First Council Meeting

The tension in the room was still palpable. As was the trepidation of what this could mean for the future of the desert folks.

An Helian had assumed the mantle of the Immortal Seer. A child of the enemy foretold in their most poignant prophecy. However, the woman had emerged from the Trials and seemed to had done so with the blessing of the Twins.

Tamazzalt walked around the table to stand in front of the council. He bowed his head again.

"Trouble flared up in the city last night near the docks." He started. "The Brotherhood of the Ebony Hand uncovered what we believe to be a cell of Ostiarium agents in the city, plotting to undermine the war effort." He explained to those gathered but mainly addressing their new leader.

"Shalia Nix, envoy of the Odonine, has requested an audience with the Seer. One that under the terms of our treaty with Fang must be acknowledged sooner rather than later." He reminded her.

"With the death of Oshar, a new Herald of the Maelstrom should be selected. However due to his betrayal, we might want to consider carefully if a successor is required immediately." His words here were for the consideration of everyone around the table. Should tradition be forsaken in light of the origin of the new Seer and avoid having the same happening again.

"And finally The Sand Horde awaits the call." He declared, clearly pointing out this would be Islana's first big test. To unleash the Ozainae against her former people.

Islana could feel the tension, it would have been more of a surprise if there had been none. She also now knew the reason why beyond the Helians being the enemy.

She sought the wisdom granted to her before responding. "The Ostiarium agents where are they now? I would like as much information as possible about them. Send some of the guards to try to find them or make sure they've left the city.

Send someone to let Shalia Nix know an audience will be granted for today. This afternoon."

We can table discussion on the Herald until later, give everyone time to think on it. I will keep my present guards for the present time, they should be sufficient for protection, at least." Some guards had been stationed outside her room as she slept and two were currently outside the chamber. While the Herald did more than that, for the moment, the protection was probably the most important part.

"Yes, the Sand Horde needs to be released soon. Are there any updates on the war?" It was going to be the big test for islana, proof she was willing to defend her new home against her old one.

"The city guard are looking for any clues of their whereabouts as we spoke, Sister." He said using her honorific title. "We have reasons to believe some might be part of the Helian Inquisition." He said letting the word linger in the air. "The Brotherhood have withdrawn from the city. They are camping outside the nearest war camp." He added making it known to her that he would always add information that was deemed necessary for her to know even if she did not ask.

"The war on the Plains is over." He explained. "The Odsier tribes have been scattered to the winds and pushed north into the north steeps. Their Bonecasters crushed by an Helian, the Silent Flock, Vastad sworn warriors, under the leadership of one called the Purger." There it was again, another mention of the Inquisition and how their power was already taking root in Arcadia.

"I will inform Shalia Nix that you will meet with her today. We should ensure the treaty with Fang is upheld and start to join our efforts in preparation to the attack on the Gate City."

A few of the other councilors offered their own views and advice, and gave her updates on the Septs, the priesthood, and other general information on the states of the realm.

"Is there anything else we can do for you?" Tamazzalt asked.

If there was something that had gone from provoking fear in Islana to provoking the woman's ire and concern, the Inquisition was definitely among the top of that list. She knew how dangerous they were and how they couldn't be left to take any more of a hold in Arcadia. While she had never heard of the Purger it certainly sounded ominous and a name given to provoke terror. She wouldn't see what happened in Helian happen in Arcadia, not if she could stop it.

By the time the council got down filling her in, the morning had drifted into early afternoon. Now, filled in with as much information as possible, there were other issues to address but first things had to come first, such as the war. When Tamazzalt asked if there was anything else they could do for her, the young woman thought for a brief moment before responding.

"Nothing at the moment. Thank you." She had clarified for Shalia to meet after lunch but for now, Islana had something else she needed to do. It took a moment of instinct to take over to realize she needed to adjoin them. "Everyone is dismissed." After all, the council members had things they needed to get to.