Chapter 684: The Ruling Council of Generasi

Chapter 684: The Ruling Council of Generasi

The council of wizards looked down from their floating thrones, considering the young wizard with eyes that held deep wisdom and great power.

Meeting those eyes wasnt quite as intimidating as holding Baelins gaze especially if you didnt know himbut it was uncomfortably close.

The Fool of Thameland tried reading their body language, looking for clues on how they felt toward him.

He called on the Mark, watching them closely, and

got little in return.

They were unreadable, statue still, calm, relaxed, almost emotionless. Each breath they took was even, controlled, and comfortable. Only the vaguest of curiosity marked their faces.

I shouldve known, the young wizard thought. Theyre centuries old, theyve been ruling this city foreverany of them who couldnt keep their intentions hidden wouldnt have lasted this long. Im sure they only show you what they want you to see.

Before we begin, the elephant man spoke, I would like to hear from Officers Ferrero and Gustavo, it seems they had a prior interaction with Mr. Roth in a legal capacity regarding criminal acts being committed in the city last year. Hearing from them could be useful in gathering information about his historyperhaps they might offer a perspective that wasnt included in their report.

Very well, Councillor Bwanatembo, Kartika said, looking down and nodding at the yellow robed wizard.

The bald woman closed her eyes and muttered a quick incantation.

Suddenly, a doorway appeared on the stone platform; Alex felt a pulse of teleportation magic as air parted, revealing a hallway within city hall where the two officers whod interrogated him over a year ago were standing.

The pair looked just as stern as he remembered.

Stepping through the portal, and giving him only the slightest of glances, they turned and faced the wizard-council.

I am Officer Ferrero, said the older of the two, bowing. Alex recognised his balding, greying hair, and pencil thin moustache.

And I am Officer Gustavo, the younger, bulkier man introduced himself in a gravelly voice.

Welcome. For purposes relating to this meeting, Ive learned that you officers questioned Mr. Roth on the matter of the demon summoner? Could you expand on that interaction for us? the councillor asked.

Certainly, Ferrero stepped forward. At the time, we were looking for anyone who might be involved in demon summoning for nefarious purposes here in the city, and Mr. Roth came to our attention under suspicious circumstances. It seems he had left his homeland to attend school here and avoid the Ravener upheaval that plagues his countrymen.

But, Officer Gustavos gravelly voice cut in. We had information indicating that hed already had an incident with a mana vampire before arriving in the city. Our report said that the creature was dispatched aboard the Red Siren The timing of that event and his movements raised questions for us, since it would have been impossible for him to get to Generasi as fast as he did after leaving Thameland. Not without being teleported by someone, or teleporting himself, which wasnt the case.

I see, and what was the explanation you received from Mr. Roth? Councillor Solaris asked.

That he left as soon as he received his letter of acceptance to the university, and so he wasI assumesupposedly travelling well before thisRavener arose in his homeland, Officer Ferrero said.

And you believed this? Councillor Bwanatembo asked.

We did, Gustavo said. Im trained to read people, Honoured Councillor, and he showed no signs of lying on that score. But, we still kept him as a potentialsuspect for a time.

Alex remembered those dark days; having plain-clothes officers following him around, being questioned like some criminal, and vowing to make a name for himself so hed never be subjected to that kind of treatment again. Today might tell him how successful hed been.

I see, Councillor Bwanatembo said. And, of course, Mr. Roth had nothing to do with the demon summoner?

Thats correct. The only time he had anything to do with demons was when he saved innocent lives from them on Orecas Fall Islandduring the Games of Roal, Ferrero said. He was someone who was instrumental in keeping the number of casualties from being worse in that attack.

I see. Councillor Solaris looked at Alex. And when did you leave Thameland, Mr. Roth?

Alex paused, glancing at Professor Jules who silently nodded.

The day after I received my letter from the universitywhich was around the time the Ravener returned.

During his and Professor Jules frantic preparations for this meeting, the two wizards had decided that one thing would stand firm.

They would not lie to the council.

