Lukas jumped, nearly toppling out of his desk chair, as Lord Sulli stormed into his room. “Get ready in five minutes before we leave.”

  He regained his composure, picking up the book he had been engrossed in before sleep. They had just returned from the play, and he was trying to catch up on some light reading before bed. He had only a few hours before he needed to rise to meet Reza. Carefully placing the book on his desk, he found the page he had been reading and secured it with a small piece of metal. “Where are we headed?”

  It was almost the tenth hour of the night, and there was little to be done in the middle of the night. Lukas couldn’t fathom what they could possibly be doing at such an hour, especially with someone like Lord Sulli involved.

  Lord Sulli paused briefly, his eyes exuding a hint of power that compelled Lukas to maintain eye contact before he bluntly answered. “You’re about to participate in your inaugural closed council meeting. The heads of the houses and their heirs, along with any Archons within the city, are convening to discuss matters of utmost importance. As the new heir to this house, you will be joining the council.”

  With that, Lord Sulli turned and left the room before Lukas could utter a single word.

  Well, then, I suppose I won’t get any sleep tonight. He had a delightful evening at the play with the Rezas. Cassia effortlessly engaged in conversation throughout the night, asking questions about Lukas’s interest whenever the play allowed. She had recently read many of the books purchased for him and recommended the book on the table, A Whisper of Kings. Everyone who had read it had thoroughly enjoyed it. Lukas was only a short way into the book, and the setup had been enjoyable so far. The story was set in Arkhen just before the gods’ deaths, following the journey of a soldier from Arkhen who helped save what remained of the city. He eagerly anticipated continuing to read it, but that would have to wait for another time.

  It didn’t take long before Lukas and Lord Sulli’s carriage descended into an underground part of the Palace. Lukas wasn’t entirely sure where in the abyss this hidden section was located. Unfortunately, he couldn’t see much outside, as the windows of the carriages were darkened. The only thing he could discern was the faint glow emanating from the towers as they approached the Island of the Echoes.

  “Listen carefully so you don’t embarrass yourself,” Lord Sulli instructed, bringing Lukas’s attention back to his uncle. “You have one rule tonight: only speak if someone directly addresses you.”

  Lukas nodded as Pullo opened the carriage door. “Ready to move when you are, Sir.” he bowed, keeping his eyes lowered as he held the door open.

  They entered a side door, where two guards held it open. They were clad in full silver rune-covered plate armor, a relic from a bygone era. The hallway was adorned with reliefs depicting battles and large crowds cheering for individuals above them. However, these scenes swiftly transformed into massive monsters and people fighting for supremacy. Finally, they encountered thirteen grave markers, which led them to an island city with towering structures. Was it the death of the gods he witnessed? It made the most sense, but there were many aspects of the mural that Lukas couldn’t comprehend. The monsters were an obvious choice, but there was something else that eluded his grasp as he continued to stare at the mural.

  “Lukas, focus,” Lord Sulli whispered, breaking through his thoughts. Lukas snapped back to reality, joining his uncle once more. He hadn’t realized he had stopped staring at the mural. “There will be several items that the council must discuss, and we may even vote on some actions. Follow my vote; you vote as I do.”

  “Of course, Uncle,” Lukas managed to reply. He couldn’t think of anything else to say. He hadn’t even realized that he would be permitted to vote. “What else should I expect to do? You surprised me quite late to prepare me for this.”

  Sulli rubbed his forehead, surprising Lukas. His uncle was not someone who openly expressed his emotions. “I understand. They summoned a meeting, and I had planned to exclude you from it. However, you must start somewhere, and while it would be preferable if the city had settled down before thrusting you into the city’s governance, we are at war, and I don’t have that luxury at the moment.”

  They entered a vast, open, circular room devoid of windows. However, numerous elemental lanterns adorned each column that encircled the room. A large table stood in the center, its silver surface elegantly lined with approximately thirty chairs. Two-thirds of the seats were already occupied, leaving Lukas to recognize only one person.

