Chapter Six - The Council of Elders

The morning dawned bright and clear. The sun shone through the windows as Daenan led Rebecca through the corridors. The castle was waking up and people hustled and bustled everywhere, hurrying to the various tasks that needed doing. Most did not recognise Rebecca, some gave her a second glance and others paused with an audible gasp of recognition that made her feel unsettled. Daenan dealt with all these. He swept her past those looked a little too long and kept those who tried to crowd her at arms length. The long corridor that led to the Council Chamber was deserted and quiet. Rebecca felt relieved, the endless questions and pleas were becoming unbearable.1

Two large iron doors barred the Council Chamber. They stood black and imposing before her. Rebecca had a lump in her throat and was sick with fear of what would be expected of her. At the worst, they would denounce her as an imposter and send her home, but how could she ever go home after experiencing all this and knowing that there was more to her than she had ever thought? And if they did find her worthy, then what? She would have to fight, to do something pivotal that would save this entire world, and how could she ever be capable of doing that?2

A guard in red and gold livery nodded to Daenan and held one of the doors open for them. As they passed through the doors, Rebecca stared in awe at the sight before her. The room was not particularly large, but it was striking.3

On each side were carved wooden pews as if in a church and before her was a dais. Surmounted on it was a large table in a semi-circle, behind which sat seven chairs, richly carved and covered in symbols and pictures. The chair in the middle was larger and more ornate than the rest. A high domed ceiling stretched away above her, so far away that she was not sure that she could see where it ended. On the walls were more carvings, pictures and symbols.4

The entire look and feel of the room was thoroughly daunting. There was an overwhelming sense of wisdom and age in the room, it was almost sacred. This room was old, nearly as old, if not older, than some of the churches and cathedrals at home.5

On the bench sat a large book with a red cover. On the back wall were three arched windows and below, an elaborate tapestry. There was no time to look around however, for Daenan was already directing her to a seat in one of the front pews.6

They were the only people in the room, but even so, Rebecca whispered as they took their seats. ‘Where is everyone?’7

‘They will be here shortly. I will do most of the talking. An Elder may address you and if they do, you are to speak honestly and courteously.’8

‘What’s an Elder?’ Already Rebecca felt confused.9

‘That name is given to any man or woman who holds a seat on the Council. Elder Danar is the Chief of the Elders. He is the person we will have to work hardest to convince. When the Elders enter, you are to stand and bow. Follow what I do.’10

Barely had he finished speaking, and a door Rebecca had not noticed, opened at the back of the room. The first of the Elders entered the room and the others followed behind. They were not as old as Rebecca had imagined, but they all seemed serious and foreboding. Only one actually looked at Rebecca. She was a woman, the oldest of all the Elders and she acknowledged Rebecca with a smile so slight that it was hardly noticeable.11

The man in the centre chair, she realised, must be Elder Danar. He had a stern, almost cruel face, all sharp angles and lines. He did not look friendly or welcoming. When he spoke, the entire room seemed to fall instantly silent.12

‘We meet in full Council to discuss the subject Daenan Dalnor has brought before us. Chancellor Dalnor, one month and ten days ago this Council ruled that you should be allowed to pass through the Other Realms in search of a child you believed to be The Haithra. You return to us now. What have you to say?’13

Daenan waved a hand at Rebecca, indicating that she sit and then went to stand before the Council. He bowed deeply. “Elders, upon your ruling, I journeyed in the Other Realm to seek one who is spoken of in our sacred texts. All the evidence suggests that she is the Haithra, this evidence you have already seen and I tell you now, I believe that there is no doubt that she is the one we have been searching for.’ His voice rang through the room, full and rich even in that large space. It died away into a sceptical silence.14

As instructed, the moment the Elders entered, Rebecca stood and bowed. As she straightened she realised that all eyes were on her and every single person in the room was staring at her with avid attention.15

Rebecca studied the seven faces before her, trying to discern their thoughts. None of them gave much away. All had careful masks of indifference on their faces. Danar appeared to be thinking. Eventually he seemed to come to some decision and nodded.16

‘It is true that we have seen the evidence you speak of. It remains to be seen, however, whether your assumptions are correct. Let us hear from the girl herself. Child, you may come forward.’ Danar beckoned and Rebecca rose to stand beside Daenan. At his indication, she bowed to the Elders, noticing as she straightened up, that the woman who had smiled at her was leaning forward with barely concealed anticipation.17

