The Blessed Curse (The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 4)(41)

“May I ask exactly what you want from us on the account of the Blights, Jala?” Arjuna spoke up before Nicoli had a chance to open his mouth again.

“I ask that this council grant me thirty days to make contact with them and attempt to reach a compromise. I don’t ask for any help on this matter. I simply ask that you do not attack them during this time,” Jala explained. “Out of the question,” Nicoli snapped.

“I’m afraid I agree with Nicoli on the matter. We have limited time to retake Glis before the council in Sanctuary is held, and Nicoli must have his position as High Lord back before then. We cannot wait for a peace that might not come,” Elijah added with a frown.

“They are in Faydwer as well and I will not even consider hesitating on their removal. They are a threat to my people that must be dealt with quickly,” Lord Faydwer chimed in.

“I am content to allow Jala her attempt,” Jin Han’shy announced as he leaned back in his chair. His gaze flicked to Nicoli Blackwolf and a small smile played across his lips as he regarded his fellow High Lord’s outrage.

Neph watched them both for a long moment and stored the knowledge away. He hadn’t realized there was enmity between the two men, but it was knowledge that could be useful later.

“That’s because your own lands aren’t in jeopardy!” Lord Faydwer stormed, his bright green eyes narrowing with anger.

“Even if we save them now, at the rate they reproduce and grow they will be a threat in the future. My vote is to burn them out while we can,” Arjuna sighed, with an apologetic shrug to Jala.

“That leaves Delvay, Oblivion, and Goswin to vote. At the present we have four to two,” Elijah regarded the remaining Lords as he spoke and raised an eyebrow in question.

“The Blights are no threat to my lands, but I respect the danger my allies are in. Thirty days is a very long time to wait when people may die from your delay Lady Merrodin.” Zachary Dark spoke softly and slowly shook his head. “I won’t ask my allies to wait thirty days.”

“The matter is settled then. Even with the remaining two votes, you lose,” Lord Faydwer announced with a smirk.

Jala watched them silently and sighed heavily. “I will ask again for the Lords present to please reconsider their votes. Slaughtering them for simply existing, is wrong.” She watched everyone at the table for a long moment and then nodded sadly. “I see. Well then, the other approach that I didn’t want to use…” She turned to Neph and he could see the question in her eyes. Are you with me? He smiled and nodded in return and she closed her eyes for a moment before looking back to Elijah. “Before I continue there is another matter I would speak with you about.”

Elijah frowned with an expression of doubt on his face and nodded slowly. “If you feel it is important enough to bring up at the present moment, then please speak.”

“It is along the same topic. Monsters or innocents and all,” Jala said with a faint shrug. “You have a girl in your keeping. Her name is Zoelyn, I believe. I want her.”

“You what?” Elijah stammered, glancing from Jala to Nicoli as if trying to determine if he had heard her correctly.

“She is called Undrae in your lands, from what Valor tells me. In mine she would simply be Zoelyn. I want a chance to help her. Lord Arovan will you allow me to return to Merrodin with her,” Jala explained further.

“I’m not sure you understand the problems that this girl has, Lady Merrodin. She is cursed and for one such as yourself, she is very dangerous,” Lord Arovan objected.

“I understand quite well the events that led to her being taken as your ward. It was explained to me by Valor as well as one of his knights. I accept that there could be danger involved, but I am still inclined to help her. Will you allow me to return to Merrodin with her?” Jala pressed.

“If you truly wish to take on such a burden, I honestly cannot deny your request. If not for you, Arovan would likely be ashes. I owe you too much to refuse you,” Elijah sighed.

“Good. Now remember those words after what I say next,” Jala sighed as she stood from her chair and carefully pushed it back under the table. She stood just behind it and carefully crossed her arms across the back as they all watched her. “The balance of power has shifted considerably during the war. High Lords that were once the most powerful are now dependent on their allies for shelter. From what I have seen in the aftermath of the war, Firym and Merrodin are the most powerful houses in this room. I asked you to allow me the thirty days and now I’m telling you I am taking the thirty days. The only one with enough military strength to stand in my way is Firym, unless you all band together against me. Which leaves you all open to Rivasa who, as I understand, still holds a decent amount of power even after their losses. There is, of course, Nerathane to consider as well.”