CRACK!
A loud booming sound erupts across the raised platform, along with a small rush of air pushing out from where three large tawny mastiffs suddenly appear – each have light tan fur with white fur at their paws, with unnaturally glowing eyes the color of molten gold and with a stout but elaborately engraved golden collar around their necks. The mastiffs appear at the three points of a triangle, with the proclaimed arrivals...and Zander somewhat...in the middle. All three begin to growl and crouch to attack, though they do not advance.
Verik abruptly stands from his chair as the war dogs appear, circling partway around the stage to where he can see the pair before him, his right hand upon his golden keys and his left pointing in accusation. "This will stop now! People of Newhaven, STOP THIS PULL INTO MAD AND BLIND EMOTION! WE MUST KNOW THE TRUTH OF THIS!"
Many in the crowd begin to boo and shout at Verik for his interruption, for clearly he has little ability to counter the words of one who seemingly has come back to life at the moment she has. Verik swallows hard and his face begins to pale, but his square jaw is set as he stares at the Returned, trying as best as he can to ignore Zander just steps behind them.
"Make any moves from this stage or speak to the crowd, and I will issue the orders for the dogs to attack. Can it be that you...you BOTH have returned to this very place at this exact moment by sheer decree of the Gods?" He shakes his head incredulously, his hand still pointing at them. "With NO forewarning or physical ties to this place? It MUST be verified, or the PEOPLE of Newhaven will KNOW your words are forfeit!"
He draws himself up then as best as he can, to look every inch a Banker of Abadar in position of authority, his tone brooking no argument. "I DEMAND you both submit yourselves to the casting of a Dome of Truthtelling here and now, so that all may KNOW if you are true, and not some malevolent plot put against us!"
Berrin stands stunned after the flash of light recedes, his arms still spread and his mouth gaping open from his preparation to give his speech, starring dumbly at Jemini and Nickolay. 'J.. Jemini? Can it really be?' Images flash through his mind, brought crashing through his brain by her sudden appearance, when he first saw her at Olegs, he verbal jousting and provocativenes with Verik during their travels, weathering the storm after slaying the cursed druid, her and Svetlana on a good day at Oleg's, sharing some women's secret and giving the men glances with those beautiful eyes. 'Her eyes.' Berrin stares long and hard, watching her talk to the people as only she could, watching Zander brake the silence, watching the Stag Lord starring blindly into space with white eyes.
Letting his arms fall a smile cracks open on his face, 'She's back! Praise Pharasma, she's back.' Reaching up he removes the crown from his head, intent on giving it to her along with Zander's cloak. "Je.."
Interrupted by another flash of light heralding the appearance of the golden hounds by Verik Berrin adopts his now all-to-familiar frown as he states his case. "But..? Wha..?" His soaring pleasure marred by Verik's caution Berrin looks at his boots before locking Jemini with a hard stare. "I'm sorry, but he's right. We must be sure." he says to her as images of their known enemies race through his brain. Walking hesitantly over to her he reaches out a hand to touch her face, stroking it and pulling on her check to assure himself it is no illusion. 'It is just as I remember, still perfect, still beautiful.' "Forgive us Jemini. You have been dead for a year. We knew you'd return but with all that's been going on we must make sure." he mutters to her as he looks her over.
Nikolai steps in between Jemini and the celestial hounds, ignoring Verik and speaking to Berrin as he steps forward. He almost reaches out to snatch Berrin's hand away from Jemini, but controls the impulse. "I remember you from when we met in battle. I remember your valor. It is right that they made you their king. But you should know this: Jemini and I fought our way across Abaddon and Hell to return here. She could have let me rot there, but she saw the potential for redemption in me. She argued in front of Pharasma herself on my behalf, even though I had killed her. I will submit to whatever tests you require, but she is beyond reproach."
"None! Are beyond reproach, sir." Taisper Stozs, least known of all the Founders, suddenly appears in front of the stage, standing in front of the crowd and pointing up at the supposed Stag Lord and returned Lebeda scion.
