Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

Mandigal pinched the bridge of his nose in vexation. "You have no idea what I went through to bring them here and now you refuse to give them refuge."

  Bithi rose from his seat in outrage. "Watch your voice, Mandigal. You cannot expect us to take in these two boys. Dargonian princes belong in Dargon. Have you forgotten that his people march towards our land with ill intent?"

  "Zephra's armies," retorted Mandigal. "Aldan is different. You must understand this. He is as keen as you and I to see the end of this turmoil."

  "He is a tyrant like his cousin," argued the blond Elder, Vischia. Her furrowed forehead hung so low that her dark eyes were all but obscured. "And he has no doubt corrupted his son with the same violent ideals."

  Friedrich and Vrill, who stood behind Mandigal in the round council room, both felt their intense dislike of the Council of Elders growing.

  "The fate of this war depends on Aldan's ability to create a civil unrest and political upheaval in Dargon. If you do not allow his son to stay here then we have no hope of seeing this happen," said Mandigal, his tone desperate.

  Sielvu opened his mouth to retort, but was stopped by Kiril Poth. As always the oldest of the Elders commanded the room. "Why do you not take him to Feldom? Surely you can grant him asylum there."

  Mandigal cringed. He knew that eventually this question would come up. "King Castaneda would kill Friedrich without a second thought. His hatred of Dargon clouds his judgement."

  Sielvu jumped to take advantage of the opportunity. "So you think to wash your hands of them by leaving their care to us. You insult us!"

  "I assure you that I mean no offence. I just thought that you of all people would be wise enough to understand the importance of what I ask," replied Mandigal, feeling more frustrated than ever.

  "He is right," said Dietrue suddenly, silencing the room. The reserved Elder hardly spoke, so when he did the other members listened intently. "If Aldan is able to disrupt the peace in Dargon we could have a chance of winning this war. At the moment things are not looking hopeful."

  "I must concur with Dietrue," agreed Yhu in her oddly childish voice. "We must take them in. At least temporarily."

  "We will allow them to stay for a few months, Mandigal," announced Kiril. "If Aldan has not acted within that time we will cast them from this land."

  Sielvu and Bithi clearly showed their disgust at the decision, but remained quiet.

  Mandigal let out a grateful breath. "Thank you."

  "Where are you headed now?" asked Velski.

  "With your permission I would remain in Duathnin for a time. I have concerns I wish to discuss with you," replied Mandigal.

  "We have time now, discuss away," said Vischia, with a harsh edge to her voice. She gazed over to her cousin Sielvu who had turned his face away from the conversation in displeasure.

  Mandigal knew that he had to word his intentions carefully so that the Council did not suspect his true reason for staying. "I am tired from a long trip. Please allow me to rest and compose my thoughts."

  Vischia's look did not disguise the fact that she disliked Mandigal's decision.

  "Then return to us when you have seen some sleep," said Kiril. "Now go. The Council has much to attend to."

  Mandigal inclined his head then turned and left the council chambers with Friedrich and Vrill in tow. Things had not gone entirely to plan, but at least he had been able to get Friedrich and Vrill of his hands for a while. Now all that he had to do was find out who the traitor within the Council was. He suspected it would prove his most difficult task yet.