The Council of the Forgotten Seasonal Meeting: Spring

[Thorlah]

-13th of Raktuber, Year 100 of the Seventh Age, 17:30

---

Council Chambers

The humidity was dense, but not obtrusive enough to mean our older council members would be impaired. Indeed, Councilman Errmon would likely come, Abyss or high water!
I was the first to arrive, as was tradition for the leader of the council to do.
The chamber was empty, and behind me sat the World Gate, the Veil of Worlds, silent and unmoving.
Usually, this was the time when Andreus would stumble in, dropping mountains of documents, and I would go and help him re-organize them at their proper places in the chamber.
Today was not that sort of day.
For the first time in his tenure, Andreus was absent from the chambers.
I never thought it would strike me this deeply, but it seems we are indeed at war.

"...Leading the way."

"What?" I said out loud, looking for a non-existent source.
"I could have sworn I heard..."
"...as simple as the right to choose?"
This time a feminine voice wafted through the air. Less...tangible, and more like an echo of words once spoken, especially compared to the first voice.

"...always been alone."
This voice was stranger, in that like the first, it seemed more vivid, but unlike the previous ones, seemed to be at hair's length from my ears. The chilling sensation almost made me jump, but I found an employee of the Archives in front of me. His hair was normal length, and he appeared to be normal, by most regards. It was the air around him that seemed...wrong. As if nature was upset that he existed, or something to that effect.

"Something bothering you, Lord Neil?"
"Nothing aside from the current conflicts, thank you. Your name?"

The archivist reached into his pack, and handed me an old and worn book, one likely from the Fifth Age, at earliest.

"I'm a minor archivist, m'lord. My name is but my work, and my work immortalizes my name. Either way, this book is my gift to you. I finally found this, after years of searching through our archives, and..."

"And...?"

"The archives of foreign lands." Councilor Earl LeMoorenig said with little emotion. Councilor Earl was well-respected, even when I was a young child, and known for his callous appearance, but fierce determination to keep our people safe. He likewise was well versed in espionage, and had founded our spy network's newest infrastructure.

"Councilor LeMoorenig is correct. I apologize for the crimes that lead to this acquisition..."

"I might then ask why you would give our leader a book of dubious acquisition if it were this problematic?"

The archivist shook his head and smiled.

"I was worried about our own laws, not of the origin of this book."

"I see no reason to prosecute you for the book at this time, though I would remind you that should the owners claim it and have verifiable proof of ownership, we will return it to them."

The rather mousy archivist seemed to change personae, just for an instant, and shot a look so chilling, I felt it shake me into silence.

This new side of the archivist was cunning, crafty, and a political mastermind. A true puppeteer, and if I were to surmise, a likely devout follower of Saint Sliske the Iscariot. His dedication to said sect was intriguing, and made me remember the memorial of Saint Sliske that was of minor concern to me.

Seemingly sensing my doubt, the archivist nervously nodded, acting as if this other side never existed, and politely and shyly walked away.

"Something bothering you...Concilium Dux?"

I whipped my head around, and caught four of my peers walking into the chambers from the side doors.

"Concilium Dux?"

"Councilor Emily." I replied with a smile.

I...must admit, I do admire Councilor Emily. She has a warm air about her, with a soft smile, and a calm curiosity that is matched by her nearly peerless intellect. Her family was from Ardougne, and apparently has been in the area since the very First Age!

In truth, she rekindles my passion for history, for learning, and for reading whenever we come together, even for these meetings.

...

Oh man, I got carried away.

Joining her were Councilors Herman, our second elderly councilor that would not let weather stop him, Councilor Errman himself, and Councilor Annabelle.

Before I could focus on anything...or anyone else, the remaining two councilors arrived.

"Councilman Matthew, Councilwoman Margot." I said quietly.

"...something bothering you Neil?" Emily said with concern, which only furthered my concern.

Was my fear this visible?

Had I been tricked by a supposedly-mousy archivist, or were they not to blame?

What was I hearing? Real voices, or some manufactured in my mind?

Either answer would scare me.