"I stand with our Archbanker, and would see you both undergo a test, as he proposes. To build a nation is to risk incursions from all sorts. Already we have fought back warriors, thieves, self-styled bandit lords, mages, bards, and other would-be underminers. All have been defeated, many destroyed. I will not lessen my vigilance one iota because some new enemy is attempting to infiltrate our land under a friendly guise." He raises an eyebrow. "Indeed, it would be just like them." He stands tall, arms folded across his chest, golden eyes shining.
Punishment. Of course, it has to be. I am being punished for wavering. For having Thoughts.
As Verik casts his spell and the Mastiffs appear, Taisper nods and his eyes narrow. Good work, Verik. We'll see this out. I haven't forgotten Grigori, or the Lord Mayor, or any of the rest. Our enemies are still out there and it would be just like them to try something now, on this day.
The inquisitor smiles weakly at Ilyana. "Ilyana, I'm sorry, but I must go. Duty calls. You understand. I will call later." He pats Nick Jr. on the shoulder, then walks back through the crowd, speaking in celestial as he goes. Presently, he vanishes.
The crowd is beginning to get restless with the tension up on the stage. Most of them are shouting their support of Jemini, though a few support the efforts to test her and Nikolai. Some members of the crowd are pushing for Nikolai to be executed for his crimes as the Stag Lord, many of whom are the original group of settlers who lived in the Stolen Lands prior to Newhaven's founding. Nikolai's eyes swing wildly looking for Taisper, slowly finding their focus on him. "I am that self-styled bandit lord. I have died and been reborn, given a second chance by Jemini. I swear to all here," he shouts, "that I will not waste this second chance. My sins have been washed clean by Pharasma herself. My sight was taken to remind me of this. I will kneel before the gods to prove that I am who I say I am, and that I have repented and been cleansed of my sins." He does just that, kneeling before Verik with his huge hands pressed against the stage.
Taisper raises an eyebrow, as if reacting to something strange only he can see, but keeps his peace for the moment. He walks to the stairs and up onto the stage. Looking down at the former Stag Lord, he speaks. "Get up." His voice is quiet and flat, devoid of emotion. He leans in and whispers to his cousin.
For perhaps the first time since they've been travelling together, Verik is seeing a deeply shaken Taisper; the inquisitor is still ash-white, as if he's seen a ghost. Which, to be fair, he has.
Surprised by both Taisper's sudden but welcome appearance at the edge of the stage, as well as the murderous Stag Lord's proud but repentant display right before him, it is all Verik can do to not gulp loudly and keep his hands from shaking. Only his resolve to continue on with what must be done steadies him, along with the overt reminder of Abadar's three summoned enforcers. He does not seem to hear the differing shouts from the crowd, but does react to Taisper's arrival onstage and his urgent whisperings. Looking at his cousin with a quizzical grimace, he nods once in some sort of agreement with him, and then turns back to the Returned and addresses them both.
"You...your words are befitting noble repentance and conscience, but they must be verified before all. I...cannot compel either of you to do this, but all will know it if you do not allow the Truthtelling to take hold. As a measure of trust, I shall undergo it with you. Now be ready."
Verik holds his symbol with one hand, and with the other makes an arc in the air above him, uttering a prayer to Abadar even as the three mastiffs howl and then suddenly disappear with another CRACK! of a shortened thunderclap, the rushing of air in reverse to where they were a moment before.
Moments later a new manifestation of the Lawgiver takes shape above the stage - motes of golden light start to gather and coalesce in the space above their heads and around the platform. Several of the Newhaven guards and citizens shout and step backwards, but Verik's acolytes spread into the crowd to calmly reassure them. In mere seconds it is done: a translucent golden dome of sparkling light stands above them all, seemingly supported by translucent golden columns in a forty foot circumference in what appears to be a small rotunda, with a glowing golden key pulsing at the very top of the ghostly dome.
"Words of truthful purpose and intent I speak, with no guise of deception or ruse." The space around Verik's head now swirls with a golden aura, and his words seem to pulse in rhythm with the glowing key at the top of the dome. At the same time, golden motes of light drift down to Nikolai, Jemini, Taisper, Zander, Berrin...and everyone else on and immediately around the platform.
"Before the gathered Citizens of Newhaven, each of you state your full name and surname so that we would truly know you. Speak then if you did indeed succumb to death at the Battle of Stagfall on the 16th Day of Gozran in the four-thousand seven-hundred and eighth year of this Age, fully one year ago to this very day..."
