by Ava D. Dohn
* * *
Frustration and anger carried over into the words Terey spit out at Mihai. “How do you expect me to be a counselor to you when you bar my very path?! If you keep secrets from me, how can I provide wisdom with my reply?”
Terey was acting spokesman for some of Mihai’s close associates, who, for over an hour, had been arguing about the new war councils. She and the others were among the most intimate of Mihai’s companions, some having rescued the woman from her assailant those many years ago, many having fought beside her during these endless wars.
Mihai sought to calm the moment with apology. “It was the unanimous decision of all present that only from the Council of Eighty were members of the war councils to be taken.”
Terey erupted, “If it hadn’t been for my injuries received on that piece of junk rust-bucket, I would have been at that meeting! I had been invited, you know...”
Mihai sadly replied, “I’m sorry…”
“You’re god-damned right you’re sorry!” Terey shouted, doubling her hands into fists. “You block my path with this stupid rule, but ask me to stand beside you as your advisor?! What kind of a fool do you take me for?!”
“My sister,” Mihai begged, “I need you beside me, to comfort me, and assist me in the things I do. I would be lost at this time without your he…”
“Help assist you in throwing some ball for the returning warriors? To smile at the heroes and commend them for their valor while your trusted councilors debate the coming strategies of combat? Forget it, my Dear! I’ll have no part of it! I’m a warrior! If I cannot help devise the plan of attack, I’ll then damn well sure participate in one!” Terey glowered, squinting her eyes while shooting darts into Mihai’s. “Well! What will it be?!”
Mihai lowered her head to hide tear-filled eyes. “I’m sorry…”
“Alright then! Have it your way!” With that, Terey stormed from the room.
Anna reached to stop Terey from going, but the woman pulled herself away and rushed off. Anna turned back to Mihai, offering. “I’m sure she’ll calm down. It’s been very difficult for her, with the accident and all. She’s still got a lot more healing to do. We almost lost her, you know.” She took Mihai by the shoulder. “I’ll speak to her directly.”
Mihai thanked Anna, apologizing to the others. “I must follow the rules of the Council. They say there are spies among us and that we are all at great risk. I promised to obey whatever directive Lowenah offered. That I must do...”
“My Dear…” Anna soothed, “we must all bear burdens that cannot be carried by others. We are all disappointed by the last council’s decision.” She waved her hand around to include others who were no longer part of Mihai’s inner circle of confidants. “Yet we shall weather it through. Be patient. It is emotional for all of us.”
Mihai rested her hand on Anna’s shoulder, her face reflecting a deep sadness. “Mother said some would not understand. I hope it’s only because of the things you have explained. I have loved Terey so. I don’t want to lose her now.”
Anna offered a reassuring smile. “People do strange things when under pressure. It becomes easy to see shadows in the dark, especially when the future hangs so precariously by a thread. Do not start to lose your trust in your companions so quickly. These are trying times. We must stick together.”
“Thank you.” Mihai sighed. “You do offer comfort when times are so dark. Thank you.”