Chamberlain's Struggles

Chapter 7

When Byron came back that evening, he was told of the meeting and usually, he wasn't much for being around his fellow Gelflings that much, but he knew he would have to go. His village would need to be informed of how SkekSil came to be here.

Chamberlain watched as Byron got himself cleaned up to go to the meeting. Wyneth had prepared herself long ago after cleaning up her own mess from dropping her supply basket.

When they were ready, all three of them left Wyneth's house and Sil followed the two Gelflings to what they called the Counsel or Meeting House. Sil was almost surprised the door to it was big enough for him to pass through it, since he was much bigger than the Gelflings.

Byron and Wyneth went in first. Sil was right behind them, but he had to have a look first what was going on inside. He saw lots of Gelflings walking around and talking.

Byron and Wyneth turned when they saw Sil wasn't with them. He was still at the door. Byron went back to him. "What's wrong?"

"Haven't been around this many Gelflings for awhile all at once." Sil replied.

"It's going to be fine."

"I stay out here till I'm announced." He said.

"Alright, but stay here at the entrance." Byron said.

Wyneth went up to Suth. "We're here."

"Where's the Skeksis?" Suth asked.

Wyneth pointed to the door. Suth saw Byron talking to the Skeksis. "I think he's nervous about coming in." Wyneth said.

"Understandable perhaps. But let's get on with this then." Suth said. He was standing at a podium.

Suth began hitting a gavel on the podium that got everyone's attention. "Everyone, let's get this meeting started. Please sit down."

The other Gelflings sat down. Byron stayed by the door. Sil was still looking in.

"We are here tonight to talk of a new arrival in our village. He's not of our kind, but I was wanting to inform all of you that he is here. And whether he is to stay." Suth began.

There were some whispers. Then a young female Gelfling spoke up. "Then let's bring him forward." She said.

"Very well, Queen Athya. Byron, if you would bring your friend inside." Suth said.

Chamberlain heard the word queen and knew these Gelflings were led by a female. Then Byron said, "Come on in, Chamberlain. You have been announced."

Sil was a little nervous doing this. He followed Byron inside finally. He watched the clan's reactions.

The Gelflings gasped at the sight of him. To them, he did look a bit scary, even dangerous looking a bit, but Chamberlain was looking as calm as he possibly could.

Sil saw many hair colors on the Gelflings and could make out little children too. He guessed the whole clan was here, or nearly all of them. Then, the queen got his attention.

"Byron, I was told that it was you discovered this strange creature. What's his story?" Queen Athya asked.

"I was just doing my job that day: letting the Mounders do what they do in the fields and then I heard some screaming. I had myself and the Mounders check out what was causing the noise and when we got there, I saw two Rakkidas attacking him. After the Mounders got rid of the Rakkidas, I found him nearly dead. I had the Mounders take him to Wyneth's, and we had been taking care of him since. He was hurt really bad." Byron explained.

"He had wounds on his arms and one leg and some broken ribs. The ribs are still healing, but the worst of the wounds are healed. I assure you, he hasn't done anything to harm us. He was banished from the Skeksis clan. He has nowhere else to go. Please, consider letting him stay with us. I've come to enjoy his company very much myself." Byron finished.