The Marenon Chronicles Collection - By Jason D. Morrow Page 0,140

Many were uneasy about the fact that the prophecy did not specify which group the Meshulan would deliver. Obviously, the Humans assumed it would be them. The power of the Stühocs was growing despite of Silas’ defeat over General Maroke. The Stühoc king, Anithistor, needed no single general to keep his troops in order.

Silas let out an annoyed breath. This meeting had only been called to address concern over the assassin. Kaden felt it was his duty to tell them of what was going on and their reaction had not been very supportive. Silas figured they were getting a little antsy because he didn’t seem ready to be the Meshulan. Silas didn’t agree, of course. His magic abilities may have been next to worthless, but he was still an excellent fighter that carried a magnificent weapon. He held tight to the staff as he stood listening to the council talk. He glanced over at Dublin who sat in the corner, taking note of everything spoken. The old man never missed a word.

There were six council members remaining in all. The death of Ward Holden, and Julian’s absence, after he had taken the kingship in Farlaweer, had left the council shorthanded. With Nalani gone, it left only five at the table.

Eight members had been the chosen number by Garland Ainsley years before because he thought it was perfect. The council often voted on issues, and because of the number there were often four-to-four ties. Whenever there was a tie on an issue, it meant it was time to reevaluate and work on a new solution to whatever problem they faced. It called for long, arduous meetings, but it worked. Most votes would end with unanimous consent.

There had been no motion to add any new council members. Kaden had mentioned it to the council, but they said with the Meshulan here, there was no need to focus on such a thing. Kaden let them win, knowing it wasn’t worth the fight.

Silas wasn’t sure, but it often seemed as though Kaden didn’t completely trust the council. He never said it outright, but several conversations left Silas thinking that Kaden would be happy if there was no council at all. He never asked Kaden this, because there had never really been an appropriate time. He would, though. Sometime.

“I think we should elect one of our own to go with Silas,” Quincy Todd said. “Darius is an excellent fighter and tracker.”

“Darius needs to stay in control of the Dunarian Order,” Kaden said. “The soldiers need Darius’ leadership now more than ever, especially with the growing threat of the Stühocs. The troops need to be ready to fight at any moment.” He paused for a moment, to look at every one of them. “I’m going to take Silas to the Gatekeeper. He will not go alone.”

All of them looked up at Kaden, surprised.

“Your leadership is needed here,” Katherine Fallera said.

“I can best fulfill my duties in The Reckoning by accompanying Silas,” Kaden said. “I have been to the Gatekeeper before. I have seen him and I know where he has stayed in the past.”

“But that was years ago,” she came back. “How can you know that he is still there at all?”

Kaden stared at her for a long moment. “If you remember, it was Garland Ainsley that appointed me to be Silas’ protector in the first place. Why do you insist that I not go?”

“Because you are the leader. We need you here.”

“Not been much of one lately,” Quincy Todd added, from his seat. The round, short man huffed. “Of course you want to go out.”

Kaden gave him a warning glare. “What do you mean by that?”

“I simply mean that you’ve been out of the walls of Jekyll Rock more than you’ve been in them lately. Do you know how many meetings we’ve had without you here? You’re supposed to run these meetings! We do a lot more than The Reckoning. In case you haven’t noticed, we run an entire city of people. They have problems, problems that we have to address on a daily basis. You’re rarely here to help, much less lead.”

“We have a mission to do,” Kaden said. “Our biggest goal is to help Silas accomplish what he needs to do, and right now, that’s to find the Gatekeeper.”

“He doesn’t need you to do that,” Quincy said.

Kaden slammed his fist against the table. “He does!” The shout echoed off the walls of the large room. Even Dublin sat in a stunned silence.

Kaden closed