Jeneria: Defenders of Ausmik

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE - THE COUNCIL'S CONFERENCE

It had taken over eight years, but Jenn would finally enter an Inner City home. The conditions, however, were unlike anything she would have ever expected: Councilman Gray, an ally, and Charles, her prisoner.

The Guardians led Charles away, to be held until his trial, while Jenn and Joseph joined Councilman Gray inside his home. As she walked, Jenn could feel Joseph staring into her back; she didn't dare turn to him.

"Forgive me for the mess," said Gray, once Jenn and Joseph entered. "I've been quite busy as of late—haven't had much time to tidy up."

Jenn said nothing, both because she couldn't sympathize and because she wanted to preserve her character.

"Take a seat," said Gray, inviting them to his dining table.

As Jenn went to sit, she surveyed the rest of the home. The room wasn't very large, and neither was the kitchen—it was even smaller than the one in Charles' home—but it was far more modern. There was also a white spiral staircase that led to an additional floor.

Joseph was still standing at the entrance, his hands folded in front of him.

"Take a seat, Joseph," said Gray. "There's no need to be formal here. Try to relax, if that's possible." He laughed softly to himself then strutted to the kitchen.

Jenn noticed how easily he moved about, even more so than when she'd seen him eight years ago; he must have been exaggerating his age at that time.

Joseph took a seat across from Jenn and folded his hands on the table. Jenn looked away, but she could sense his eyes on her.

"Make yourselves comfortable," said Gray as he fiddled through his cupboards. "It'll take some time to prepare the tea, but Councilman Hedon should be on his way. Now where did I put those teacups?—Did I lend to them to Simon? No, I believe he gave them back."

"What about Mr. Gailhart?" said Jenn, keeping her eyes on the councilman. "Do you think he'll make it to the trial with his wound?"

"You needn't worry, Miss Rose. It's only a minor injury—just to keep him from attempting any sort of escape."

"I see." Jenn slinked back in her chair and looked down at the table.

"Yes," continued Gray, "I wouldn't worry about Mr. Gailhart's condition—you'll still receive your reward no matter what comes of him. Aha, there they are." He took some cups from a high cabinet and brought them to the table. "I do hope to complete the trial speedily," he said, his words aimed at Joseph. "If the Mass learns that we captured Charles Gailhart, they'll demand him right away—and I'm sure they'll condemn him to Abudox just like they did with Alexander Wardrem." He shook his head, clearly disturbed by the Mass's decision.

"A fate in Abudox is worse than any other," said Joseph.

"Yes, yes," said Gray, "that's what everyone tells me." He sighed then returned to the kitchen. "But to be entirely truthful," he continued, "I would've loved to see Alexander's head on a spike—a bloody and messy decapitation, just like those Natal scum the other day. I can only hope that whatever goes on in Abudox is as horrid as I imagine—vultures picking out his decrepit little eyes, or something of that nature."

Jenn clenched her fists, but then relaxed them when she caught Joseph staring at her.

"Miss Rose?" Councilman Gray was staring at her from the kitchen.