Maji Born

26 - The Council Deliberates

The Courthouse was situated two blocks from the University and towered over the buildings around it. Zehara entered with her companions, Lavinia, Aritus and the Duke. The building had black stained glass windows and large wrought iron double doors.

The group approached the double doors at the end of the large main room and a woman stepped ahead of them.

"Do you have an appointment?" She asked politely.

"We do." The Duke said, taking a step forward. "For mid-morning with the inner circle."

"Very well. Let me present you," She said, knocking on the door, "your names?"

"Duke Avis Eligton, Zehara Belestine, Aritus Okeer, and Lavinia Tazarine."

"Not anymore," Lavinia grumbled under her breath.

Zehara glanced over. She couldn't begin to imagine growing up with a family like the Tazarine's.

"Enter!" A voice called from within the chamber.

The woman stepped forward, ushering for them to follow.

"Duke Avis Eligton, Zehara Belestine, Aritus Okeer, and Lavinia Tazarine wish to speak to the council." She said. Then she nodded curtly and stepping back into the hall, firmly shutting the door behind her.

The seven council members exchanged looks and leaned forward with barely contained curiosity.

"Does she speak the truth?" A woman with a thick grey hair and close-set beady eyes, asked from the center of the table as the group approached the dais.

"A Belestine and a Tazarine? I was under the impression that the Belestine line flamed out with " She stared over her glasses at the two women.

"I am Belestine. She speaks the truth," Zehara said, stepping forward. "I was smuggled out of the castle when my family was murdered and was sent to live with Duke Elington."

Zehara nodded toward Duke Elington.

"I recently received news that Midais was in political turmoil. The King, Orell, died and his son Prince Radek took his place, which I'm sure you are aware of." Zehara paused and they nodded. She continued, "Princess Lavinia," she gestured to Lavinia, who looked like she was considering protesting the title, "suspects her brother of murder and was disowned for speaking up. Her own family locked her up in a cell. She travelled here with one of my men and deliver the Ardaer stone to me."

At this, a murmur of excited whispers went through the council.

"King Radek has banned majik and Lavinia has told me of the horrors he has inflicted upon his people. They are being executed without trial just for their abilities. Slaughtered purely on the basis of fear. When my family sat the throne majik was embraced not feared. I am returning to Midais to regain my throne and I hope to gain the assistance of the council in exchange for open trade networks and military unity. Midais needs a ruler who will support all its people, one who has the skill to harness the Ardaer stone and bring together the people in harmony." 

At this Zehara pulled the stone from the small satchel and held it up for the council to view. She was careful to keep her fingers off it.

The councillor who had spoken leaned forward.

"Can you control it?" she inquired skeptically.

"I can," Zehara said, she took a slow inward breath and reached for the stone with her free hand, concentrating hard. She had been practicing for this exact moment and now she focused all her majik on possessing the power of the stone.