Do my ears deceive me? Has Taqsame informed me that he's convinced enough of the council to vote on attacking Qapauma? My talents for being a council member and politician might not be up to the same level as those with whom I serve, but to be outmatched by such a young warrior is disconcerting, to say the very least. That he was able to outmaneuver me behind the scenes with such ease is troubling, and it's a defeat I can't take.
"What treacherous game are you playing, Taqsame?" I ask, bewildered by his recent news.
His smug expression is all the answer I need. "Teqosa, I never would have known the issue concerned you so greatly! I'm honestly quite stunned to hear that you care. You seem so uninterested in matters of the Qantua—so much so you were galavanting around the continent with another council member."
His barb amuses those present in his company, and they all have a laugh at my expense. Not taking the insult lying down, I say, "You can't tell me you care for the well-being of Qantua. The amount of lives that will be lost for your senseless pursuits... You're doing this for selfish reasons, solely to raise your status among the council, and you know it."
"Perhaps next time," he says, his words spoken with more bite, "if opposing me means this much to you, you'll bother showing up for the council meetings, sir."
The gaggle of men chuckle as they follow Taqsame out of the large chamber. Amaota has long since departed, and I'm left to stew in my thoughts. The sunlight filters through the windows, casting a warm glow over the large room. I gaze out, watching the play of light and shadow across the nearby courtyard. This wasn't supposed to happen. Not like this. I thought my years of experience, the scars on my body, and the tales of battles won would grant me respect among the council. I believed that my voice, forged in the fires of countless skirmishes and honed in the halls of the esteemed Maqanuiache, would carry weight.
Yet as the realization dawns on me, a cold shiver runs down my spine. I've been outmaneuvered, not on the battlefield, but in the arena of politics. By Taqsame. The upstart. The young warrior I had apparently underestimated. I had expected passion from him, a youthful desire to prove oneself, but not this. Not this ability to sway minds and manipulate the room. His words echo in my mind, "Perhaps next time, you'll bother showing up for council meetings."
I grit my teeth. The audacity of the boy to use my dedication to our people, my journeys to ensure our safety, against me. Yet I can't help but acknowledge the bitter truth in his words. While I've been traveling the land, battling threats and seeking truths, the true battle I've neglected to fight was here within our own walls. The political landscape has shifted, and I've been absent. Maybe I have taken too much for granted. Maybe I have rested on my laurels, thinking my past feats were enough to carry my voice. It was enough to earn me this position on the council, but my reputation and feats can only get me so far.
The game has changed. I realize that now. The council, which once revered experience and valor, now seems more receptive to youthful fervor and charismatic oration—even Amalqusi was easily swayed. Taqsame's gamble has placed him at an advantage. But should I be surprised? I've seen younger warriors, quicker and more agile, best their seniors. I've been that young warrior, at times. Perhaps the same rules apply here.
The lives of our people hang in the balance. I exhale, my breath slow and deliberate. I need to adapt, to understand this new battlefield, to anticipate its nuances and pitfalls. If this is the game Taqsame wants to play, then so be it. I've been underestimated before. I've faced insurmountable odds. And each time, I've learned, adapted, and overcome. The young warrior may have won this time, but the battle is far from over.
I bolt out of the main chamber of the Great Library, determination flooding my veins, as I'm prepared to rejoin Upachu and craft a plan. Taqsame may have lit the first spark, but he'll soon realize that fire can be a fickle friend. I've weathered storms fiercer than this boy's bluster. I've faced foes that would make most quake in their sandals. I've earned my place among our people. I've–
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...
