A hushed discontent moves around the council table like an undercurrent, members engaged in clandestine discussions after Taqsame's announcement. I sit in stunned silence, the impact of the news bearing down upon me. Resources withheld? Fractured loyalties within the Tapeu faction? Dissent already swirling around the Arbiter's newly-ascended throne? Achutli's reign, barely ripened, is already being threatened by the thorns of rebellion. It leaves me breathless with questions. What incendiary spark has ignited this volatile situation? What transgressions could he have committed in such a short span? Could it be linked to the cryptic directives he entrusted to me, the mission into the enigmatic depths of Qantua? Did he foresee this uprising, seeking a supernatural remedy to quell the impending storm? My mind spins, desperate for answers, as the chamber pulses with the tension of uncertainty. Each time I open my mouth to speak, I find it missing the words I want to say. Thus, I remain seated and left to mull over the council's discussion.
"Members of the council," Amalqusi's voice booms over the murmurs, putting an end to the side discussions. "With the news we've received, we, as leaders of the Qantua people, must decide what action we should take, should these rumors show themselves to be true."
"But that's simply it," one of the nobles chimes in. He remains seated, his oversized gold and red robe flows about him as he gestures wildly at Amalqusi. "The withholding of resources is concerning, certainly, and it is a matter that can be negotiated with the Arbiter. But the news of dissent in Qapauma is a mere rumor, not fact. Until we can confirm they are more than hearsay, there is nothing further to discuss."
"In the whispering winds, secrets will always find their way," an elder says sagely, who I immediately recognize as Sachamota. He has seen roughly as many harvests as Upachu, yet is not as spritely nor spry, preferring to be economical in his movements, and, likewise, his words. "It is a tale as old as Pachil itself: When the morning light is red, foul weather lies ahead."
"We must act at once!" Taqsame, stands up from his chair and pounds the table with his fist to emphasize his urgency. Despite his age, his stature commands attention, and he speaks with a ferocity of a warrior hungry for combat. His black hair, like a night sky unburdened by clouds, frames his determined face as his eyes gleam with intensity.
"If the Arbiter is threatening us—a faction that came to his rescue when he needed it most—we cannot show weakness. We should swiftly rally our troops at the border, and at the first instance of trouble, we claim what rightfully belongs to us," he says, tightly clinching his fist. This riles up those in attendance, creating a cacophony of debates and disputes.
"Everyone, please," I stand up and holler over the impassioned discussions, hoping to settle everyone down and attempt to bring reason into this matter. Though I would've preferred to stay seated and silent as the seasoned politicians deliberate over the issue, watching everyone carry on as they are leaves me with no other choice. "While the prospect of an embargo in addition to the report of alleged rebellious cells in Tapeu are concerning, it would be crucial for Qantua and the allied factions to explore diplomatic avenues first, rather than risking the potential breakdown of the truce and unity achieved after the War of Liberation."
"Assuming the other factions act diplomatically, as well," interjects Humina, his face contorted into a fixed display of disapproval.
"But acting impulsively and without diplomacy could risk destabilizing the entire region," I say. "It's imperative that we assess the situation thoroughly, consider diplomatic avenues, and gather more intelligence before making any decisive moves. A hasty coup could lead to unintended consequences and worsen the already fragile political climate."
"And if we can hand the Arbiter what he demands, we will return to his good graces," another council member says, before asking, "But... what was his demand?" There are a few confused looks around the room, but I believe I know what the Arbiter wants: My theory is that he's after the artifacts Upachu and I discovered. What he figures to do with them still eludes me, but it can't be for a good purpose. Could it?
YOU ARE READING
Revolutions
FantasyAt long last, the oppressive rule of the titans has ended. We are finally free, thanks to the sacrifice of The Eleven, who unified a fractured land and used their supernatural powers to defeat the Timuaq. There are many like myself who have only kno...