[Thorlah]

The room could be stirred by the sound of breathing.
All of us sat in our chairs, yet none of us spoke.
What I feared seemed to be true.
My fellows...thought I had become insane.
Councilor Emily came to my rescue, and began the meeting as it was supposed to be.
"Fellow councilors, this meeting has been called to order. Roll-call will be exempted due to the absence of Pontifex Maximus Andreus Agatho."
Councilor LeMoorenig then chimed in.
"We came for this private meeting for some reason, did we not, Councilor Neil?"
I nodded, but I could not hold back the fear, the paranoia. My face and head fell into my hands, and I breathed heavily.

"Is it possible the recent conflicts are causing you horrendous stress?" Councilman Matthew asked next.
"I...I don't know."
A gentle re-assuring hand soothed my fears, however slightly.
To my bashfulness, it was Councilor Emily, who seemed to be tremendously concerned about my well-being.
Suddenly, Councilman Errmon cleared his throat, drawing all of our attentions to him.
"There is an explanation."
Councilwoman Margot sighed, shaking her head as well.
"Not this again."
Councilor Herman seemed to be the moderate one out of the three, on whatever subject they all had spoken of beforehand, and took a quick sip of his drink, not betraying a single emotion on his face.
"Look Margot, I know it has always been an unbelievable idea for you, but this is proof enough! No problems beforehand, and now that he spends his days in this building, non-stop, it can only be the blasted Gate!"
Councilwoman Margot shook her head once again.
"If you weren't a senior member..."
"What, you'd ask for a vote for my removal?"
Councilwoman Margot nodded.
"Go ahead. Let's see how 'crazy' I am."
"Errmon..."
"I am sick of you acting like I've lost my mind. I was a child when this age started. I saw it."
"Herman, please get him under control."
Councilman Herman however, did not say a word. Instead, he locked eyes with me, and seemed to be cold, emotionless, and discerning something.
It worried me, whatever it was.
"...gathered here to protect the Gate. Nothing will prevent the oncoming war."
"..I will do whatever I must to keep my people safe."

I looked behind me, and stared into the center of the deactivated Gate.
The first voice returned to my head, but this was stronger.
"...I feel...a connection. Do you hear me?"
I mentally replied that I did, and felt a strong pull towards the Gate, but it faded rapidly.
This seemed to strike Councilman Herman, and he immediately stood up and walked up to the Gate.
"Councilman Herman?" Emily asked, concerned he too had been afflicted.
"I motion to delay this private meeting for another time. Our regularly scheduled meeting will start tomorrow. Is the Council in favor?"
All Council members nodded, myself included.
"Return to your houses, and rest. Councilium Dux Allenby will also be leaving the premises once he finishes his report."
As the others began to filter out, only councilors Emily, Herman, Errman, and I remained behind.
"You heard them again, didn't you!" Councilman Errman said excitedly.
"Councilor Errman."
"Yes Herman?"
"I know our years as the Erman Duo has trained you and I both to stay together in tense situations such as these, but I worry that we will be blind to any possible threats within the city. Head on home my friend. I'll tend to the Councilium Dux and Councilwoman Emily."
"May fate be kind to you, fair Councilium Dux." Errman said quietly, before shuffling slowly out of the room.
I had been quiet for quite awhile, hoping I could somehow cure this nagging feeling of sanity slipping from my mind, but instead I felt this immense sense of fear.
"Does she live?"
I instinctively looked to Emily, who in turn looked into my eyes deeply.
"Councilman...I think he's hearing them right now!"
Councilman Herman bolted back to the Gate, and began to throw books from his place at the meeting table down at the base of the gate.
"Was she safe?"
I again turned to Emily, and this time by sheer impulse held her hand in mine, as if I were desperate to ensure she was here.
Meanwhile, Councilman Herman dropped to the floor and began to sift through the books, and finally found one, and began to murmur the words from it.
"Please...are you real? Are you another being?" I called out.
"My voice is not met with maddening silence. What is your name?"
"I am Neil Allenby, Councilium Dux of the Third Zarosian Empire."
Councilman Herman knelt and bowed before the Gate, with Emily following up, whilst confused, soon after.
"A worthy heir. Know that you are not insane, and that my voice is real. Behold. He that stands beside Neil, rise and place your hand on the Gate."
Councilman Herman stood up, and placed his hand on the Gate, nodding at me so as to affirm his hearing the voice.
"Who are you?"
"I am the last remnant of the Zarosian forces from the Sixth Age. I was attempting to flee the world, before the final battle in Varrock. Whatever happened there...cut off the power to the Gate. I was trapped here. As for who I am, I am Fredrick Nicholas, last human strategist to Lord Zaros himself."