"...to he whom was called the Stag Lord, tell us your last words to those who fought against you before you succumbed to death by their hands, for only they heard your final words. Also, beyond your weapons and armor which were claimed as lawful and rightful trophies of battle in our victory, tell me what personal object you bore that befits your surname, and describe it..."
"...to she whom was called Jemini Lebeda, tell us exactly which of your comrades were standing by your side when you fell in battle to the Stag Lord. Then describe me an object of my own craftsmanship that you 'borrowed' earlier that day - uhh only the physical description if you please." Verik adds that last part hastily, as he suddenly realizes he would be exposing Jemini to reveal a very personal aspect of Zander, looking at him ever so slightly in a brief panic. Finally," Verik pauses hesitantly for a moment as if struggling for the words, but then pushes forward, "if you are truly her, tell me the last words you said to me in spirit-form when I was standing near your parents near your exhumed body - you mouthed words that I could not hear, but I did see you speak them just the same. Tell me, and I will know if it is you..."
"Ease your anxious heart, Nikolai," Jemini's face is a mild smile, reassuring, "it is exactly as Verik and Taisper say: for where Good embraces compassion and justice, Law embraces order and verdicts. You must welcome the former and carry the later to know that you are doing right by all. Indeed, nobody - not even the gods - are beyond reproach."
She turns her head to follow the arc of the shimmering dome as it manifests, feeling with certainty that here, under this light, she could speak no untruths. As she begins to give witness a pleasant warm glow surrounds her.
"I am Jemini of Lebeda; slain on the 16th day of Gozran in the four-thousand seven-hundred and eighth year of this Age - and returned to life on this day by the judgment of Pharasma, mother of graves." She recounts the details of the Battle of Stagfall, she holds her temple meaningfully at Verik as she tells of their ruse to draw in the bandit lord and lay him low before the main armies could annihilate each other, the condensing of spirits that limited vision, the battle as one after the other fell to the Staglord's murderous blows, how the blade ate into her womb, delaying just long enough for Taisper to end the Staglord's reign.
She smiles, remembering the visions she had in the beyond of her parents and friends trying to return her. She nods, solemnly then, "I remember what I said to you, during that half-certain vision. I said: Not yet. Dear Verik. To save us all, I cannot return yet. I have to bring someone with me. I have to return with Him - he's our hope against the rising Warlord. Once foe, now friend. Have faith. I am returning when the time is right."
She pauses, to indicate the end of her testimony, then adds, "All I've said is with certainty true - as the power of the Lawgiver confirms. In return, I wish to know how my friends have worked this past year; please - I would like to hear of... Newhaven... and your parts in it."
Nikolai remains kneeling despite Taisper's admonishment. As Abadar's magic fills him, he glows like Jemini. "I am Nikolai Rogarvia, the last remaining heir to House Rogarvia of Brevoy and descendant of Choral the Conquerer. Before my death, I called myself the Stag Lord and claimed these lands as my own. With Akiros Ismort by my side, I fought many of you here before me. I slew Jemini with my sword, driving it into her stomach. I also nearly slew that one," he says while pointing to Corwin. "In my last moment, I gave the warning that Choral will return, which I know to be true. I watched you strip my body of the items I bore, including the ring that bears the two-headed dragon that is the seal of my House. It is the same ring that I carried my entire life, that I had with me when I escaped Choral's grasp." He finishes and stands, looking at Verik in the eye. "Everything that I have said is the truth, especially this: I will recover my throne, and use it in a manner that pleases the gods who gave me a second chance. I will stand between Choral and the people of Brevoy and Newhaven, to protect them and keep them safe. I swear by my very soul."
"Wutl ub Hiwry," Verik breathes aloud towards Taisper as Jemini relates the account of Stagfall in full detail, "iy il ynoel sz xiclsac yray yrelz anel ynohz nelyoncelt yu ol! Yray fel lyact relnel ic yrel qnellelcvel ub tinelvy tijicel woitacvel! Poy il yril a sinavhel pellyufelt yu ol sunyahl, un yrel lyany ub a celf payyhel awaicly Vraul act Fuel, wnelay act yelnniphel?"
