Chapter 2: Decisions

A few hours later

As the chatter died down in the Council Hall, Daugor stood up to address the other Masters.

"Magna Defender, or Gildan if you prefer as is his birth name, has passed away in my chambers", Dagour said with a hint of sadness and anger in his voice, the masters around him seemingly shocked into silence. Dagour cleared his throat; he now had everyone's complete attention

. "We must commence the Tournament of Gruē, a new champion to bear the mantle of, Magna Defender". Dagour said, his deep voice resonating in the room.

"We should alert the nobles of the upcoming tournament so they or their sons may enter immediately.", Councilman Euro stated with a sense of pride.

Dagour sneered in disgust at the comment. How Euro was able to get on the council anyway was a mystery to him. He'd always regarded Euro as an enemy, one who would spoil the tournament if it meant more wealth to himself.

"No! Nobles will not be the only ones allowed to enter this tournament. You know the rules of the Academy, Councilman" replied Councilman Gaxx with a hint of venom in his voice towards his rival.

"Why should the peasantry be allowed to participate in these games of Valor and Honor?", returned Euro in an annoyed voice, he couldn't comprehend how mere peasants could even think of becoming the tournament's champion.

"The peasantry must be allowed equal access to the tournament. Even great warriors can be found among the general public, not just the Nobles", Councilman Kaligun replied with anger apparent in her voice. As one of the few female masters on the council, she was routinely outspoken and belittled. However, Kaligun made up her shortcomings with her ferocity and relentlessness that even made Councilman Euro think twice before arguing with her.

"Enough! Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, please, enough!" Palor, the assistant standing in for Councilman Keelor broke in to end the haughty conversation.

"My Lady couldn't be here today because her children fell ill", said Palor. "I do however know she fully supports the Tournament of Gruē bieng open to all and that is her vote should there be one". Even though he was an assistant, Palor made sure that his voice was heard.

As everyone in the chamber was lost in thought, it was Councilman Yaderl that broke the silence.

"It has been decided. Please have your house assistants and the public messengers begin putting up posters around the planet",

Dagour replied in clear support of Yaderls outspoken opinion. "The Tournament of Gruē wil take place two weeks from now, giving just enough time for the nobility to choose their competitors, and for training to begin. ".

"There will not be a vote on the tournament." She glared into the eyes of Councilman Euro." All will be allowed to participate." Yadrel said coolly to the whole chamber, as if daring anyone to challenge her. Along with Councilwoman Kaligun, Councilwoman Yaderl was very well known for being persistent, and very effective at achieving her goals.

This time it was Grandmaster Daugor who broke the silence in response to Councilman Yaderl.

"You have two weeks." He said, flashing a smile to Yaderl, spinning on his heel he marched out of the council chambers, he had a burial to complete.