Mr. Roth, you are obviously excellent at keeping secrets, Professor Jules had said while they huddled around her desk in her office. But now, we must avoid deception at all costs. Better for you to tell the truth and receive their final decision, than be caught in a lie later. Trust me, it will be much worse if you attempt to deceive them.

Alex had wholeheartedly agreed.

He wasnt about to volunteer information about the secret order inside the church, or the fact that Uldar was long dead, since the fallout from having those things exposed without careful thought and discussion could be devastating for the people of Thameland.

Professor Jules looked from one councillor to the next. Thameland has shown itself all too willing to spurn heroes of Mr. Roths calibre, and sadly, that is to their own detriment. Lets show them that we are better.

As her last words rang out, the councillors watched her impassively.

Are you done? asked the demonic-looking woman.

Er, yes, I am, Councillor Firenza, Professor Jules said quickly.

Very well, the horned woman said, her voice crackling with heat andsomething else. Something that seemed to be quietly trying to worm its way into Alexs brain. Does the council have any questions for Professor Jules?

None, the wizards said as one.

Then, you have our thanks and may return to your seat, professor, the demonic councillor said.

Jules and Alex exchanged confused looks.

Where were the questions? Theyd expected at least a few.

Maybe even more than a few.

Alexs stomach began to sink.

Had they made their decision already?

Should he get ready to teleport?

Mr. Roth, you may speak now, Councillor Kartika said. Stand, and say your piece.

Alexs mind began racing, he took two deep breaths, held them and slowly released them, calming himself. He called on the Mark to guide his body language and help him display calm and confidence.

Honoured councillors: Councillor Kartika, Councillor Bwanatembo, Councillor Ebenhad, Councillor Solaris, Councillor Firenza, Councillor Eleniel, Councillor Tsgililuga He named each councillor who had named themselves over the course of the meeting. But, he didnt stop there. Councillor Calliope, Councillor Esposito, Councillor Striga, Councillor Maldici, Councillor Bianchi.

He named all twelve wizard-councillors, demonstrating that hed come prepared by doing his own research, that he respected them, and that he was engaged.

I am not going to stand before you today and talk about how much it means to me to be herethough it does mean a lot. Ive built a life for myself, and my family here. I feel a connection to the university and to the city it stands in, but those things are personal to me, he said. I doubt they would matter much to you or for the reasons that were here today. So, Ill leave all of that aside and talk about numbers and projections.

And he did; informing the council in his own words about his businesses, about what hed accomplished from the time hed opened his first one, revealing how hed grown them in the community, how theyd touched the lives of his customers and those hed been able to employ. He talked of plans for the future, for innovations in industry and magical science.

Alex argued for his life using tactics he knew well; using merit to justify his very existence in Generasi.

He was driven by a single goal: convincing those who held his fate in their hands that he was worth defying Thameland for.

Convincing them that he was worth the diplomatic problems that refusing Thameland could cause.

That he was worth keeping around at all costs.

He poured all he had into his words. All he could think of that might be relevant to these ancient wizards.

Then he paused, looking directly at them, ending his remarks with, I dont know if any of what Ive just said will convince you, but I assure you, honoured members of the council, that I will contribute to the city for years and decades to come. If youd just let me stay.

With those final words, he fell silent.

And then

Can we not end this farce, already? Tsgililuga sighed, sounding irritated.

I agree, Councillor Bwanatembo echoed emphatically, looking to his left and right. My opinion was reached before I even stepped foot in here this morning, and I have to say, Ive heard nothing to change that. If anything, Im more firmly in my position and see no need to waste time over this matter any longer.

I am in full agreement, Councillor Bwanatembo, Kartika said. Is everyone alright with putting this to a vote at this time, or should we ask more questions of Mr. Roth?

I have weighed the scales: a country against one individual, Councillor Solaris said. And my scale remains in the position it started in. Lets put an end to this.

W-Wai Alex began.

Then I say we vote and be done with all of this. If we vote now, we can enjoy an extended lunch, Councillor Ebenhad said, hiseyes twinkling.

Indeed, said Councillor Calliope. Lets take a vote on the matter, and move on.