‘Do you know why you have been brought here?’ Danar asked.18

‘Chancellor Dalnor has told some of your history and my part in it,’ she said, hoping that she did not sound nervous.19

The youngest Elder now spoke. ‘So you are aware then how much of an important role you will play if you are the one we are looking for?’ He had dark hair and cunning eyes that darted this way and that, looking at Rebecca, Daenan and then flickering to and fro between his fellow Elders. His voice was high-pitched like a boy’s, but he was clearly a grown man.20

Although he unnerved her, Rebecca tried to answer his question with courtesy. ‘No sir. I understand that it is important to you, but I don’t really understand why or how.’21

‘Do you believe you are the child we are looking for?’ The old woman’s voice was quiet, not cracked or old as she might have expected, but soft, almost motherly. It made Rebecca want to cry, because here for the first time seemed to be comfort.22

‘No, Madam.’ She did not look at Daenan’s face. She had to speak the truth, but she could not help feeling that she was somehow failing him. ‘I am just a girl. I don’t believe I could be the one you are looking for. I am nothing special.’23

The youngest Elder leaned back, a satisfied look on his face. ‘Then clearly she is not the Haithra.’24

Rebecca sensed conflicting emotions around the table. Some seemed to feel the same way as the young Elder and others were shaking their heads. A white-haired man leaned forward. ‘Why do you say that Elder Eban?’ He stared at Rebecca with profound interest in his grey eyes. She shifted slightly under his discerning gaze.25

Eban began to look uncomfortable, he waved his hands as if to dismiss the remark and seemed flustered. ‘Sarrin asked her if she believed she was the Haithra. She said no. Tallen, surely that concludes...’26

‘It concludes nothing you dimwit.’ The old woman slammed a fist down on the table angrily. It was the first open expression of emotion that Rebecca had seen from the Council. ‘If,’ the Elder continued, ‘she was indeed the Haithra then she would know nothing of her true identity. She was sent from this realm in complete secrecy. She was never meant to know of her fate, she would believe herself to be quite ordinary. The fact that she says she is not the Haithra proves nothing. There’s been plenty who have said otherwise and been proved false.’27

A dark skinned man with white teeth and flashing eyes now spoke. His hair was yellow and flowed down his back in two long tailss. His voice was even and calm, but there was an edge to it that Rebecca didn’t like. ‘I say, if she is the Haithra, and she does have the powers that Chancellor Dalnor claims she has, then let her show them to us. Let us see what she can do right now.’28

The man named Tallen sighed in exasperation. Sarrin grunted, but made no move to speak. ‘Quillen, it is all very well you demanding grandiose displays of power, but have you thought that perhaps the girl herself does not know the power she holds? It may be buried deep inside her, so deep that she cannot call upon it at will.’29

As the Council argued around her, Rebecca stood with growing fear and a feeling of unworthiness. She did not know what the Council wanted of her, but she was beginning to understand why Daenan had been apprehensive. She stole a glance at him and found to her surprise, that he was staring up at the high domed ceiling in boredom. He did not seem at all concerned and made no move to intervene on her behalf. Either he believed that the Council would come to the right decision eventually, or he did not think it was anything to worry about.30

It was cold in that large chamber and Rebecca wrapped her arms about herself to keep off the chill. The dress she was wearing was only thin and did little to keep out the cold. Goosebumps rippled on her arms and she shivered, hoping the Council would come to a decision soon.31

Eban was speaking again, his tone triumphant. ‘If, as you say, the girl has no control over her powers what use is she to us? If she is powerless how can we hope that she will fulfil the destiny? Would you have us put all our faith in her only to see Fane fall because she is inadequate?’32

Eban’s words caused a rabble of voices as each Elder immediately began to make his or her opinion known loudly. In the middle of it all, Danar sat quite content with a small smile of amusement on his face. He made no effort to quieten the arguing Elders. Rebecca got the feeling that he was happy, as if it was all going according to a set plan. She wondered if perhaps as the Head of State, he felt his position under threat from her and if he resented the idea of giving up his powers to a mere girl.33

