Wings of Grace

Chapter 28

     Threlu had been shocked to hear the Zanaltra Council's words. Even now, he was having trouble coming to terms with their demands. He had to admit that it had scared him to his very core. He had become so complacent in his position on the Council, that it didn't even occur that his immortality could be challenged.

     He was having problems even looking Princess Larayna in the eye. His own eyes darting about as if looking for a place to hide. This young girl had bravely not hesitated at all, when asked to give her life for King Lyon. Why was he any different?

     He was ashamed of his own cowardliness.

    Feeling a light touch on his robes' blue sleeve, Lara's gentle melodic voice acted like a reassuring hand, providing comfort to calm his inner turmoil. 

   "Threlu, take your time. It's alright. Whatever it is, I'm sure we will find a way to deal with it." His tired, bleary blue eyes, glimmering with emotion, looked down into her wide sincere youthful ones, their only concern being to ease his distress.

     "Princess Larayna, young King Lyon has chosen well. You will make a most honourable Queen."  The thickness in Threlu's voice was heavy. The toll of the last couple of days, if nothing else, had opened his eyes as to how important it was, that this young lady be allowed to live.

     Taking a deep breath, Threlu  anxiously rubbed his thumb repetitively against his short clipped nails on his long, thin calloused fingers. All the while, mentally asking for the courage to do what needed to be done.

     Lara quickly glanced worriedly at Lyon, who shook his head slightly, his expression very grave.

     Threlu spoke very softly, all ears, straining to listen to every word.."'A life for a life... " he pondered over the words in his mind, speaking his very thoughts aloud. "Up until now, I really didn't realise what a heavy burden they were to carry." 

     He searched Lara's face. " I have delivered these words to innocents as yourself, Princess Larayna, throughout the ages, selfishly disregarding the severity of their meaning.  It was a game, you see."

     He ran his still trembling hand, across his forehead, then cupped the right side of his face and chin in the crook of his hand, before  nervously weaving it through the tendrils of his beard.

      "It was always, just a game. The stakes were high but then so again was the prize. Very seldom did anyone loose." Again, he paused, his face frowning as he thought back to that one occasion. He had always put that down to the casualty of war. How could he have been so blasé?

    Threlu could still hear her screams begging for forgiveness. The cries of her failure echoing throughout the corridors, as he watched the woman being taken away to be given to the one who governed all deathbrones; witnessing her fear in knowing death was near. 

     But it wasn't even the trepidation in her body language as she was sentenced with -  life for a life-  that he most recalled so much as the stench. For real fear, surprisingly, had its own scent. Something, that would take him a lifetime to forget.

     As if suddenly becoming aware of who he was talking to, Threlu suddenly blurted,

     "They have demanded my life for that of the Elemental Destroyer, if we do not succeed in capturing or killing him"

     "WHAT? Oh no...!" Lara exclaimed, staring worriedly at Threlu. Her lips parted, slightly. "How could they do this?"

     "They are the Zanaltra Council." Threlu bowed his head in shame.

     For centuries he had sat amongst the Zanaltra Council, proud to be considered a member. Placing judgement on any individual who dared to speak against them, without a second thought as to whether or not they were right. This was the Zanaltra Council. They, were above all laws. Above all morals. They could do no wrong.