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Fredrick Nicholas." I replied calmly.
Still...the other voices nagged at me. Their presence hadn't been accounted for.
"So then why use the other voices?" I then asked in confusion.
What he said next took my elation at my lack of mental distress, and instead made it return ten-fold.
"I used no other voices."
I went cold, and found the other primary voice waiting for me.
"Chin up, Councilium Dux. Don't make your allies fret too much, lest they think you're crazy..."
I was not out of the woods.
With a simple nod, I departed from the councilroom with haste, and began a brisk walk to my home.
"So much fighting. Now you have your own mind to contend with? Quite a heavy burden. Perhaps you should defer your duties to the rest of the council?"
Ignoring the malicious words, I exited the building, and felt a rush of peace overcome me.
"That tears it. We're not meeting in there until we work this out." Councilman Lemoorenig said, catching my apparently drastic change from haggard to normal.
"I agree. I also figured out what is behind the Gate."
"You did?!"
"A strategist from the Sixth Age. I think Neil's woes are a side-effect of the man called Fredrick Nicholas trying to contact someone, anyone, truly loyal to our Lord, on this side of the Gate. I'd daresay it's psychic imprints of former users of the Gate. All I know is, we can't hold our meetings there until we confirm this either way."
I took a deep breath, and felt far stronger than I had in hours.
Emily took to my side, and leaned in front of me to speak to the Councilmen nearby.
"I'll make sure he gets home alright. Good night everyone."
A peaceful walk with Emily was just what the Doctor ordered.
"I...Emily I'm terrified of the notion that I am falling to pieces with the recent conflicts."
"Neil you were fine before we went to the Councilroom today. I know you. I've known you for years. I've known your family for years as well. None of you have ever had this happen, even when your father was the Councilium Dux and dealing with the multiple crises back then."
Emily then took my hand and led me to the central square, a short distance from my home.
"I've never had any reason to doubt your sanity before, nor do I now. If you get worried, come get me. You know I'll be there, and so will Andreus. He's just a message away."
"I appreciate that Emily. I really do. After all these years of quasi-peace, I had hoped I wouldn't have to be the one to send us to war...but I guess that was a pipe dream in the end."
"Maybe, but I think you'll be terrific. Never lose your heart, and don't forget why you avoided war in the first place."
"I will."
With a friendly hug, we went our separate ways, and I was able to finally get some sleep.

[Thorlah]

