hidden and her malicious motives concealed until the right moment. She knew that the only one she had to worry about was him. He seemed to always know everything, but she had taken careful measures to act in such a way that it would not be readily apparent what her intentions were. It was as though he could read her thoughts and divine from his intrusion what a person was plotting even through her mental barriers. She wanted that power to be hers. She just had to be patient to learn all that she needed to in order to move her plans forward.
The guardians gathered together from various parts of Tuwa for the council meeting called by their master. Only Mistress Khalida appeared to have an idea of what the purpose of this gathering was for by the knowing look on her face. They were silent as they waited for the guardian to arrive. Belatedly, Mistress Kana graced the council with her presence after her long trek from the western lands. She nodded to the others as she took her proper place in the circle. Then their master appeared suddenly in their midst. He took on his human form after his spectacular appearance. The rest of the council followed his lead and transformed themselves into similar forms. A massive circular table appeared in their midst with seven granite-looking chairs. The guardian took his seat and bade the other to sit down so that they could begin.
No one spoke as they waited for their leader to begin the meeting. The air about them seemed to be alive with some form of raw pulsating power. Crackling noises could be heard around them as they sat patiently around the massive table. All eyes were directed toward their master in anticipation of what he would say. Clouds began to form ominously overhead, and sounds of thunder ripped through the near silence that had come over the council. An earthshattering boom rang out as he stood to address his faithful ones. Does he always have to be so dramatic? Kana thought as she rolled her eyes.
'We are gathered here to discuss events that are past and that will come to pass,' the guardian said as he began the meeting. 'It has been too long since we have met together, and there has been a recent transgression by someone at this table that must be addressed.' He was careful not to look at the guilty party. He was hoping that she would confess her error and make amends for the trespass. I doubt very much that she will come clean … especially in front of the others.
'Master, tell us who has broken our law,' Lord Neb pleaded. He instantly knew what was being referred to. Someone had commanded his element to do his or her bidding. He thought that it was Mistress Khalida when it happened, so he did not worry about it because she too had the command of water. Now he did not feel that this was the case because she was loyal to their leader and would never do anything to betray his trust.
'My lord, I commanded the wind to bring storm clouds to me so that I could help care for some elf children,' Mistress Kana said apologetically. 'I used my power to force the rain to be unloosed from the clouds to cleanse the needy creatures.' She stood and bowed herself to the council to show her humility and her willingness to accept punishment for her actions. That should catch them off guard. This new direction should work far better than what I had originally planned to do.
'Milady, what was the purpose of your actions?' asked Lord Keb sharply. He had never trusted Kana and had a suspicious feel ing that she was hiding something. This witch is up to something. I know it.
'While traveling amongst the archaic races of the western lands, I came across some travelers who seemed to have lost their way,' she began smoothly. 'They looked like they had had a nasty encounter with some wild beasts in the Black Forest and were still in danger from those foul creatures. Apparently they had picked up the scent of the two elves as they were attempting to flee. I sensed immense good in the two children and knew right away that this couple was vital to the races of Tuwa. So, I intervened in their behalf and drove the vile wolf-like predators off. It was at this time that I caused the rain to come to cleanse them of the impurity left by their encounter.' She felt triumphant as she looked at the accepting looks from the council. These fools will believe anything!
The master of the council immediately knew she was lying, but he did not understand the purpose of the lie. He knew exactly what she had done. He knew that she joined an elf and a man. He knew that by intervening she had altered the future of the lands of Tuwa. What he did not understand was why. What is she after? What does she have to gain from all of this?
'Kana, since you have violated the law forbidding the command of an element not in your stewardship and the law prohibited inferring with the races of Tuwa, you will be banned from the West Land-' the master began to announce her punishment.
'What? Is this a permanent banishment?' Kana asked while trying to remain calm. She knew that her lord was more than able to restrain her from going into the West Land. She could not allow this to happen. She had to think of something quick or all would be lost.
'No, it is only for the time it will take me to undo what you have done.' He had a blank look on his face that did not reveal what he was really thinking. Let's see what she thinks of that.
'Master, I should be the one to undo the damage that I have caused. I am responsible for what has happened, and I should be the one to reverse the damage done. Please allow me to make amends for my wrongdoing. You may choose whomever you want to accompany me on this charge.' She knew whom he would send and knew that she could easily control him. Hopefully he allows me to do this; otherwise all is lost.
'Keb, you will accompany the transgressor on this task. You will report your progress to Mistress Khalida on a regular basis. It may take some time to redress the wrongs that have been committed, Kana,' he admonished sternly. He gave Keb a piercing gaze that held him transfixed. It was as if he were communicating something very important through that look. I do not like the look of that silent communication, thought Kana. She hid her concern from the others so the guardian would end his lecture.
'I will do as thou hast commanded, my master,' replied the lord of the earth. He felt equal to the task with the knowledge given to him from the guardian. His lord had also given him a stern warning about the probable treachery of Kana through their wordless communication.
'Then you agree to allow me to repent of my wrong doing?' Kana humbly asked.
'Yes, you are right about one thing, Kana; you alone will pay for what you have done. Know this, if you attempt to deceive me again, you will feel the full extent of my displeasure. I will not tolerate disobedience and lies. I do not fully understand the purpose of your actions, but make no mistake, I will find out.' He showed no emotion as he spoke. The air about crackled and snapped with immense power. He seemed to be radiating massive amounts of energy as he stood imperiously at the head of the council.
'I will not lie or betray you again, master. I will only do what you have commanded me to do and no more. With Lord Keb at my side, you can rest assured that I will not stray again. Please forgive me, master.' She bowed again and held that position awaiting his approval.
'You are forgiven. Remember, do not fail me again. I will be watching.' His eyes were fixed on Kana in a way that made it clear that he did not believe her fallacious story at all. He was allowing her to find redemption or condemnation through her actions. He would be watching her, so she must be on her guard at all times.
'Of course you will. I will take your leave then.' She stood erect now as she waited for Lord Keb to arise and join her for their immediate departure.
Keb stood and transformed himself into a misty brown substance. He moved effortlessly to the side of Kana. She too changed her appearance to mirror the earth lord. They rose silently into the air until they reached a strong westward wind current, and then they were gone. Silence fell once more as the council sat there watching them go. All eyes returned to meet the gaze of their master. They had a feeling that these events were the beginning of hard times for everyone and everything in Tuwa. They could sense it from the elements around them. They could also see the worry in their leader's eyes.
'Ladies Hilzarie and Necia, please monitor the border between the east and the west. I am concerned that the druids may get involved and that will only make matters worse. Do not allow any to cross into our lands,' he said in a commanding voice. 'Leave now. I sense the change caused by our dear Kana beginning to take hold, and it is already having an adverse affect on the western lands. We must be vigilant.' They immediately transformed and took off like a bolt of lightning. They all felt a sense of urgency to reach their destination without another moment's delay.
'Lord Neb, please patrol the Blaine River and the other major waters of the West Land. I need you to be my eyes and ears. Please report anything and everything directly to me without delay. Do not overlook anything. We must be prepared for what is to come.' He did not hide his concern in his voice. He completely trusted Neb because of his immense wisdom and great power. He knew that he could rely on him to be faithful in this charge.
'It will be my pleasure, master. I will go now to find out what I can. I will send my messages through the
