Chapter 10: The Alliance Talks

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Ominous clouds hovered on the horizon, darkening the pale autumn skies. They did nothing to sooth Sihara’s brittle nerves. Her fathko would have chastised her and said it was unbecoming of a Taja to be nervous. Her fathko had held the life of his people in his hands. One wrong word, one missed phrase and their people and their way of life would end.

Her usual walk to the Meeting Hall took twice as long. Her guardian had the sense to give her an extra wide berth. What would become of the Meeting Hall if the Animalians conquered the world?

The Hall had stood for three thousand years, its dark polished clay exterior seemed humble when compared to its importance in the lives of the people of the Mineralite Kingdom and Elementi Republics.

Sihara prayed to the blue crystals the alcove next to the door. “Creator of All, I ask that you grant my fathko the calm, unwavering strength of the earth. May your followers feel your light in their hearts.”

The crystal shone with a light within as the Creator heard her prayer.

Nodding to the guards as she stepped through the doorway, Sihara entered the Meeting Hall. The ancient Elementi tapestry hanging behind the stage showed an idyllic, hopeful, naive world where all the beings of this planet stood side by side, hand in hand. Sihara remembered the hours she had spent studying it as a child, looking for hidden figures woven into its faded colors.

The building seemed bigger on the inside, how else would it fit hundreds and hundreds of chairs? At first, you might assume it was a theater with all the chairs facing the stage where her fathko and the Lord Ambassador sat. However, as you walked closer, you could see an arena where a podium stood at the center. The acoustics were engineered so someone could speak at a normal volume at the podium or on the stage and everyone in the audience could hear them.

Sihara choose a good seat behind the barrier which separated the public viewing seats from the noble and highborn seats. One seat for each of the highborn Elementi and noble Mineralites.

The elaborate throne was a rather new addition. And they think Elementi are extravagant.

Her fathko sat at the mediator’s table on the stage beside Lord Ambassador Kern. They spoke behind a sheet of paper, reducing their words to inaudible whispers. She didn’t have to hear them to know they were arguing about some minute detail like they always did.

Her majka gave her hand a squeeze and took a seat beside her. “Smile, dear. We must put on our best face for the whole room.”

Jaden led his majka, Vivicia, and seskas, Claudia and Roxann, to sit beside them. His youngest seska Aliza was too young to attend a meditation.

Jaden leaned over and whispered, “You’re in my seat.”

Sihara feigned surprise, “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t see the ‘Reserved For Lord Jaden’ sign.”

Jaden smirked, “You know that seat has the best view, no drafts from the window.”

“Well, if you have such a preference, maybe you should have come earlier.” Sihara raised a sarcastic eyebrow. They had played this game since they were old enough to watch their fathko’s daily meditations over various disputes between the countries.

Jaden’s smile ruined the image of disdain he was trying to give.

Sihara smiled, “In all seriousness, shouldn’t you be on the other side of the barrier?” Giving a look at Claudia and Roxann, she added, “All of you?”

“Our father thought it would make people feel we biased the final vote.” Claudia replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but Sihara could tell it bothered her.

Sihara didn’t push the topic. No doubt the lords had pushed for their removal because they were Senken. Another reminder of their shared outcast status. She had been born without elemental abilities, they had been born without genetic alteration. They built their friendship on the foundation of understanding how it felt for others to treat them differently just because of the way they were born.

The building began to fill. A symphony arose from the shuffle of shoes on the worn wood flooring, the creak of old chairs and the discontented murmurs. Her fathko’s job would not be easy. One could already see the division among the people, even if they had spent the last night celebrating peace, they were not ready to embrace the concepts behind it. On one side of the room sat the Mineralite nobles, women included, and on the other sat the Elementi highborn.

Lord Ambassador Kern stood, “Welcome, and thank you for attending this special meeting to mediate the additions to the alliance agreement. This document will ensure safety for both people and will allow us to defeat the Animalians once and for all. The first order of business agreeing to the ground rules.”

“Ah, I knew it. You will tell us how we have to behave and therefore ensure we are forced to work together.” Kamdar Bjorn stood as if he was about to leave. He had not attended many mediations.

“On the contrary, Kamdar Bjorn, we are only here to keep the conversation on track. We will not be interfering with your decisions. Our ground rules will help to streamline the process and ensure that no violence breaks out between our people.” Tarak smiled at the man. “Now please sit down, I would hate for you to leave and not be able to contribute to the discussion.”

Kamdar Bjorn sat down with a petulant frown.

Sihara whispered to Jaden, “No doubt he is disappointed because no one rose to follow him.”

