Sacrifice

Chapter 14 - The Ally

Kalli didn't bother to tell Adir about her plan; she knew her way to the compound now, and if she waited for a night when he was free she might lose the anger that made her so courageous. Crossing the threshold of the compound gate, she almost stopped. Then, she forced herself to take a measured step into the courtyard, and then another, and then another.

The same young woman was at the desk when she entered. The young woman's jaw dropped. Then she jumped up without asking a question and hurried off down the hall. Kalli wondered if she should follow but then opted to stay where she was. The Cirt's instructions had been very clear about signing in when she arrived.

Eventually, the clerk did reappear. "The Council of Elders will call for you when they're ready, please be seated."

Kalli sat on the stone bench and attempted to mimic Adir's nonchalant demeanour. This was made quite difficult by the fact that the young lady at the desk was constantly peeking up from her work to stare at her wide-eyed. Finally, Kalli committed herself to reviewing the notes that she had made.

Three hours passed; at last, a young man came down the hall and leaned down next to the clerk, Kalli didn't hear most of what was said but caught the tail end of "she's still here." She blushed slightly. So much for a positive start.

She was ushered down the hall and once again stepped into the council chamber. The first nine Cirts looked decidedly unamused at her return while the tenth, the man with the friendly black eyes and weathered face looked intrigued.

"Lady al Aratina, we're surprised that you have presented yourself once more before this council. Was our answer to your request unclear?" asked their leader in a clipped tone.

"No, it wasn't, Chief Elder Haynes."

The Chief Elder sat back in surprise either from the fact that Kalli had responded so bluntly or that she knew her name.

"However," Kalli continued, "an applicant to the Council of Elders who was refused is allowed a second session with the council in order to protest the verdict and, if they so choose, to present further evidence in the support of their petition." Kalli watched the council to see if they would comment.

Finally, Haynes spoke, "and you have further evidence to present?"

"I do Chief Elder. I find your decision to be contrary to certain portions of the founding doctrine of the Cirt people, a doctrine which you have sworn to uphold."

Many on the council were frowning.

"We are sworn to uphold our doctrine when it is in the best interest of our people, and I dare say young lady that we know a good deal more of our culture's founding principles than you." Elder Hayne's answer was sharp.

"I'm sure that you do," Kalli said, not wanting to purposely ruffle feathers. "So may I direct you to Dagadi's thesis on the advancement of science in his Compendium of Works? In it, he states that there is no greater pursuit than that of advancing the knowledge of all persons through the objective study of the universe."

The old man with the dark eyes sat forward. "You've read Dagadi's Compendium of Works?"

"Excuse me Elder," Kalli answered. "But do I have the honour of addressing Elder Raphiel Elinger?"

The man smiled. "You do."

"I've only read the portions of his Compendium which are related to the pursuit of science," Kalli answered.

Elder Elinger shook his head. "Please call me Raphiel, I despise standing on ceremony."

A number of others on the council shook their heads at this statement.