ChapterThirteen: High Council Heralds

March 13th - 4 Days Before Festival

Sunny slept soundly but woke up after only a few hours of sleep. She had dreamed vividly of places and people she had never seen. She had also had vivid dreams of Nicodemus Fury! She surfaced from that dream with her body responding to his touch, and his lips moving over her skin like warm moist velvet. Sunny sat up and looked around to see if Bracken was in the room. The Watcher was nowhere to be seen, and his favorite tee shirt was rolled up at the end of the bed. She lay back and sighed into the soft cotton folds. "Why is this happening now?" Sunny thought, "Was it because he was near?" She rose and dressed quickly, the feelings of her dream clung to her, and she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror and saw the effects still visible in her pink cheeks and the dreamy look in her eyes.

She sighed heavily at her reflection and then took a closer look in the mirror. "What is wrong with you!" she asked her reflection. "He is old enough to be your grandfather!" She frowned. But this dream version of Nicodemus Fury was young and virile. She had trouble keeping a clear image of Fury whenever he was in her company. It was as if the images of two men were floating over each other. An older Fury was hovering over a much younger Fury! "It was only a dream!" she whispered, pushing away from the wash basin. She opened the bathroom door and was startled by the Watcher. Bracken was perched on the hall table just outside the bathroom. She glared at him. "What are you watching, Brat!" she growled at him.

Bracken rolled his big basset hound eyes at her and giggled. He jumped off the table and loped downstairs casting a mischievous look over his shoulder. Sunny smiled too and followed him downstairs. When she entered the kitchen, she found Fiona, Tully, and Nicodemus sitting around the kitchen table. In the center of the table were several stacks of old Dannan journals. All three were leafing through the pages in search of something. Tully was concentrating on the "dook book" and it was apparent from the frowns they all wore; that they were not finding anything useful.

Fiona looked up and smiled at Sunny as she walked in. "Good morning Sunny,"

"Good morning everyone," Sunny said. She avoided making eye contact with Fury. She headed straight to the stove to pour herself a cup of coffee. She held the pot up, "Anyone else like another cup?"

Tully nodded and rose from his chair, "Aye, I think I have one last cup before I head out."

"What are you looking for?" Sunny asked as she sat down in the chair Tully had just vacated.

Nicodemus lifted his eyes from the page he was studying to look at Sunny. He saw the odd look she gave him. She was seeing something more around him than she should. He reinforced the glamor he cast over himself, and she dropped her gaze to her coffee cup. He closed the journal and set it on top of the stack to his left. "We're looking for any mention of a full moon during a festival."

"If you find anything - is it significant?" Sunny asked. She looked at him again. This time she saw only the older Fury sitting in the kitchen with her.

"Possibly," Nicodemus answered, "Possibly not. If anything had occurred out of the ordinary, it will be in the Dannan's journals." 

Sunny was about to question further when there was a sharp rapping on the front door. They all looked first at one another and then toward the sound of the knocking.

"No chance it's another visit from Shade?" Sunny asked.

"No," Nicodemus replied. He frowned when there was another insistent rap on the door.

"I'll go," Sunny replied and went off to see who it was. 

Nicodemus rose and followed a few steps behind her. She opened the front door and found a young man dressed in a homespun shirt and a pair of brown trousers. He had a worn leather satchel with a long strap slung around his shoulder and across his chest. He reached in and drew out a folded piece of heavy parchment paper with a dark red wax seal. "I am here to deliver an invitation to the Dannan," he announced.

"She's in the kitchen, will you come in?" Sunny told him.

He stepped into the hall and Sunny turned to go get Fiona. "You are Siobhan O'Neil?

She stopped and looked over her shoulder at the messenger. "I am," she answered. He looked at the paper in his hand, transferred it to his other hand, reached into his satchel, and brought out a second folded parchment with a black wax seal.

"Then this is for you," he extended the paper with the black wax seal and ribbons.

Sunny started to reach out to take the paper when Nicodemus appeared at her side and lightly took hold of her wrist, "Before you accept it; the invitation is to attend the High Council, and you will be committed to acting as the Dannan." She met his dark gaze and for several heartbeats, his glamor shattered! Both of them were startled by what they felt and saw! Fury released her and moved away. Sunny blinked her eyes rapidly. Something was wrong with her eyes - they must be playing tricks on her! How could this constantly happen? 

The young man bowed deeply, "Rom Baro."

"Of the Lightfoot clan?" Nicodemus asked. Sunny suddenly felt uncomfortable and moved away from the herald and inched closer to Fury.

