The Blinding

Chapter 44 - Samakaab

Tears had streaked Tissa's face. A deep urge to console her welled up within me, but an imperative dialogue awaited with Elmi.
"You've journeyed a great distance," Elmi began, addressing me. "It seems we have pressing affairs to converse about." I motioned for a more private spot before diving in. "The Council?"
Elmi, raising an eyebrow, responded, "Ah, the Council of the Resistance?"
I narrowed my eyes, "As you're likely aware, the shifters are orchestrating an assault due to the demise of their kin. We urgently need a Seer."
Elmi, fingers grazing his beard, mused, "And you've concluded I'm suited for such a task?"
"Without a doubt.
"Throughout my life, many have sought my alliance in rebellions. What marks this occasion as pivotal?"
I leaned in, "The prophecy. It foretells of a looming war with Tissa at its heart. To emerge victorious, we must anticipate the Shifters and their Warriors' maneuvers."
He sighed, "I wish I possessed the gift to perceive at will. My abilities have their limits."
"But you'll at least attempt, won't you? The fate of our tribe, Tissa's very future—it all hinges on this confrontation. Will you merely stand by, watching the Magicians vanish?"
His gaze bore into mine, prompting a fleeting thought: could he discern my thoughts? I dismissed it when he finally uttered, "I will exert every ounce of my ability."
A tangible weight lifted from my shoulders. My quest had concluded, yet circumstances had shifted dramatically since my last encounter with the Council. Bulhar now seemed worlds away. Prior to departing Sarapion, I'd dispatched a message to Aweys and Hibo. Should it have reached and been deciphered correctly, the Council would anticipate my presence at our agreed rendezvous—a familiar basin nestled in the old slums, a cherished childhood spot after rain-filled days.
"I shall return soon," I called to the others, navigating the city on instinctive recall. Despite the years, the cityscape was hauntingly familiar: aging structures, destitute children clutching their empty bowls. Memories of my parents' own battles against scarcity surged as I donated a few coins. The ramshackle slum huts, their wear patched with dirt and cloth, and the shade of a grand Persea tree, which I might have once clambered up, evoked a cascade of recollections. I could nearly see my youthful self, with Hibo and Aweys, frolicking in the basin, our parents watching lovingly. Those halcyon days seemed eons ago, our early thrust into responsibility stark against those joyous memories.

"Not entirely," I sighed. "And the Council?"
"All, bar Bashir, are housed in a leased hut within the slums."
"He defied the Council's directives?" I queried, unsurprised by Bashir's defiance.
"He purportedly had some 'urgent business' to handle," Aweys said, his eyes rolling expressively.
"Set that aside for now," Hibo interjected. "Share tales of your journey."
"As we go. There are individuals you must meet."
Our trek back to the group was filled with whispered recounts of my adventures. Aweys and Hibo, absorbing every detail, concealed their astonishment, yet I could discern it in their widened eyes. Completing my tale, they halted, taken aback. "You're with the Blinding now?" Hibo's voice wavered with awe.
"She's with us. For her safety, her identity remains veiled."
"And her capabilities?" Hibo persisted.
"Staggering," I avowed. "Her swiftness in vanquishing those shifters was extraordinary. But her skin..." My voice wavered, recalling the ethereal wonder of her magic.
"Do you reckon she can stand against the palace's enforcers?" Aweys posed, his allegiance to the Council evident.
Apprehension welled within me. Though Tissa's newfound powers were astonishing, they were raw. A few shifters paled in comparison to the looming threat. If Shire sensed her power, he'd unleash his entire army to extinguish her existence.
"We can only hope," I murmured.
Reuniting with the group, I introduced my comrades. Hani jestingly commented on Aweys' taciturn demeanor, "Seems solemnity is a family trait." Hibo's laughter chimed, "Oh, we'll get on just fine!" she gushed, holding Hani's hands warmly.
Hibo, drawn to Tissa's huddled form, delicately tilted back the hood veiling Tissa's visage. Tissa's radiance, though concealed, didn't unsettle Hibo.
"It's an honor, Tissa," Hibo greeted warmly, offering her hand.
Tissa reciprocated with a muted grin. Hibo's lively inquiries had Tissa chuckling in no time.
As the sun neared its zenith, Gadiid and Aweys departed to rally the Council. We set the remnants of Beydan and Idil's provisions for a modest feast. Upon their return, camaraderie burgeoned amidst jovial conversations.
Preferring solitude, I retreated to my cot, honing my blade's edge. Aweys mirrored my actions, the sound of whetstones against steel punctuating our silence.
"This place... It evokes memories," he eventually remarked.
I grunted an acknowledgment.
"The prophecy has awakened with Tissa's emergence," he continued solemnly. "The uprising is imminent."
"I'm cognizant of that," I responded tersely.
Despite heeding Elmi's counsel to remain present-focused, the impending tumult was hard to dismiss.

Aweys did not have to speak the words for me to understand his meaning. I needed to address the group, and a Council meeting was in order.

They sat in a circel, the lot of them, Tissa's golden skin no longer a subject of conversation, her Hibo and Hani laughing at something or other.

I cleared my throat as I stood before them. Aweys gave me an encouraging nod, I spoke up,

"Please, eat and get to know one another well. Tonight I will call a meeting of the Council. I understand that many of you all did not sign up for this. And to you I offer protection for as long as we can. Though I fear that may not be more than a few hours. To those who wish to join, I remind you of the Council's mission, to bring true justice and order to Macrobia and to end the oppression of the Magician tribe. It will come as no surprise to you all that there is a war coming. If you chose to join us, you must be aware that the battle will be a dangerous one. If you do not, I urge you to make yourselves scarce as I cannot guarantee your lives will be safe. I will hold no judgements whatever you decide. I will be here if you have any questions. I am grateful to you all."

With that I walked away, letting those who were not already Council members to mull over their options. As I departed, I wondered what words I had left to offer them.