Shadow Bands

XXXIX. Solstice

People walked in and out of the Senate building. Lyra stood out front, looking up at the colossal structure. Here, on the battlefield she chose, Aeris took her last breath in her arms. Now she will take her up her mantle and fight on her behalf.

A long breath escaped her.

Doubt wove itself in and out of her mind, seeding the thought of not being good enough. Her foot struggled to step in front of the other, as if it were bound to the stone beneath her feet.

"Aeris," she whispered underneath her breath. "Please. . . give me strength."

Gritting her teeth, she took her first step. The other steps became easier right after. Lyra didn't pay any mind to the faces and figures that passed her. Her only goal was to have an audience with the Senate, no matter the cost.

"I'm here to speak to the Senate." Lyra held up the golden badge, expecting it to work a miracle and grant her passage.

At first, the receptionists found the situation puzzling. Looking at each other for answers they didn't have. One of them shrugged their shoulders.

"As of right now, a gathering has been called and is in session. Your badge is valid, but we cannot accept it at this time. You'll have to wait for the next gathering."

"No, I can't wait. This is about the future of Kogeer—the changing tide of war."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Unfortunately, we cannot authorize your entry into the gathering."

Lyra's blood burned in her veins. The loose papers shook, and all the ink jars and paper weights clanked against the table. Her words built in her throat until she heard. . .

"Ms. Algernon?"

To her surprise, she turned to find Elderlore approaching her with his guard following close behind him. His usual draping outfit adorned him, but he had tucked his hair under a hat.

"Elderlore!" she exclaimed, happy to see him. He surely would give her entry to the gathering. . . she hoped.

"Are you expecting an audience with the Senate?"

He was perceptive. Or perhaps the badge gave away her intentions. Either way, he was correct, and Lyra wouldn't lose this chance.

"I wish to speak. What I tell can change the tide of war, and our people and allies need to hear it."

Elderlore's face remained unamused. His chin raised. All of his decisions reflect his gaze. She could see his chest puff before he spoke.

"This gathering of the Senate will not include talks of war."

"The war is at our doorstep. What else is there to talk about?"

Elderlore held out his hand, gesturing to her for a walk alongside him. Lyra clenched her fists and reluctantly started walking.

"Urgency isn't a politician's best trait," Elderlore's expression became unreadable, as if he was recalling something. "There is a reason for tension to build, so when the time comes, all their fruition will spring into motion.

"That sounds great for a politician, but this is not a matter of waiting." His eyes didn't even glance at her. "Aeris would have addressed this immediately. I am here in her stead to do what's right—that none of you are willing to do."

He remained silent. She caught a flicker of a glance towards her. Lyra thought she'd said something right. If he truly cared about Aeris, and anything that she stood for. . .

"This gathering is about the alliance. If your topic of war seeps in, then it will become your floor." Elderlore's eyes travelled down to her. But they lacked the warmth and welcome they usually exuded.