-27th of Raktuber, Year 100 of the Seventh Age, 17:30

---

One by one, we filtered into the new new Council-Chambers, not as maddening as the old new chambers.
Since the previous incident, I have not stepped foot inside the building, and my mind has been at ease.
No longer am I plagued by any sort of odd voice, nor am I prone to feeling horridly ill.
"Roll call, as follows!" I declared with authority.
"Councilor Emily!"
"Present!" Emily replied, nodding calmly, then breaking out in a smile.
"Councilor Herman!"
The Councilor raised his glass of water as a sign of being present, and resumed taking a sip of it.
"Councilor Errmon!"
"I am present, Councilium Dux!" he responded over-enthusiastically.
"Councilor Annabelle!"
"Present!"
"Councilor LeMoorenig!"
"Present!"
"Councilor Matthew!"
"I am present."
"Councilor-Pontifex Maximus Andreus Agatho is currently af..."
Before I could say 'afield', a rudimentary comm-orb whirred to life.
"Present, though physically absent!"
"My good friend, it is a joy to hear from you!"
"Likewise, Concilium Dux!"
"That leaves us with...Councilor Margot!"
I expected her usual droll and annoyed response, but instead was met with eerie silence.
"Councilor Margot...? It is unusual for you to not respond. Are you present within the room perhaps?"
Again, silence.
Her two closest confidants, Councilors Errmon and Herman, both looked at each other with grave concern.
"Councilium Dux, I would like to motion for a stay of proceedings until we find Margot."
"Seconded."
"Motion approved, now let's go..."
I could not organize a search party, for as I turned to leave, the doors roared open.
"Council, council! O' woe fair Council, o such woe!"
"What is it, young messenger?"
"Councilor...Councilor..."
"Out with it!" Councilor Errmon said, terrified of what he and the rest of us suspected.
"Councilor Margot...is dead."
All of us, save for myself, gasped in shock.
"Messenger, where is the Securitas Urbanae Cura of the Sixth Ward?"
"Councilium Dux, a pleasure."
I peered at the doorway and caught the sight of the leader of the police, Chief Edward Grey, with officers flanking him on either side.
"Chief Grey."
"Councilium Dux. This is not a preordained demise, by any sense."
"You mean it is a murder?"
"The worst kind. It was used as a message."
A familiar voice cleared her throat.
To our awe, it was Councilor Margot.
"I'd prefer you all not jump to the conclusion I am deceased when a woman is murdered within my home ward. Indeed, there was a murder there. A former servant of my household. Quiet little thing. She was barely old enough to be called a teenager <though Councilor Margot's standards of adulthood meant one must be nearly forty to be worthy>. I was delayed because of the fact it occurred in the same street I take to meetings."
"Thank Zaros it wasn't you."
"We may have to. It may very well have been, were it not for the Councilium's office sending me a timely message to tend to my garden, as it were."
This confused us all greatly, for her garden, vast in size, was likely the place to be safe from a nefarious plot such as this. What confused me was that my office sent her a communication to go to her garden, as an order.
"I...I never sent a message out like that, Councilor."
"Then perhaps one of your studious workers did?"
"We don't have the machine in this new location. And no one is allowed in the old council building."
I knew I had to go to the former council chamber. Even if that Gate was likely to make me lose my sanity, this turn of events is too...coincidental.
"Chief, where was our archivist from the saintly studies last night?"
The Chief rifled through his papers, until he found the one that would explain his whereabouts.
"He was spotted at his desk, in his office, busy writing."
"That is correct, Councilium Dux."
Him again.
He unnerved me, ever since we met in the council chambers.
His shadow seemed to be eerily calm...yet how would I notice that?
He himself locked gazes with me, and politely gestured to pull me aside. I accepted, though kept within eyesight of allies in case he tried anything suspicious.
"I apologize if I've been unnerving you."
"What?"
"Please sir. Don't try and hide it. The fact is, I've been trained to suss out suspect emotions, and you are worried about me. In fact, you seem to suspect me as some sort of rebellious element."
I would have attempted to lie to him, but knew that regardless of his true nature, it was pointless now.
"You're correct. You appear, act normal, then become chillingly taciturn. Then voices kick in."
Welp.
I was not supposed to mention that.
...
Yet he seemed...unsurprised.
"I see, that would explain it. That Gate spoke to you, correct?"
"How..."
"Don't be too alarmed, Councilium Dux. I did not research Sliske lightly."
"You didn't call him Saint Sliske."
The archivist nodded.
"I did not. In fact, I have reason to believe he has no right being called such."
It would normally be blasphemous to say such a thing, but in truth, I shared this sentiment, and I was not the only one on the current council to agree.
The vote to name Sliske a Saint was a heated debate. I exercised my veto power, and I was likewise overruled via the private vote.
Two votes more than the opposition cemented his canonization.
"Archivist...I will listen to your words, but away from the general public. We needn't stir them into paranoia."
"With all due respect, it needs to be said now."
"Why? Why risk it?"
The archivist took a deep breath, and looked down at the ground.
I could tell that he was just as hesitant as I was.
"Because the word is not yet fulfilled."
"The...what?"
In truth, I knew what he was referring to, as did my best friend that had, unbeknownst to me, been watching keenly the whole time.
"Bring the orb. We'll meet in the pastor's office up above the pews."
"I'll meet you there." I said with no lip movement, concealing my words.
"Chief, I've confirmed the archivist's alibi."
"Should I escort you and others to the crime scene?"
"Check with them first. We were in the midst of a council meeting. Second one in a row that has had some bizarre interruption."
"I'll check with them at once."
The Chief, privy to our woes and long time family friend (indeed, I looked to him as one would an uncle), quickly went to the other councilors, whilst I used my rather rusty Magic skill to draw the orb unnoticed to my hands.
"Psst. Neil."
"Shush Andreus, we're being quiet."
"Quiet from the others?"
For the first time, Emily had startled me. I nearly dropped and revealed the orb, as well.
"Shhh! I'm coming with."
"Emily..."
"Do you not trust me?"
The poisonous question. It strikes to the core, and plants a seed of doubt upon the asker. Why ask if you are not unsure?
This was not so for Emily.
She held my mind together when it very nearly came apart.
And I...
No. That is for her to speak of.
"Quietly. We'll have to make up an excus..."
I almost thought she was making a move on me when she came in close, and with a look back at the other councilors, she yelled out to them.
"Councilors, I'm going to help Neil look for the memorial service registers. It should narrow our suspect list. In the meantime, you may as well go with the Chief to the crime-scene."
The others, placated by her wonderfully woven story, agreed, and let us be on our way.
"Andreus, you still on the orb?"
Andreus tapped his fingers on his desk, sending a very quiet signal of his presence on the other end of the commorb.
"This is the place, right?"
"Yep."
"Come in, all of you. Yes, I know you brought another. She is accepted."
"Thanks?" Emily said, mildly confused.
"Lock the door. See the symbols of our Lord etched into the frame? Turn them 38, 22, 77, and negative 82 degrees each, starting in the bottom left and working your way around."
As Emily and I did so, we heard the door lock tightly, and began to hear a persistent hum emanating from within the doors.
"I apologize for the veritable hoops you've had to leap through, but I assure you, they are necessary."
"So why not explain your reason for not calling Sliske a Saint."
The archivist stood eerily still, and regained the frightening composure he had before.
"I know I am breaking the 12th law, but..."
"The Twelfth Law? Wait a minute."
My jaw dropped.
The Twelfth Law, forbids the use of a human meat-suit, or proxy, by demons.
Which could only mean...
"You're in proxy...Aren't you."
The archivist remained inhumanly still.
"I'd not be such an offender to the law...Though my place as a member of the Ceres Sect may make this more dubious."
Emily took a step back, in fear, where as Andreus and I remained calm, solely because our jobs gave us access to very secret information, such as the knowledge of the truth behind the sect.
The Ceres Sect, led by Duke Ceres of the Chthonian demons, was renown for their dubiously moral acts. Commonly they were to have been mentioned in hushed tones, to horrify and mentally scar children into obedience by over-zealous parents, with mentions of their prominence as 'crossroads toll-keepers', where they would collect the souls of wayward people, in exchange for hollow deals, though there was always the chance you would be the 'lucky one' that got to live on without payment of your soul. They were likewise known for cultivating a technique of soul farming, where they would make their victims not a mindless variant of soulless human, but instead one driven by human instinct and imperative alone, rather than be 'burdened' by emotional bindings.
Commonly, they were colloquially called "The Gentlemen Soul Snares of Zaros" within Senntisten, where they would hide in plain sight, catching citizens before those like Sliske could 'recruit them for a play', and abscond with the victim for good.