The great doors to the Council Chamber flew open with a crash that echoed about the room. The Elders immediately fell silent, all eyes turned to the doorway and in a moment every single Elder had risen to their feet. They bowed deeply and Rebecca turned to see Maeweir striding across the chamber towards them. Mairwen and Staefan were beside her and the roaring sound of high winds through trees filled the chamber.34

As Maeweir reached the dais, Mairwen and Staefan bowed to the Elders. Danar smiled tightly, not looking at all happy. ‘Lady Maeweir, we are honoured by your presence, but we are in full Council and...’35

His words died way as Maeweir flung him a look that sent shivers down Rebecca’s spine. The faint sound of a creaking gibbet echoed ominously about the room. ‘Elder Danar, it has long been the law of this land that my kind may enter Council with or without invitation. This I am sure you remember despite the law being passed many years before you were born. Let me present to you my sister, Mairwen Keldar and Staefan Dalnor, brother to Chancellor Dalnor.’36

Maeweir, who only a few hours ago had comforted Rebecca, now stood stern and regal. She was unwavering, her silver eyes hard and Rebecca would not have dared cross her. She waited for Danar to challenge Maeweir’s authority, but the challenge did not come. Danar shrugged his shoulders and seemed to compose himself.37

‘Of course, I am remiss. Please continue.’ He lowered himself back into his seat, looking pale and ill. The rest of the Elders also sat, their faces openly displaying surprise and astonishment.38

'Elders, I bring before you now two witnesses of an incident that may prove that this girl is more than you may think. I ask that you listen to these accounts and consider them as you judge whether she is our Haithra. I believe these accounts to be true and I am sure that all possible evidence will be treated with the greatest care.' Here Maeweir bowed and motioned for Staefan to take her place. Daenan had receeded into the background, a look of triumph on his face.39

Rebecca was uncertain as to the meaning of all this, but she understood that Danar had not remonstrated with the guardian, she had heard the sound of an imaginary gibbet creaking in the wind and had not missed the expressions on the faces of Tallen and Sarrin. She was sure they were on her side.40

At Daenan's insistance, she stepped back and took her seat again on that cold, hard pew. She listened as Staefan gave his account of her arrival, marvelling at the awe in his voice as he spoke of her. She had never heard anyone speak to her or of her in that way. It was almost reverant, as if she were some sort of god. It wasn't until he told of her 'body-bind' with Mairwen, that she realised just what an amazing thing she had done. Here in this new world of magic, she had taken it for granted that something like this would be commonplace, but it was not. it had been an extraordinary performance even for these people who dealt with magic on a daily basis.41

Mairwen gave her account in an even voice and Rebecca sensed she did not particularly want to be doing it. Animosity seemed to come off the woman in waves and as she gave her account, she gritted her teeth as if ashamed. The details of what she had done were even more astonishing to hear from Mairwen's perspective. Sarrin looked smug, Tallen interested and Danar aghast. She noticed one or two of the other Elders with looks of disbelief and worry. Clearly whatever she had done unsettled them in some way.42

There was a long pause after Mairwen had finished and then Danar seemed to shake himself from a stupour and waved a hand. 'You may leave us now, thank you for your time. Your evidence has been most helpful.'43

Mairwen and Staefan bowed to the Elders and then turned to leave the room. Mairwen strode past without looking at Rebecca, but Staefan inclined his head slightly, enough that she knew that he had given a sign of respect. She nodded in return.44

The heavy doors swung shut and Maeweir looked directly at Danar. 'Well? What is your verdict? What say you?'45

'The evidence was most interesting, there can be no denying that. This is an experience we have not yet encoutered, but I have to wonder Lady, about the nature of these accounts. Perhaps if they had been a little less biased...'46

Maeweir's eyes were steely and Danar winced at the eerie creaking that seemed to hang in the air as she moved. 'You believe their accounts to be false then Elder?' Her tone was dangerous. A faint noise of rushing wind echoed in Rebecca's ears. The guardian was angry.47

Danar swallowed, looking pained. 'Of course not. But Madam, it must be considered that Mairwen Keldar is your sister and Staefan Dalnor is the brother of our Emissary. Others may feel that this puts the authority of their reports into question.'48

Maeweir nodded. 'Delicately put. I understand your predicament. To put all our faith in this one child, no matter how overwhelming the evidence, coud prove disasterous for us all. There is yet another way of determining her bloodline...'49

