“The matter is settled then. Even with the remaining two votes, you lose,” Lord Faydwer announced with a smirk.
Jala watched them silently and sighed heavily. “I will ask again for the Lords present to please reconsider their votes. Slaughtering them for simply existing, is wrong.” She watched everyone at the table for a long moment and then nodded sadly. “I see. Well then, the other approach that I didn’t want to use…” She turned to Neph and he could see the question in her eyes. Are you with me? He smiled and nodded in return and she closed her eyes for a moment before looking back to Elijah. “Before I continue there is another matter I would speak with you about.”
Elijah frowned with an expression of doubt on his face and nodded slowly. “If you feel it is important enough to bring up at the present moment, then please speak.”
“It is along the same topic. Monsters or innocents and all,” Jala said with a faint shrug. “You have a girl in your keeping. Her name is Zoelyn, I believe. I want her.”
“You what?” Elijah stammered, glancing from Jala to Nicoli as if trying to determine if he had heard her correctly.
“She is called Undrae in your lands, from what Valor tells me. In mine she would simply be Zoelyn. I want a chance to help her. Lord Arovan will you allow me to return to Merrodin with her,” Jala explained further.
“I’m not sure you understand the problems that this girl has, Lady Merrodin. She is cursed and for one such as yourself, she is very dangerous,” Lord Arovan objected.
“I understand quite well the events that led to her being taken as your ward. It was explained to me by Valor as well as one of his knights. I accept that there could be danger involved, but I am still inclined to help her. Will you allow me to return to Merrodin with her?” Jala pressed.
“If you truly wish to take on such a burden, I honestly cannot deny your request. If not for you, Arovan would likely be ashes. I owe you too much to refuse you,” Elijah sighed.
“Good. Now remember those words after what I say next,” Jala sighed as she stood from her chair and carefully pushed it back under the table. She stood just behind it and carefully crossed her arms across the back as they all watched her. “The balance of power has shifted considerably during the war. High Lords that were once the most powerful are now dependent on their allies for shelter. From what I have seen in the aftermath of the war, Firym and Merrodin are the most powerful houses in this room. I asked you to allow me the thirty days and now I’m telling you I am taking the thirty days. The only one with enough military strength to stand in my way is Firym, unless you all band together against me. Which leaves you all open to Rivasa who, as I understand, still holds a decent amount of power even after their losses. There is, of course, Nerathane to consider as well.”
“You arrogant bitch!” Nicoli raged.
“I will be sending my dragons to watch the border of Glis to prevent military movements into that region. My envoy will work swiftly to settle this and with luck on our side it will be resolved well within thirty days,” Jala continued, ignoring the outburst completely.
“Who exactly do you intend to send as an envoy?” Madren asked, his voice barely audible through the grumblings of the other lords.
Jala smiled and raised a finger to point directly at Shade. “He is going,” she announced and by the expression on Shade’s face, Neph could tell he hadn’t been informed of her choice at all.
“What?” Shade choked, his eyes locked on Jala in an expression of disbelief.
“You are already in hiding Shade. You have been declared outlaw in the city of Sanctuary. You have experience dealing with Blights and you are clever with your words. Most importantly, though, you are likely the only one in this room that truly believes this is the right thing to do. Even Valor has his doubts about my plan, but I know you understand. You are the perfect envoy.” Jala smiled at him, but it was a bittersweet expression to Neph’s eyes. She hated the path she was on and he knew it.
“You could have given me a bit of warning,” Shade sighed. He rubbed his face for a moment and nodded slowly. “You are right, though, and I am the best choice for an envoy. Everyone else seems to be plagued with common sense.”
“And if I attack Merrodin in response to your actions?” Arjuna asked, though there was no malice in his voice it was simply a question.
“Then I will weep for you at your funeral, Arjuna, and mourn the loss of a man I considered my friend,” Jala answered without hesitation or concern.