Chapter 24

Judgment of the Council

- For the wisdom of the young surpasses the old, and the old, only that of the dead -

"Let us begin then," said Lord Damon, with an outstretched hand. "A testing has been undertaken. The boy stands before us awaiting verdict. Let us now judge accordingly."

At that moment, Felix strode across the circular room and held a similar device Thonavar had seen him use in the Courtroom of Justice. It was a micro-chip of some kind that allowed images to be captured and replayed. Felix held his palm out into the air and a blue shaft of light pierced down suddenly, enveloping his palm before focusing on the microchip.

Thonavar watched as the chip floated up into the air. And somehow expanded into an image. A multi-dimensional image formed before their eyes, with each person in the room being able to see a flat screen. Although he had seen it before, he still marveled at this miracle that science had managed to achieve.

"Begin the review", rasped an old wizened man, a hint of impatience in his voice.

Images started forming upon the screen and Thonavar shook his head. The memories returned to him and slowly, as the images flashed before his eyes, he began to recall his harrowing experience in the dreamscape. While inside the dreamscape, for some strange reason, he had no idea as to who he was and of what purpose for which he existed. The thought of being nameless and utterly lost in a world that only existed in his mind was a bleak one.

From the shivering of the blond-haired Jolom Stalheim to the look of fear from the black-haired Dorolore Malaire, Thonavar guessed that the testing had taken a toll on them as well.

His gaze flickered from the floor to the moving images on the screen before him. For an instant, the moving images on screen caught his eye and he saw himself falling from a great height. He landed on his leg and watched as the bone protruded from his calf. Still, he managed to drag himself toward a large golden candelabra positioned at the end of the room. The Thonavar that existed in the dreamscape seemed to be without pain, his expression one of fierce purpose and determination as he staggered toward the golden candelabra, and away from the nightmare darkness that followed just inches behind.

Was that really me?

Feeling nauseous, Thonavar looked outside the clear glass behind the council.

"Thonavar Ironhand!"

Thonavar snapped open his eyes, jolted out of his reverie by a harsh shout from someone. He looked about. The playback had ended. Felix stood nearby, flanked by the two dark-cloaked verifiers. A bull-necked council member glared at him imperiously, nostrils flaring. Thick veins circled his neck and traced across his forearms which were the size of cannons. He flexed and re-flexed his arms and Thonavar noted how the tendons in each arm twitched violently. Thonavar could not help but size him up.

"I do not like this boy much. His mind is elsewhere. He does not understand what it means to be here", said the bull-necked man, peering down at Thonavar.

Then he addressed Thonavar directly. "It is clear you show absolutely no regard for the council and its commands. Your irreverence is persistently blatant. Fix it, lest I fix it for you."

But Thonavar would have none of it. He spoke, and when he spoke, he addressed the whole room.

"It seems that you wish for all who stand before you to be as docile as deer and silent as mice. I do not however regard these as impressive qualities in candidates selected by the order."

The bull-necked man’s face turned visibly red and his eyes widened in anger.

"Why, you arrogant pup", he began. "I will teach you a lesson in -…".

"The boy is shaken", interjected Lord Damon, amused. "Perhaps he needs time to gather his thoughts. I would not be so hard on him Lord Beefheart."

"Make no attempt to defend this boy. He is insolent", said the ice-cold woman, staring at Thonavar contemptuously. Thonavar stared back at her.

"That remains to be seen. The boy is bold indeed. But do not judge so fast Lady Raphina. We still require a vote", observed the wizened old man.

A vote. There were five of them. That meant that he needed three out of five votes to pass.

His heart was beating fast now.

Strangely, apart from the words exchanged between the four council members, Thonavar noticed that the young council member had yet to say a word. Instead, the young man lounged playfully in his seat, eyes gazing at something outside the window. He did not seem interested at all.

"Then let us vote and waste no more time on this pup", said the bull-necked Lord Beefheart loudly, slamming a fist on his armrest.

"Very well", said Lord Damon, clasping his hands tightly together. He turned to speak to Thonavar.

"It a matter of tradition that the council vote to approve candidates slected to join the Angerius Order – an order responsible for the preparation of a select few for purposes unique to the needs of the realm. For this reason, you have been tested. And now, you will be judged. There are currently five council members. As such, you will require three votes in your favour to proceed Should you fail to obtain three votes, you shall leave this chamber and return to the city. We shall begin in order of seniority. We start with the eldest member of the Angardian Council", and Lord Damon gestured to the wizened old man sitting in the center chair.

"I bring you Lord Daniell Ramonth, King of Staff and Stave, foremost Lord of the Angardian Council, sole advisor to Genevar Winterbourne, governor of the realms of HavenGuarde."

Lord Damon bowed and retreated into his seat.

