Seth had quietly listened to the words he knew the chancellor must speak, allowing his anger to burn until he could no longer control it. He hurled a wave of his will through the minds of the assembly that forced tears to their eyes. His anger was non-selective, so even Adrina, seated in the antechamber, felt its wrath upon her. Somehow she didn't succumb to its pressure, she understood it.
Seth, win through diplomacy, cried out Galan to Seth's mind alone, use your knowledge. Hope is not lost.
Gradually, Seth relinquished the power of his will, immediately searching for the ones he knew could comprehend what was at hand. His search settled first on Keeper Martin and he directed harsh words into the keeper's mind, playing upon the keeper's knowledge of Lore and the wisdom found within. Afterward Seth made an instinctive attack on Father Jacob. He knew Jacob understood the ways of the Mother and the Father.
Although some held mixed feelings both in support and against, Seth's quest ended there. He could find no others who truly supported his cause. The decision was not a unanimous one. Some were coaxed into swaying the other direction, directed Seth to Chancellor Yi.
Chancellor Yi stood, indignation on his face. "Brother Seth, we understand the way you feel, but the decision was unanimous. I am afraid we will hold no further discussion on this matter, and please no more outbursts."
Galan held firm a restraining hand on Seth's leg as she saw his temper swell. He returned her gesture by shooting an angry thought into her mind, Fear and anger are emotions these Men heed to most often. Let them see anger and let them know fear.
Seth, wait, have faith, my brother, returned Galan, Look to Adrina…
The council grew quiet and no further words were spoken. Galan had to squeeze her nails into Seth's leg to keep his words in check. She could see his emotions flare, about to erupt again.
Chancellor Yi stood and turned to face King Andrew, "The resolution stands; I move to dismiss the council." King Andrew nodded in agreement. "The meeting is at an end."
No, Seth, no! directed Galan to Seth, but her words of restraint could not stop him now. Just as Adrina passed into the chamber from the anteroom, Seth jumped from his chair and began to lash out with a fury unequaled. The council cowered back from him, truly afraid, while those around King Andrew moved protectively, instinctively between their king and Seth.
Adrina simply stared at Seth, and he stopped. Setting her eyes next on Father Jacob, she did not say a word, the look of disillusion on her face spoke for her. Her gaze forced Jacob to stand. He knew much more than he had said, much more.
"Perhaps a review is in order, Your Majesty," Father Jacob said then, "There are some things that I have not stated, things that—"
King Andrew glared at the priest.
"Yes, sire," said Keeper Martin, "I believe Father Jacob has a point; perhaps we have been overly forthright. Our own concerns are centered on the affairs of the South. Perhaps, our view is too narrow. I would second the motion for a review tomorrow. This is a decision best not made hastily." Keeper Martin nodded graciously to Seth then took his seat. He had known Father Jacob was holding back. The two had been friends too long not to know when the other was withholding something. The question was, what was Jacob withholding? He intended to find out before the day was out.
"That is the second motion. Are there any who would object?" asked Chancellor Yi.
Tomorrow? screamed Seth excitedly, angrily.
Seth, scolded Galan, directing the thoughts to him alone, Faith.
"Yes, I am very tired. Tomorrow will be a better day," agreed Seth, a small show of charisma as he spoke aloud.
Adrina cast an angry glare, which was directed momentarily about the chamber, and then escorted Galan and Seth outside. With feelings of disappointment flowing through her mind, she walked alongside the two. She didn't know why the keeper hadn't told the council what he had discovered through the dream messages, or why Jacob's observations about Great Father's presence were not mentioned. She only knew they had been silent when they otherwise wouldn't have been.
"Seth, Galan," she began, "I'm sorry. Maybe I could've—"
—No, returned Seth, It is the will of the Father. We will try again tomorrow and this time we won't fail. I am truly sorry about my earlier behavior; there is no excuse for it. I hope you will be gracious enough to forgive me.
"I know what it is to be so driven," whispered Adrina to herself, forgetting that the two could read minds.
