13 Chapter 12: The High Court

"Many are those who deny us our birthright, but we are the only true ones that withhold the power to reject it."

~Tasmiya Shaik

OUTSKIRTS OF EIZGÁR

Reinhardt Estate-High court

Monday

06:00 a.m

Sebastian heeded the summons of the High court that was ruled by the Elders, who decided the fate of the Asharra. He did not withhold fond memories of the last event, which summoned him forty-four cycles ago. A blazing burn ignited the ancient grudge within him, and no simple words of comfort would douse the wildfire. He prayed that the Elven God Azarr would grant him all the patience he required to exercise. The wounds he received from the Narrak bastard who attacked him ached a little less, courtesy of the healer's treatment. He would dare not allow his brother's death to be for naught or in vain, and he swore to make the wretched enemy suffer. Such ambitions would have to wait for now; he would deal with yet another catastrophic scenario.

Sebastian was escorted by Isaac Cavendish, an asharren warrior that harbored too many dark secrets with no will and nor obligation to reveal them. The silence that accompanied them as an atmospheric companion did not bother Sebastian in the slightest bit, for he was a man who preferred the sound of leather footwear on cobblestone than enduring a conversation.

Sebastian was lead before stone arched doors with the emblem of the seven Aldari clans engraved onto its surface and carved into the stone below it were the words 'Justice is served to those who walk the righteous path' in the asharren language. Sebastian contained the rage within him, having remembered the injustice that was served to him once before.

The doors opened to welcome him, and the chamber spanned a vast area with marbled floors concealed by royal blue material that extended from the entrance of the chamber to the far end of the dias. Tapestries designed with insignias of the seven Aldari clans decorated the side interior walls on opposite ends. The stained glass windows below the tapestries allowed the winter sun's rays to illuminate the chamber, and there were visible signs of lithe tree roots with a hint of greenery that crept along the exterior of the glass. Spring would soon embrace the land.

The dias was a circular structure that spanned the corners of the chamber with intricate wooden carved chairs stationed along its length, and each was occupied by the twelve Senate members that were respectively positioned beside the three High court Elders they served. Sebastian withdrew the urge to laugh in amusement when he discovered that his dear friend had arrived before him and respectfully knelt before the Elders.

'Amico! Glad you could make it,' Sebastian's companion exclaimed in greeting and expressed his relief with light-hearted laughter.

'Andreas Duranté Rossi, you are expected to remain silent unless addressed!' The first Elder stepped forth in warning, but Andreas smirked in response.

Sebastian had vaguely recalled the Elders before him. Vaguely? Yet again, he indulged in terrible jests. He remembered the bastards who ridiculed him all too well. The self-proclaimed, law-abiding warriors who supposedly believed in carrying out every act with justice. Their features were almost as youthful as his own despite the many eons they fought through. Such was the longevity of the Asharra.

~Endure it, Sebastian. I can hardly find the patience to deal with them myself.~ Lahn growled.

~I do not promise anything. I will respond accordingly.~ Sebastian said as he kneeled beside Andreas.

'Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt, cursed offspring of the late Lord Zelaphiel Arkanius Reinhardt.' The first Elder announced.

'If you believe your words should prick at my pride, then you are mistaken, Elder Zephrey,' Sebastian rose and retaliated with contempt.

'And what pride does a man punished with exile uphold?'

'The kind that only a warrior who fought and survived independently can carry on his shoulders,' Andreas intervened, and Elder Zephrey ceased his ability to speak with a suppression spell.

'Is this the kind of justice you encourage? To silence those who speak righteously?'

'You speak as though you know what is truly righteous? Cursed son of the Reinhardt bloodline who abandoned his duty and thrust his responsibilities onto the late Lord Atticus. You who were to return after one hundred years of exile chose to serve Ethuaria!' A Senate member announced.

' Served Ethuaria? I did what was required to survive.Abandoned my duty?Was it not you who ridiculed my honor and stripped me of my dignity? Were the Senate members not the ones who cast me into exile for the blood not shed by my hand? Who would dare to follow a man who was stripped of his pride? What people would fight alongside a Lord who supposedly brought shame to them? What was there left to secure the assurance of my reign?!' Sebastian remarked with the rage that slumbered deep within for many cycles. A wild beast caged and deprived of its freedom was finally released of its unbearable torture.

Andreas grimaced at the sudden burn that ignited within his chest. He could feel the heat intensity of a fire that threatened to raze the flames of hell and engulf the three realms of Archalia in its chaos and destruction. Was that the anger of his friend?

~So this is the pain the young cara mia felt back at the villa in Ethuaria. Shun, if this is its effects on myself alone, surely it is affecting Lady Avery more intensely?~ Andreas enquired with concern and uneasiness.

~She cannot bear its intensity alone this time; his anger is uncontrollably being connected with all the Aldari closely linked with Lady Avery.~ The beast within Andreas quietened at the pain that infiltrated his defenses.

~Shun , can you establish a telepathic link with Lahn? Sebastian needs to calm down.~

~Impossible, my friend, his rage is hindering communication.~

Andreas cursed his inability to control the situation, and the least he could do was place a hand on Sebastian's shoulder, but the asharren warrior afforded him no acknowledgement.

'A crime not committed by your hand? I'll have you know Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt that all evidence pertaining to the incident at the Zestalian tournament forty four cycles ago pointed you out as the one responsible for the shame of the Asharra! Prince Ezelas Gelsarius was murdered by your hand!' Elder Zephrey stated candidly.

