The Awakening of the Ancients

V. Council and Criminal

I awoke the next morning to Ms. O's gentle prodding, as promised. Having worn one of the woman's old gowns to bed after my bath, I sought my Sorc garments and found them neatly folded on a chair beside the door. She had taken the liberty to wash them. I made a mental note to thank her somehow. I had emptied my pockets of Ehiiri's potions into the nightstand before the bath, and I checked them once before heading downstairs. I didn't feel entirely confident that they were safe, seeing how the door to the room didn't lock, but having them hidden away somewhere put me somewhat at ease.

Ms. O had made a sizeable breakfast, so I assumed the giants were expected to join the table at some point. She informed me that Cyrus had eaten before I had gotten out of bed, so I ate quickly to be ready before he was. She took the forgotten measurements from last night while I was eating, having me stand at one point and almost slop diced potatoes down my front. Cyrus came to collect me just as the old woman was beginning to play with the tips of my hair. I finished my plate quickly, before she decided my locks needed a new style---straight instead of curly, blond instead of tar, or whatever else she might scheme. The giant and I set off, walking toward the city's south gate.

We were silent for a few minutes into our walk. I snuck glances at him as we did. He wore a serious expression. His strides were determined and even. He radiated confidence and poise. Regal, almost. His demeanor did little to reflect the dire situation of his kinsmen. I wondered if it was intentionally hidden.

I grew more nervous as we neared the gate. I worked up the courage to try to glean more information from him before I met the Council. "So...you just need me to stand there?"

"Mostly."

"...Mostly?"

"You may need to say a few words." He seemed to think that required no further explanation, but I certainly thought it did.

"Like what words?"

"That the Sorceresses are keeping an eye on the situation." He seemed calm, and answered me politely.

I still felt like a burden for prying, but I needed to know more. I bit my lip, nervous for his reaction to my next statement. "I can't say that. I'm not a Crow and I can't speak for Tariht."

He let out a contemplative breath. "Just say you're concerned about the situation and are here to look into it. That should be enough."

I thought about it. I couldn't find anything in the statement that was technically a lie, nor anything that would mislead them into thinking I came here on anyone's orders but my own. It also didn't imply some sort of commitment, which meant I could still do as I pleased while here. It would suffice. "Okay. And...why is it important that they see a Sorceress, again?"

"If they see a Sorceress paying attention to the war, then they might realize that it threatens more than what is within Telthaion's borders. They will be forced to take action."

"Why?"

"Because Telthaion wouldn't want a domestic war to turn into a foreign one."

"Oh." I paused. "Wouldn't they need to think Tariht would get involved for them to think this could turn into a foreign war?"

He seemed taken aback at my insight, and he looked at me as if impressed. For my part, I thought the question was an obvious one to ask, so I wasn't sure why he would be surprised. Maybe I had given him the impression I was stupid last night. I was slow, yes; stupid, not so much. "Not necessarily. If anyone outside Telthaion is taking notice, then that means the war has escalated to the point it can affect those outside the immediate borders, such as Mulstenis and Solmire. Telthaion wouldn't want to disrupt those relations by appearing unsafe to enter for trade or similar activities."