  Lord Rewan resided at the far end of the table, accompanied by a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to Lady Rewan but exuded a more martial aura. It was undoubtedly Sabine. Although he had witnessed her fighting in the arena a few days prior, her distance had rendered him uncertain about her physical appearance.

  Urged to accelerate his pace, Lukas found himself traversing the room alongside his uncle, who were making their way to occupy two seats adjacent to the Rewans. His uncle took the seat next to Lord Rewan, while he gestured for Lukas to sit beside Sabine.

  As Lukas settled into his seat, Sabine extended her hand in greeting.

  “Lukas, I presume. I am Sabine Rewan,” she said, her hand outstretched. She was dressed in the stark grey uniform that hinted at the legions, yet it lacked the distinctive symbols or markings found on the standard attire.

  He nodded. “Of course, Reza has mentioned you a few times. He seemed disappointed that he couldn’t see the play with you.”

  “Did he now?” She smiled broadly, her tone turning slightly amused at his words. Lukas wasn’t sure what that meant. “I’m slightly surprised you’re here tonight. Reza mentioned the training this morning. Are you ready? You won’t be getting much sleep, it seems.”

  Lukas smiled back, nodding. It was exciting to finally start his training; however, he felt a mix of emotions. He was afraid that he wouldn’t be good enough, that he wouldn’t be able to learn and defend himself, and nervous about what awaited him just a few hours away. But the anticipation of embarking on this new chapter of his life overshadowed all of the negative emotions and fears. “I’m ready, and I can’t worry about losing sleep if it’s my duty. I’ll have to push through the weariness.”

  Sabine nodded in approval. “Reza will be pleased with that mindset. Be sure you listen attentively and train diligently; everything you learn could save your life one day.”

  Lukas wholeheartedly agreed; he had never imagined that day with his cousin fell would happen. On that fateful day, he felt utterly helpless, and then again when Reza had to come to his rescue. There was nothing he could do to protect himself or take any action. “I feel utterly useless right now, and I want that feeling to end.”

  “I understand that feeling. It took me a considerable amount of time to comprehend how the power Logain bestowed upon me could be harnessed effectively,” Sabine replied, her voice lowered to ensure that the others wouldn’t overhear. “Reza will assist you; I’ve never witnessed anyone as attuned to his wraith as he is. They form an exceptionally formidable partnership.”

  Lukas recalled the intense battle outside the city. A shiver ran down his spine as he thought back to Marcellus’s untimely demise. “Yes, I witnessed firsthand the devastating power they wielded.”

  Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Sabine’s father.

  “Young Lukas, you are finally joining us in the council. I was wondering if Sulli would bring you tonight. We could use your vote.” His tone was the most serious Lukas had ever heard him utter.

  “Why do you say that?” Lukas inquired, sensing that Rewan held more knowledge than he did.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  “I anticipate at least one vote tonight. The Kejecks are agitated tonight. It’s likely due to Marius Reza’s ending his daughter’s attempt. Moreover, we still lack any clue about the force responsible for your cousin’s death. Decisions will be made tonight, and our five votes could sway the outcome. I would have preferred a sixth vote, but unfortunately, it’s impossible without one of my children securing the Sorana’s seat. He looked at his daughter with excitement.

  Lord Sulli nodded, lowering his voice. “I understand. I suspected it would involve something along those lines. Let’s just hope the Malaks and Vorcans don’t also align with the Kejeks, or our influence will be diminished.” Sulli whispered, ensuring only we could hear.

  As people conversed, waiting for the last stragglers to join the table, his Uncle and Lord Rewan continued their discussion. Lukas began to drift away from the conversation, glancing at the others at the table until he noticed an elderly man with pure white hair gliding into the room. He wore a large amulet around his neck, featuring the city’s black raven engraved on it.