The wizened old man stood from his chair for the first time and Thonavar’s eyes widened in shock. The transformation was startling. Slowly standing to his feet, the man’s motion was startlingly fluid and graceful, betraying nothing of his age. The many lines and grey hairs on his face seemed to disappear but Thonavar knew that it was his imagination playing tricks on him. The wizened man strode to stand in front of the Lord of Blades who suddenly seemed to take less prominence. Thonavar felt the hairs on his forearms prickle as Lord Ramonth took his place before him. Lord Ramonth eyes seemed to glaze as he looked directly at Thonavar. The power of the man was suddenly evident and Thonavar suddenly felt a sliver of fear. He seemed to be a man many years younger, full of wisdom and brimming with vitality.

"Greetings, young Thonavar", he spoke gently, his voice old and wise, like the groaning of ancient trees in the wind. "You are an interesting boy."

"Replay", commanded Lord Ramonth. Blue light flashed downward, enveloping the microchip which suspended in the air and a multi-dimensional screen fizzled into being once more. As the playback began, Lord Ramonth spoke calmly but loud enough for all to hear.

"Years ago, I led the first council in founding the Angerius Order. The order exists for one purpose only. And that is for the preservation and protection of our beloved city. The city of HavenGuarde. The order developed the testing as a means of assessing potential candidates. And, with the help of the Scientists, a place within the dreamscape was carved out for candidates to be tested."

Lord Ramonth paused, and closed his eyes for a moment. Then he spoke again.

"A testing is designed to test one’s natural strength and ability in what is termed a memory vacuum. Without memory, emotions taught from past experience are removed from the equation, distilled, you might say, or filtered away. For unrefined emotion can certainly cloud judgment, opposing clear and logical decision-making processes. Instead, the experiences are new, and candidates enter the virtual world experiencing hopes and fears for the first time in their virtual lives. It is in this state that candidates best avail themselves to assessors for the identification of natural traits, personality, strengths and weaknesses."

Again, Lord Ramonth paused, closing his eyes in the same manner before speaking again.

"Indeed, a testing will reveal much more than this but also the desires and attitudes of the heart, as well as measure the long-suffering power of your will. These are all qualities which can be tremendously important. Sometimes, more important than physical strength or skill, for such can be trumped in the heat of battle."

Lord Ramonth paused once more, but this time, he stared at the floor. Strangely, Thonavar felt as though this comment was directed at someone other than him.

Lord Ramonth continued. And this time he raised his eyes to address Thonavar directly.

"Five red flames burning amidst the gold", said Lord Ramonth simply. Thonavar blinked. "Five red flames burning amidst the gold", said the foremost Lord of the council again.

"I was surprised and quite impressed with your performance in the room lit by a thousand candles. That simulated projection was designed to test the might of one’s resolve under growing pressure in the form of a threat - the threat to one’s very existence. For to accomplish the task before the devouring darkness utterly consumed all required a series of repetitive feats that were mentally and physically draining ", said Lord Ramonth, his voice rising in volume for the first time.

"The fierce determination you displayed pushed your mind to think of an ingenious method to ascend. Indeed, your method involved utilising the candelabra table to scale the wooden beams and, in doing so, reach the uppermost beam where the candles lit with the orange flames hovered, suspended in the air."

"Thank you Lord Ramonth", said Thonavar.

"Now, I could tell you that if you had explored the room more thoroughly you would have found the walls easy to walk upon and the roof as well. I could also tell you of the invisible stairway at the left side of the room but you were resourceful and developed your own way of using your environment to your advantage. But time was of the essence and it was the sheer power of your indomitable will that forced your weary body onwards, upwards and then downwards and then upwards all over again until the task was completed."

Upon hearing Lord Ramonth’s words, a warm feeling began to grow inside of Thonavar. His ears burned in embarrassment for he seldom received praise from anyone, let alone in such a kind and astute manner.

"And so", continued Lord Ramonth, pronouncing his verdict for all to hear. "May the strength of your unshakeable will serve you well in the days to come. For I am pleased to recommend you to the Angerius Order."

Thonavar felt surge of happiness flood through him and clenched his fists triumphantly. But there was also a tinge of relief.

"Thank you Lord Ramonth. I am honoured to receive your recommendation."

"It would seem that the boy knows his manners."

Thonavar saw Lady Raphina roll her eyes and Lord Beefheart scowling. He knew that he was unlikely to receive their votes.

After he had finished speaking, Lord Ramonth move back to his seat. But before he resumed his seat, he paused, turning to stare out the window, a distant look in his eye.

"How strange", whispered Lord Ramonth to himself, although his voice was audible enough for everyone to hear. "As I watched you during the playback, it became apparent to me that you remind me of someone. But that was a very, very long time ago."

His voice trailed off.

With that, the King of Staff and Stave resumed his seat. His eyes simmered back into a dull stare and the wizened old man became silent. The room plummeted once more into an icy quiet.

For a moment, there was not a single movement and Thonavar was amazed at the effect created. It was as if they whole room had become frozen. And it seemed time itself had stopped.

Suddenly, with a dramatic whirl of black robes, Lord Damon stood to his feet, and the room unfroze once more. The Lord of Blades moved to the center again and spoke. "Lord Ramonth has given his vote for the boy", he confirmed.

