The Ascendant Wizard

Darculum's scoff broke the silence; he folded his arms in front of his chest and twisted his face in scorn as he looked up at her.

"Those are some bold words from a girl who was rotting in taverns less than a few months ago. Strength borrowed from a knife that could stab you in the back at any time isn't worth having."

Hearing his words, Morena couldn't help but laugh out loud. The sound rang in the hall, echoing in the large room.

For several seconds she simply laughed, it wasn't because it was funny, or because she found his words amusing; it was just mocking him, showing him just how little she thought of what he just said.

As she went silent, the laugh just stopping, she tilted her head slightly as her eyes stared down with nothing but emptiness.

When she stopped, her lips curved into a smile.

"Wise words from a man that..."

She let the sentence trail off deliberately, she didn't even need to finish what she was going to say for everyone present to understand her insult.

"Do not worry, elder. I am no fool to put all my trust in someone I barely know, especially not someone who seeks to profit from a deal. I am using House Brenle, as I'm sure they are using me. But I prefer those who speak openly about their intentions, rather than hide behind words aimed at others.

Make no mistake, I am not who I once was."

None of the elders seemed to know how to reply to her statement, each looking at one another for ideas, the conversation going dead as no one could speak up to reply.

It stretched so long that her younger brother shifted uncomfortably on his feet; his hands twitched against his sides, his eyes staring forward as he'd been taught.

Marci seized the chance and tapped the boy forward.

"Whether that is true or not, we can't be certain, but there is one thing that we can do. Your brother, you asked for him to be brought right? Well, we share similar thoughts; we want him to stay here, to learn how to lead alongside you and assist you in matters."

He glanced to the side at Raxon and received a nod; so he kept speaking.

"We wish for him to learn his duties now, not later. We want him to shadow you, observe your choices, and understand the burden of the heir. It is tradition. It is what is best for House Ravenscroft."

Morena's gaze flicked toward her brother. The boy looked like he had never had a good rest in his life, like he had never experienced the joys of playing with friends, or running down the halls and getting in trouble.

A boy forced to play at leading when he should still be chasing sunlight. Her gaze turned back to the elders; her tone did little to hide her anger.

"Tradition? Who are you trying to fool? There is no such tradition; this is just the desperate act of old men. You dragged a child here as a pawn to use, and you speak of heirs as if I were not sitting before you, as if my father's will meant nothing."

Darculum stepped forward with a sneer, finally growing a big enough spine to speak out.

"Better a boy than a drunk who stumbled into her father's goodwill and love for her common mother. You sit in that chair because pity placed you there."

Her eyes shifted to him instantly, anger erupted within seconds; how dare some fool speak ill of her mother? Who gave him the right?

But she didn't react, no, she couldn't give them that pleasure. Instead, her lips curved, though her eyes never softened.

"Pity? No. I sit here because I rose when none of you expected me to. And I will remain here because I do not bend to men who hide behind children."

She slammed her hand against the chair's arm, a slight dent forming in the rest as she spoke once more.

"And do not forget who you are speaking to, your manners seem to forget you. Maybe I should have your tongue removed so you can remember them?"

Raxon's voice broke through, interjecting before the situation could escalate further; it was clear he didn't expect her to make such a threat.

None of them did.

"Let us all calm down; we do not question that you hold the chair for now. But we believe it would do well to have your brother at least learn your responsibilities as well, think of it as teaching the younger generation. Should something happen to you."

Her fingers drummed once against the armrest as she released a slow breath; thinking about what they had said.

It wasn't a bad option, well, partial. She had no intention of doing what they wanted, but it would give her the chance to free her brother from their clutches; to bring him within her reach.

Plus she was worried about her brother, she hadn't seen him in so long and she worried he was being put through an experience no child should suffer through.

This was the least she could do for him, being such a terrible big sister previously.

"Fine, he will remain, but under my terms. I will teach him what I please, I will treat him as I please, and none of you will have any say in the matter. If you don't agree with that, you can just leave."

The elders stiffened, trading glances.

Finally, Marci gave a thin smile.

"Then a compromise, as you wish. The boy will remain and we trust that you educate him accordingly, please do keep in mind that we will check in regularly."

Morena leaned forward on her chair, looking down at the man.

"Do as you like, I expect nothing less from you people. Get out of my hall, this conversation is over now. If you have more to say, book a proper appointment with Adolf and then we will talk. I will not indulge this act further."

Morena waved her hand, and as she did, guards that had been standing silently at the sides of the room, hidden away in the shadows, stepped forward to escort them out.

"Fine, but remember this isn't over."

Marci scoffed in anger.

The elders turned at last, robes wiping against the stone floor, their warriors closing in around them. Her brother was going to leave with them, but with a single motion, she called for him to stay.

"He stays now. You can send his stuff later."

She didn't give them a chance to disobey her or speak back, simply ordering the warriors to escort them out and leave him behind.

Only when the door was closed did she shift her gaze to the boy left alone in the hall.