Chapter 61 – The Right Hand
SJ was disturbed from her sleep by Lurtew knocking on her bedroom door.
"SJ, sorry to wake you, but a driver is here saying he is to collect you."
SJ sat up in bed, checking the time on her display. She had slept longer than planned.
"Thanks," SJ called as she hurried to get ready.
"I wonder what he has in store for us this morning?" Dave said.
I have no idea, every time the chancellor manages to surprise me.
"Well, hopefully it involves being given a district or two to oversee."
SJ balked at the thought. No thanks. I have enough to sort out in Killic as it is, never mind getting further tied into the city.
"But just think of the opportunities it would bring you? A place among the city's elite, a deciding factor for good once and for all."
The thought was intriguing, but SJ still had Aletheia and her friends to consider. She could never leave them behind, whatever she decided to do in the future; Killic was her home after all.
As SJ arrived at the Tower, the usual beings were coming and going, none the wiser to what had happened the previous evening. The Chancellor's chamber was busy this morning as SJ approached. She could see Fas, Petunia, Skuldor, Wystria, Alec, and General Crawford were present, and Darwinial sat with sheets of parchment before him, awaiting the gathering to begin.
"Sorry if I'm late," SJ said, entering.
"Good, everyone is here," the Chancellor said as he nodded to the guards, who closed the chamber doors. SJ hadn't noticed the small figure standing at the side of the chamber. Master Stovall walked to the centre of the chamber and started to cast a spell. The main doors glowed momentarily before he turned and nodded to the chancellor before leaving the chamber himself by the side entrance.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin."
Darwinial picked up his quill, poised to capture the details of the conversation.
"This is an official meeting to discuss the next steps for the city. It won't take more than a day for the news to spread about the demise of the Chief. As soon as that reaches the streets, I expect there to be a modicum of chaos. To inform you of our current position. The remaining three henchmen of the Chief are currently under surveillance. Brother Liam will be bringing them in before noon today. My personal guard is dealing with this matter, so there is no potential conflict with the oath that many of us are still bound by."
"Once they are secured, we will be moving on to the blood banks. Again, I'll have my personal guard handle this for the same reasons. What we need to discuss includes several items we need to clarify. The most important of which are the city streets. Carlito, as I mentioned yesterday, I'm assigning this to you. As part of the agreement that I am placing on you," the emphasis in placing meaning that Fas wasn't even being given an opportunity to refuse. "Is that your position within the city will be clear? Only those in this room, plus Brother Liam, are aware of your true identity, and we are all sworn to secrecy that it will remain so. As part of the deal, you will have freedom to operate within the outer city as you wish, as long as anything involving the Tower or its occupants is communicated prior to any action being taken. You will be granted the official title of Steward of the Outer Districts."
Fas went to speak, and the Chancellor raised his hand to stop him. "Unfortunately, this is not open for discussion. The decision has already been made."
SJ watched all those at the table nod in agreement.
"I will add that you must decide which persona you wish to be known by. A being of your kind having the ability to change forms must have an identity that they go by."
Fas muttered something inaudible under his breath, looking very disgruntled.
Petunia turned to him and laughed, then turned to the Chancellor. "He is very gracious of the opportunity you present him with," she grinned.
SJ felt like Fas must. A rat in a trap.
This was already pre-planned, SJ thought.
"It does appear that way," Dave said. "This kobold is much more than he appears."
He always surprises me. I'm not sure there isn't anything he actually knows about or hasn't thought through.
"Now that has been confirmed, let's move on. As part of the change in power that will involve unsettlement, I am not naive enough to believe that the presence of a new hand on the streets won't come with problems. Therefore, General Crawford will deploy Tower Guard companies to each district. They will fall under the direct command of Captain Hamilton, and she will report only to General Crawford. Alec, would you like to continue from here, please?"
Alec cleared his throat. "As part of the recent bombings across the city, we have identified a network that we believe is behind them. It appears they are being funded by a third party from outside the city. As yet, we have been unable to confirm who this is, and investigations are ongoing. This network is tied to several levels of the District's hierarchy, and we plan to move as one to address them. I am making everyone aware here, due to the new agreement that we have with the Steward of the Outer Districts, so that you may be aware in advance and accommodate this activity where possible," Alec directed at Fas.
Fas sat open-mouthed. His undercover world had been turned on its head and then paraded across the city. He closed his mouth and remained silent.
Petunia couldn't help but chuckle again, her mischievous nature on full display.