"I now bring you Lady Raphina Semyasha, the Lady of the Hunt, and Head of the Templarave. Lady Raphina", said Lord Damon, turning to face her. "It would please the council if you could now give your verdict", he boomed.

Thonavar froze. Lord Damon was speaking to the only woman who sat in the council. The woman with the ice-blue diamond eyes.

At Lord Damon’s request, Lady Raphina rose slowly from her seat of plush red, smiling haughtily at Thonavar as she swayed down the steps to stand a few feet away in front of him. Then and there, Thonavar decided that he disliked the woman, and that this dislike would be permanent.

"Child", she taunted him. "Do not be heartened by Lord Ramonth’s confidence in you. I certainly share not in his assessment of your…abilities", she almost spat the last word.

Thonavar’s fist clenched and unclenched and he fought to control his rising anger. He looked at Lord Ramonth for assurance but the wizened man paid him no heed but simply stared into space. He looked at Felix but as expected, the man completely ignored him. No comfort would be sought.

"I thank you Lord Damon for your introduction, but I am afraid that it is lost upon this child. For he appreciates not the value of a title nor knows the respect owed and accorded to such a name."

Thonavar swallowed the outburst that was about to flow from his lips and stared defiantly at her. Lady Raphina stared back at him before speaking slowly and precisely.

"He is but a child and yet his inability to control his emotion remains blatantly obvious to the naked eye. He shall be a most reckless pupil of the order, that is, if he is allowed to become one", she said icily. She paused for a while, her face in frown. Then she spoke again, almost reluctantly.

"Contrary to what your Lordships think, his performance in the testing was somewhat…unremarkable. I shall not entertain the possibility of an inadequate and incompetent pupil of our order. He shall not have my vote. That is all."

"With due respect Lady Raphina. There is little merit to your decision. You do not refer at all to his actions in the dreamscape", said Lord Damon.

Without looking at him, Lady Raphina answered him coldly.

"I am entitled to my own decision Lord Damon, as do the rest of the council. That is all."

With that, she spun on her heel and walked back up the steps to her chair and Thonavar was left with a sinking feeling in his heart. Lord Damon turned back to Thonavar.

"I regret to inform you will not receive Lady Raphina’s vote", said the Lord of Blades. "But I shall now pass my own judgment."

With hands clasped before him, Lord Damon took center stage once more, black robes swirling around him. He walked slowly, albeit with grace, down the steps and to stand before Thonavar.

He smiled reassuringly and his face became creased with a multitude of lines, some of which crisscrossed and intersected. However, standing so close to him now, Thonavar saw that not all were age lines but instead, many small scars from previous wounds on Lord Damon’s face. The tall, thin and gaunt form of Lord Damon had seen much punishment and Thonavar could only wonder who possessed the skill to inflict such injury upon the man. Thonavar had seen him deflect Alberoth’s blade with but a mere finger at the courtroom of justice during his hearing. The man radiated an aura of awesome skill and a calmness that Thonavar could not quite describe. He moved slowly and never in a rush. His movements were always measured and in time with everything around him.

A true master.

"Thonavar", said Lord Damon, "allow me to explain certain things to you. The testing you have undertaken forces you to participate in an artificially-constructed projected reality designed to test capabilities and intuitive abilities."

"An artificial reality? So, my experiences were all in my mind?"

"Yes, exactly. You were lying in your chair. But your mind was in a different place."

"I see."

"Now the projection is fluid, reacting to individual choice and action. Each candidate that enters the reality constructed by the projection may have an experience different from others. However, beyond these things, the projection is also designed to test your resolve, that is, individual determination to press on and fight to achieve your goal. But to what extent are you able to do this? To find out, the projection constructed a series of challenges to test you."

He paused for a moment. But Thonavar was listening intently, his mind already replaying the scenes in his head.

"The first challenge before you was that of the white woman. This challenge is designed to test if an individual is able to avoid an emotional response. The white woman made it clear to you, Thonavar, that the only way to cross the bridge before you, would be to throw her from the bridge and then proceed to pass freely. Would you be determined enough to do such a thing? Could you find the resolve to overcome an emotional response to cross the bridge? Emotion is tied to one’s subjective perception of relative morality. Can individual will override moral obligation? This was the test."

The memory hit Thonavar with the force of a sledgehammer.

He had killed her.

"Override moral obligation? But I did not push her from the bridge."

"Yes, you did not."

"I see."

He had failed then.

A woman stood in the middle of the narrow pathway. She was staring at Thonavar and her white robes fluttering behind her gave her an unearthly quality, like a ghost. She was pale and gaunt.

"If you intend to cross, you must kill me", said the woman sadly.

"How so?" asked Thonavar. "Why must I kill you? We can both cross together."

"Nay child. I am bound to this bridge. And there is only room for one person. You must push me off."

"I will not do such a thing", said Thonavar, his eyes wide with shock.

"Then you cannot cross and will be stuck here for all eternity", she said, almost mockingly. "Come do what you must."