Warriors of the Black Shroud by Peter Howe

Author:Peter Howe
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780062102133
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2012-01-30T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Walker could feel the tension in the air as Lumina called the emergency meeting of the Council of Lightkeepers to order. Eddie was at the meeting because he was the only witness to the king’s death, and Frankie was also in the antechamber for no other reason than her determination not to be left out.

“Lightkeepers.” Lumina’s voice rang out. “Give me your attention.”

The room went silent and all eyes were upon her. Fussingham sat waiting to scribble down every word she uttered, but Luzaro was nowhere to be found.

“We mourn the loss of our beloved sovereign,” she went on. “But as we cope with our present grief we have to look to the challenges that lie ahead. We must decide on two things immediately: how we face any further threats from the Black Count, and who will rule the Kingdom as we go forward.”

She paused for a moment, scanning the faces of her audience. All eyes were upon her.

“We should think carefully about the future of this realm,” she continued. “Maybe we should consider another form of government. Having a king has served us well as long as one as wise and courageous as Leukos held the throne, but since he left no heir perhaps we should ponder other ways of leading our people.”

A murmur of surprise and disbelief rippled through the audience, and Walker saw Jevon go rigid with anger. Lumina continued to speak.

“Ever since our victory at the Battle of Barren Plains there has been peace because we allowed the Black Count to roam freely through Diabolonia. That is his realm as Nebula is ours. I would propose that we do nothing to further aggravate the situation. If the Black Count sees no more incursions into his territory I believe he will leave us alone and we will continue to live as we have, in harmony.”

This time a buzz of agreement ran through the crowd.

“Furthermore, I suggest that we elect a committee of leaders from the ranks of the Lightkeepers,” she went on, “to deal with the future government of the realm.”

“An excellent idea, my lady,” said one of the knights, a pompous fellow that Walker had noticed before, “but only if you will agree to lead it.”

“I would be happy to, Lord Lucata,” Lumina replied, “but only if you also agree to serve upon it with me.”

“It would be an honor and a pleasure,” he responded.

Jevon could stand this no more. He stood up and faced Lumina.

“My lady, are you not forgetting something?” he asked. “This is a Kingdom, and for good reason. We depend upon the Source for everything we hold dear, but the workings of the Source are mysterious, and only a Chosen One can know its secrets. A committee cannot stand before the Source and benefit from its wisdom. That is why King Leukos sent our messenger far and wide for many Eons searching for a Chosen One like himself, and finally we are blessed to have one among us.”

“But this so-called Chosen

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