"Yes." He smiles and nods to Jemini, all vestiges of doubt visibly gone from his face, taking a deep breath to steady himself from tears. "Yes, that is right. Though if I had put together more of what you said that day, we might have been better prepared for it."
Turning then to Nikolai's gaze, Verik nods once and firmly answers him, bound by the Truthtelling. "That is a grave Oath, Nikolai Rogarvia, and one that no one can fully know the outcome to. But you believe it to be true, and that is enough. I thought to extract from you an Oath to do no harm to the people and lands you once ruled in terror, but what Oath can I extract that rivals what the Lady of Graves has decreed upon you? No, I know better as a mortal servant of the Master. Though I must consult the Law on if your prior deeds should have current consequence, nothing else shall be laid upon you on this day."
Looking first to the crowds and then to Berrin, Zander and the others of the Council, he almost sheepishly smiles and steps back to the side of the stage, dismissing the Dome of Truth above them as he does so.
Taisper smiles wearily at Jemini. "Welcome back Jemini, you were missed. As...you can see." He gestures out to the crowd, where some people are still calling her name, or clapping or cheering. He calls out to the crowd "IT IS JEMINI OF LEBEDA! SHE HAS COME BACK TO US FROM THE DEAD! WE ARE BLESSED THIS DAY!" and pumps his fist in the air. In the ensuing ruckus , he steps back to stand by Verik, and leans in to whisper quietly to his cousin.
"But for my part, this event brings me no joy. Will she now claim the throne for herself? Will we let her? I know as well as you that she is born of nobility, born to rule, but our nation is founded on the blood of common people, as well, and a common man is our steward, and is that much more popular for it. Our land is that much more popular for it. If we let a Lebeda take over, the people will think it is just business as usual; the nobles run everything and their lot is cast with the dogs and the dirt. Maybe she won't seek to lead, but look at her! Bathed in heavenly light, the people already calling out her name with the same zeal they use for God in their prayers. Mark my words, cousin; it will happen."
Taisper looks pained. "I don't like this, Verik. I don't like it one bit. Personal reasons aside, I spoke the truth when I said none were above reproach. The gods can be tricksters too, and we would do well to remember that this is not the work of the Master, or the Dawnflower, or the Inheritor, or any of the other gods we might prefer. This is Pharasma's doing, She who sits in cold judgment."
Taisper's eyes, for once, are flat and cold as he looks flintily across the stage at the beautiful noblewoman and the hulking former nobleman she saved from the very Pit of Hell itself.
Zander's hand went to his sword at the appearance of the dogs. It remained there until Jemini consented, but his gaze was on Verik listening for any command he might give the dogs.
With the appearance of the dome, he steps back to his original place to watch the proceedings, his hand finally relaxing. He watches, not approving of the heavy hand Verik choose to deploy, but content now to watch it to its conclusion.
Upon hearing the truth of the matter, Zander contemplates. This last year I have felt more the servant of Erastil, even taking on his visage, yet Milani sent me here. A new land, not filled with the need of revolution, but to build a land free from the need. Alas though, I see the truth. Revolution is coming. And I am at the spark. How high will the fire burn and how many burned resisting the rightful path of destiny?
His eyes turn to Berrin, its the Steward's place to acknowledge the rightful King. The flint is poised to strike steel and produce the most greedy of fire.
Looking intently at Verik while the truthtelling takes place Berrin is livid with glee as Verik confirms it's truly Jemini and the Stag Lord, Nikolai, Nikolai Rogarvia! Berrin's brow furrows as he briefly wonders at the implications but he's soon all smiles and the Stag Lord's last name is soon forgotten as he places the iron crown hurriedly on Jemini's brow, grabs her by the thighs and hoists her up on one shoulder. he shouts with the crowd, displaying her on his shoulder and pumping a fist into the air elated by the fact that his time as Steward is at an end.