The young man nodded and smiled pleasantly. "I am Gregory Lightfoot, Rom Baro."

"Your father; he is well?" Nicodemus asked. He positioned himself protectively between the herald and Sunny. Despite feeling conflicted about his feelings and attraction to Sunny, he also felt compelled to protect her. He moved closer to her, and she glanced at him, instinctively taking hold of his sleeve. This action quickened his pulse!

"Aye, he is well," Gregory answered. "Thank you for asking."

Fiona came into the hallway and Gregory held up the first sealed letter, "This is for you, Dannan."

She stepped up and took the envelope, "Thank you, Gregory."

Gregory bowed then looked at Sunny again quizzically, extending the sealed parchment to her, "Do you accept?"

Fiona gasped when she saw the black wax seal. Nicodemus looked at Sunny and nodded at the envelope Lightfoot held out to her. "The black seal from the High Council is usually spell-protected so only you should accept." 

Sunny looked at Gregory and then down at the paper in his hand. The boy smiled, "I wouldn't worry,"

"Oh?" Sunny murmured uneasily, "Why do you say that?"

Gregory shrugged his shoulders lightly, "I think you would be pretty much immune to any council spell since you can spell cast even better than the cartographers in the High Council—and across the divide." He extended it to Sunny with a grin. She paused only for a moment then took the envelope. Gregory sketched a bow to all in the hallway, "Good day to you all."

Sunny closed the door and turned the packet over in her hands, examining the wax seal that secured the heavy parchment paper.

Nicodemus glanced at the sealed paper in Sunny's hands, "It has been a long time since a first daughter was sitting at the High Council table."

"Not since my mother's time," Fiona murmured. She looked at Sunny, "I'm sorry dear, but this is one of the functions the High Council will require you as first daughter to attend."

"Whether you assume your place or not -- they are going to at least have the appearance that you are in that role," Nicodemus told Sunny, then nodded to the invitations, "Interesting that even after the display last evening they would still extend the invitation."

 "The High Council has always been displeased with Mother since Colleen's defection," Fiona replied. "They haven't been able to be a reckoning force for many many years."

Sunny frowned at her, "It wasn't your fault that your sister was afraid."

Nicodemus arched an eyebrow at her. "And you? Are you afraid of the potential obligations?"

 "Of course, I'm scared silly," Sunny said, "Only a fool wouldn't be!"

 "Good answer!" Tully declared as he strolled into the hallway to see what was keeping them from rejoining him in the kitchen.

Sunny held the heavy paper up to the light trying to see what was inside. "So, what exactly is it that I'm being invited to do?"

"You'll sit at the high table during the meeting of the council," Fiona replied. "With you there it will make them look united and strong again."

"There will sure be some on the council who will attempt to use this focus of power to manipulate the others to vote their way," Nicodemus replied.

"Then we'd best get Sunny familiarized with the High Council," Fiona said grimly. She looked to Tully, "You can help us do that."

They returned to the kitchen and sat once more around the kitchen table. Tully poured another cup of coffee and added a generous splash of cream. "There is not much that I can tell other than to say that you will need to be very careful and try not to be the deciding vote if you can help it."

Sunny set the parchment envelope on the table, propped it up against the honey pot, and studied the script. "How many are on the council?" Sunny asked.

"Traditionally, twelve," Fiona replied.

 "There are two chosen representatives from each of the four clans," Tully replied, "The Dannan makes nine; there are two from the Partholan and the Morrigan."

"Who from the Partholan sits on the High Council?" Sunny wanted to know.

Fiona looked to Nicodemus, "Who sits this season?"

"I had not heard," Nicodemus replied shrugging his shoulders eloquently. "I was not at court when it was announced."

Tully angled a sharp look at Nicodemus, "One could say that you have not been at court to hear much of anything."

Nicodemus chuckled and flashed a grin that was reminiscent of Bracken's feral snarl, "It is much safer that way."

Tully scoffed at Fury then looked over at Sunny, "Sitting this season is Ester Aven and her sister, Leah; two of the lesser cousins of the king."

Nicodemus sniffed haughtily. "Slim pickings, indeed."

 "Without being awakened Sunny will have no more power than I would have," Fiona said. "It will be for appearances only."

"For some, that will be enough," Nicodemus said. "Coupled with last night's antics and the tales embroidered upon by those witnessing it, the High Council will have all the 'assumed' power it needs."

"It sounds all very political to me," Sunny replied with a critical frown directed at Nicodemus.

Fury flicked a hand in the air as if shooing a fly. "It is all about leverage, but I have the feeling your installation is more to test you for weaknesses in character."

