THIRTY SIX
ALDEN SHIVERED NEXT TO THE TWELVE Councillors. It was unbelievably cold, and despite their capes and thick clothes, he could feel the wind's bite. His oxygen tank was strapped onto his back, and the mask made it difficult for him to talk.
Are you sure they'll come? Councillor Emery transmitted.
I'm sure, Alden replied. At least, he hoped they would. He'd contacted Alvar only yesterday asking him to set up a meeting with Mr. Forkle for the Council. In response a note had been slipped into Alden's pocket.
I'm told you wish to speak with me,
You call a meeting to be arranged.
In one sun's time, meet me on the highest peak,
Of the mountain where everything changed.
Although it was unsigned, it was sealed with the symbol of the swan.
Assuming it was from Mr. Forkle, Alden had showed it to the Council. They'd decided that the "mountain where everything changed" was Mt. Everest, where the children had assisted the Black Swan in the fight against the Neverseen. But the highest peak was inaccessible by light leap. They would have to jump to entrance of the Sanctuary and climb to the highest peak, which could take days. Just as they were finalizing the plans, a small bottle of starlight and a magsidian charm in the shape of a swan appeared in Alden's pocket. He pulled them out only to discover the light and was accompanied by another note.
For this meeting your travels will need to be swift,
But without help your journey takes days.
So we'll assist you with this small gift,
Simply hold the swan to the starlight's rays.
The Councillors had debated whether or not to take the chance and use the starlight to leap to the top of Mt. Everest. Councillor Emery pointed out that it could be a trap. Councillor Alina was convinced the whole thing was a trap. But with the help of Councillors Bronte, Terik, and Oralie, Alden had managed to convince a majority of the Councillors to vote to attend the meeting. So here they were, waiting on the top of Mt. Everest, to meet with a group of "terrorists." And Councillor Alina wouldn't let them forget the ridiculousness of the entire situation.
Finally, something moved farther down the mountain. Someone had walked out onto the ledge below them. Whoever it was motioned for the Councillors and Alden to enter the cave, then went back in.
Oralie moved to follow the stranger, but Emery grabbed her arm before she could take more than a few steps. I can't read their mind, he transmitted to the group. It's like whenever I attempt to probe Sophie Foster.
Sophie has informed me that the Black Swan has an operative with a silent mind as well, Alden transmitted back. She believes him to be her creator, and he's the neighbor she's told us about. Mr. Forkle.
Are you sure it's safe to follow him? Emery asked.
I'm sure, Alden said. If Sophie trusts him, there's no reason to worry.
Emery stepped back and motioned for Alden to pass him. Lead the way.