Chapter Thirty-Nine: Councillor

Spellhold, 10th Mirtul, 1370 DR

 Algerias stood before the inner council of the Cowled Wizards, feeling naked without the cowl that normally obscured his face. It was a rule that none might be cowled before the presence of the High Cowl, the one wizard whose face had never been revealed to any wizard lower than him… and there were none higher than him.

 "My lord, this day, the Council has recognised Nalia as the newest member of Amn's government. The people celebrate, and there are such parties throughout the nation that it is obvious how much she is loved by the populace. The cousin of Anomen Delryn, the young Elisabeth Delryn, has taken rulership of the estates of the knight, and has sworn her house's loyalty and friendship to that of de'Arnise. Firecam has returned to Athkatla, now that the south is completely at peace, and he has brought with him the pikemen…"

 There were a few nods at this, but none ventured any opinion. Algerias, taking control of his fear, continued forward. He was well aware that every member of this inner council could kill him in an instant, disintegrating him, and casting his dust into the oceans around Brynnlaw.

 "Nalia has announced that she will be the first Open Councillor of Amn, taking her cue from the customs in Waterdeep. Her decision has been met with admiration from nearly everyone within our nation, even those who believe in the firm continuation of tradition."

 Algerias sighed, and continued. "Emissaries have arrived from Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate and Tethyr, whose leaders wish to meet the first leader of Amn who has the courage of showing her face. This day, it is believed that alliances will be signed, and that the cities of Riatavin and Trailstone will enter back into the fold, swayed by the diplomacy of Nalia, who returned from the two cities three days ago."

 Silence remained. "Nalia has not confided in me yet, but it is well known that she wishes to reform our order, so that it becomes fairer. I have overheard her talking, saying that she is unhappy about our control over Spellhold, and the fact that new wizards now stay within the fortress… and… forgive me, my lord, but I agree with her."

 The High Cowl sniggered. "You… agree with her, Algerias? Your brother held no such… tendencies. I am afraid that you are the weaker of the two… Nalia's pretty face and charismatic words have swayed you from the true pursuit of magical power, and the protection of this nation."

 Algerias said, "I suppose I must be the weaker wizard, because I am still alive, and my brother is dead… and I assure you, no pretty face would turn my heart. This order was founded to protect Amn. In that it failed, leaving Nalia to fight alone. It was founded in pursuit of magical power- in that, it has failed also, for you all now wish more power, more control over the nation, control that we cannot rightfully have."

 A long silence gripped the hall. "It is a pity that you feel this way, Algerias… but know that we have listened to your words. You may leave us now. Do not expect to come here again… we will find one more… reliable to bring us information. Farewell."

 Panic rose in Algerias' chest, and he cast a teleportation spell so quickly, that the wizards in the hall were surprised. One said to the High Cowl, "Why did you let him escape, when he can tell Nalia so much?"

 The High Cowl said simply, "I am tired. We can kill him at our leisure… let us just be thankful that he was not party to our involvement with Velissa… and the one that recommended such a move must know now that I am extremely displeased. Our actions in murdering the knights of the Order were meant to break the Radiant Heart, but instead, they have just grown stronger. Now, more boys than ever train to become knights, so that they may follow the ideas of that fool, Delryn…"

 One of the wizards, the one who had suggested that they ally with Velissa, sighed. "Forgive me, my lord… but what else could we have done? Really, we have done our best… and we have done extremely well. We remain, and we will challenge all that the de'Arnise bitch does. She will have a tough fight on her hands, if she wishes to break our power."

 The leader of the Cowled Wizards nodded, his eyes narrowed in the comfort of his cowl. "Yes… she will have a fight… and no amount of divine intervention, or political standing, will save her from me on the day we duel… for then we will see which archmage in Amn is more powerful."

 The High Cowl smiled to himself, in anticipation.

 Yes, he could taste the pleasure he would get when he finally murdered Nalia, and ended her moaning about righteous justice, and equality for all. Slowly, the high council teleported away, to continue with their secret lives, as clerks, merchants, fortune tellers… so many disparate trades, but the high council was united by one desire.

 Power.

 And now a new desire had been added: the desire to defeat Nalia.

*

 The Council building was packed with dignitaries, servants, and rich lords and merchants. Nalia de'Arnise sat on a golden throne, with the five council members behind her. They still wore their masks, but Nalia's face was bare, showing a pretty face, smiling and happy.

 Outside, she could hear the cheering of the citizens of Athkatla, and the singing of the soldiers who had served in Murann. They were remembering the speech she had made, where she had promised that new dawn for Amn… and now that new dawn had come, and Nalia was sitting at the head of the Six.

 Reforms would come, and the poor would find their struggles easier, as Nalia had sworn to champion their cause, even if it meant her ridicule, or even death. Nalia sat, and waited for the ceremony to finish. The High Priest of Tyr finished his litany, and he placed a golden circlet on her head, the crown of imperial Amn, which hadn't lain on a mortal brow for many years…

 Nalia de'Arnise, first Open Councillor of Amn, was happy. The country was slowly recovering. Keldorn had ensured the south was well-ordered. