Breakfast the following day was the usual busy affair. The only difference was that you could tell who had been out celebrating at Zigferd and Isavil's wedding. As the night passed, more arrived at Petunia's as the news spread, meaning this morning, there were more than a few with 'thick heads'.
SJ was sitting at a table with Berger, who held his head in his hands, moaning about Petunia's brandy, when Hertwell walked over, deliberately talking much louder than he needed to.
"Morning, All," he boomed, making Berger cringe.
"How can you be so spritely? You drank just as much of Petunia's poison as I did," Berger complained. SJ wasn't feeling great either, but she hadn't been on the brandy.
"Ah. You think I attended the inauguration without being prepared," he grinned, waving a bottle containing a purple liquid.
Berger's eyes focused on the bottle before he attempted to grab it. "Gimme some, will you?"
"Umm. What's it worth? Let's say a percentage reduction on what you charge us for meat supplies."
Grumbling and cursing under his breath, Berger told Hertwell where he could go and what he could do with his bottle. Grinning wickedly, Hertwell placed the bottle next to him as a server brought over a huge plate of food for his breakfast. Berger turned a shade of green and stood, leaving the hall at a pace. Hertwell belly laughed, watching him go, his beard twitching as he did.
"That was evil," SJ smiled at the dwarf.
"You don't look perfect yourself this morning?"
"A little tender, but not too bad," SJ said, picking up the dry toast she had ordered. "I wonder how Zigferd is this morning. Those dragon's banes that Fasvil was making."
"I stayed away from that elven tosh. Gimme an ale or dwarven brandy any day of the week in comparison. Fancy mixed drinks aren't my style. Here, have a swig," Hertwell said, pushing the bottle over.
"What is it?"
"It's called clear head."
Taking the bottle, SJ pulled the cork and smelt the liquid. It smelt sour, and she gingerly took a swig as instructed. It tasted foul, but her head cleared within moments of drinking it.
"That's good stuff."
"Aye. Many believe dwarves can drink and drink and drink. We can, but we only operate daily because of this stuff," he smiled.
"I had a gnomish brewer's potion, which was amazing."
"Ah, rejuvinatus. That is some special stuff. I only ever had it once myself when Kerys gave me a shot. It's invigorating stuff."
"You know Kerys?"
"Aye. I know Kerys. She used to run a bar here in Asterfal. Most of the councillors used to drink there before the incident."
Frowning, SJ looked at Hertwell. "You're the second person now to mention an incident, but I still don't know what incident is being referred to."
"It's common knowledge for those who were around at the time. As I said, Kerys ran the most popular bar in Asterfal. She had all the big names in the city as regular patrons. Her ale was by far the best, and she always had a bard or musicians. The bar never closed, and between her and her business partner, they had a huge following. The food she used to put on was to die for. I can't remember the name of her cook now. It's slipped my mind, but she moved with her when she left."
"Floretta."
"That's right, Floretta. You never see many undead in Asterfal, but she was famous. Anyway, her business partner did the nasty on her. He got greedy in the simplest terms; he tapped the ale to improve profits even further. For every new barrel brought in, he would tap early, remove several tankards, and then fill it back up with water."
"I am guessing that Kerys didn't know?"
"No, she had no idea. The problem was that she was the one who was a member of the Brewers Guild. Her business partner was just an investor in the bar. Kerys suffered the consequences when what was happening came to light. She tried challenging the charges brought against her and the bar by the Brewers Guild, but they wouldn't believe her. The Brewers Guild had been after an excuse to close Kerys down for a long time because she was so successful, many other bars in the city blamed her success for their failing. They revoked the bar's license, and Kerys ended up selling the bar for much less than it was worth. That was when she left and moved to Killic."
Kerys had told SJ that she had left Asterfal because of the cut that the Brewers Guild used to take on profits, not Hertwell's story. Either she felt embarrassed by what had happened or didn't wish to discuss it anymore. SJ could understand why Kerys was so furious about the issues caused by Malaki. The problems with the Brewers Guild stopping her ale from being sold in Asterfal because of the accusations brought and his dealings trying to sully her name. Alice had smoothed out the issues and successfully quashed the charges brought by Tirelle when he had come to Killic.
"Do you know the name of her ex-partner?"
"Unfortunately, I do. His name was Erik," Hertwell said.
"Erik, what?"
"I'm not sure it started with a B or something I can't remember. Anyway, he left the city a long time ago."
Hertwell sat eating the remainder of his breakfast as SJ ordered another coffee. A very pale-looking Berger arrived back at the table. Hertwell chuckled before pushing the bottle over to him.
Berger looked at him in disbelief. "Now!"
"Works better on an empty stomach," Hertwell shrugged.
The council session was due to begin at 10:00, and SJ still had yet to see Zigferd this morning. In all the happenings of yesterday, she also needed to discuss the Carlati with Cristy. Leaving the tower, she went to the bush, shrunk and flew to Petunia's. She had just over an hour before the session would start. Landing in Petunia's back garden, she was amazed to find that everything from the previous evening had already been cleared away. The garden now looked as if nothing had taken place.