"Excellent, I'm glad that is agreed," the Chancellor said. "Skuldor, your actions have gone beyond as I stated, what we can ever repay in kind. As a token of our thanks, you will be presented with the Asterfal Crest. You may wear this as a symbol of your standing in the city. Never will you need to put your hand in your pocket for coins again. I am also commissioning a barracks here in the inner city, where the valkyrie may house a flight. I would really like to keep our relations open with you as much as we are able to."
"That is gracious of you," Skuldor said. "Although I'm not sure a flight would be willing to locate here."
"I understand the challenges this may present, due to your natural predilection to staying separate, but I believe this is a just reward. Whether the valkyrie decide to use the school is up to them, but it will remain as instructed as a haven for any valkyrie who visit Asterfal."
Skuldor nodded with gratitude. "You honour us, sir."
"Now onto the next item," the Chancellor said as he turned and looked at SJ.
SJ's cheeks flushed under his gaze, and a warm smile spread on the Chancellor's lips.
"You, my dear SJ, continue to surprise me, and all those at this table. Your commitment to the fight against corruption has been exemplary. Every step, every ask, you have dealt with. Your unwavering commitment is unmatched. When I issued this quest, I only hoped that you would step up to the challenge."
SJ's mouth dropped open.
"I knew it," Dave shouted gleefully.
No, you didn't, SJ thought, before she stammered a response. "You raised the quest?"
"Of course, also, why do you think I put you in touch with Brother Liam? I know what the challenges may have been that you would face."
SJ's temper flared. "Am I only a pawn to be manipulated? If it's not the gods, it's another," she spat angrily.
SJ hadn't meant to say the gods aloud, and there were several raised eyebrows.
The Chancellor continued to smile warmly, her flare of anger not affecting the genuine warmth he showed. "You are anything but a pawn. You have become an intrinsic part of this city, whether you ever meant to or not. As a reward for your continuing actions, I have something for you," the Chancellor nodded to Darwinial. Darwinial reached for a scroll next to him, before passing it down the table to her.
SJ frowned as she took the scroll and unrolled it. Her skill allowed her to read the words written in Kobold. SJ looked up at the Chancellor. "She never had it?"
"No, do you think I would give something so precious to the leader of an assassin's guild? She may have decided to take it upon herself to procure your items." The Chancellor didn't say what the items were, though his meaning was clear, and SJ felt a sudden heaviness from the earrings that were secured in her inventory. The scroll was the incantation that would dispel the binding to the Chief and prevent their destruction.
"Thank you," SJ said, holding the scroll tightly. That meant she could have allowed the valkyrie to deal with her after all, and remove the vampires once and for all from the city. "Why didn't you just come to me directly?" SJ asked, still trying to work out the reasons behind the Chancellor's decisions.
"You may not be fully aware of the powers of oaths; no direct action could be taken. It had to be through a third party."
"I'm sure there could have been an easier way?"
"Perhaps," the Chancellor agreed. "This is also yours," The Chancellor said as he passed a small pouch across the table.
SJ opened the pouch and tipped out the contents. A ring fell onto the tabletop.
She picked up the ring, identified it, and gasped.
Ring of the Earth Sentry
The ring will glow when in proximity to undiscovered heirlooms.
"How..." Dave said at exactly the same time as SJ did in response to the Chancellor.
The Chancellor just smiled, not replying.
SJ lifted the ring and placed it on her finger; it was a beautiful pale citrine.
"I believe it turns blue," the Chancellor said. The others at the table were confused about what the two of them were discussing.
"Thank you," SJ said, stunned to be wearing an item that could help her locate the heirlooms.
"My pleasure," the Chancellor said.
SJ's display triggered.
Congratulations! Your ambassadorial role has changed.
Appointment: Asterfal Regional Council Representative, Hand of the Chancellor
Status: Permanent
Relationship: Ambassador for Killic
Reputation: Revered
Future Interactions in Asterfal will allow for an improved outcome. Quest gains increased by 100%
SJ stared over at the Chancellor in shock.
"Great dragon flatulence!" Dave exclaimed at the title. "Your status has changed to permanent, and that title!"
SJ hadn't noticed the status change to permanent.
I wonder what that means?
"In simple terms, I've told you how it is virtually impossible to remove a revered reputation. Well, a permanent status designation means you are in a stronger position than 99% of the city's population, even those who have lived here their whole lives. You're pretty much untouchable. You could murder a being in the middle of a council meeting, and no one would question your actions. I bet there are no more than a handful of beings with that status, if that."
