggested. He looked to his side and nodded at Aiden.

Alistair sighed and raised a serious brow. "You've heard what the council has to say. This sword is bound to your life." He started pacing towards Aiden. Gauging the young lad's concerned expression, he halted, blinked three times, and tilted his head to the side. He looked at the castle for a while.

Folding and unfolding his fists, Aiden stared intently at the map that lay on the table. Ha saw Rathorn at the very edge of the kingdom of Nadimos. It was the province next to Hartum. Its borders were the closest to the Enchanted forest.

Turning back to the group, Alistair kept his brow crooked. "The choice is yours, White Knight."

"But Lord Alistair, this is a matter of nobility. Wouldn't my being a Lord go against King Talamin's interdict?" Aiden asked.