The Blessed Curse (The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 4)(42)

“You arrogant bitch!” Nicoli raged.

“I will be sending my dragons to watch the border of Glis to prevent military movements into that region. My envoy will work swiftly to settle this and with luck on our side it will be resolved well within thirty days,” Jala continued, ignoring the outburst completely.

“Who exactly do you intend to send as an envoy?” Madren asked, his voice barely audible through the grumblings of the other lords.

Jala smiled and raised a finger to point directly at Shade. “He is going,” she announced and by the expression on Shade’s face, Neph could tell he hadn’t been informed of her choice at all.

“What?” Shade choked, his eyes locked on Jala in an expression of disbelief.

“You are already in hiding Shade. You have been declared outlaw in the city of Sanctuary. You have experience dealing with Blights and you are clever with your words. Most importantly, though, you are likely the only one in this room that truly believes this is the right thing to do. Even Valor has his doubts about my plan, but I know you understand. You are the perfect envoy.” Jala smiled at him, but it was a bittersweet expression to Neph’s eyes. She hated the path she was on and he knew it.

“You could have given me a bit of warning,” Shade sighed. He rubbed his face for a moment and nodded slowly. “You are right, though, and I am the best choice for an envoy. Everyone else seems to be plagued with common sense.”

“And if I attack Merrodin in response to your actions?” Arjuna asked, though there was no malice in his voice it was simply a question.

“Then I will weep for you at your funeral, Arjuna, and mourn the loss of a man I considered my friend,” Jala answered without hesitation or concern.

“Chances are your armies would never find Merrodin anyway. As I said, I support Merrodin in this and the Han’shy lands can be very confusing to navigate. Unless of course you intend to cross the distance through flames which I’m sure would be equally hazardous. There is no telling what Lady Merrodin keeps around her fires in Merro,” Lord Han’shy mused with a smile.

“As far as I am concerned, the matter is settled on the Blights, so, on to the final matter I have to attend to here,” Jala began once more and didn’t bother to pause long enough for anyone to object. “NephDelvayon has charges against him on the matter of the magics he used in the final battle. If you will all notice he wears the ring of Merrodin on his finger and has sworn his fealty to me. Any crime that he commits on my behalf is my crime. He fought for me, so if you have grievance with him, then direct it at me.” Jala paused again and summoned a large white book to her hand. Gilding flashed along the edges of the pale leather as she set it carefully on the table. “This is a book of law from Merro. If any of you care to look inside it, you will discover that no magic is forbidden in my land. Actions are judged, not methods. What Neph did was for the greater good of Merro as well as Arovan regardless of what power he used to do it. Until Delvay is reclaimed, Neph is under my rule and judged by my laws. If you wish to press the matter, Elijah, I understand and I will answer for the crimes. Neph, however, is to remain out of the matter entirely. Until the time I believe I have likely worn out my welcome in your hall, I will be in contact with you once the matter of the Blights is resolved.” Jala pushed away from the chair as she finished and waited for her comrades to rise before turning for the door.

“I will summon guards to fetch the girl, Lady Merrodin,” Elijah announced as he rose slowly from his chair.

“You can’t seriously mean to allow her to leave this room after her threats,” Nicoli’s voice was filled with utter disbelief as he stared at each of the High Lords in turn.

“I am in her debt, Nicoli. What would you have me do?” Elijah asked in a voice that sounded more weary than angry. “Kill her. Capture her. Anything but simply bow down before her like a groveling pup.” Nicoli’s voice rose as he spoke.

“My Nephew is betrothed to her, if he hasn’t already married her. Her child is present and if that isn’t reason enough for you, and you hadn’t thought to count numbers, Nicoli, I will do it for you. With the people she brought with her, and Jin on her side, she has us outnumbered in this room. Leave off with it, Nicoli. She has us on this one and I won’t allow her to be harmed in my home.” Elijah sighed and turned back to Jala.

“This way, Lady Merrodin,” he urged as he started off for the doors.

“I truly regret that things had to take this path,” Jala informed the Lords and bowed her head in respect as she turned for the door.