The Dark That Begins by Steve Pantazis

Author:Steve Pantazis [Pantazis, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SP Books
Published: 2023-04-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The Great Council

In the early morning, Petrah traveled with Master Joriah northeast of the city limits via coach to the Great Hall, dressed in his new white robe.

The horse-drawn carriage clattered as it rolled over the flagstone-paved highway. There were ten other magi in separate vehicles and close to a dozen soldiers on horseback.

“I’m looking forward to introducing you to our leader,” Master Joriah said as they rode. “He’s a prominent man; quite controversial too.”

Petrah jostled in the coach. The smell of fruit was making him queasy. He didn’t understand how his master could eat while they moved.

“Who is he?” Petrah asked, clutching his midsection and looking for any kind of distraction from the queasiness.

“His Holiness, Uhtah-Pei, Fifth Articulate of the Temple.” Petrah’s eyebrows tented in surprise. “I would have thought Masters Nole or Maglo would have mentioned him.”

Petrah shook his head. His last encounter with an Articulate nearly got him killed.

“He’s been our leader for over a year now,” Master Joriah said. “It’s a big change for us, a very positive one. His Holiness has incredible influence, especially among the tribes. Many other leaders are intimidated by his position in the Temple.”

“I didn’t know the Temple could get involved in everyday politics.”

“As I said, it’s controversial. We are a theocratic nation, Petrah, governed by the parties but ultimately ruled by the Temple. The Temple might shy away from secular affairs, but who would oppose them if they were to intrude on the mundane? Certainly not the citizens. Doubtfully the tribes. A third of our military forces are under the Temple’s control, assigned to protect and enforce the will of the Temple. There are many strands in this grand web we call Terjurmeh. As history has taught us, it’s better to side with the Temple than against it.”

“What does this mean for the Green Flame?” Petrah asked.

“It means we can grow. The leaders of the top parties no longer look at us as some kind of cult. We have leverage. By representing the cause of the magus, we have the ear of many Teradi. And respect from the guild.”

Petrah loosened the sash of his new robe. Maybe that would help his stomach settle. “If we get the support of the priests, will it also allow us to grow?”

“Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as that. There are many factors when it comes to aligning with a party, not all political. Take the Haj-bali, for instance. They’re a powerful and devout faction of the tribal community, sympathetic to the Temple. Some would call them fanatics, but I admire their devotion to their faith and their nation’s religious establishment. Their pro-theocratic view of the world keeps them from swearing allegiance to a single party.”

“But with His Holiness as our leader . . .”

“Exactly. He can help us gain valuable allies like the Haj-bali.” Master Joriah produced a rare smile. “You’re catching on.”

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