The Conclave
633 Words
Just an uneasy air settled over the assembled dignitaries, the Drakyran delegation filed into place. They were led by the Second Sage, barely four feet tall, long ears protruding from openings in his woven hood, followed by the guild leaders from his city- the Senior monk, Grand Keeper, High Alchemist, Prime Surveyor and Principal Engineer. Each were accompanied by one or two of their apprentices. But where was the Great Sage.
Everyone else was in place.
"Forgive our tardiness friends, Unfortunately, due to his advanced age, my Master was unable to make the journey."
There was a twitter of condolences and understanding from the other members. Dalhannah smiled sadly. Such short lives some of these races had.
With a nod, Xil started the proceedings.
"Greetings honoured leaders and welcome to the Conclave"
His voice rumbled directly into their minds. Everyone offered perfunctory greetings in return.
"This meeting of the people has been called by Dalhannah, named Queen among Elves."
Alfius squeezed her hand and stepped forward beside her.
"Thank you, friends, for your attendance. I know the next Conclave was not scheduled for another year, but I have urgent tidings to share."
She projected sereness and confidence, but inside she felt anything but.
"I have received a sacred vision that effects all people of our land, and I am bound by duty to bring the matter before you."
The delegates didn't speak, there were no questions. All the peoples knew that of all the races only the Elves still spoke to their deity, and only the Goddess of Light spoke back. So it had been since the dawning days.
She faltered in her speech. The weight of expectation lay heavily on her and she couldn't find the words to continue.
Alfius gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and spoke for her.
"This will not be easy for any of us to hear, but we need to be united, and equally informed in this to decide the best course of action. "
Dalhannah pushed her fear down and spoke again. "If the Conclave is in agreement, I will share what I may of my vision with you all, but be warned, this is not a thing to be taken lightly. What you feel may well change everything for you all, and not for the better. It is dangerous and should be a choice made by each of you."
The kings, queens, Chancellors and chieftains all began to talk among themselves.
"They don't understand Al. They can't. and by the time they do, it will be too late to go back." She whispered.
He nodded sadly. "I agree, but a course has been decided. The Elves have spoken. We are behind you. This was your vision, this is your quest and your burden. In all things we share freely, be it knowledge, or skill or gift. The blessing of the goddess is our gift to share, and you do not have to carry this alone."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. He was right. She had said as much herself though never as succinctly as he had put it. She was glad she could trust him to mirror and clarify her own thoughts. This fear had scrambled her sense.
They waited patiently, as a representative for each race stood forward to present their vote.
"The Dragons consent."
"The Zrall consent."
"The Mer consent."
"The Dwarves consent"
"The Fae consent"
"The Drakyr consent"
Aldontis and Galantrial stood forward. They alone among the Elves present had not shared of the vision.
"The Elves consent."
She felt Alfius stiffen through his hand. She knew he still didn't like the idea. But he would honour their free will.
Dalhannah removed the moonstone from her brow and placed it in the golden bowl the Dragons had provided before her.
- Writer
