“Hey now, stop trying to give my race to Renny,” Dra’Kaedan teased.
The emperors sat, and Ellery spoke. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. We will begin this morning with the petition that is cosponsored by the Court of Draconis, Coven of Warlocks, Order of Necromancia, Circle of Druids, Order of the Fallen Knights, Spectra Wizardry, Legion of Centaurus, Ursus Arctos Pack, Vampyr Clutch, Sentinel Brotherhood, and without exception, every elf tribe in our Council. It is to add the Fae or Light Fae to the Council with a voting seat and all privileges allowed. Noble Protector Drekkoril D’Vaire of the Fae will answer your questions from the D’Vaire alcove.”
“I wish to begin by saying that I have read extensively of the Fae since it was announced that they were on our realm and ancestors to my people. I have every intention of casting my vote to secure your place on this Council, Noble Protector, but I wonder about the Dark Fae. They are related to us as well and should be included. Have you any notion of where to find them?” Chieftain Wysthilion of the Ranastina tribe asked.
“Chieftain, thank you for your question. I have no notion how to find the Dark Fae. While I have every reason to believe he and his fairy live still, I cannot say for certain if he was brought to this realm in the same fashion as Protector Roriethiel and me. We hope that we can locate them someday, and the Sentinel Brotherhood is prepared to assist us with that endeavor should you include us in your Council. However, the Lich Sentinel and his men find it difficult to detect Fae magic, which differs vastly from the sorcery races here,” Drekkoril stated.
“I’d like to add that we’re going to search as diligently as we can despite our issues with sensing Fae magic. We’ve learned that the Fae world was based on balance. The Dark Fae must be equivalent to the Noble Protector and Protector in power, and that shouldn’t make them impossible to find,” Alaric interjected, careful not to mention that the entire D’Vaire family had transported to Rorie’s home as they preferred to keep his ability to send anyone into an enchanted sleep a secret. It wasn’t something that had been a part of the Fae world, and it was only through his taming of Orlami that it was granted, so there was no need for it to be public knowledge. They were also concerned that the Council might not react calmly to knowing that people like their emperors could be so easily bespelled.
As for Rorie, he’d already promised that he wouldn’t take anyone else through a dream without their permission. The ache in his soul over his homeland was still too raw for him to want to return, and while he’d chosen not to remain angry about the things his parents had done, he could not bring himself to want to visit them either.
“Your Majesties, I humbly suggest that we do our best to keep information about the Dark Fae on television and in publications across North America. Perhaps if they discover they’re being sought to be included in our Council, they may try to contact us themselves,” Chieftain Ranastina said.
“Chieftain, my heart is in alignment with yours. I would very much like the Dark Fae to be a part of our Council. You may rest assured that His Majesty and I will speak often to any member of the press willing to listen to keep the Dark Fae in the news,” Ellery answered.
“Considering the number of people cosponsoring your petition, Noble Protector, I fail to see how you will not be added to our ranks, so please allow me to be the first chieftain to formally invite you to the elven gathering we host annually. As our ancestors, we would like to share our celebration of who we are with you and the Protector,” Chieftain of the Tristis remarked.
“Chieftain, I would not presume to count upon our acceptance into your Council before any vote has been cast, but should we be granted inclusion, rest assured that Protector Roriethiel and I will attend. We will join the other tribes connected to the D’Vaire family—the Acwellan, Cwylld, Valzadari, Tisidal, Verdanyth, Sprite Grove, Sae’Varis, Indrenakas, and Mystamre.”
Silence fell for several moments and Chrysander asked, “Are there any further questions for the Noble Protector?”
“Your Majesty, I know I speak on behalf of every elf tribe in here when I say that we have many questions regarding our ancestors but few that are related to their induction into our Council,” Chieftain Temolvi of the Indrenakas tribe said.
“Very well, then I call for a vote. Given the substantial number of cosponsors, we will not break,” Chrysander remarked. “As soon as everyone has cast their ballot, we will resume our session. I expect it to take no more than a minute or two.”
The room went from silent to a low buzz of conversation as people pulled out cell phones or chatted with those present. Rorie rubbed Drekkoril’s back. “You did an outstanding job.”
“I was most nervous.”
“It didn’t show one bit,” Dra’Kaedan said after he hit a button that Rorie assumed was his affirmative vote.
“Thank you. I do hope we can locate the Dark Fae, and I am most pleased that the elves are as eager to know them too. It is a significant departure from the fear our realm had of them,” Drekkoril answered.
“Our Council is used to dark sorcerers. Chand used to oversee this whole thing,” Renny commented.
The red light went on again, but since the emperors hadn’t left, Rorie was instructed not to stand.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for making the ancestors of the elves and sprites a part of this Council with a unanimous vote,” Ellery stated proudly.
Thunderous applause filled the air, and Ellery started the standing ovation that included the D’Vaires around Rorie and Drekkoril.
“Most overwhelming,” Drekkoril muttered, his face flushing.
“It is most beautiful, you mean,” Rorie corrected, his eyes inexplicably filling with tears.
“Make a small speech,” Saura ordered as everyone quieted, and people returned to their chairs.
“Your Majesties, may I have a moment?” Drekkoril asked.
“Of course, Noble Protector,” Chrysander said.
“I wish to express my gratitude to everyone in this room for allowing us to join you in the important duty of governing your people. The Light Fae number only two now, but we hope to give you all the knowledge which rests in our souls about where elves and sprites once lived. Our world was vastly flawed at the end of our time on my former realm, and I will do everything in my power to ensure you are spared the suffering and pain that went along with the slow destruction started by my predecessors. Within your Council, I know I will have nothing but joy. Thank you,” Drekkoril stated.
“The Council would like to thank you, Noble Protector, for wanting to be a part of our government. We look forward to working with you,” Chrysander replied. “Before we move on to the next topic for discussion, it is my understanding that Protector Roriethiel D’Vaire of the Fae would like to address the Council.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I would. While the Noble Protector and I are the last of our people, we feel an intricate kinship with elves and sprites. The Sprite Grove is a race recognized through the Court of Draconis at the request of Warrior Chieftain Kitlivri Cyrrien. He gained his title after an atrocity was committed against his people. I know the Sentinel Brotherhood is tireless in its efforts to find out who dared use a potion that led to the destruction of the Sprite Grove, but I would like to request that this Council address the topic directly. If the elven tribes were willing to unite on this issue in the same way that you did for myself and the Noble Protector, we might get closer to the truth,” Rorie said.
“Lich Sentinel, has the Consilium Veneficus been approached regarding the atrocity that nearly wiped out the Sprite Grove?” Chieftain Ranastina asked.
