The Elphame Chronicles by adrian holland

Author:adrian holland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy epic dragon fairy elves
Publisher: adrian holland

Twelve

The crescent moon shone down brightly on The Land of the Bears, as the warmth of the day drifted away bringing a chill to the air. It was unusually bright, considering that most of the moon was obscured, and everywhere was bathed in moonlight.

A group of senior Bears gathered round a fire in the centre of the village on the rather chilly night. It would be Mid Summer tomorrow, but the weather was almost as cold as the hearts of the Bear People.

It was an extraordinary occasion, and no one could remember anything quite like it before, and the mood was very sombre. These were indeed strange times, and their whole way of life had already changed, and not for the better either!

Usually, the Council would have been summoned to discuss the offer made by the Friar, and the implications of allowing the Men to take all of the gold in the royal coffers. Sadly, this was not the case, as the Bear King had usurped them, and left the Council members feeling isolated.

They were old Bears, and their power was based upon respect and honour. The King had shown them neither, and there was nothing much that they could do to oppose his decision. It looked as though whatever they now decided in committee would be disregarded, and never before in the whole history of the Bear People, had the Council of Elders been treated in such a manner, and they felt totally powerless to do anything about it.

A circle of burning torches ringed the fire, giving off more light, as the remainder of the Bear people kept a respectful distance. They were in no mood to venture away from their houses, or from the taverns which lay scattered around the village. To them, the King’s decision amounted to nothing less than a defeat, and their pride had been badly hurt.

A very elderly Bear struggled to his feet, with the aid of a staff, as he readied himself to open the meeting. When he was ready, the first thing that he did, was to politely ask an attendant to bring forth the Sacred Scroll of the Bear people, which they would all have to swear an oath upon, to uphold the wisdom and guidance written upon it. The scroll was housed in an ornately carved wooden box, and on the top was carved the image of the Great King, who had helped them to draw up what could be regarded as their constitution.

The attendant held it in front of him as the elderly bear placed his free hand upon its wooden surface and cleared his throat.

“I hereby swear to uphold the wisdom and guidance of the Great king, written upon the Sacred Scroll of the Bear People, and to offer them my absolute loyalty. I agree to abide by the majority decision of all matters raised in Council.”

He then removed his hand, as the attendant moved along to the next member of the Council, who also placed his hand upon it and recited the same oath.

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