The Marenon Chronicles Collection - By Jason D. Morrow Page 0,19

Set only a few miles away from the bustling city of Canor, the Dunarians were Humans that did not live under the rule of the Human king of Marenon. They lived by the principles set by the Dunarian Council, thus making their existence technically against the Human law of the land. However, their insubordination was graciously overlooked due to the Dunarian’s relationship with the king’s father who had died some five years before.

The mountain, half-jagged rock, half-crafted fortress, housed the Dunarian Council. It looked primitive, yet was as advanced as the king’s castle in Farlaweer. Jekyll Rock was more prepared for an assault than any city in Marenon. Julian hoped this would never be tested. Above the fortress stood four tall towers overlooking every direction and Julian flew to the eastern tower where the council's sarians were kept. He glided into the opening and landed safely into her designated stall. He unsaddled Eden and rubbed her neck affectionately.

“We'll be traveling again soon, girl,” Julian said. Eden bent down low for Julian to scratch the side of her neck. He grabbed his pack and threw it over his shoulder and walked past the sarians. Including Eden, all eight were there and accounted for, so he knew that the whole council was present at Jekyll rock. He paused as a thought struck him and turned back when he reached the door, counting the sarians once again. Nine? Why were there nine sarians?

Julian swung open the large wooden door to take the stone stairs. He was met by an old white bearded man barely half his height. He was called Dublin, although what his given name was nobody knew; he was called Dublin because of his birthplace.

“How are yeh, master Julian?” he asked. “Been waitin' on yeh for some time.”

“Why's that Dublin?” He began his descent.

“Was the mission successful?”

“I suppose we'll see when they bring us the medallion. They said they need another member for the infiltration, but it will get done.”

“Tha's good ta hear.”

They made their way through the corridors of the castle hallways dug from tunnels in the mountain. Torches lit the path and occasionally there would be a window carved in the wall, overseeing most of Jekyll Rock. Julian had always marveled at Jekyll Rock’s architecture. The fact that it was built into the mountain might make one think that it would be rugged, but it was quite the opposite. To Julian, Jekyll Rock seemed more elegant than the extravagant halls of the king’s palace in Farlaweer.

Dublin was talking to him about some nonsense, almost as if to try and distract Julian. “-and don’t yeh know yeh can’t quite get rashes off the skin without rubbin’ quite a bit of cha-.”

“Dublin, I need you to gather the council and have them meet me in the chamber,” Julian interrupted.

Dublin’s eyebrows furrowed and held up a finger. “About tha’,” he said.

Julian waited for the old man to continue.

“The council is already in the chamber in a special meetin’, sir.”

Julian quickened his pace.

“It was an emergency, Master Hobbes!”

“Why wasn't I informed of this? I'm part of the council, Dublin!”

“I was told not to contact yeh.”

Julian stopped and glared at him angrily. “Who told you not to contact me? And whose sarian is up in the tower?”

“Sir, I've said too much. They weren't expectin’ yeh to come this soon.”

Julian said nothing and once again stormed toward the chamber.

Once there, he pushed on the door but the solid wood didn't budge. “Dublin! Unlock the door!”

Again he shoved. He stood back and kicked the heavy, wooden door causing pain to shoot through his leg. He should have known the oak wouldn’t split under his kick. How could the council be meeting without contacting me? Who's sarian was in the east tower? There had better be some good answers.

After a few quick moments, the door to the chamber cracked open slightly and Julian shoved it wide. All of the council members were sitting in their chairs at the long rectangular table. Nalani Geldwin sat in her seat next to Julian’s at the foot of the table and Ward Holden was standing. Kaden’s seat at the head was occupied by a man, probably in his seventies, who looked weathered and tired. All eyes were on Julian. Ward Holden raised a hand in order to calm Julian.

Before anyone could speak, Julian began with his accusations.

“What is this, Ward?”

“Julian, calm down,” Ward Holden said.

“I will calm down when you tell me what is going on!”

Holden walked from the table toward