The Estate Of No Man's Land

Chapter 2: Skillful, Logical, Critical Thinking

-Present Day-

Eris sat in the back of a black Camaro. Despite his ability to drive himself, his mother had insisted that he be driven to council related obligations, "it sets a certain image" his mother's voice rang inside his head. He never bothered arguing with her, it didn't seem to be the logical thing to do. For years he had been playing his part, presenting a certain image. He smiled as he watched large buildings come into view, today was going to change all of that.

The youngest male of the Kiyon Selected had just turned 18, meaning that it was time for the ceremonial planning sessions. This was to be the first Kiyon council meeting in relation to the ceremonies, and Eris was the only one of the selected allowed to attend. Which meant he could make his request with less risk of a debate. He had been planning this moment for a long time.

The Camaro pulled up to a tall white building, the stained glass windows reflected colorful patterns onto the concrete sidewalk, and the sign in front of the steps made everyone aware that it was not open to the public.

[Ashton Historical Society

Entry by appointment only, please call city hall to discuss appointment availability.]

The driver, Cillian, got out of the car and walked around to open the door for Eris. He thanked Cillian for his service and walked up the uneven steps of the old building. Once entering he was directed to the staircase leading down into a basement where the very secretive meeting was taking place. "I'm not late am I?" He asked as he entered the room and noticed that he was the last one to arrive.

An older man sitting at the head of the table let out a low laugh, "No my boy, you are not late at all, we old people simply had nothing else to do today." The man stood slowly from his spot, using the table as support. He reached out a hand directing it towards a seat next to him which Eris gladly took. This man Eris knew quite well was Victor Stagorie, a very wise wizard who had seen 6 generations of creatures sit at this table. His graying red beard traveled down to his toes, his hair doing almost the same down to his heels. In the past he wore a light tan cloak and pointed shoes, but when humans started to look at him funny, about 50 years ago, he retired his old fashion and adopted a new one. White orthopedic tennis shoes, and a light tan tracksuit. Eris dared not to say anything for fear that the wizard would turn all of the clothes in his own closet into tracksuits too. He looked at the man sitting across from him, Elder Mathew Albright, who wore a light pink tracksuit. The man had learned the hard way not to mess with the wizard.

Victor remained standing, clearing his throat to gain the attention of those talking down at the end of the table. "As you are all aware, Little Billy Albright has turned 18 making all members of the Kiyon Selected viable adults." The people around the table cheered excitedly as a few sitting close clapped Elder Albright on the back congratulating him on his son's birthday. Victor cleared his throat again causing the room to fall silent. "Now that all of the Selected are men and no longer boys, it is time to start planning the ceremonies and get the renaming underway..."

One of the men sitting on the far side of the table made a crackling sound with his mouth and held a hand up in the air to get the wizard's attention. Victor motioned towards him to speak. "Ah...sorry Elder, but is it wise to plan these ceremonies with a member of the Selection sitting right there?" The man pointed towards Eris. Eris didn't know this man well, only his name, Elder Scotts. A brooding middle aged man who always had something to say or a complaint to make.

Grand Elder Victor simply smiled, "of course! I trust that Eris has good intentions, and will be most helpful. The members of the Selected all have full confidence in him and he has proven himself over time to be a good asset to Kiyon. Of course, if you feel differently you are welcome to state your reasons, though I do insist you hurry as we have a lot to do today and my wife is baking a pie, I'd like to eat while it is still warm."