Page 21 of Aubade Rising
On the journey back to the palace I nurture a small kernel of hope from the progress we made in the library but it is abruptly extinguished when I walk into the Concord chamber.
A sombre silence, appropriate for a funeral, snakes through the room.
Conversation ceases and the nine seated members of the Concord fix their unwelcoming stares on us.
Their eyes track my movements as I search for an available seat.
Haelyn and Eskar flank me protectively. Everyone seated around the table is a seasoned political predator and Dervla warned me not to try and make alliances.
I have more to lose than to gain until my research is complete, so for now I attend, keep my thoughts to myself and observe.
I nod to each member, noting those unable to hide their outright hostility at my presence and those that look curious.
Not that hostility has prevented their aides from trying to buy my support in whatever agenda they are trying to push.
Over the last two months, the only one who hasn’t tried to solicit my vote is Principal Fyrdyr, the head of Pentargon Academy.
I don’t know whether it’s because I declined to work for her before the attacks, or because she doesn’t see any value in securing my alliance.
She keeps to herself, choosing to live at the Academy instead of Chi An Mor and is always the last to cast her disc into the reflection pool.
I’ve taken to cataloguing the decisions every Concord member makes and am now very accurate with my predictions, except when it comes to her. She often surprises me.
The fading light casts a long shadow over the far end of the table, where the empty seats remain. With a shiver, I follow Eskar past his usual space. He pulls out my chair, looming over my shoulder for a moment before seating himself.
Haelyn shifts uncomfortably. Despite keeping her face carefully neutral I can see how quickly she’s breathing. Maybe I misinterpreted their reaction as solely being directed at me; she’s been dealing with their rejection for longer. Conversation resumes around us; we’re outcasts together.
The King arrives, accompanied by Dervla. A second hush sweeps the room, mildly warmer than the reception we received. His face is relaxed, as if the reaction was expected, and his posture is confident as he addresses the room.
“Concord, thank you for your attendance. Before I open today’s proceedings, I have an announcement.” Interesting. A faint furrow forms between his eyebrows.
This will be contentious.
He remains standing but leans on the back of his chair, gripping the wooden support firmly.
“I want to start today’s meeting with the appointment of a new Almanac.
Dervla Cairbre has accepted the position and will begin immediately.
” He pulls back the chair to his left and Dervla takes her place by his side.
Under his breath, Eskar lets out a low whistle and Haelyn gasps. Both noises are drowned beneath the antagonistic shouts from the rest of the Concord.
“What has Dervla done to merit such a negative reception?” I hiss to Eskar.
“It’s not about Dervla. Several Concord members have put themselves forward since the old Almanac left.
They’ve been swirling round each other for months, believing they’re building alliances, all saying they have the King’s ear and are certain they will be selected.
They will be humiliated. The King will pay a price for surprising them this way. ”
Understanding dawns on me: “This is going to be a catastrophe.”
Haelyn chimes in, leaning closer to make sure she isn’t overheard. “That depends. If Dervla can wrangle them all back in line, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
Principal Fyrdyr leans over and mutters, “Keep your speculation to yourselves.”
“Apologies Principal,” Eskar replies as I realise our words travelled further than we’d wanted.
The King waits for the mutterings to die down. He remains standing, surveying each of us in turn. I can’t make out his expression clearly but I see him startle when he sees me.
“One final announcement: I’ve taken the liberty of offering secure lodging and hospitality at the Guild Hall for those at risk from the annual spring floods in the city.
A communication is being shared around the city this evening, detailing where to go and how to ask for help during the floods.
I anticipate this will become an annual effort to protect those most at risk.
” The King sits, as if this news is nothing out of the ordinary but the impact in the city will be momentous: so many lives will be saved.
My shoulders sink with relief; the guilt I felt at being safely sequestered in the palace this year lessens.
He listened to me. After one conversation in the river garden, people will be safe from the floods.
The solace I feel in knowing the city will be safer is tinged with regret; the situation should never have got to this point.
It shouldn’t have taken our heated argument for the people to be protected. Nevertheless, I’m taking it as a win.
“So much for democracy.” An aggrieved mutter from an older man sat halfway down the table.
Panic jumps into my throat as I remember the King’s promise never to be a dictator like his father.
Would this Concord member actually prevent people from being kept safe in the capital city to showcase his own political clout?
“There’s democracy and expediency. Surely you’re not planning an objection to housing the most vulnerable in our city during such a dangerous time?
The King is merely relaying an update on the situation, not removing any decision from you.
I believe volunteers will be required to assist in the rebuilding efforts after the floods – I can recommend you lead that committee if you desire.
” Dervla’s comments are clipped and the disgruntled member twists his mouth in displeasure.
The King smothers a smile before continuing with his address. “Now we are at full complement, I hope this signals our willingness to work together in addressing the instability caused by the rebel attacks and to concentrate on protecting our kingdom.”
“The Kevren Gwir. Do we have any idea of their next moves?” A man closest to Dervla is the first to speak.
The King gestures to our end of the table and Haelyn tenses as all eyes turn.
“The prisoners are… resistant,” Eskar hesitates and I turn to him in shock. “I have been unable to extract any useful information. All have been able to withstand the… usual treatment.” His stare is fixed ahead. Even as the conversation moves on it is clear he is avoiding my gaze.
My body stiffens and a thread of ice travels down my spine.
The Verax is responsible for truth. I assumed this meant working with the justice system, the courts and security.
How could I have been so naive? I look at him, my back to the King, but his face is half cloaked in shadow, still avoiding my eyes.
My mind flashes back to the dungeon. A stranger hidden in the darkness, doing the bidding of the old Almanac.
Phantom pain lances through my muscles in memory of the excruciating spasms. Our eyes meet and I see regret before a hot rush floods my cheeks at his betrayal.
My heart thunders. My body frozen in place holds me in my seat.
The conversation continues on; Concord members contribute their thoughts but I take nothing in.
Their words wash over me and I focus on steadying my breathing.
Haelyn nudges me with her shoulder, trying to get my attention.
When I don’t respond, she reaches under the table, holding my hand tightly.
The feel of her palm in mine helps me smothering the panic that threatens to overcome me as I sit next to my torturer.
The man who openly admitted to not trusting me .
The man who is now apparently concerned for my safety.
The man who laughed with me in the rain.
This man who can be sour and grumpy and who claims to resent the position he’s been put in at court.
This man who claims he has little freedom, yet does nothing to prevent people from being tortured.
The meeting draws to a close and I’m still shaking. From what I can tell, despite Dervla’s attempts at drawing consensus, nothing has been decided or agreed. Throughout it all, my stomach roiled and nausea threatened to consume me. It was impossible to focus.
Fleeing the Concord chamber, I ignore Haelyn’s calls to wait for her. My legs give out once I secure my door against the rest of the palace. For the whole night, I remain with my back against the door, shaking and trembling, rocking back and forth. Eyes open, the nightmares won’t reach me tonight.