Jaden’s face pinched in an effort not to laugh.

Lord Ambassador Kern continued. “First, we will defer off-topic conversations to a later time, when we can form a committee to deal with the idea or issue. This will help speed up the process so we can get back to winning the war.”
“Clever jab, get back to winning the war.” Jaden whispered.

“I added that line.” Roxann preened.

Tarak adjusted his glasses so he could read from his notes, “The second ground rule is that no one can interrupt another person. If you want to reply, you may raise your hand and we will keep track of the order of people that want to reply. If you must interrupt with something urgent, you can raise and shake your hand so we can politely interrupt.”

Sihara and Jaden whispered, “Politely.”

Her majka squeezed her hand, “Quiet, dear.”

Somehow that made it harder to stop laughing. Sihara bit her lip and Jaden ‘coughed’ behind his handkerchief.

“What is so funny?” Claudia asked.

Jaden shook his head at his majka’s sharp glare.

Tarak continued, “The third ground rule is no one may insult someone because they dislike what they said or because they disagree with something that someone thinks.”

Lord Ambassador Kern glared at certain nobles, “Are we ready to begin?”

After a few moments of discussion, the highborn and nobles agreed to the ground rules.

“If only it were that easy to get them to agree to the alliance.” Jaden grumbled.

“I have each of your names in this bag, I will pull out one of your names and you will present any issues you wish to discuss before signing the alliance.” Her fathko ruffled around in the bag and took out a slip of paper. “Sikar Castel, please rise and make your way to the podium.”

Sikar Castel’s tanned complexion and green eyes marked him as a man of the fallen Tezino Republic. “If we want a fair chance at winning, Minerale must take care of half of the Tezino Elementi refugees.”

Lord Neron raised his hand and Kern nodded.

Neron stood, “Why should we help weaklings? The only reason the Animalians could attack Minerale was because the Tezino Republic fell before their blades like a pack of simmering fools.”

There was a collective gasp from the Elementi and a few Mineralites.

“Liar.” Claudia hissed. “I have Tezino friends and I know the Animalians paid in blood for every inch they gained.”

Sihara understood why Kern agreed to put his children on the sidelines for the first mediation. She just hoped he knew what he was doing.

Sikar Castel countered, “You know that is not true. You would not be here right now talking with us about the alliance if that were true. You would have defeated the Animalians that attacked your borders after the fall of the Tezino Republic.”

Kern followed, “If you can come up with a logical reason why it would not be fair for the Minerale to take on a percentage of the refugees, we would be more than willing to consider it.”

Lord Neron sneered and sat down.

Roxann whispered, “I heard Lady Susan is the rightful head of the Harken house.”

“Lady Emera said she would get the Harken household straightened out soon.” Sihara replied

Jaden leaned back. “So Lord Neron might not be a problematic lord for long.”

Sikar Castel continued, “I believe once we spread our resources between our countries, we will have a better chance at beating back these Animalians. We have already lost the largest agricultural republic to the Animalians. We do not have the resources to feed all our soldiers and all the Southern Elementi. If we were to disperse the weight over our countries, the strain would not break either of us.”

Grand Admiral Gunter raised his hand and Kern nodded.

The admiral began, “I agree with Sikar Castel. It makes sense from a strategic point of view and I commend his thoughtfulness in this manner. I suggest the countries agree to share the burden of any displaced Mineralites and Elementi, not just those of the Tezino Republic.”

Sikar Castel smiled, “A wise suggestion.”

This received a few more discreet votes from either side.

Tarak looked up over the edge of his glasses, “Does anyone else have something to say about this matter?”

Lady Emera raised her hand and stood up. “Are any of the refugees of fighting age?”

Sikar Castel nodded, “But all the men who know how to fight are already on the battlefields. There is only a handful of untrained boys among the refugees.”

“Then perhaps something Minerale can provide along with housing and feeding the refugees is training on how to use the weaponry which we are famous for creating.” Lady Emera put a fist over her heart, “I pledge House Wern’s resources towards helping the refugees of fighting age.”

This changed things. The noble Mineralites spoke among themselves. This was not taking on a burden, this was gaining access to a resource of new soldiers.

“Do you think Emera intends to train the women as well?” Sihara asked.

Jaden made a noise of amusement. “Oh, that would be just like her, training the Elementi women into soldiers.”

“Her Falcons are proof enough that women can be deadly as any man.” Claudia said.

Roxann shushed her siblings as King Dresden stood. Representatives from all the major houses raised their fist.

