Chapter 76 : Facing the Council's Disapproval
Aiden stood straight and tall before the long stone table, hands clasped behind his back to hide their trembling. Torches flickered in iron sconces along the rough chamber walls, casting wavering golden light over the five Elders gazing sternly down at him.
"Aiden of the Northern Forests," intoned Elder Wymond, his deep voice echoing in the cave-like chamber. "You stand accused of seducing the Lady Isolde, firstborn daughter and heir of the High Tower. This forbidden and treasonous affair threatens delicate peace between the realms. Have you anything to say in your defense?"
Drawing a steadying breath, Aiden raised his chin.
"Elder Wymond and members of this revered Council, I did not seduce Lady Isolde through any deceit or coercion. Our affection bloomed through shared confidences during a time of tentative peace negotiations. My Lady chose to give her heart after seeing into mine, finding me worthy. Our souls called across factions, beyond ancient divisions."
Elder Titania's musical voice broke in sharply. "You overstep your station to imply your soul bears equal weight to an heir of the High Tower. She is destined to rule. You remain a humble forest dweller without lands or noble lineage."
The surrounding Elders murmured agreement, their jeweled finery glinting as they nodded. Aiden's jaw tightened.
"Perhaps without lofty lineage, but not without honor or honest love. Lady Isolde saw me clearly, yet still gave freely of her heart..."
"Silence!" Elder Wymond's fist crashed onto the stone tabletop. "How dare you still claim to know the Lady's mind or heart after your vile bewitchment!"
The torchlight flickered wildly, elongating the Elders' already grotesque shadows along the rough walls. Aiden felt his pulse quickening but kept his stance firm and voice steady.
"I make no sorcerer's claim, only speak plain truth. Lady Isolde and I met without artifice and chose to wed in sacred rites. We now live peacefully to the north beyond High Tower rule. If our disappeared presence troubles this Council, I offer humblest apologies."
He bowed low before the glowering Elders, hoping to appease their indignation. Silence hung heavier than the musty chamber air.
At length Elder Titania spoke, ice edging her dulcet tones. "Your disappearance with our sovereign's sole heir has indeed deeply troubled the entire kingdom. We have tolerated High Tower rule for ages without open war, trusting in their ancestry and wisdom. Now you risk crumbling that uneasy peace by stealing away their prize successor!"
Aiden winced inwardly at this callous assessment but maintained an impassive expression under the Council's harsh scrutiny.
"I sought not to steal away a prize, my lady Elder, but win a wife. Our union was consecrated by mutual consent, not coercion."
Elder Wymond slammed the stone table again. "Lies!" he thundered. "As if the Lady Isolde would lower herself to join with a rough forest stray! You have bewitched her senses somehow to serve your coarse ambitions."
The younger Elder Branton leaned forward, long auburn braids swinging forward. His hazel eyes glinted steely in the torchlight as they bored into Aiden's.
"Can you offer any proof this fanciful marriage was the Lady's own choice? For your sake, pray it appears so. Our parliament has little patience for those who threaten delicate alliances upholding a generation's peace. Dire consequences await if we deem this lady's honor unlawfully compromised..."
He left the threat dangling between them like an executioner's axe. Aiden's belly clenched but he ignored it. Breathed deep the musty cavern air. The flickering torches. The minerals glinting in the rocky walls. Steadying realities while fate hung suspended by gossamer tales.
"I have faith the Lady's word and honor may yet sway your hearts, elders, when weighed rightfully against unfounded accusations." His voice rang clearly through the heavy chamber air. Surely truth rang within his words as well?
For long taut moments no one spoke or stirred. Then slowly Elder Wymond rose, torch flames dancing in his narrowed eyes. When at last he spoke, it was with grave finality.
"Very well, bold one. We shall see if your precious lady retains as ardent affection for her forest stray now that rumor of your misdeeds have reached her noble ears. You are forthwith summoned to the Tower to await the Lady's judgment."
Aiden swallowed hard but gave a slight bow. He had known the risk of consequences when wedding Isolde in secret rites. If putting faith in their love meant facing her household and their scorn now, so be it. Some roots grew stronger under adversity's crushing weight after all. He simply prayed his own love could endure such a test.
Squaring his shoulders, he met Elder Wymond's flinty glare evenly.
"I accept your summons and will attend the lady forthwith. I trust her heart has not wavered even amidst other voices whispering poison in her ear. Our shared vows were breath and bone."
The Elder's lip curled derisively but he merely snapped long fingers. At once two guards with pikes barred the doorway.
"Escort this bold knave to the Tower dungeons to await the lady's pleasure. We shall discover soon enough whether pretty poetry nurtures true affection or merely masks passing whims."
The guards took up positions behind Aiden, speartips nudging his back sharply. With a respectful bow which none of the stone-faced Elders returned, Aiden quit the torchlit chamber. The heavy ironbound door slammed hollowly behind him as he followed the guards towards the Tower's distant shadow.
Towards Isolde. Towards judgment of their secret union. Towards fateful revelation whether pretty words and daring possibility proved sturdy enough foundation for true enduring love - or merely rotting timber easily kicked aside once comforts of status reasserted their gentle smothering grip.
Head held high, Aiden marched steadily between the two armed guards towards discovery of which reality awaited within the Tower's impassive stone heights.