Walking to the backdoor, she could hear whistling.
"Petunia?"
After several moments, the door opened. "Good morning, SJ. What brings you here so early?"
"How have you got this place sorted out already?" SJ asked.
"Oh, I haven't been to bed yet," Petunia winked.
"The joys of being a cleric, I guess."
"My class has some perks."
"Is Cristy here? I wanted to talk to her. I didn't get a chance yesterday with all the excitement."
"Yes. She is upstairs. She is awake and don't worry, I gave her a talking to and a little refresh," Petunia chuckled. "I used to be the same in my youth, trying to pinch drinks at parties."
"Do you mind if I go see her?"
"Of course not, please do."
Petunia's was as immaculate inside as out. Walking through the house, SJ headed upstairs. Several doors led off into the hallway, and SJ did not know where Cristy was so called for her name. Cristy stuck her head out of a door.
"Hi SJ. Before you start, Petunia has already scolded me this morning," Cristy said defensively.
"I was not here to speak to you about that. We have something else I need to discuss. I spoke to Zigferd yesterday before everything was taken over and he spoke to the Carlati."
Cristy didn't need reminding who they were and looked at SJ, grinning. "What did they say?"
"Zigferd has said they have agreed to have you perform a trial. If you succeed at the trial, they will consider allowing you to learn the class."
Cristy couldn't contain her excitement, so she started bouncing from foot to foot with her hands in the air, celebrating.
"There are some things you need to know before you make a decision."
Cristy stopped bouncing, frowning. "What things?"
"If you decide to go and do the trial, you must go alone. I or no one else will be able to visit you. I am not even sure if they will ever allow visitors. Zigferd was blindfolded when taken to the conclave."
"Why not? And I won't be there forever. I will only be there until I can learn the class." Cristy frowned.
"Secrecy. They are very secretive and, from what Zigferd said, very strong. He said a clan representative is coming to the city to meet you to discuss it."
"Do you know when?"
"Possibly today, maybe tomorrow. It wasn't confirmed. A message will be sent to the tower when they arrive. You need to think about it before they arrive. I would hate you to be all alone there with no friends."
Cristy smiled. "I will just make new ones."
SJ couldn't hold the smile off her face. From the small gnoll who had run into her leg in the market square of Killic, to the young woman she was now, the transformation was immense, and her personality had always won her new friends.
"I need to get to a council meeting, but I wanted to let you know. I will come and see you later once the meeting has finished."
Leaving Cristy, SJ thanked Petunia and left back to the tower. As she arrived back, Zigferd and Isavil were arriving.
Beaming, SJ greeted them. "Good morning, newlyweds."
Isavil grinned as she walked up, holding Zigferd's hand and leaning into his shoulder. Zigferd looked uncomfortable with Isavil clinging onto his arm and didn't look natural. He would have to get used to changes in his life now. Walking into the tower together, all those who saw them congratulated them. Moving into the chamber, they took their respective seats. Isavil was sitting just behind her brother in the second row. Fasvil turned and spoke to Isavil. SJ could not hear what was said but noticed Isavil shaking her head. Zigferd was busy getting spoken to by several councillors congratulating him on such a worthy 'catch'.
'Men,' SJ thought.
"What about men?" Dave asked.
'Women are not 'catches'. We are not objects or things to be caught.'
"Do women not do the same to men?"
'Not the same way I know those lecherous hounds are meaning.'
The horn filled the chamber as the conversation dwindled. The chancellor, Alec, and Wystria entered and took their seats.
"Welcome all to the last session of the inauguration. We have several key areas to complete today before we break, but before we get on to the formalities, I would like to say a few words. Yesterday, I received news that I know many of you have waited for for a long time. Two of the longer serving members of our council have at long last Wed. I would like to pass on my good wishes and future happiness to Isavil and Zigferd. Isavil has been one of the city's trade councillors for over seventy years and will leave us to return to Killic with Zigferd. This will be a loss for our council. Her skills will not be lost, as she has promised to continue supporting Lorevil, who will step into her role as the market traders' representative." As the chancellor stopped talking, the chamber erupted in cheers and shouts of congratulations. SJ could feel Zigferd squirming in his seat beside her, and the attention made him uncomfortable.
As the noise died down, the chancellor continued. "Now, let us get on with business first today. Master Edwardo has a guild update."
The meeting began with the usual hubbub or agreement and discourse as various propositions were made. While they discussed the consideration of taking a toll on the major routes to the city to support the guard, the chamber doors were thrown open.
"I DON'T CARE. GET OUT OF MY WAY," a tall elf stormed through the chamber doors, throwing the tower guard back out of his way as if he were nothing. An aura of power surrounded him, and his hand crackled with blue light. "WHERE IS SHE?" he screamed. He was followed by a group of six elves, all wearing brilliant silver plate armour.