Truthfully, they could do all of those things, and some did partake in such actions. The sect itself however forbade the use of these tactics on the good people of the world, which were discernible by smell (according to the demonic records left for our reading). In actuality, they were hunters of knowledge, usually the first of spies sent into various enemy forces. Once in, they would take on prominent roles, slowly absorbing their peers' knowledge and information, using the guise of 'a foggy memory' to cover their tracks. Rumour had it the sect lost its final members when the Invention was used, with the last surviving member giving his life to ensure the very info we relied upon would survive, along with Zarosians that would rebuild the empire.

To have such a being before my friends and I was daunting, but not wholly unsurprising.

"Might I ask your name? Or at least the one you use here?"

The archivist shook his head, and wagged his pointer finger.

"You know I can't tell you my name, or any sort of derivative of it. That would give you power over me. The kind of power that could kill me. I'd prefer not to die at the hands of an ally."

"Is there some title I can use then?"

"Ah, but I already shared that with you, remember?"

It was then I remembered his cryptic introduction of his work being his name.

"So, Archivist it is then."

"That is the intent, yes."

"So, Archivist. Why the secrecy about Sliske?" Andreus said, still connected, even with protective barriers around us.

"That's what I'm curious about as well." Emily said, looking around for some sort of contraption that could be a part of a trap.

"Fear not, there is no trap for you here. For servants of Sliske, there will be, but I know none of you are of his way."

"I apologize for asking the obvious, but how?" Andreus asked patiently.

"I've met Sliske. He has a distinct...flair in his actions, no matter how subtle they are. His followers are the same way, though less skilled in the cover up."