Petunia looked at SJ, her eyes narrowing as she did. "He didn't, did he?"
"Did what?" Skuldor asked, confused.
"It was agreed by the council heads," the Chancellor replied.
Petunia elbowed Skuldor in the side, who coughed while she replied. "I think you are sitting in the presence of a Chancellor's Hand."
SJ wasn't sure what to say and just shrugged.
"I've claimed his left hand. You'll have to be his right," Petunia grinned.
Fas was as shocked as Skuldor. Alec, Wystria and the General all congratulated SJ on her position.
"Please make it official in the city records, Darwinial. It will be a point of record at the next city council meeting. Everyone will be aware of the Ambassadors standing in the city."
SJ flushed deeply. Darwinial had been scribing the whole time, and SJ hoped he wasn't describing the facial expressions she had pulled or the colour she had turned.
Darwinial just nodded.
"Right then," the Chancellor said, standing and moving over to a cabinet behind his desk. He collected a tray and a bottle before returning to the meeting table, where they all sat. He then walked around the table, pouring each one of them a glass before pouring his own, and retaking his seat.
"To Asterfal, and may we have a long and prosperous future. Meeting closed," the Chancellor said, lifting his glass.
A chorus of Asterfal could be heard as they all drank. SJ's mind was still spinning at a million miles per hour as she drank hers.
Everyone started to leave, Fas still as shocked as SJ at what had happened. SJ was just turning to leave when the Chancellor called after her.
"SJ."
"I'll catch you up," SJ said to Fas as she turned and walked back to where the Chancellor was now sitting behind his desk again.
"Yes, Chancellor?"
"My wife has been nagging me for months now to invite you to meet her. Would you be available this evening?"
SJ stared again in open-mouthed shock. She had only recently discovered that the Chancellor was married and apparently had twelve children; she had no idea where he lived, assuming it was in the Tower.
"Of course," SJ said.
"Excellent. Shall we say eight?"
"That sounds great. Where should I go?" SJ asked.
"Oh," he laughed. "Save your legs, just fly up to the top balcony; one of the staff will let you in."
SJ couldn't help but look up. "I'll see you at eight, sir," SJ said as she turned to catch Fas up.
"And SJ."
"Yes?" she said, turning back.
"Call me Henric."
SJ smiled as she turned back to catch Fas.
Fas was waiting in the Tower foyer as SJ appeared. He grabbed her by her elbow and steered her outside.
"What just happened?" he said as he turned her to face him.
"What do you mean?"
"I didn't just dream that did I?"
"No, why?"
"I've just been given an official title recorded in the city's records, that I am now in charge of the Outer Districts?"
"Well, at least from an underground perspective," SJ shrugged.
"We have unfinished business," Fas said as he shook his head, looking out across the Inner City from the Tower's steps.
"What?" SJ asked.
"It's time to clean up. First, you need to use that incantation on the earrings, then we have to collect the Chief's belongings before someone makes off with them."
"I haven't even gone through anything from yesterday that I took from her," SJ realised.
"Then let's go start organising things."
"Damn," SJ suddenly said, as she turned and hurried back inside.
Fas watched her go.
The Chancellor's door was open, and SJ walked straight in. She coughed politely.
"Henric," she said. The use of his first name sounded strange to her.
"Yes?" he said, looking up. "What's wrong?" he said, seeing her face.
"Erm, I wanted to ask a favour."
Henric raised an eyebrow.
"There is a young man who has applied to become a member of the Tower guard. He was hoping to make the officer's path, yet hadn't heard about being accepted."
Henric lifted a ledger from his desk and flicked through the pages. "What was his name?"
"Benji, I'm not sure of his surname. He was an orphan who worked for Carlito."
Henric nodded his head and scanned the ledger. He lifted his quill and scratched something in the ledger.
"Done," he said. "Anything else?"
"No," SJ said excitedly. "Thank you."
"My pleasure."
SJ hurried back outside with a huge grin on her face. "What was all that about?" Fas asked when she returned.
"Benji. He's been accepted on the officer's path."
"That's amazing," Fas said as he stepped in and hugged her.
It was one of the few times SJ had ever seen Fas display raw emotion, and she felt it.
"Oh, maybe romance will blossom," Dave said.
SJ's cheeks coloured.
This is the end of Book 6 – Close Encounter of the Troll Kind.