They seemed to stare at each for a long time, as if engaged in a silent battle that only they were privy to. Rebbeca shifted uneasily on the seat. She hated being under the scrutiny of so many people and was cold, stiff and hungry. She wanted to leave this room and be somewhere quiet.50

Finally, Danar signed in heavy reluctance. 'Very well. Fellow Elders, we must determine the truth of this child. She displays alarming competancy for a normal Earthly child. I believe there is only one course laid open to us, but it is for you to decide whether it is necessary. Answer me now, is it your wish that she be subjected to The Trial and her worthiness and bloodline judged?' He turned to look at Quillan who was seated next to him. 'Elder Quillan, what say you?'51

Quillan's dark face was stern and stone-like. 'If the tests prove she is our Haithra then I will bow before her and accept her, but not before.'52

'Very well. Jaedyn?'53

A blank faced woman nodded. 'I agree with Quillan. The Trial will give us the true answer.'54

Eban was next and Rebecca did not hold any hope that his answer woud be a good one. 'No…above all things, no.’ Eban was regarding Maeweir with contempt; she returned his gaze calmly and did not flinch. ‘The evidence is on the word of a soldier and shape changer only. This is a child. I would not put all my faith in her if she were the last thing on this earth between me and death. The trials would be a pointless exercise and a waste of precious time when we may be searching for the real Haithra.’55

'Strongly put,' Danar replied, unable to hide the look of satisfaction that crossed his hard features. 'Your opinion has been noted.' He turned now to the white-haired man who had been regarding Rebecca with such interest. Tallen was looking uncomfortable. 'Your opinion, Tallen?'56

The Elder cleared his throat and seemed to hesitate. 'I woud advise caution. If The Trial is the only way of determining her true nature, then so be it and we have no choice. However, she is young and I am relecutant to see a child meet with such a fate. Use it as a last resort only.'57

Danar nodded, but did not comment. He turned to the old woman at the end of the table who was bristling with anger. Sarrin exploded into words. 'Have you all turned blind? Look at the child, look at her! She is the image of her parents, her bloodline is written on her face. She is the Child in body and soul. She radiates power. There can be no doubt as to who she is, but if you want to put a child through that archaic ritual, then on your head be it. I shall have no part of it!'58

'She will face far more dangerous things if she is the One. You of all people know that Sarrin.'59

'She is untrained Danar,' Sarrin's angry words resounded through the room. 'Untrained and unprepared. Many with less power than hers, many older and wiser have failed to survive The Trial. I abhor sending her to meet her death merely for proof of what is already in front of your own eyes!'60

'Your opinion has been noted. Elder Amar?' Sarrin's feelings did not seem to have any bearing on the Chief Elder. Whatever he was truly thinking was hidden behind that hard exterior as if it was a wall.61

Rebecca waited to see what this last Elder would say. It was strange to be sitting here while men and women seemed to casually decide her fate. Daenan, seated beside her, was tense and rigid.62

The Elder who leaned forward to give her opinion was young. Not quite as young as Eban, she had eyes that seemed to hold a glint of silver. Her hair was pale, so white that she might have been a 100. Her face was soft and warm. She spoke directly for the first time. 'Elders, I cannot tell you whether this is the Haithra. I cannot tell which would be the right or wrong way to determine her bloodline. I can only tell you what I see: someone with immense power. That power is unharnessed and untrained. However, I cannot see that this will be resolved easily. I can see little option, but to submit her to The Trial and see what answer we are given.'63

Danar leaned back, thoughtful. 'Very well,' he said. 'Let all hear then that this Council has decided that the child shall be submitted to The Trial. In accordance with all laws and customs, the Trial will begin seven days hence. Lady Maeweir, Chancellor Dalnor, you may prepare her as you see fit. This Gathering is concluded.'64

Daenan bowed to the Elders as they rose. Each Elder in turn bowed to Maeweir as they left the Chamber. Once they were gone, Daenan sank back into his chair looking pale and troubled. 'That is not what I would have hoped for, Maeweir.' 65

She nodded coolly. 'I know, but there was no choice. Would you have her sent back to her own world, or left to the mercies of the Auron? Once the Trial confirms her identity, then there can be no doubting it. No arguments can change the facts and Danar will be forced to yield.'66

Daenan sighed. 'I know.' He turned towards Rebecca and spoke to her at last. 'I am sorry, this must be puzzling for you. If you come with me, I will explain everything.'