All in the chamber turned in shock at the sudden intrusion into the chamber. The chancellor and lead councillors all stood, turning to look at the elf who had dared enter the council chambers. The guard picking himself up from the ground where he had come to rest.
"And you are?" the chancellor asked in a calm voice, looking at the elf.
"I SAID WHERE IS SHE?" the elf bellowed.
"And I asked who you are, that thinks you can walk into a council meeting and interrupt its proceedings."
"I am Lord Narias of Horefji. The one king's advisor," he said, his face contorted in anger.
"The one king? Which king might that be? There are several on the continent," the chancellor stated.
"The one true king. King Elgorad of the great elven kingdom."
"Welcome Lord Narias. Although I am afraid that you have no right to interrupt our meeting, so I would kindly ask that you leave."
"I will not leave until I find the cheating elven wench."
"A wench, you say? As you can see, there are several elven women in our council. Do you have a name of one you are calling by that term?"
SJ was looking between the chancellor and Lord Narias after the conversation when she noticed Alec leaning into the chancellor and whispering something in his ear. Her heightened senses picked up a slight change in the chancellor's poise—just enough to show a very fleeting look of uncertainty on his face.
"Isavil Korlaris of House Wastirya."
"I am sorry we do not have a council member of that name."
"WHAT? I KNOW SHE IS ONE OF YOUR COUNCIL."
"I'm sorry, we don't. Can you leave now, please? You have caused enough of a disturbance. Thank you."
SJ could feel the anger consuming Zigferd as he sat there staring at the elf with absolute hatred. Grabbing his wrist, SJ squeezed it, noticing Zigferd's clenched fists.
"ISAVIL SHOW YOURSELF."
Fasvil turned and looked at his sister briefly, fear on his face. Lord Narias was looking around the hall at each of the female elves. Isavil had not looked towards him and seemed to have lowered herself into her seat.
"You there," Narias said to one of the female elves seated a few levels back.
"I ASKED YOU TO LEAVE," the voice that left the chancellor's mouth was one of thunder this time. It boomed, almost deafening. Lord Narias turned to look at him, taken aback by the sudden change in manners from the kobold.
"I am a Lord of the one king. You have no authority over me."
"AND I AM THE CHANCELLOR OF THIS CITY, THE SOUTHERN CAPITAL OF THE CONTINENT, AND IN MY CITY, I AM THE LAW."
Lord Narias looked at the chancellor. The chancellor's face had now changed. His usual blue scale colouration had darkened. Moving down from the podium, an aura appeared around his body. The aura was purple and as he looked at the elf. With a flick of his hand, two deep shadows appeared on the floor of the chamber on either side of the chancellor. The elf lord's eyes opened further as they appeared.
SJ did not know what class the chancellor was, or what level. Dave, reading her thoughts, replied.
"Looking at those pools he has formed, he is a warlock and level 52."
The revelation shocked SJ. She knew nothing about the chancellor and would never have assumed that he was a warlock. The elves who had entered the chamber behind the Lord took a step forward, lifting their shields towards the chancellor. A glow of light appeared from each, forming a barrier.
"I asked you to leave this chamber and this tower. You have outstayed your welcome," the chancellor said.
All in the chamber sat in silence, watching the standoff between the two. The elven lord stared with hatred at the chancellor, who stood with his hands out towards each of the dark circles.
"Go now, or I will be forced to remove you," the chancellor said.
"You dare threaten an advisor to the one king?"
The chancellor sneered as he looked at the elf. "I do not threaten. I promise I will remove you from our chamber tower and city if I am required to. You have no authority here. You may be something special in the elven capital, but not here and definitely not now. You have blatantly broken the rules of the city."
"I have broken no rules. I just seek Isavil Korlaris."
"You have forced your way into the sacred heart of the city, not only ignoring courtesy and due course in another's area, but also brought an armed guard with you. I know you are a powerful mage, but you are not as powerful as the members in this chamber. Now, I will ask you one more time to leave."
'What level is the elf?' SJ thought.
"He is 57," Dave replied.
Alec and Wystria stood just behind the chancellor, and several of the other city councillors had moved from their seats. Cries and footsteps could be heard outside the chamber, and Colonel Crawford appeared at the door, followed by members of the guard who moved in and formed a circle around the intruders. "Apologies, chancellor, for the delay. We were dealing with a disturbance outside," the colonel said as he came to a halt.
The elf squinted, staring at the chancellor for a long time before he responded, a smile breaking out on his face. His tone changed from the anger-fueled outburst. "Chancellor, maybe we have got off on the wrong foot. I think I have allowed my emotions to overtake me in this moment of frustration. I will remove myself from the tower and will stay at the elven ambassador's residence. Please have Isavil of Kolaris attend my residence with the utmost haste. Apologies for the interruption."
Without a word, the elven guard broke from their positions and turned, walking from the chamber. The lord following. Colonel Crawford's tower guard allowed them to pass.
