The Four Swords

Chapter 5: Council

"Sister, do you know what is going on?" Carrion sounded genuinely curious; however with my limited positive interactions with him, he still managed to sound condescending.

"Dear twin, I do not. Have you heard anything?" Cali sounded formal and rigid in tone, but the words themselves seemed familiar. I would never understand these siblings. When we were younger, Carrion and Cali seemed the closest of friends, but ever since he began his training to be a swordsman, he became rather distant from anyone except sparring partners in the practice arena.

"No, but I was near the main gate when I saw Lord Holden appear with a delegation of Gnomes. Oh hello, Jacobson." Carrion's tone was still rather formal, but at least I was slightly acknowledged with a nod in my general direction. I did not take offense. I seem to be a lot of people's afterthought.

"Hello Carrion. Do you think they mean us harm?" I was a little baffled. I had read of our gnomish neighbors to the south. I was not sure I could recognize them on sight. Traditionally they wore bright hues of yellow and orange in their courts. I read that it was to offset the almost unperceivable tinge of green in their skin tones. Maybe I would meet one of them while they were here and see for myself.

"If they do, then those seers will soon see my blade." Carrion puffed.

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"Brother!" Calista warned in a harsh low tone. I never thought Cali would be the diplomat of the family.

Gnomes, from what I have read, did not enjoy the term seer. Gnomes were a people gifted with magic, with the most common gift being a gift of foresight or prophesy. They are generally considered a proud people who stayed within their borders and kept to themselves. Seer was a term gnomes loathed as it was to reduce them only to one quality they possessed. Sadly it was commonly used in Ensis. Although Ensis had no laws against persons of magic, there were those who feared history might repeat itself. Magic was part of the oppression we lived under before the formation of Ensis.

With my mind deep in memories of my history books, I did not see my uncle approach us.

"I need you three to come with me." With no greeting and my uncle's tone severe, I knew we were needed for something of utmost importance.

I had never been invited to the royal wing before. I had no idea what to expect behind the heavy mahogany doors. Uncle John's instructions cut my thoughts short.

"King Caderyn has accepted an audience with a delegation of gnomes. The delegation is insistent that Princess Alina be in on the meeting. The King has reservations about her attending without an entourage. Your roles will be to act as advisors if the Princess feels unsteady about something presented and to act as her guards if she needs to leave the gathering." John ran through our orders before stopping outside a double door that was inlaid in gold accents.

"Sir?" Cali broke the uneasy silence after a few moments in front of the door.

"Princess Alina does not know how much we have been working with the gnomes as of late. Prepare yourselves for surprises."

When the doors opened, we saw Alina and her mother sitting in the most ornately decorated room I have ever seen. Settees with golden legs trimmed the room. Candelabras with wings of jewels dripped from the walls. The focal point of the room was a grand fireplace adorned with a golden ash guard meticulously sculpted into 3 phoenixes.

"You are about to attend your first delegation meeting. I know this is not exactly how you thought you would be spending your birthday." Queen Valerie was always regal in any action. Even in this private moment with her daughter, she had a commanding presence. "Speak when spoken to, but your father will handle most of the meeting. Be respectful. The Gnome delegation has someone from the immediate royal family among their party and, I am told, a duke. Remember the gnomish structure of their monarchy is different from ours. Be mindful of the titles used and try to mimic what you hear." The queen paused her speech when she heard my uncle clear his throat. Cali, her brother and I exchanged a look and bowed our heads toward the queen as she looked in our direction.

The queen and Uncle John meet eyes. I felt as though they had a conversation without anyone else in the room understanding a word. I knew my uncle was well respected, but without being the keeper of my clan's sword, I never thought he had the attention of the crown. Clearly he was more important than I originally thought. I feel foolish. He has been groomed to take the sword next. Why would he not know the queen?

Alina turned to see me and Cali, "Friends, thank you for joining me." Alina clothed herself in her title with that speech. Gracious, distant, aloof, but royal. She was well trained, but not quite to the level of her mother.

"Tonight they will be more than your friends. They will act as your council and guards if need be. Remember that the gnomes are not progressive when it comes to women in leadership. I do not know why they need you in this meeting; in contrast they have not asked for me. Use that to your advantage. If things become too intense or you are uncomfortable, excuse yourself." The queen seemed to choke out the last few words.

"Mother, will they not see this as a sign of weakness?" Alina was appalled

"Maybe, but sometimes the perception of weakness is our largest asset. Now straighten up, chin high. Remember you are my daughter and I love you very much." The queen stood at this statement. I had never seen the queen dismiss someone so gently, but it was definitely a dismissal.