The Council
565 Words
“The Council of twelve?” Madden asked, his eyes growing big.
“Yes,” Nix replied. “They came after me right after my mother’s funeral, and I have been in their clutches until they threw my mother in a dungeon cell with me.”
The whole courtroom gasped, Layla included.
“Everyone out!” Madden yelled in his booming voice and everyone got up to leave, including Layla, but Madden grabbed her arm, ‘’You, Axel, and Aidan stay,” he ordered.
“Nix, sit,” Madden barked. Aeobheann was at his side, her white light lending a calming air to the room.
Axel started pacing the room, then stormed across the room, yelling at Nix, “You liar!” he screamed, then balled his hand up in a fist, but before he could land a blow, a golden light shot across the room, and knocked him firmly on his ass. Layla stood before him, panting, with Chalci at her side.
“Stop it!” she yelled. Axel flinched at her words, looking at her like a lost puppy. ”Kitten,” he murmured.
‘Don’t you kitten me,” she retorted. “You know he can’t lie in front of me, yet you doubt my ability to handle this situation!”
“I am sorry, princess,” he said. She may be mad, and tired of his bossy, dominant nature, but deep inside, this fearless side of her turned him on, though he would have to wait to explore this further.
Madden cleared his throat, and Layla and Axel turned their attention to him.
“Nix, you are sure it is the Council of Twelve?”
“Yes, your highness,” Nix said.
“Exactly who are the Council of Twelve?” Aiden who had been quiet up until now asked.
“I never saw their faces, they kept themselves covered in cloaks. The leader is a woman, and I only ever saw three others with them.”
“That is because there are only four now,” Madden stepped in, answering for Nix.
“Wait, you know them?” Axel asked, with a confused expression.
“I know of them. It is an ancient order, almost as old as me. Rumor has it there were twelve at one time, until they turned on each other. Some say each one of them has the power of three witches, thus making it acceptable to keep the name.”
“That’s some deep s**t,” Aiden frowned,
“Aye, it is, and until now, I never took any of it seriously, to be honest, for they’ve never come after me, but it seems it is true,” Madden sighed.
“They are too afraid of you,” Nix nearly whispered. ”They knew taking on the Highlander King and his wife would mean death to them all. Even now, with my escape, they don’t dare come after me or my mother for fear of your retribution.”
“Nix?” Layla asked. “Why didn’t you come to Madden for help?”
“Because they brainwashed him.” This time it was Axel who answered .”Didn’t they, brother?”
“Yes,” Nix nodded, “They made me hate all of you, even the king.
- Writer