King Dresden nodded, “Minerale agrees to accept responsibility for all untrained and displaced Elementi men and women of fighting age. If this does not equal half or more, Minerale will accept their extended families. We must form a committee to decide on the number of refugees and how many refugees each Noble house will receive.”

Murmurs of discontent came from the Elementi highborn.

Sikar Castel bowed his head and smiled as he took his seat.

Tarak drew another name from the bag. “Lord Albrecht.”

Albrecht fidgeted as he made his way to the podium, “I would only sign this alliance agreement if all parties agreed to act as a unified army rather than two separate entities.”

Hands raised with urgency.

“Let him finish.” Kern already sounded tired.

“As to the matter of who would keep their positions in the army, I think that is irrelevant and committee can decide. If we try to act as allies only, not as conspirators, then this alliance won’t do us any good. I know there are men who would want to continue their plots of revenge unless we forbid it.”

That would not go over so well. Sihara restrained herself from shaking her head, she didn’t want to show she agreed or disagreed with anyone. It could reflect poorly on her fathko.

“Of course, you would think that.”

Kamdar Henry, one of the Elementi highborn, grumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.

Tarak glanced at him. “Do you have something positive to add?”

Kamdar Henry’s face drew into a taut line. “No, I don’t! That man is a murderer and someone should bring him to justice. I cannot allow him to be sitting here speaking of peace.”

Lord Albrecht opened his mouth to reply.

Another voice from the Mineralite side piped up, “Kamdar Henry?!”

“Oh dear.” Kamdar Henry shrank in his seat and all the fight went out of him.

“How dare you ask for justice when you had my brother assassinated!” Count Josef’s face reddened with anger.

“The plot thickens.” Jaden sat forward, no doubt enjoying the drama.

Kamdar Henry winced as he replied. “It wasn’t my fault that the assassin mistook your brother for Lord Albrecht. I mean the two of them have such a striking resemblance... or rather had a striking resemblance.”

Everyone winced at his unfortunate choice of words.

Count Josef lunged forward. A few men rose to stop him and held him down.

“I think we could use a timeout!” Tarak shouted over the growing din. The guards were pushing their way through the crowd.

Kamdar Henry was out of his seat in an instant, trying to push his way out of the room.

Count Josef spat and clawed, fighting like a beast to avenge the death of his slain brother.

Sihara felt someone tap her shoulder and saw Mikel sitting behind her. “Time to go.”

Just before Mikel rushed her out of the Meeting Hall, she saw Lord Ambassador Kern stepped off the stage. He joined the brawl to subdue the lord consumed by his rage.

***

Sihara rushed into the small anteroom of the Hall with her majka and guardian following close behind. “Is my fathko all right?”

Tarak sat on a leather armchair with both hands covered his face. “It was going so well. They were just starting to agree on things.”

Her majka heaved a sigh of relief and rubbed his shoulder with a smile.

“Oh, he is fine. He wasn’t the one who leapt into a brawling crowd.” Doctor Quinto made noises of disapproval as he treated the Lord Ambassador’s bruises. “The Enforcers had everything under control. You needn’t have risked your life.”

Kern grunted a reply and held a small bundle of ice to his forehead. “Perhaps we should have started the talks yesterday.”

Jaden’s voice piped up from the doorway, “On the contrary, I think a night of celebration softened them up. That could have been a lot nastier.”

“Lord Ambassador Kern Walter Calstein.” Lady Vivica burst into the room followed by her dottirs. At least she knew how to make an entrance.

Kern waved off the doctor and hid the pack of ice behind his back. “Yes, dear?”

Vivica crossed her arms and glared at him. “You are a noble, you are a father, but you are not a guard. I expect you to leave the crowd control to the trained professionals and not go risking your life for absolutely no reason at all.”

“It’s just a few bruises.” Kern smiled apologetically, “I will keep that in mind next time.”

Vivica glared at him for a second more before wrapping him in her arms. “Oh, thank goodness you are all right.”

Sihara looked from the open embrace of Vivica and Kern to her majka’s hand on her fathko’s shoulder. It was not their way to be so affectionate in the company of others, but there was a certain charm to it.

Jaden cleared his throat, “When are you going to schedule the next session?”

“After lunch. It’s harder to be disagreeable after a satisfying meal and it should give them a few hours to cool off.” Tarak sighed.

Sihara bite her lip as she considered the best way to add her thoughts. “Fathko, do you remember the case you mediated between Jennings and Harken?”