"Why all of this secrecy then? Why fake the voices?"

"Voices? Neil, what are you talking about?"

I knew I had neglected to tell him.

"Later Andreus, just know that being near the Gate makes me hear voices."

"You heard the voices of those that had connected with the interface, at one point or another."

"There's a Zarosian trapped between destinations. The portal died out when he was in transit."

"So he was the reassuring voice."

"You heard him?"

"Loudly and clearly. I could not reply, for some reason, but I could hear him, as loud as the cathedral bells."

"What of the one that seemed to follow you?"

The Archivist perked up, as if curious by my reference.

"Come again?"

"Neil heard another voice. One that seemed to follow him throughout the council building. It also seemed to only show up when you were nearby."

"Then...By Zaros, it has come to this."

"Come to what?"

"Look. I have dwindling time left. Just look for the signs hidden in the world. He left them to guide you to the truth. And do not trust your peers. You three are safe. No one else is."

Suddenly, the doors blasted open, though no one entered.

"You...After all this time, you show yourself."

"Who?" I asked, hoping to confirm who it was that was trying to shut him up.

"You came too late. I warned the people of this kingdom. The book is safe, and all I found is safe from your hands. Face it. I have succeeded at last. You got over-confident."

"Archivist, who are you talking to?!"

"What truths lie beneath the veneer of this world, and its societies? You must find out."

The Archivist then clapped his hands together, and bound Emily and I to the ground.

"As for you, I want you to tell your master that..."

The Archivist fell quiet, and seemed to lose any and all confidence he held.

"That...No! It can't be!! You were...This is impossible!"

I could not speak.

I was blessed that Andreus was recording and watching this, and in fact could speak.

"Archivist, who is it?"

"The hand of..."

Before he could finish, the Archivist was sent through the wall, and would have crashed down on the pews below, but instead exploded in a shower of blood, signifying his temporary avatar's destruction, and his retreat.

Further cementing his disappearance, our bindings were loosened.

"Andreus...end transmission."

Andreus, pale as Emily (and likely I as well) was, ended the transmission. Once we were both standing, Emily pointed to a newly revealed attic stairway, likely to be our safehouse.

"We'll meet there for private discussions with Andreus. Until they finish up here, we'll head home, ok?"

"Ok Neil. Be careful."

"You too."

But we could not let go of one another's hand.

Not for romantic reasons (though the thought did cross my mind that perhaps we were holding on for love, albeit a shortly lived thought), but instead out of the innate fear of the other being attacked.

"I have room at my house." Emily said, pointing in the direction of her house, not too far from the cathedral (compared to mine, which was the most prominent civilian building in the area). "As long as you don't mind the rumours and staying a guest room."

"Neither will bother me Emily. I really appreciate your help."

"Let's go."

[Thorlah]

-1st of Pentember, Year 100 of the Seventh Age, 18:00

---

"Roll call, as follows!" I declared, hoping today would be better than the last attempt at a meeting...and the one before that.
"Councilor Emily!"
"Present!" Emily smiled.
"Councilor Herman!"
The Councilor raised his glass of water as a sign of being present, and resumed taking a sip of it, just as before.
"Councilor Errmon!"
"Here as always, Councilium Dux!"
"Councilor Annabelle!"
"I am here!"
"Councilor LeMoorenig!"
"Accounted for."
"Councilor Matthew!"
"Here, Councilium Dux."
"Councilor-Pontifex Maximus Andreus Agatho is once again af..."
"Present in spite of distance, Councilum Dux."
"My good friend!"
"I gotta tell ya, we need to make this place an army wide sidewalk! Oh, the rest of you know I am kidding, right?"
Councilor Margot, last time late, sighed.
"I'm here, Councilium Dux, and I do not appreciate the Pontifex Maximuses' attempt at humour."
"Duely noted Councilwoman Margot." Andreus said, seeming at ease, though in truth, he was annoyed at her uptight nature.
For years, the two were prone to arguments, with Andreus being more friendly and personable, especially compared to Councilwoman Margot.
She...well, as I teen, I called her the living legend of 'kill-joy'. Even her peers, and our predecessors on the council, made numerous notes of her deadpan, and humourless nature, though were quick to likewise praise her incredible combat skill, and to make mention of her numerous accolades as an Archer.
With no warning, the candles lighting the room were snuffed out, and the light into the room vanished. Time even felt like it stood still.
"This phenomenal power, and the darkness...it has to be..."
Purple lights began to glow in a circle around me, signaling that I was the sole recipient of this message, and that it was indeed the Elders of Senntisten that had returned.

