Straight Through The Heart ((ON HOLD))

Chapter Ten

The Council of Five was the governing body not only of the Venandi but of the entire continent. At some point, it had been decided that those who risked their lives to save the world should also have the power to rule over it as if that would help minimize the risk. It seemed to have worked, and no one truly complained, though there had been rumors that the Council contributed to the forward momentum of the War with some of its underhanded and clandestine decisions, which would have explained her parents' utter distaste for them with the exception of Chey. As three of its members died in the War, and with Chey now as High Councilman, Alisa hoped it would be enough to right whatever potential wrongs the previous Council had committed, especially against her family.

"They say High Councilman Chey is the youngest Imerai ever to lead the Council."

The red-headed young woman sitting next to Alisa leaned in closer, her voice a low whisper.

Alisa glanced around, just to make sure she was speaking to her. "Is that so?" she asked, her voice just as hushed.

The stranger nodded. "However after the War, with the death of Thayn, it was decided he was most deserving of the position. And that's Zeud and Ostoa," her neighbor informed her. "The only two surviving Council members from before the war."

Alisa watched as an older bald man in robes and a woman in a billowing top and pants with grey hair pulled back tight into a bun each took their seat on either side of Chey.

"There were still some remaining questions about their part, which is why neither of them was promoted. Talura and Blase were appointed after the war, but there was much deliberation over their familial ties that the decisions took longer than expected."

Alisa watched two younger Council members take their seats. A woman about Alisa's mother's age with flowing brown hair in a fitted dress sat on Zeud's other side. A man about the same age with cropped blond hair in what looked to be close to fighting leathers sat next to Ostoa. All wore the same grey and white hues similar to Chey.

"What family ties?" Alisa asked, still distracted by the entering Council.

"Well, they needed to make sure there wasn't another Rousseau on the Council, as Chey was Alara Rousseau's Imerman. And they certainly had to make sure there wasn't going to be a Pacquette."

Alisa tried her best to hide her reaction upon hearing her grandmother's name. "What's wrong with the Pacquettes?" she asked as she turned to face her.

The girl blinked. "Other than their family line more or less created the War in the first place?"

"I.... did not know that."

"How did you not know that? Eldora Pacquette all but sold her soul to a Prince of Hell in exchange for the Venandi secrets! They say that's the reason Azima went through the Rift in the first place— to expose the spy and save the Parish."

No, Alisa had not heard that story before.

"Who knows what would have happened if Eldora succeeded."

"Or if Azima hadn't sealed the Rift, yeah?"

"Exactly." The young woman smiled. "I'm Leyani. Leyani Michaud."

"Alisa." She didn't know why she hesitated. "Rousseau."

Recognition flashed in Leyani's gaze. "Are you related to Azima?"

Alisa's heart pounded. "You could say that."

Leyani mouth opened and she looked as though she was going to press further.

"Presenters approach," a booming voice echoed through the chamber, and Alisa was grateful for Chey's interruption as he addressed the hall of would-be Initiates.