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When news of the Exothepobole debacle reached EdenEsonbar, Mihai gathered her available advisors and military commanders to Palace City for a war council. At issue: was the time now come to make a declaration of war against Asotos and his people? Debate was emotional and, at times, heated.
Trisha had been most vocal in arguing for war while Anna had recommended caution. At one point, Trisha delivered particularly scathing commentary on just how dangerous it would be to wait any longer. In response, Anna stood and delivered a biting rebuttal. “You speak of a certainty of victory when it has been revealed by your own words not many days ago that we do not have the needed trained soldiers and equipment to match our foe. Your certainty also extends to believing we are justified in declaring war when we still do not have needed proof that Adelphos is truly responsible for the recent atrocities against our brothers!”
Trisha stood, aghast, slamming her fist on the table. “The whole universe knows full well who is behind the murder of those people! They are beseeching us to right this terrible wrong. From the farthest reaches of the galaxy, they are calling for war, looking to us for leadership! You say history will judge us and the decisions we make. I say, let us be the ones writing that history!” She pointed an accusing finger at Anna. “You have said, ‘we need more time to build up our strength.’ I say that every day we build up ours, Asotos also continues to build up his. What would you have us do? Will our enemy stop gaining in strength and wait on us to catch up?!”
It was Anna’s turn to lose her temper and slam her hands on the table. “A ‘child of a forgotten age’ you have named yourself, and rightly so! You know nothing of war, yet spout off with arrogant ignorance, thinking you are wise like our ancient councilors. Look around and learn some respect when in the company of such elders as are present here today!”
Trisha leaned forward, hands on the table, seething. “The reason we are here today, trying to find a way to save our collective asses, is because of the goddamned wisdom of your ancient counselors! Asotos would have no power at all if you hadn’t gone back to your foolish dreams of yesterday and let him rebuild his armies!”
Anna’s face flushed red in fury. She lifted her fist into the air and began to offer a retort.
“That’s enough, both of you!” Gabrielle scolded. The room silenced and all faces turned toward her. She quietly stood while eyeing first one protagonist and then the other. “The Devil’s work is with us today. A divided people will certainly fall. Anna, where is the wisdom in your speech and reasoning?” Then she eyed Trisha. “And you, field marshal of all the Army, where is your respect for gray-headedness? Shall I recall your mistakes and failures in front of this crowd? Will it win us the victory?”
Both women sheepishly sat down. Gabrielle scanned the room, her smoky-gray eyes burning with intensity, her warning to all harsh and cold. “War is upon us. Whether we choose to bring it or it comes on its own, there will be no stopping it.”
No one spoke.
Satisfied with that response, Gabrielle sat before continuing. “Let me remind you all of what we are doing here. It is not our right to declare the hour for war. Michael sits before us this day and she must decide, for she now stands in the stead of Lowenah. We are but councilors attempting to offer guidance in what is her decision to make.”
Bowing her head low, out of respect for Mihai’s royal authority, Gabrielle addressed her king, “My Lord, you have heard the counsel of your servants. Into your hands we place the verdict. Whatever is the wish of the Court, we shall do.”
Mihai nodded but said nothing. Her heart ached with indecision. She had sought her mother’s permission to be released from position of field marshal, for she no longer wanted to be charged with deciding the death of her soldiers. Now, as king, there was but one decision that must be made, one that would start the wheels of destiny turning, leading to the slaughter and death of millions. The question wasn’t if she should make war, but when, and for what good purpose. Eventually, she stood and addressed the gathering.
“My brothers and sisters, war is coming, of that you can be sure. Please remember this: in all our history we have never declared it; we have weathered it. In the past, it has served our purpose and we have been successful. I fear that to do the same now will lead to disaster. This time, we must strike first!” Looking directly at Trisha, Mihai continued. “What is at issue then is when and, regrettably, for what reason.” She studied the other faces. “I feel that the death of our loved ones at Exothepobole does not satisfy law.”
There was some surprised mumbling, but Mihai waved it down. She explained, “I believe Asotos is behind the murder of those people, just as you do. But I do not believe there is the proof needed should the issue be made in a court of law. Our own law has clearly stated, ‘At the mouth of two or three witnesses, let all things be established’. Is that not so? Yet we have not found even one witness who could prove that Pseudes military was active in the slaughter. Other than Pseudes uniforms being worn by some of the murderous band, we have no other evidence at all - no ships or officers to prove Asotos’ people were involved. Even the survivors at the Marine compound tell us that they only saw Stasis attack them.” Mihai rested her hands on the table and groaned, “In my heart, I know who perpetrated this atrocity. As I live, I know it! But I am afraid the children of future days will demand of us answers and reasons to justify a war declaration, and I don’t feel it is yet in our grasp.” She let out a heavy sigh. “The final decision will be mine. But please, at this time, show me your choice so that I will know with certainty how my counselors feel.” Starting with Trisha, she worked her way around the table.
Trisha drew her dagger from its sheath and, raising it high, drove it point-first into the table’s thick teakwood top. Planetee did the same, showing a little more reserve. Sarah followed with the same action and then Jonathan. Gabrielle requested to pass for the moment, wishing not to influence the others. Paul looked over at the three warriors he very much respected. Expressing deep sadness, he laid his dagger on the table. Anna and the other two counselors had no weapons, but sided with Paul.
All faces turned toward Gabrielle. Four had chosen in favor, four had chosen against. The one-time field marshal and current commander of all the navies now had to break the tie. She pulled her knife out and held it above the table, hesitating while she peered into Mihai’s eyes. Gabrielle carefully studied them, attempting to read what they were saying. After breathless seconds, she slowly lowered the knife and lay it down.
There were audible sighs, some expressing relief and others dismay. Mihai hung her head in thought, pondering what to do. Finally, looking up at others, she addressed the issue. “I shall rest on this matter, and eight days hence I will reveal my decision. Please do not attempt any more contact with me until I seek your faces. You have all served me well and now I must examine things by myself. Should there be new revelations regarding this or other events, my house servants will inform me. I will take all things into consideration.” She turned to her commanding officers. “You may continue to prepare for war, for it will come, and soon. Advance your plans as you see fit, but do not…and let me repeat…but do not make war unless it is in defense. Put all your forces on alert and warn them of possible attacks.”
Mihai thanked everyone for their assistance and dismissed them. Without further discussion or comment, she turned and hurried away to the secret confines of the Upper Palace, seeking solace in the hidden gardens.