Maji Born

21 - Advice From The Stacks

Zehara sorted through the stack of manuscripts and books, her mind far away from her task. She scooped up the first couple of manuscripts and headed for the back corner of the library to deposit them in their correct homes.

On a normal day, she would read them as she went, soaking in all the knowledge she could contain. Today she was too distracted to bother with them.

She ran over the plan in her head. She wanted to make sure that every detail made sense. That she had not left out a key step or a fatal mistake. She would meet Theador and let him look over the Ardaer stone. Hopefully, he would be able to give her a better idea of how to control it. She would present it to her companions at dinner and then she would meet with the council in a days time. That had her on edge. She felt nauseous and unfocus.

The council-controlled any chances of external support. She would sail up to Midais with her closest allies and a small military force but the support of Zedar would be a considerable asset.From there they would take the coast, up the east to Despar, a small fishing village. Their odds of a stealth arrival into Midais would be higher if they dropped anchor there. They would be at sea an extra day but this expenditure would help them exponentially.

From there they would disembark and meet an escort, secured by the Duke, who would smuggle them into the city. After that, it would be up to Devarak to get her into the castle.Zehara would present the stone as proof of her right to rule and the King would be asked to kneel before her. If he didn't she would be forced to kill him. She didn't think he would kneel, but she would offer him the option.

At high noon Theador showed up. He entered the library through the side door as he had on numerous other occasions. He gave Zehara a slight bow as he reached her desk.

"Missus."

"Theador it is good to see you," Zehara said, standing and giving him a peek on the cheek. The other man blushed ever so slightly at this and gave her a nervous nod.

"You as well my lady. It has been far too long. I have ever so many things to show you."

He was carrying a large case, which he placed on her desk at this point. Zehara rested a hand on his.

"I look forward to seeing what you have brought me but that is not why I called this meeting. I have an item in my possession that I need information on. I had thought you might be able to tell me more if I can have your discretion. It is a sensitive matter." At this Theador quirked an eyebrow, glancing around the desk in search of the item in question.

"Of course. You have my word. Where is this item?"

Zehara turned so that she faced away from prying eyes and gestured for the merchant to get closer. He did so and she withdrew the pouch with the stone.

"No questions Theador."

He nodded.

Zehara pursed her lips and opened the pouch so he could see inside. The merchant's eyes immediately lit up and he let out a gasp.

"Blazes! Miss Elington where did you get that stone."

"I said no questioned and you gave your word."

Theador looked like he was about to protest but thought better of it.

"As you say, miss. What would you like to know?"

"How do I control it? What can it do?" Zehara asked, trying not to sound too excited.

Theador gave the stone another glance.

"Well... I've heard that this stone can turn the tides of wars. It depends on the user, only a small portion of Urdart are strong enough to harness its energy. Most have died trying to possess it." He paused, distracted by the glittering pull of the stone.