'Enough! This is a time most crucial for the Asharra and the seven Aldari clans! I will not have you disputing among yourselves over a matter that transpired four hundred and forty years ago! Who better than he to uptake the title of 'Lord'?!' The second Elder intervened, and all halted their objections.

The third Elder stepped below the dias and dispelled the magic that suppressed Andreas' speech with a wave of his hand; the Izavian male immediately exhaled a breath of relief.

'Often our children forget who they are, and it is us who must remind them of their origins and guide them once more on the path they should walk on,' The third Elder halted beside Sebastian, but his gaze remained fixated ahead.

Sebastian parted his lips to reply but was interrupted.

'You are no father of mine,' The third Elder stated with a smirk. 'Is that what you wish to tell me, my dear Sebastian? Indeed you may consider me as no father of yours, but I am of your blood, am I not? However, I will not favor you.'

Sebastian's expression darkened with the words of the Elder beside him, and he could hardly bring himself to utter a single word. It was not as though he were silenced with a spell as Andreas was. The Elder simply walked with an aura that demanded absolute obedience.

'Do you recall the tales of our ancestors, Sebastian? We Asharra are descendants of the Woodland Elves and the Faélon humes of Endrastia. For six hundred years during the reign of the Gaia, the Goddess of darkness and death, the ancient woodland Elves did not hold power to overcome the darkness that thrived richly within the heart of their lands. Many were imbued with the shadow gems created by Gaia herself and fell under her rule. The Woodland Elves feared the worst and sought refuge; separated from their kin and families, they wandered to where sanctuary would embrace them, and it was the Faélon humes who granted them protection and refuge.'

Sebastian remembered the tale all too well. His brother had never granted him the chance to lose the memory of it. What should a tale of origin matter? He did not understand the intentions of the third Elder.

'You are wondering why a mere tale should mean anything? We Asharra walk in the appearance of the Woodland Elves, but the Faélon blood runs richly through our veins, their attributes, and abilities passed on as gifts to their descendants. You have an unknown and unchartered potential of power within you, Sebastian. Utilize it to your advantage.'

Sebastian cogitated the words of the Elder; what was the old warrior implying? An undiscovered power? As far as his potential extended, Sebastian believed he had already explored every aspect of his capabilities; however, he also had well known that the third Elder was not a warrior to foolishly utter pointless nothings.

'Isarcrius, what say you? As the man who raised Sebastian, what is your opinion on the matter?' The third Elder directed his gaze to Isaac Cavendish, who stood a short distance behind Sebastian.

Isarcrius? The man who raised him? Sebastian could not put the man to memory. First, a woman named Yvainne had appeared in his dream and now a man who supposedly raised him? He sought answers, but only one, in particular, could offer them to him. And if he did not receive his desired information, then he would conduct his own investigation. His skills as a paranormal investigator that once served under the Galrik crime Bureau would not be laid to waste.

'My opinion, Elder Xypherius? If I may point out, Lord Sebastian was a young warrior who displayed excellent skills both academically and physically. His sword skills were sharper than most superior warriors. He indeed proved his ability to lead the Aldari. I have no place to decide the action that should be taken, but there is none other who can uptake his title. No other harbors the commander's spirit Lahn.'

'That is quite true. Selezark, what is your decision?' Elder Xypherius returned his attention to the second Elder.

'Indeed, Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt committed a heinous crime, but all living things are given a chance to redeem themselves. He is no different. A son of Lord Zelaphiel does not simply take action without reason. Truth reveals itself at the most crucial moment. We all know better than anyone that his capabilities exceed the best, should such skills be wasted by denying him his birthright?' Elder Selezark regarded Sebastian with a subtle exchange of understanding.

'His crime is no negligible matter that it can be put behind us?!' Elder Zephrey objected.

'Senate members, all in favor of Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt's right to reign as 'Lord,' rise and place his hand over his heart,' Elder Selezark instructed.

The Senate members mumbled in discussion for a few minutes; five of them roused and placed their hands over their hearts in agreement.

'Do you see Xypherius? None will take to a man who sullied the name of his kin!' Elder Zephrey exclaimed.

'Very well. Sebastian Alexander Reinhardt, it would appear you are unpopular amongst the Senate members '; however,', despite the majority vote, you will still earn the right to redeem your honor and reclaim your birthright,' Elder Selezark smiled and gestured for the Senate members to record the decision. 'The matter of the Narrak, Lord Atticus and Lady Gisellia's investigation will be formally addressed after the burial ceremony.'

'This is madness, Selezark! You defy the rules!'

'I will take responsibility for his actions, Zephrey. He is a warrior grown and is very much astute. He will not disappoint,' Elder Selezark narrowed his gaze at Elder Zephrey, and the old warrior retreated his protests.

'And you Andreas Duranté Rossi will return to Izavia to formerly uptake your responsibility as Vassal of House Rossi and reunite your clan to join as one with the remaining Aldari clans.' Elder Xypherius decreed.

'Indeed I will, your Grace,' Andreas bowed his head in agreement, and the pure rage his friend exuded quietened .

Elder Xypherius appeared at Andreas' side briefly. 'His darkness is nearing the time to awaken, and it is devouring his memories; watch over him carefully,' He warned Andreas and departed.