Tarak grunted, “Hmm, yes I do. The lord and Sikar kept fighting over the most ridiculous details just for the fun of it. You know I had ten cases held up because the two of them were taking up all my time. The only way to make them stop fighting and resolve the issue was to show them how their actions were affecting people in the real world. I brought in dozens of people living on their land who had lost family, animals and their livelihood because of their border dispute.”

“Perhaps if we can do the same thing with the war…” Sihara prompted.

Tarak settled deep into thought, “That might work.”

Sihara lingered in the anteroom, long after everyone else had left. She listened to her fathko engaged in a lengthy strategic debate with the Lord Ambassador until she realized her presence made them feel uncomfortable.

What would she do with this unexpected free time?
Slim hands grasped her from behind and pulled her into a plant filled alcove. She kicked and clawed, trying to twist her way out of the grip of the stranger. They deftly countered each of her strikes. Whoever they were, someone had trained them in Kelto, the highborn’s own non-violent form of fighting. A well paid assassin?

“Be still.” A familiar voice commanded with enough force to make her pause.

A group of Mineralites ran past their hiding place and her mysterious assailant breathed a sigh of relief.

“Stop squirming and listen to me, the Mineralite’s king’s life is in danger.”

Sihara placed the woman’s voice. “Victoria, what have you gotten yourself into?”

Victoria swore and released Sihara from her grip. She wore simple servant’s garb, except for the scarf which covered her face. “I never wanted you to find out like this, but we have little time. I am being pursued by members of the Mineralite Superiority Movement. They caught me eavesdropping on their meeting.”

“Did they see your face?” Sihara grasped her shoulders.

Victoria shook her head. “Don’t worry about me. I need you to go to the King’s Guard and tell them Lord Neron is working with the Mineralite Superiority Movement to assassinate the king.”

Sihara’s blood ran cold. Creator have mercy. “When?”

“I don’t know when or how they plan to do it. Promise me you will tell the King’s Guard.”

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor prompting Sihara to feel along the length of the alcove until she found a shallow indentation.

“I promise. Now you have to get out of here, Victoria.” Pressing down, the wall gave way to a hidden servants passageway. “This will lead you to the laundry room.”

Victoria whispered a thanks and disappeared, the secret doorway closing behind her.

Once Sihara was sure she would not run into one of the dangerous Mineralites, she stepped out of the alcove. “Mikel?”

Her guardian spun around, putting a hand over his heart. “There you are. Where did you sneak off to?”

“No matter, you must take me to see the King’s Guard.”

Mikel tilted his head in a silent question, but when Sihara provided no further details he led the way to the Mineralite Wing. The chilly air only added to the dread building in Sihara’s stomach.

The king’s aide had set up a makeshift desk in the hallway.

Sihara pressed her hands together and offered a curt bow, “I must speak with one of the King’s Guard. It is urgent.”

Before the aide could reply, one of the guards stepped forward. His appearance was typical of the average Mineralite upper class with black hair, pale skin and blue eyes. “It’s all right, I can take care of this, Charles.”

“But-”

The guard silenced his retort with a glare.

“Fine, just waste your time with every complaint that comes through here. See if I care.”

The guard rolled his eyes, “What can I help you with, Taja?”

The words spilled out, “Lord Neron is working with the Mineralite Superiority Movement to assassinate the king.”

“I see.” The guard winced. “That is a heavy charge you are bringing against him. Do you have proof of his involvement?”

Sihara’s palms became sweaty, “A trusted friend overheard Lord Neron talking to people they recognized as members of the Mineralite Superiority Movement.”

The guard straightened, “And what is the name of your friend?”

“I cannot tell you, it should be enough that I trust them. They would not lie about something like this.”

“Unfortunately, that isn’t enough. We cannot do anything about this report unless we can speak with the person who told you directly.”

Her heart sank, “You don’t believe me.”

The guard shook his head, “Whether I believe you is besides the point. If I cannot confirm the trustworthiness of your friend, then I cannot act on your accusation. I want to reassure you the King’s Guard are prepared for the possibility of an assassination and we have taken measured steps to prevent it from succeeding.”

The guard took a few steps to close the gap between them, “Now if I may give you some advice, you should not go around accusing your fathko’s political rivals of treason and attempted assassination unless you are prepared to turn over the witness or a written document attesting to that fact.”

In her rush to help Victoria, she had not even thought of how her actions might affect her fathko. A weight pressed in on her chest and her face grew warm. “I didn’t make this up, I telling you the truth!”

The guard shrugged, “Without proof, someone may come to their own conclusions about your actions.”

Sihara stormed out of the room, her hands tingling with suppressed fury. Striking a member of the King’s Guard would not help her case.