"Who should go?"
Mildred had already fallen deep in thought as Brier asked the next question. She took a quick look at all the members of the council. The quietude in some, the curiosity in others, the hints of doubts... naturally, the one that unified them all was the wish to do something.
"Brier, Isaac and I should stay while the rest of the council goes to the Land of Chaos," Joha suggested firmly, though a kind look remained in her brown eyes.
"The three of us will take good care of everything, I promise. Go, and focus on the entity. You may face great trials."
Mildred was hesitant, concerned for her people. However, the aura that propagated from Joha was genuine and deeply reassuring backed by the trust that the leader had in her. Mildred sighed, nodding towards Joha with a smile, but didn't confirm the proposal yet.
"Is everyone present here fine with the decision? Raise your arm to disagree."
Only a few hands rose, perhaps twenty, but every person's opinion mattered to Mildred. She nodded to a middle-aged man, asking him to speak.
"I have faith in all of you and I know that our well-being will not be compromised in any way. The three are kind and powerful, and Joha was your mentor, was she not? I only worry for you and the others going to the Land of Chaos. I don't know if any Shadow-Trapper ever visited that land, and even if they did it hasn't happened for the last few centuries."
Mildred's fair face held a smile, consolation immediately settling in the Shadow's mind.
"You're absolutely right, we know nothing about our present situation. But one fact that is sure is that silence is a must when confronting such powerful beings, else our own existence can be our destruction. The fewer people that go, the fewer chances of entropy to exponentially increase. I have faith in all five of them as you do; they very well know how to control their consciousness. The six of us know each other very well and the entity is purely of the fifth dimension. A large amount of the dimension's knowledge has been lost, but the group going must have a strong bond.
"There have been... past experiences that enable us for this work. Besides, I can never endanger any one of you, especially in such delicate situations."
Something powerful hid in Mildred's expression; perhaps the Shadow's prime trait. A calming silence befell the room while the uncertain Shadow-Trappers eventually agreed with the decision. Their leader's gaze instilled confidence within them and that was what truly convinced them. Joha was relieved and satisfied, though immediately took upon her role as a sub-leader with Mildred's permission.
"This Gathering now comes to a halt. Do continue on with your everyday workings while remaining vigilant. I will always be here if anyone faces any problem; please do not hesitate to come to me. Also, leave the headquarters with a shadow-lifter, and keep your Zeal Lietaeru active at all times at the level that you will be notified of any information. At least we will be able to use Solis for communication.
"Lastly, tell the children as much as they may need to know and let them know that they are safe. No harm shall come to them.
"I swear on the hearthstone."
Joha's tone was now softer than a water droplet. Everyone remained still in stunned silence, although everyone in the council expected this from Joha.
Everyone other than Zoey.
"Joha-"
"If I did not do this then you would. I'm fully aware of that, Zoey.
"You have greater burdens to handle. Let me fulfil my duty."
YOU ARE READING
The Shadows of Nature
Tâm linhnature Perhaps it is the home Perhaps the destination Perhaps both. Can you push past the constraints you have inherited? Can you seek to understand that which scares you? That which you hate? That which angers you? Truth and Time, is this the prin...