Sunny frowned. She felt insulted by the critical attention being directed at her and her family.

Tully chuckled and patted Sunny's shoulder, "I would not worry lass --- just level a hard look in their direction and they will think you are calling the whole bleeding Mach'Ca tribe down!"

Nicodemus scoffed at Tully. Sunny frowned at the word, "Who?"

"Orion and his tribe," Nicodemus said. He smiled at the image he was imagining. Sunny grinned at Tully. The blacksmith seemed to be buoyant and jovial in spirit even in the face of adversity.

Nicodemus sobered then and a frown settled once again over his features. "We do not have much time to prepare you," he told Sunny, "The High Council convenes in three days."

Fiona sighed heavily. "The High Council are all members of the Nemed; they are the high-born of Nu'Ada and of the tribes here. They come to hear petitions, settle disagreements and binding contracts, and the like. They also draw the names of the families who will return to Nu'Ada until the next gathering."

"Each member is usually a ruling lord or lady in the provinces of Nu'Ada," Fury explained, "Those on this side of the Arch are respected members of the tribes and their chieftains."

"I believe that even before Sunny makes her appearance on the High Council," Fiona said, "I think we should get the rite of succession out of the way. How quickly do you think we can get witnesses together?"

"Tully and I can act as two of the seven witnesses," Fury said looking to Tully for agreement. The blacksmith nodded, "I am sure that Rainbow, Griffin, Bishop, and Rowan will stand witness."

"Let's do it this evening," Fiona said, "I'll have everything ready."

Tully drained his cup and set it on the counter, "Then I'm off!" he declared, "I've got a few stops and while I'm out, I'll speak to the others."

Fiona nodded. and she looked to Nicodemus, "Shall we continue going through the journals?"

"I believe we have exhausted the trail here," Fury said, "I will put Sudhene on looking through the other journals in Tara'Nechtan. That will keep him properly occupied."

"What do I need to do today?" Sunny asked.

 "You could come with me," Tully said. "I can tell you more about the proceedings of the High Council and whatever else comes to mind."

Sunny nodded and looked to Fiona for permission. Fiona deferred to Fury, and he gave his permission with a nod. "She will be relatively safe with Tully – as long as she does not end up in the pub!"

 Sunny sent Fury a defiant glare his way, "I hope we do!" she cheered. "Let's plan on it."

Fiona started to scold her for being rude. Fury dismissed it with a flick of his hand. Fiona waved them off. "Very well," she said, "I'll expect to see you both by teatime."

Tully grinned over at Sunny and crooked his arm, "Shall we, milady?"

Sunny chuckled and looped her arm through Tully's, and they marched out through the kitchen door.

Outside, Sunny pulled on her rubber boots and followed Tully into the woods. They strolled along the trail for a few minutes in comfortable silence, and then the blacksmith looked over at her, "So I can hear those wheels churnin'! What would you like to know?"

She thought for a moment then drew a deep breath, "Well I'd like to know what Jacob Fury was so angry about – I read in Siobhan's journal that he continued to refuse to take the medicine. She finally forced it on him, and he got better, but he was so angry with her that he would have nothing to do with her from that moment on."

Tully glanced into the trees for a second then shook his head mournfully. "I wish I knew," he replied softly, "But no one ever really knew what was wrong."

"He never explained?" Sunny wanted to know.

"No," Tully said, "He just simply withdrew."

"Seems odd," she replied. "She saved his life and his son's too – why would that be so terrible?"

 "Aye," Tully said. There was a pause then he sighed heavily. "Jacob removed himself from everyone even Nicodemus. Except for his daughter, Brianna – they remained close up to the day he passed."

"Do you think the High Council will be satisfied with Aunt Fiona once the rite of succession is performed?"

"There are some who will never be satisfied," Tully answered. "There are those who feel the geis was permanently damaged when Colleen defected and can never be put to rights."

"Can that be proven?" Sunny asked. "Even Nicodemus said the wards were strong."

"Aye, he did. Only he would know." Tully said with a sigh, "But with each generation that goes by without a first daughter as the Dannan; the geis does get weaker and all it would take is for a Ne'Median strong enough to push through the wards."

"What do you mean, only he would know," Sunny asked. "How would he know?"

Tully huffed as he thought of Fury. "My girl, that is not my story to tell. I should not have mentioned Nicodemus' past. You know the dealings he has are shadowy at best."

"It sounds like he knows more than he letting on," Sunny guessed. "I think it's sort of strange that he shows up just at the right time and place."