  “Finally, the Praetor graces us with his presence,” Rewan remarked before leaning back in his chair.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your presence. It appears we have 21 attendees, including proxies for the four absent individuals.” Praetor Tiberius, reading from a scroll in front of him, addressed the gathering. Although Lukas had never encountered the man before, everyone in the territory of Arkhen and beyond recognized the figure who held the city under his guardianship. For nearly five decades, Praetor had led the city through numerous wars, emergencies, and peaceful periods.

  “Lord Kejek, you requested this meeting, although I had intended to convene one in a few days when we had gathered more intelligence. We will commence with you.”

  Tiberius leaned forward, placing his hands just below his chin.

  “Lord Kejek, I presume you stand approximately three chairs away from the Praetor.”

  “Thank you. I understand that we have not met since the passing of your son, Lord Sulli. My family extends its deepest condolences to you during this difficult time.”

  However, Lukas sensed no genuine remorse in Kejek’s words. There seemed to be no lingering affection between the two men.

  “And what issue would that be, Kejek?” Rewan questioned, his voice rising, devoid of any humor in his tone.

  “It’s a concern for all of us, although I suppose you might be oblivious to it since both your children are still in the contest,” Kejeck said coldly. “We only have four of our own left in the contest. We must decide how we want to respond to ensure we retain our power.”

  Lukas wasn’t certain he was comprehending Kejeck correctly. He knew politics would be ruthless, but this was more open than he had anticipated from the opening statement. Sabine remained silent when he glanced over at her. Her eyes were solely fixed on the man.

  “There are four of us. That’s more than sufficient. All are formidable warriors and considered some of our finest,” Lord Sulli indicated towards Sabine. “With one sitting just to my left.”

  Kejeck sneered. “We must maintain control. We were all present during the contests. That young noble lord, Marius Reza, eliminated my daughter in mere seconds. Vorcan, your uncle, lost to him in a duel—someone we believed had the potential to go all the way. The others fought valiantly in their matches and could be considered threats. Each of them needs to be dealt with before they can seize our power.” He took his seat, looking at the group.

  Lukas felt compelled to speak. He was discussing Reza and clearly stating that they needed to eliminate him. However, he held back his words. He hoped, at least, that Lord Sulli would have no involvement in this.

  “It’s a thought, but Desmond appeared to be having a good time. Should we kill them? Couldn’t we bribe them or, even better, bring them to our side? New blood isn’t an issue.” Vorcan mused as he spoke.

  “It’s better to eliminate them from the competition. Illian, Sabine, Lucius, or Jorin should be the Archon, not some fresh blood.” Kejek scoffed, his fist hammering into the table

  The conversation continued, with more people interrupting for almost ten minutes as Lukas’s anger escalated. He could sense the agitation growing in Sabine. Her hands clenched into fists beneath the table, hidden from view, while her face remained the mask of composure.

  “I will handle this.” Lord Rewan placed a hand on his daughter, preventing her from standing to make a statement. He and Lord Sulli rose to their feet. “Marius Reza is now under my protection. I will not tolerate any further discussion of murder in this chamber. If we must take a vote, let us do so. However, I will not support any action against the contestants.”

  “I have also placed Reza under my employee as a trainer. Your uncle Vorcan has also agreed to collaborate with Reza. He is a formidable warrior, and I believe the city should not kill our skilled soldiers who could aid us in this conflict. Ladies and gentlemen, we are far more intelligent than these past ten minutes have demonstrated. I call for a vote. I propose no action against the contestants.” Waving his hand towards the Praetor.

  Praetor Tiberius stood up, his demeanor showing nothing in his opinion on the matter. “All in favor, raise your hand so that your opinion may be known.”

  Lukas quickly counted the hands raised to determine the vote count. Lukas, the Rewans, and his uncle raised their hands, while Vorcan and approximately ten people on his side of the table did the same. Kejek and his allies, Lukas presumed, kept their hands lowered.

  Relieved that the measure had passed in their favor, Lukas allowed himself to calm down. “The votes stand; no action will be taken against the contestants until the next council meeting.”

  “Close one, I think your mention of DesmondVorcan saved that boy’s life,” Rewan whispered.

