Chapter 7

When she was woken by Peppercorn's trilling voice, Poison was aware that something was different. It took her a moment to remember the dream-like encounter she'd had with Aelthar, and when she did, confusion overcame her. How likely was it that any of that happened last night? Was it just some work of fiction her sleeping mind had created, or had it really happened? It felt real, but she would have to wait until she saw Aelthar to know for sure.

"Come on Poison, I'm hungry and you're not even dressed yet." Poison obliged her friend and went to stand, she noticed that her ankle was slightly tender, but that may have been her imagination. She stood up and left the room, this time remembering to grab her robe. After a quick wash in the bath house she dried and grabbed a plain black dress to wear, then she and Peppercorn went down to meet Fleet and Bram for breakfast, they ate quickly because Fleet had informed them of an emergency meeting being called for all Lords and Ladies of the Realms, she had been asked to attend. The others had not, but Poison insisted on taking Anderson, for one thing she didn't want to get lost again, and for another; every other lord and lady had an assistant there, why shouldn't she? Anderson didn't seem to object, and no one tried to stop him entering the meeting hall, so it was a success.

As she entered the hall Poison heard a voice from a platform speak, "Ah. Poison of Gull, you have proved to be most surprising." It was the strangest voice she had ever heard, partly croaked with age, partly alive with youthful interest. It was the voice of the Hierophant. "I have?" Poison enquired,
"Yes, you have." He paused, then allowed a small smile to truly change his features to alive, "I had quite a different plan for you my dear, but you seemed determined to do as you pleased. Well... I won't argue it Poison, if you want to be the new leader of the human race... I support you." With that the entire hall erupted, Aelthar was the loudest protester, Asinistra was hissing her disapproval, even the Trolls were trying to have their say. But Poison was too dumbstruck to speak, for a moment she allowed the shock and fear to wash over her, then she shook it off and felt herself settle into her new role. "I would speak." The shouting did not cease, so she tried again. "I would speak! She got the attention of a few, but none seemed overly concerned about what 'the human' had to say. Irritation overcoming her, Poison walked right up to one of the stacks of benches around the room and began to climb until she stood at least as tall as the Troll king. "I would speak and have you listen!" Hush fell and her eyes were drawn to the black haired girl.

"The Hierophant has spoken, I am the new Lady of the Human realm, it is not to be discussed. I suggest that you all go back to your rooms and talk with your advisers, unless you have more to say... sir?" Poison tried not to show her insecurity in addressing the Hierophant, but he didn't seem to mind, indeed, he just flicked a hand and sent everyone on their way. Poison waited for the floor to be almost empty before attempting to step down from her make-shift stage. She almost toppled but a hand shot out to steady her, "If you're not careful you'll damage that ankle again." Poison was so surprised to hear this that she almost fell right on top of Aelthar, but luckily he was strong enough to support her. "So it wasn't a dream." Aelthar gave her a funny look and simply replied, "Humans..." before leaving her to regain her balance by herself.

She followed Aelthar and Scriddle out, Anderson at her heels, but they were prevented from leaving by the huge Troll king, "Well done in there little Lady; I was impressed, for a human you have a strong spine." Poison smiled and reached to shake his hand,
"Thank you, I hope that I will have at least one ally in my quest for the freedom of my people."
"You do little human, you do." She thanked him and continued on her way, she was stopped a few times by some Lords and Ladies looking to offer their support, mostly because they wanted to spite Aelthar, but many gave her cold hard looks – suggesting she had a long way to go before she was accepted as a legitimate leader.

Rather than going straight back to her rooms, Poison decided to head to the libraries, she found an antiquarian who was pleased to show her around. Her plan was to read the stories of all the major players in the new game she was part of, she would start with Aelthar – that seemed logical. She asked the kind antiquarian if she could take the large tome back to her rooms with her, he didn't mind. Once she arrived in her candlelit room she settled down to read for a few hours. She was so absorbed in the narrative that she didn't move until much later, when a rapping sound roused her from her trance.

"Lady Gull." Scriddle was standing at her door, "Lord Aelthar asks you to join him for a short meeting in his room. He expects you in half an hour." Scriddle turned to leave, but Poison stopped him with a word, "Wait."
"What?" She looked down at the rude little half breed,
"If Lord Aelthar wants to speak to me he may come and join me and my associates tonight for drinks in our lounge, around 8. Otherwise he will have to wait until tomorrow, I'm afraid I'm busy now." Scriddle stared for a moment, then nodded sharply.
"I shall deliver your message Lady Gull." Poison closed the door. Lady Gull, she liked that, she liked that a lot.

This is the dress Poison wears in this chapter:
http:/historyshop ./ images/black_countess_