Taisper has just finished talking to his cousin when Berrin steps up and passes the crown. The inquisitor gives a resigned sigh. "Well. That's that, then. It's done." ...now the job gets harder but that's what you're for you're just a big walking knife, meat, that's all you... He turns and gives his cousin the same weary half-smile he wore just a moment ago. "Here's hoping for...well...heh. I guess I have no idea what I'm hoping for. I'll need to go back to work, soon. I want to talk with Zander about taking out those trolls I keep hearing about, they're getting too bold and need to be crushed. Even though he has the other Wardens, I'm sure he'll want more experienced trackers and fighters with him." He pauses, turns to look at the be-Jemini'd Berrin again. "I suppose I'll have to talk with her eventually, but it can wait. It can wait for when things are less..." he shakes his head, searching for the right word, "...grand, I guess."
Taisper begins walking away slowly, stepping down off the stage and then vanishing in the crowd.
The celebration continues for hours, all throughout the day. Bokken supplies what seems to amount to a cask of ale for each citizen, and leads the better part of 100 toasts to Jemini. All worries and hardships seem forgotten as the people of Newhaven celebrate their returned ruler. Fewer celebrate Nikolai, who joins in the celebration but largely sticks close to Jemini. Some citizens speak in grandiose terms about uniting Brevoy under a banner of Rogarvia and Lebeda, but most of the citizens want little to do with the troubles of the north. As the day comes to a close, Kesten requests that the Founders (plus Jemini and Nikolai) convene the Council. The citizens reluctantly allow their returned hero to leave, but continue to celebrate in her honor from Bokken's never-ending casks.
As the door closes on the Council chambers, everyone takes their seat. Berrin practically skips to a seat elsewhere as he points Jemini to the throne. In the reshuffle, both Akiros and Nikolai are left standing. The two look at each other, former master and servant. It is clear that there is no love lost between them, and Nikolai seems to understand and accept that Akiros's oath does not extend past death. He turns to the members of the chamber, looking at them one by one. He remains an imposing figure, his stature dwarfing any man in the room. However, without his scars and his helm, he seems less monstrous and feral. "Choral is coming. It may not be soon, or even in the next few years, but you must know that he is coming. I am the last heir of House Rogarvia, the last remaining Dragonblood Prince. Choral lives and schemes, preparing for war. I was given to him by my father, King Raspieter, as a bargaining chip. It was Choral who ravaged by body with liquid fire, whose magic kept me alive and infused my body. I escaped him with the help of the fey queen Nyrissa, but he laid claim to my family as punishment. I don't expect you to forgive me as Jemini has, or to help me regain my throne, but we must prepare for Choral's return."
Verik stands at the side of the stage as the crowd cheers thunderously with Berrin, the miraculous return of Jemini in the midst of Stagfall now overriding all other concerns. He stands there occasionally raising his hand in praise to the crowd. His face, however, seems to be one of general concern as he leans towards his cousin, nodding occasionally and whispering back to him from time to time.
"You know I will do what I can to provide reason and order...you stand with me then yes? I had not thought about the...tricks of the Gods, but I am worried about what this means. You know, the "Game" of the Gods in their struggle for Weal and Woe, Chaos and Law is well acknowledged by...some in our faith, those who have crusaded in times current and past. I heed your warning, but what can we do but acknowledge it for the time being? Do you have more to reveal on a purpose for us then? Blast but we need time to sort this out properly..."
Verik nods to his cousin's last words and watches him leave the stage briefly before turning his attention back to the festivities. He sighs then and tries to wind his way over to Zander amidst the noise.
"Zander, the spies must be salivating at all of this news, and I do not need to be a strategist to know we have revealed much more than is healthy. Corwin's men will be busy with keeping all of this in hand, but any of your trusted that can be sent along the North Road to spy out who leaves north in haste would be...well I don't know it would be good for Tandlara to know I suppose. Also, your fastest scout I would ask to send to Brevoy, to House Lebeda, with a personal message I would prepare straight away - they shouldn't find out about their daughter's return and its circumstances by second-hand gossip."
Taisper sits near Zander, and leans in to speak to the ranger and warden with whom he was once quite close, but since stagfall has not been around nearly as much.
"Zander, I hear the same talk of trolls we've been hearing for months. I reckon you'll be getting a hunting party together soon, yeah? If so, you mind if I join? I'm a fair bit more useful in the woods and with monsters than I was a year ago." The inquisitor gives a wry smile.