"We have come to show you the way, Councilium Dux."

"Where to? To victory, to peace, to death?"
The Elders remained silent, and no noise seemed to linger long.
"Come. Answers will be unveiled when you arrive."
I turned to follow them forward on their path, and after what felt like ten minutes of walking, found myself before a strange structure.

It seemed to glow a bright green, pulsating from the center, with an ancient language denoting some sort of message.

By impulse, I walked up and placed my hand on it.

I had at first theorized it was a portal, but what happened next made the situation far muddier.

I found myself in a realm with faint clouds around me, and a sky slightly tinted purple. The world felt familiar, and safe, as if it were my own.

Around me were the Elders, all still cloaked, though one in particular stood at their center.

He seemed to stand tall, sure of his place and eminence, yet not so haughty as to be arrogant.

It was an assured confidence. One that seemed to be used to be of comfort to me, moreso than covering his or her own weaknesses.

"Who are you? I know you are all members of the Elders of Senntisten, but..."

The probable leader raised his hands, heavy, and armoured, and silenced the Elders.

"I am not your enemy."

Somehow I knew.

"It is as if you knew, somehow."

Could he be...reading my mind?

"In this place, your mind is open. But likewise, so is mine. Come, Neil Allenby, Councilium Dux, and King of his people. See my mind as it is. No lies, no hiding."

I had dreamed of this moment when I was a child. A pipe dream, an impossibility. But, here it was, unfolding before me.

Who was I to decline?

Why would I?

I was in safe company here.

I placed my hand out, and knelt down on my right knee. Somehow, I felt I was fulfilling my dream of meeting him, so my body acted as it had in my dreams.

He, in turn, reached out with his hand, and gently grasped mine.

Cold. So cold.

I could feel his emotions, vast like oceans, fathomless like the fabled Godsgrave, and vivid like the most magnificent colours that laid beyond perception.

An army rested upon my back.

It was a cold day, but not one that bothered me.

It was what I had to do that was making my body ache.

A wave of my hand...but it was not my hand. It was his.

Time progressed one way or another, I did not care which way.

Before me stood a council I had envied the World Guardian's place in.

As real as my fellow councilors, as real as the battles my allies fought, before me were my heroes.

And my one figure I never could trust.

Elegant, and yet fuming, much like an incessant fire, she stood enraptured by my presence.

What a familiar feeling, and one not unwelcome.

I knew her to be Char, the Auspah.

Next in my view came the patron saint of the Silent Riders herself, Nex, the Zaryte. She was calm, cold in air, yet fierce in soul. I could feel her power pulsate as my heart beat. Synchronized.

Then, my attention turned to my (and most, if not nearly all, of the kingdom's) favorite hero, our patron Saint, and my inspiration. As real as I was, so too was Azzanadra before me.

What awe he felt. What loyalty he held. Such dedication was a medicating effect on my stressed heart. I knew he would stand by me, and my decisions, no matter what they were. He knew my ends justified the means.

Then who was I?

I was in the midst of turning to the untrusted one, and caught his glance on me.

Not on who I was on the outside, but he seemed to see me, Neil, instead.

"Councilium, return to yourself."

I blinked and found myself in the clouded room once more, and their leader gone.

"What happened?"

"It differs for each person. Some see a Saint, others see their loved ones, and others still see other legends."

"What of our Lord?"

The Elders became deathly silent, as if I had broken some unspoken taboo.

"No one sees our Lord in these visions."

"I just did. We conversed, and then I saw his memories...flashes of them, as if I were living them. They're still in my mind, as if I too claim ownership over them. As if I too were there."

The Elders turned to one with a facemask, and bowed their heads to him.

"There are those that do see our Lord. They are the ones destined to become "Grand Synedrus".

The Elders began to mutter amongst themselves, and I was left to their actual leader's attention.

"A Grand Synedrus?"

The world faded away, revealing I had returned to the old Council building, with Andreus' orb in my hand, and with Lord Fredrick Nicholas present in the portal, and the Elders around me.