Tully chuckled. "Well, he does have his spies everywhere, and they are surprisingly loyal to him."

"Does he know anyone who might be strong enough to challenge the wards?" Sunny asked.

Tully stopped and looked into Sunny's deep green eyes which were dark with concern. "I believe we both know who would attempt to breach the wards. With the right motivation, he would perhaps succeed! His name is, Kaderyn Sa'Lesi."

"And who is that?" Sunny wanted to know.

"He is a Da'ark Sorcerer and the imperial general of the Ne'Median army," Tully replied.

"You mean dark as in black magic?" Sunny guessed.

"It is a different kind of power," Tully said. "There is a natural magic in the world, the kind that the healers use – like the Dannan's powers. But Da'ark magic is a very ancient, very powerful, and in some ways an indifferent kind of magic."

"Is it evil?" Sunny wanted to know.

"It simply is," Tully answered. "When it is manipulated, then it becomes evil."

"Do you think I'm evil?" Sunn asked.

"No," Tully answered emphatically. "But I think you have had contact with someone or something of a Da'ark nature. I do not know who that was or how, but you have."

Sunny felt a shiver race up her back. "How could I have? I've just been in Ballencoo a few weeks, and only just found out about the geis, much less than know anything about this creepy kind of dark stuff!"

Tully glanced over at her. "Fiona can explain what she has learned during her time as Dannan. When you assume the role of Dannan, you will know everything."

Sunny still felt uncertain but instead of dwelling on additional problems, she focused on Kaderyn. "Could this Sa'Lesi break through the barrier?"

"I am not sure," Tully answered. "He is very ambitious and would love nothing better than to find a way to breach the wards. I seriously doubt even he would have the brass to try it!"

"Tully; are the wards at risk?" Sunny asked.

Tully smiled grimly, "I wish I could tell you that the wards were secure," They continued down the trail and Sunny felt the ever-increasing feeling of doom spill down her spine and freeze in her stomach. "But they are most vulnerable every time the gates open and as hard as it is to say – without a first daughter, the gates do weaken—even if ever so slightly, they weaken."

"With the full moon coinciding with the opening of the gates does that put a strain on the wards?" Sunny asked.

"That I do not know," Tully replied, "The last time it occurred there was a first daughter as the Danann --- there has never been a time in my memory when the Ne'Medians have ever attempted an attack on the wards,"

"But that doesn't mean they wouldn't try," Sunny replied, "Especially now that there seems to be dissension among the tribes. I don't think that has anything to do with Aunt Fiona or the geis --- but it is a rallying point for the troublemakers."

Tully chuckled and looked admiringly at Sunny, "Aye you are right about that! You have a good head on your shoulders, dearie --- I don't think even Fiona realizes that."

Sunny smiled fondly at Tully and saw that they had reached the trail where they dropped off to pick up the path to the Danann encampment.

"I understand Orion released the horses at sunrise, so things have quieted down," Tully remarked then glanced aside at Sunny, "You know you called him last night, that is something very few can do, awakened or not."

Sunny paused, "I called him? I only remember being very angry that they were blaming Aunt Fiona and calling us cowards."

Tully nodded silently then sighed heavily, "I do not know what will happen; or what your decision will be," he said, "But I am certain you may be the most powerful Dannan ever born. I do not know how you came by it, but you are powerful all on your own. And that could be dangerous."

Sunny scoffed lightly at his statement. "How can you think that? I'm not--."

"Oh, but you are," Tully interrupted. He stopped and faced her, his expression very serious, and for once, since Sunny had met the blacksmith, he looked menacing, "There are too many powerful and dangerous people that are afraid of you and what you are capable of doing. If you were to come into power and remain unallied -- those people would feel vulnerable. I think that is why Nicodemus is so protective of you. Always nearby."

"I can't hide from them forever," Sunny replied. "Eventually I'm going to have to meet whatever comes my way head-on. No matter who is watching over me. No running."

"Only if you were to remain in Ballencoo," Tully told her. "Have you thought about what that means?"

Sunny nodded and glanced down at the toes of her green boots. "I have, and I haven't," she told him. "I am only just beginning to see what it means and even though Aunt Fiona says, I decide to make --- that decision was made for me a long, long time ago."

Tully sighed heavily and stepped over to put an arm around her shoulders. He hugged her, "One step at a time, first the rite of succession, and then we will face whatever comes next."

Sunny smiled at the encouragement, but she knew that she was about to step into a role she had no idea how to manage. While that knowledge scared her it also excited her, and she was looking forward to what came next!