"My mother and father? They aren't here?" Jemini's voice offers a hint of disappointment; but it is soon suppressed as the gaggle of activities keeps following each other thick and fast. She takes time to greet all the old faces - overjoyed at meeting little Jemini, and blushing at a suggestion from Bokken; but when the Council is convened she looks determined again, focused yet charming.
"There so many things following each other so quickly," she admits, "I confess I'm to blame for stirring up so much excitement." She fiddles with the crown, placing it over her head to test its fit and weight, and finding it somehow lacking; she places it before her on the table. "I don't think I can wear this crown. In truth, it isn't about crown." She gestures, "We're responsible for what is happening here, this fledgling nation is our doing - I cannot lay claim to it, it isn't mine, nor is it yours. This is ours. So I propose we rule it as such. As a collective. We all bring significant skills and knowledge to the table - so we can preside over what functions we're best suited for. And when decisions need to be made, well, that is what we're doing now, isn't it? We convene a council and determine the future of this nation." She picks up the crown, holding it before her, "If nobody objects, I will act as the first servant to this nation, representing our concerns within and without our borders, but I do not wish to do so alone. ...from what I've gathered, Berrin - despite his best efforts - proved remarkably popular with this crown. I think there is great value in showing that his leadership up to now was more than a placeholder; I motion to have him stay an integral part of the day-to-day court proceedings as well as the more grand events of state. Additionally, I motion to have the crown showcased as a symbol of our unity - rather than worn on one of our heads."
"Nikolai will need to be protected now; it is perhaps a little unfortunate that the news came out so promptly and thoroughly - but I suspect little in Newhaven escapes the attention of powers elsewhere - and a bold statement can carry us longer by catching the powers on the wrong foot. It will likely take weeks before we hear any official recognition or response from the various houses of Brevoy - but we need to be cautious of assassination attempts on Nikolai, effective immediately." She looks quite stern, "More to the point, I suspect that we'll find Surtovan handiwork and blades well before we hear any official statement from House Surtova."
"Alright Verick, things are moving quickly, and luckily I have my men assembled. Prepare a letter for Jemini's parents I will see to it's delivery. As to the roads...we can detain and question...but no crime has been committed...but we can delay."
A smile then comes across Zander's face, it is a rare sight. "But.... with my men now tasked, I feel the need to call upon your august office for some assistance."
Zander reaches out and feels the fine delicate material draping off of Verick's arm, "You still have a good pair of boots? Ones you don't mind getting dirty." His smile is now a full grin.
Zander is slightly late to the assembly. He enters with one of his Wardens and consults with Verick. Upon receiving a letter from Verick, this warden leaves and closes the door.
Zander then makes his way to his seat, pausing only to whisper a few moments to Tandlara. Upon Taisper's words, he leans over, "Until the recent event, the Trolls were my biggest worry. I had some men detailed for a hunt, but things have suddenly changed. You are most welcome on the new hunting party I am forming. I am sure Berrin would welcome the chance, and Jemini if she is up for it, in addition to you, me, and...oh...your cousin." Zander watches Taisper's face with an amused look of his own.
Verik sits at his customary place at the Council table next to Oleg and Jhod, wearing formal but less ostentatious vestments of Abadar than what he had on previously. He arrived with a small stack of books and scrolls with assistance from young Thomas, one of his acolytes, and pours through a tome and part of a scroll as the meeting was convened.
Verik listens intently to Nikolai, but says nothing as the former Stag Lord relates his story about Choral and the hinted fate of his House. At Jemini's words about leadership and Nikolai's need for protection, he politely clears his throat and speaks. "The circlet I crafted for you...ahh..." His cheeks flush slightly as he quickly glances at Berrin and then back to Jemini. "...ahh well for the symbolic leader of Newhaven is magicked for a purpose, but that was never intended to be a crown as meant for an absolute monarch. Certainly we have worked this past year in very much the manner you suggest, and there are many in Newhaven that seek something that is not Brevoy. I need not remind any of you of the power of symbols and titles that illuminate authority, which we must have here, but it need not be that of kings, queens and entrenched nobility. We have put this question off for a year because of...well because of you Jemini. I am pleased to hear your words echo mine in much of this, but then what does the rulership of the "Hold" of Newhaven stem from?"
