Dealings in the Council of Avalhein - Chapter 23

Dealings in the Council of Avalhein

Chapter 23

Avalhein erupted into a flurry of activity. The golden gleam of the walls took to an almost dismal appearance. Ceree and many of other races that had arrived in Avalhein seeking court for a myriad things ran about screaming. Children were being ushered into homes and the sorceror’s guild was moving at full speed to restore some magical defense around the city. In the distance a deep and menacingly low drumming was heard.

Geirrha knew well enough that the drumming was only being projected and the actual force behind it was miles away. Leaving Dervyn in the care of one of the attendants in the council, she immediately left for Malkknrre, who was still with elder Kimaha and advised him as to what to do. She left the main hall of the council and strode to the sorceror’s guild where she rang the magical gong that summoned everyone back to the structure.

“We have long been in the shadow of the higher and more important guilds. The council refuses to acknowledge that magic is the answer for most of our problems” said Geirrha. “My brothers and sisters, I must thank you for remaining loyal to me all these years, today Avalhein shall fall, and in glory we shall rise from the ruins and with our power create a city far more grandiose than this and all Ceree shall bow to us!” she continued. She was riling the sorceror’s guild to action.

“But what can we do? We are prohibited from fighting in the war. The council told us that our forces were too thinly spread to spend forces in protecting magicians” interjected one of the older members.

“Eet eez troo, zey say zat we are better suited to ze protection of ze city” said another who was obviously from somewhere in the north. “I mean no disrespect grandmistress, but zey are right, not many of us have our youth... Ze younger magicians are all being employed by our sister guild. Zey are the combat magicians, trained in the ways of both magic and close combat...”

“If that is all that you are concerned of, then you need not fear” said Geirrha with a slight malevolence with her voice. “The council cannot defy the will of Malkknrre”

“You are a cunning woman, grandmistress, what makes you so sure that Malkknrre would allow us to fight in this war?” said a shady voice from behind her. From the shadows stepped out the matriarch of the guild. “You very well know what practices are forbidden in this guild, Geirrha. Are you even the Geirrha we knew before you became councilwoman? You were always deceitful, showing the council that your loyalty was to them when in fact it was with us.”

“Ahh... good to see you again sister. Vetra, the time for change has come upon the world, we need not those rules. Magic will be our greatest ally. No, I am no longer the Geirrha you once knew. That Geirrha is no longer here. I am Sa’maihan, Sar’haiel, holder of soul, master of being!” yelled Geirrha. Her eyes glowed a fierce violet and she began to chant. Her body rippled and the light seemed to dance around it. She seemed to age and her alerons began to lengthen. Her klimnu slowly grew and she herself began to become more lean, more streamlined. A regal air hung about her and suddenly, from her back sprouted two majestic wings.

All of Geirrha’s allies in the guild bowed their heads. There was no denying that she was the one to lead them to glory. The others shook their heads in dismay and left