Tomorrow then, imparted Seth, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Then you have a plan?" asked Adrina candidly.
Seth shook his head, I will find one though, and by tomorrow.
"Can you not show them your world? Perhaps then they will understand," said Adrina without consideration for the impact of such words—Galan had been exhausted after the momentary image gifted to a single mind.
Show them my world, repeated Seth as he reached into her mind to perceive what she was referring to. He saw the image Galan had imparted upon her and an idea was birthed. You are truly a good luck charm, Princess Adrina, he called out to her, throwing excitement and enthusiasm into the voice, I think, I know now what to do, what I should have done today. What I must do.
"Well, what is it?" asked Adrina.
Seth didn't have to admit what it was that he was thinking or even open his closed thoughts to Galan, she knew and her face took on a shocked expression. No, you must not. We will find another way. We just have to think that is all. Promise me you won't!
Seth didn't respond in kind. He tightened the seal on his mind, which Galan perceived as a response and begged him again to reconsider.
Lost in thought, Seth leaned back onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. Galan attempted sleep, but found none. Slowly her eyes came to rest on Seth. Admiration showed in those eyes for the strength and intellect she saw there. Knowing he would find a way to change the council's opinion if anyone could, she was content.
Temporarily, she stayed an urge to go to him and comfort him in his time of need. She did want to give him something though—she owed him so much—anything that could take away the pain she knew he was feeling, especially as he faced possible failure and disgrace.
The floor was cold as she touched bare feet to its hard surface. Her heart told her to go to him, and she did.
Lost in his plight, Seth didn't notice her approach. Only a few feet from his bed, she stood, looking down at him. A small part of her told her not to go to him, yet a larger voice urged her on. She took the next step toward him carefully and deliberately, knowing what it meant. Her conscious held her no more; there could be no turning back now. The soft, silken dress she wore hung loose about her shoulders as she sought to slip out of it.
As she did so, a light summons sounded at the door, and she started. Quickly, she retied the strands she held, fixing the dress into place, moving directly to the door before Seth broke from his reverie.
At the door, begging her forgiveness for the disturbance was Father Jacob. He seemed disappointed to find Adrina absent, having wanted to speak to the three all at once. "Brother Seth, Brother Galan," began Jacob, "I wanted to speak to you personally about earlier. There are things that you don't—"
—Save your tired words, good father. The fault rests on no one other than myself… Seth's message was mingled with strong anguish. Please leave us, Father Jacob. I have much to consider.
Father Jacob regarded Seth, seeing the determination and anguish in the elf's eyes. "But Brother Seth, I must insist."
Latching onto the priest's hand, Galan led him from the chamber. Go, she whispered to his mind, we will manage.
She watched his retreating form until it mingled with the night shadows of the corridor. Thank you, she sent after him.
Seth returned to his thoughts, considering and reviewing every word the council had spoken that day. He searched for where he had gone wrong and looked for a way to convince them.
Galan closed and secured the portal. For a time, she stood quietly watching Seth. She would have turned away as intended, had the impulse to comfort him not returned.
Her silken dress fell to the floor as she stepped out of it. She crossed to the side of his bed and touched delicate fingers to his hand, crouching down in bed beside him and pressing her lips against his.
With the aid of her nimble fingers, Seth undressed. A circle of heat bathed the two forms pressed tightly one against the other. Galan redirected her will now, probing with emotion absent of thought. A single finger traced her supple curves, finding reassuring softness amidst the firm and briefly, Seth returned the passion that flowed to him.
He had to reach deep within himself to find restraint to push her away. Nevertheless, he did so because he could not indulge the temptation.
I am sorry, he sent to her mind with great sadness, I cannot. We must not.
Is this not what you've longed for? Galan asked him, tears in her eyes. Brother Liyan told me of your heart before we left Kapital. He told me to understand the desire in your heart, even if those feelings did not find me. Such feelings are not lost on me. Seth, I need you beside me this night.