Svetlana, as the voice of the people, gives her input. "The people do like having one of the people be ruler, but they also adore you, Jemini. There's room for both to be true. I say we hold an election. Each adult citizen of Newhaven gets a vote. If it is the will of the people to have you be our ruler, that is how it should be. If they want Berrin or anyone else, that is how it should be. Oleg can organize it! It would take a few months, but think of how the world would look upon us. Andoran would gladly give assistance to us for following their lead. All of the positions on the Council should be ones chosen by popular vote."
Kesten doesn't look remarkably pleased with Svetlana's suggestion, but voices his main concern as diplomat. "The main thing that we need to focus on is how this is going to affect the politics of Brevoy. The Surtovas have been using the disappearance of the Rogarvians to legitimize holding the Dragonscale Throne. They will not give that up, not to someone who has no army, no gold, and no land. Getting the other houses to support the Stag..." He pauses for a moment to correct himself. "Nikolai Rogarvia would be difficult. The Lebedas and the Medyveds might be willing to support him, but House Garess doesn't have the strength to make any stand against Noleski Surtova, and the Lodovkas would stand with the Surtovas against anyone. That leaves Poul Orlovsky, who has been covetous of the Dragonscale Throne for years. If he gave any support, it would be to have a puppet on the Throne. He's just as likely to support House Surtova, or to stay out of it completely if it would benefit him most. The man cares about nothing but increasing his own power."
Jemini nods to Verik's words, "That's great, that makes it much simpler for all of us. If there no objections, then we can continue pretty much as before. I don't think it matters what name you give it - in the end the fruits of the nation are borne from how it is lead, not from names. Calling it a Grand Council or an Electoral Monarchy or Benevolent Oligarchy - this won't really matter in the next few years; we'll simply have ours hands too full with developments from within and without. At this point in time, I'll be happy to have you formulate the minutiae of our governance."
"Wait...? What!?" Berrin sputters launching himself forward from his lounging position in his new found favorite chair by Corwin and Akiros to an alert position at the edge as his brain catches on to the implications of whats being discussed. "You want to what? But I... I thought... I mean... What!?" he demands outraged.
'Maybee Corwin will take me in at the Guard.' he had thought as he found his new chair, relishing the feeling of freedom at Jemini's return. 'Or Akiros will want a lieutenant, or a captain maybe? Nothing to straneous, something simple and easy.' he ponders as he gives Akiros an elbow nudge and a nodding grin as he thinks of all the free time he would have to spend with Emma.
Now they wanted him to keep the job!
"But... But... But I'm terrible at this! I make a sodden steward and now you want to make me.. what? King!? Are you insane!? Tandlara said it was only temporary. She said it was only till Jemini came back! Well... She's back? I... I... Oh, hells." he finishes weakly, plodding back into his chair after having risen from it in his excitement.
Over the last year-plus, Taisper has learned many hard lessons about keeping his thoughts and reactions hidden. As such, he is able to keep completely still, his face a neutral mask even though his thoughts are alive with agitated excitement, leaping up much like Berrin just did.
What th-! ...Okay, either she can read my mind, or I know even less about her than I thought. This seems a good thing, but I still...hmm...
Instead of reacting outwardly to the rulership discussion that's going on, he smiles over at Zander. "It'll be good for Verik to get a little dirt on his frocks again. Make him appreciate the modest comforts of home."
"Oh that's correct Hero Berrin Not-King of Newhaven - you're not getting out of this one yet!" Verik seems to somehow be half-grinning, half-scowling as he scolds Berrin from across the table. "I don't know what exactly your role is in this new predicament we find ourselves in, but you're leading something for the Realm, even if symbolically. And as far as being sorry and sodden, you were just fine when you decided to pay attention and apply yourself! Why, do you know how many baby sons have been named 'Berrin' that I have seen on the rolls this past winter? Well...more than any named 'Verik' I can tell you that much! Ha!" Verik snaps his fingers for emphasis of his own joke.
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Jhod smirks at Verik's comment, leaning over to Kesten. "Maybe they were just naming them after their father!" Even Oleg cracks a smile at that.
