arin's beginning

Chapter 18 Congress

Minister Herrod organized a few more papers on his desk, waiting for my answer. "Come now boy, it's the middle of the night and you have quite a story to tell, I'm sure."

"With all due respect, sir, this is something that needs to be told before the entirety of Congress. You need to summon an emergency session and gather the congressional body as soon as possible." I say. Tag's voice is clear in my mind, Do not trust Congress or any of its members. They have held power for far too long. If you must deal with them, do so in front of the whole body, or at least more than one witness. I stand up a little straighter and look The Minister in the eye.

"You are lucky I was already awake when my people told me of your activities tonight. Now I have a good relationship with the Council. A relationship that is founded on mutual trust and respect. Nothing is ever given for free you know." He stands up suddenly and steps to the drink cart against the wall. He fixes two glasses of a dark, strong-smelling liquid. He offers a glass to me, "Have a glass of brandy." He swirls the glass gently sending the drink sloshing.

"No, thank you. Alcohol doesn't agree with me." I raise a hand stopping his offering. "Please, Minister Herrod, assemble the body. What I have to say concerns all of Stormos and it is of the utmost importance that the Congressional body hears my story so they can act as soon as possible." Herrod downs his glass in a single gulp and then pauses to consider. He turns to face out the window.

"Concerns all of Stormos, you say. Something so unbelievably important that you rush in here demanding I wake the congressmen up in the middle of the night. But the council sends a mere apprentice to deliver the news. Why is that I wonder." He folds his arms across his chest. "Could it be that the Council itself is in danger? Why else would they send a boy, but they were so utterly engrossed in something that you were the only one they could spare." He muses. Suddenly he spins around and claps twice.

The butler opens the office door immediately, "Yes, sir?" he intones.

"Send runners to the congressional body. I am calling for an emergency session. Tonight." He turns to me and bends down to whisper in my ear, "Arin, you will stand before the Congress tonight, you have my word. But remember this, I did something for you." He strides out of the room, pausing at the door, "Please, see yourself out. The Congressional body will meet at sunrise." He disappears down the hall behind another set of doors.

"This way, sir." The butler extends one arm blocking my step to follow Herrod. "The Minister has shared his piece for the night, storming after him would be unwise." He whispers to me as he takes a step. With a huff, I turn and allow the butler to guide me back the way we came, just minutes ago. Silently we walk back through the halls. The stillness of the house settles on me as my footsteps seem to boom on the polished stone floors. After I cross the threshold the butler quickly closes the door behind me. I walk down the carriageway to the gate and pause. I look over my shoulder and see a silhouette in one of the windows, and though it is well past the middle of the night, I can make out the details of Herrod's lush smoking jacket. I turn and push through the gate and stride back out into the city, where I thankfully hear no more cries from the Watch.

Brann, can you hear me? Are we close enough to speak? I cast my thoughts out in her direction.

Yes Arin. Her voice is clear in my head as if she was right next to me which is startling. And before you ask, I have been paying attention. You were reckless running through the city like that. What are you going to do now? It is at least 5 hours until sunrise. I can feel her unspoken question.

I'd rather avoid getting into it with the guards if I can. I'll find a place here to crash for the night. I think I'll check in on Master Randerick. His surgery isn't too far from here. Too many times I had to find my way to and from the City Walls at night because of the Wildmen.