the Jade Circle before!’
Charlie was so shocked by his words of support that she turned to gape at her two friends. Kelko raised his hands in a thumbs-up gesture … Maybe she wasn’t making such a fool of herself as she had first thought.
‘Now then, for the last time, any useful suggestions?’ snapped Dridif.
‘I have a solution that I am sure will be found pleasing by all within the council,’ said a lady’s voice from the far end of the table.
Charlie craned her neck so that she could see who had spoken. It was Lady Narcissa, still breathtakingly beautiful, and lavishly dressed in flowing, white silk robes. The only indication that she had any association with the council was a slender Jade tiara that rested lightly on her snow-white hair. Charlie was in awe.
‘Yes, Lady Narcissa,’ said Dridif. ‘By all means, please speak up.’
‘It would be my pleasure if the young lady were to come and live with me in my Ivory Tower. My security is second only to that of the Jade Tower. My home, as you all well know, is guarded day and night by a full regiment of Alavisian Watchmen. Furthermore, my adopted sons, the Delightful Brothers, can guarantee the safety of both the Keeper and the pendant,’ said Lady Narcissa as she addressed the Jade Circle with her melodic voice. ‘And in regard to Charlie’s day-to-day well-being and happiness, I’m sure she would enjoy living with myself and my daughter, Constantina, when she returns from the Alavisian K’Changa Championship later this week. In fact, if I were to act as her mentor and guardian I feel that I could show her a real taste of Bellanian life, which would also benefit her in the long run.’
‘Hmm,’ mused Dridif. ‘Yer proposal does, I must admit, have some advantages over wot has previously been suggested. Does any councillor have any misgivings or opinions about dis suggestion?’
The councillors remained silent. Charlie held her breath to see what the outcome would be. She liked the idea of meeting another girl who was into K’Changa. Maybe this Constantina could teach her a thing or two.
‘Who is more suitable than Lady Narcissa to ensure the child’s well-being?’ rumbled a dark, almost purple-skinned Stoman who sat opposite Flint. ‘Lady Narcissa’s great sense of charity and kindness is well known throughout Sylvaris and Deepforest. If the young Keeper has the good fortune to live with her, then she should count her blessings.’
Rumbles of agreement echoed this sentiment. It appeared that for once all the councillors could agree on something, although Charlie noticed that Azariah failed to show any enthusiasm for the proposal. But with his large monk’s hood covering his face she couldn’t really be too sure.
‘Very well, then. It is settled,’ announced Dridif with a big smile of satisfaction on her face. ‘Charlie Keeper, I place ya under Lady Narcissa’s guardianship. The council will reconvene in two days’ time ta discuss wot is ta be done about the pendant. Until then, young Keeper, I bid ya a good day.’ Dridif smiled warmly at Charlie before leaving the Council Chamber, with most of the remaining councillors following her.
Charlie stared after Dridif. She couldn’t quite make up her mind about the old Treman lady, who seemed like a wise, grandmotherly woman one moment, then a hard-as-nails leader the next.
‘Come, young lady, follow me and I shall show you to my tower,’ said Lady Narcissa, interrupting Charlie’s thoughts.
‘What about Kelko and Jensen?’ asked Charlie as she eyed her steadfast friends.
‘Go on, lass, don’t worry about us,’ said Jensen. ‘We’ll come round and see ya dis afternoon.’
‘But I thought I was staying with you!’ stammered Charlie. Although she’d been aware that she was moving into Narcissa’s tower, it only now dawned on her that this would mean leaving Jensen and Kelko behind.
‘Yeah, I know, lass, I know,’ sighed Jensen, his large ears slightly drooped. ‘But the Jade Circle has decided otherwise and it’s not for me ta argue. Don’t worry. I’m sure dis will only be for a day or two at the most, so cheer up.’
‘He’s right, blossom,’ muttered Kelko with a glum look. ‘Dis is really for the best if it means keeping ya safe from Bane.’
Charlie felt a little crestfallen. Why was life always so unfair?
‘Come now, Charlie, this way,’ said Lady Narcissa before Charlie could complain.
Striding off briskly, Lady Narcissa gracefully made her way from the Council Chamber and Charlie had no choice but to follow. After a quick farewell to the two