Before thing go too heady with talk of electrions and rights and rulers, Zander feels the need to keep things grounded. "Well, as these election plans are worked out, I have a task in need of volunteers. We have a troll problem. At first it was just sightings and tracks. I sent a man to investigate and have yet to hear back from him. In the meanwhile, today I received news that a settlers' caravan has been attacked. Trolls are an opponent most of my men are not yet ready to face, so I turn to those who helped face likes of the Tatzleworms. Verik and Taisper have already agreed to join, but I am looking for more support from those who can be spared from their duties."
Opening his mouth for an angry retort at Verik Berrin shuts his mouth at Jhod's comment, his eyes shift and he even has the decency to blush at the implications. "Well... err... I um... ehh?"
"Trolls!? Why didn't you say something sooner? Of course we'll come. No question."
Tandlara, having been quiet for most of the day, quietly declines. "There is so much to do, so many things in motion. There will be time, of course, for adventures, but I cannot travel with you this time. Soon, I hope. I'm quite pleased that you are back to us, Jemini, but my birds must be looked after properly." The raven on her shoulder caws in appreciation, to which she gives him an odd look. "There are dark things coming that I must watch out for."
"Thank you Tandlara," Jemini beams at her, "There's much I want to talk to you about, but it can wait til we have more time; it's more personal after all." She ponders, "Trolls... I'm not very familiar with them, but won't we need some form of specialized equipment?" She looks at the slightly blank expression of Berrin and Verik, "Yes! I'm going too - not buts. Will give me a chance to see how we have grown as a group and a nation."
Taisper nods at Jemini's question. "Acid. And fire. Trolls' bodies regenerate themselves, but not under the effect of those substances." As if to make an example, the inquisitor summons a small orb of acid into his hand, and then tosses it into a nearby fireplace, where it dissipates with a hiss.
"You haven't even...no! No, no no." Verik sighs and waves his hand in Jemini's direction, looking to Berrin for support. "But will she heed us? No. So I have at least stated my objection for all the good it will do."
Verik grumbles something about muddy boots not being equal to trolls, and starts to look back to the collection of books in front of him, when a thought takes hold in his mind and he snaps a look to Jhod.
"Jhod and I talked some months' back about a possible route to Mivon from the lake being blocked by trolls and other foul dangers. Clearing a reliable route of trade and transport to Mivon would give us a distinct advantage over other territories such as Pitax, Varnhold and even Restov. Can we be talking about the very same set of dangers?"
"Gregary headed South, and that's where this last report came from. We have yet to map and explore what lies south of this castle. With winter behind us, we should make the effort to see what is in our back yard."
Turning his gaze to Nikolai, but still speaking to the group, Safe and reliable trade to the south may actually be a priority, if things...get ugly up north. Mivon may be very important for us, once we clear the tracks, official contact should be made."
Kesten Garess stands up to conclude the Council meeting. "It is settled then. Tomorrow, you leave for the south. We will continue running the nation in your stead, but try not to be gone for more than a few weeks at a time, lest someone like Grigori try to make an issue out of it. For now, please take Nikolai with you. It will give the people a little time to get used to it without having him here all the time while you all are gone. It will also give us some time to prepare some defenses from the inevitable assassination attempts. Tandlara will assist me in that endeavor, while Akiros starts preparing a stronger defensive army just in case House Surtova marches on us." He gestures to Jemini and Nikolai. "I've got some spare equipment that you two can use, and I'm sure Oleg can supply the rest."
Oleg nods in agreement. "Just for your information, Svetlana, Jemini, and I are going to head to the old trading post for a few months to get it up and running. We leave tomorrow. I'll send word when we arrive and start working out trade routes going through it. How do you feel about the name Olegsgrav? Easier to say than 'Oleg's Trading Post.'"
Tandlara stands and takes both of Jemini's hands in hers. She looks over at Nikolai and hisses at him like a cat quietly, apparently still very angry at him. Apparently unbothered by her outburst, she looks into Jemini's eyes and says, "Be careful. I have seen a vision of the future. Beware the king of trolls! Soon, the rivers shall run red with blood. I hope it is not ours."