"You're the next Grand Synedrus! Congratulations Councilium Dux!" Fredrick said with joy.

Andreus was shocked into silence.

"You...what?!"

"Andreus? You know what this means?"

Andreus nodded.

"It's one of the upper-level secrets we Pontifexes are privy to. Saint Azzanadra was one, as were many different representatives of races galore! Never a human though! I gotta say, it's a big honour."

"Thanks Andreus." I said, appreciative of his insight.

"The Pontifex Maximus is wise, especially for his youth." the Elder...Elder said with a smile.

"Perhaps you will be my replacement?"

"I...wow!" Andreus said with joy, trying to flip through more papers.

"Note that this position does not replace your old one. Rather, it is a supplemental title. Each holder inherits a part of the predecessors, part of their power, intellect, or what have you."

"Are you suggesting I could hold the power of a Mahjarrat?"

All present laughed at my childish question, and admittedly I did too.

"No, otherwise we would have not been lost in the dark days before."

"So...do I get to speak with the predecessors?"

"It is a case-by-case basis, and takes training, effort, and dedication. The easiest step, is to accept the title in name. It is the training after that is strenuous."

"I accept."

"No hesitation. I like his strength."

"Once your fellow council members approve, you will be referred to as a 'Prodigy', a blank-slate of potential. Your areas of expertise are up to you to decide upon."

"Can I seek you out for advice?"

The Elder smiled and placed his aged hand on my shoulder.

"My dear Councilium Dux, you will want us to leave you alone soon enough. Enjoy your time away from our presence. In the mean time, I will tell the ones afield of the news. Pax tecum, Councilium Dux."

Once the Elder vanished, I and Andreus in orb form, were returned to the moment and place we had left from.

No time had passed.

In the middle of our meeting table rested a scroll, sealed with the seal of the Elders.

"I...my word, what is this? The Elders of Senntisten!?"

"They have chosen me as the next Grand Synedrus, pending our approval."

"I approve." Andreus said, pretending to have been locked in time as well.

"Approved!" Emily added, beaming with joy at my new job.

"Let us save time. Does anyone disapprove?"

Silence for ten seconds signaled a unanimous approval.

"Declare it so, Councilium Dux."

"It is so."

We all awkwardly looked at one another, truthfully expecting some outlandish interruption once more.

Blessedly, we were wrong.

"To continue...Our military forces succeeded in claiming a miniscule portion of Northern Kandarin, and have come to mockingly call their claim "The Sidewalk", chiding their immense effort for no recourse. As for the ones in Eagle's Peak, they are well on their way to success, taking a strategic approach as detailed by Councilor Earl LeMoorenig."

Councilor LeMoorenig stood up, as was custom, to receive applause for his efforts.

"A celebration will be had once all of the region is ours. Aside from that, our resource gathering rate has been as expected, and we expect to begin our next roundtable discussions in a month."

Emily then opened her documents and began to read aloud from them.

"A petition is in place for an annual armistice during the holidays. I am aware that during war times, such things are discussed before being approved or denied."

"We approve. Next motion?"

The next councilor rose, and offered their question. Once decided upon, we would move on.

This continued until Councilor Herman stood slowly.

"The petition for you to disband the nominal monarchy has reached our level of government. We cannot shelve the decision any further. What say you?"

"I approve."

"You what?!" Councilor Margot said, aghast I would discard the title my family had held for generations.

"I approve. We do not need me as a king. I've already helped draft several documents calling for the formation of a Parliament."

"So...who is in charge?"

Councilor Herman flipped the page on his document and read from it.

"...the Councilium Dux would retain leadership, until a time comes where it is safe to transition. We the people are in agreement that waiting for peace is an acceptable time table."

"I'd prefer a stable one, but I think we'd be best suited to ensure we aren't going to be attacked by surprise forces near us first."

"Works for me."

"Then we approve."

"Sir, what is on your place?"

I looked down at the folder I had brought.

Legally they had to ask, but in truth they knew.

It was my pet project, commonly brought to them.

"I would like to..."

"Motion denied." Councilor Margot said blithely.

"...we need a majority vote."

"And I have said time and time again I will use my veto on it. Motion. Denied. Meeting is adjourned."

"Very well. Adjourned. But this issue is not tabled. Not until it is resolved. Even if I must do so."