  Lord Sulli nodded in agreement. “I wasn’t sure either way. We invested a significant amount of money in that boy; I hope he’s worth it.”

  “Sabine seems to agree, and I like the boy myself,” Lord Rewan glanced towards his daughter.

  Lukas nodded, observing her eyes harden. He was certain she had been prepared for a fight if it had come to that.

  “He may well emerge victorious. I would be apprehensive about confronting him and Elana. They even intimidate me.” Sabine declared, her hands finally unclenching and resting flat on the chair arms.

  “We shall see. It is preferable to have three potential allies with an additional vote than an adversary.” Lord Sulli remarked.

  Lukas felt a sense of tranquility wash over him. The meeting resumed, and the Praetor stood once more. “Before we delve into any other matter, we must address the pressing issues in the West. I have dispatched multiple riders to reach the thirteenth Legion to convey the news of their Archon’s demise and instruct them to retreat towards the city. Regrettably, only my last two riders have returned, and they had only been sent on a two-day reconnaissance mission. Despite their efforts, there is no trace of the enemy within two days, and I hesitate to extend our search beyond that limit until we receive more information.”

  “We have two legions stationed outside the city, with two more within two days of reaching the city. Shouldn’t we have ample forces to confront any potential threats? Eight thousand pact holders should be sufficient.” Kejek remarked, addressing the Archons.

  One Archon rose and turned to face Kejek. “You overlook the fact that they killed one of our Archons, as reported by Sulli and the young boy. Major magic was employed in the attack. We are unaware of their abilities and cannot assume that our forces are sufficient to hold them back. Personally, I am displeased with the lack of intelligence. We must dispatch more scouts to locate this enemy. These individuals should possess the ability to read auras and discern their identities and the power behind their forces.”

  His counterparts nodded in agreement.

  Lukas shuddered, recalling the intense red energy and sand swirling within his mind. The power had claimed the life of an injured Marcellus, but he sensed a power that matched that of an Archon. “It was horrifying the power I witnessed that day. They should be deeply concerned. I am certain Marcellus felt it as well.” He whispered, ensuring that only Sabine could hear.

  She looked at him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “It was an ambush; there was little they could do, nor you.”

  While he wasn’t entirely convinced by her words, the kind gesture brought him solace. “We shall see. I have no doubt they will return.”

  “The Archons have shared their plans. Does anyone else have any solutions? If not, we’ll take it to a vote.” The Praetor waited for a moment, but no one else spoke. “Raise your hand if you’d like to scout the western reaches to see if we can find this force or find a way to reach the mountain fortress of the thirteenth Legion?” Twenty hands raised, and Lukas joined the Rewans and his Uncle once again.

  The rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly, with the remaining issues revolving around the city’s operational aspects, including cleaning the dilapidated southern district sewers and rebuilding several dilapidated buildings that had stood in disrepair for decades. Adhering to his Uncle’s lead, the Rewans mirrored his moves. They concluded the meeting with four more votes before it ended.

  “A drink before we leave?” Rewan asked at the end of the meeting. Many people were already leaving the room, with the Praetor being the first to depart.

  “No, Lukas needs to get some sleep. His first day of training starts tomorrow, and I suspect he’ll need every minute he can get with the two I’ve hired.” He said bluntly.

  Rewan chuckled. “Oh boy, you’re in for a treat. The first day is always the worst; be careful with your hands, or you’ll end up with blisters sooner or later.”

  Lukas could only offer a weak nod. He was exhausted and had battled to stay awake for the last half hour of the meeting, his eyes burning from the strain, forcing everyone else to keep theirs open.

  Lord Rewan burst into laughter, slapping Lukas on the shoulder and joining the growing crowd near Vorcan.

  Sabine remained for only a moment longer. “It’ll be tough, and Reza won’t give up easily, but you’ll learn from this experience. Just remember that.” She turned and walked away to join her father.

  “Come on, let’s not waste any more time,” Lord Sulli said, leading them back home.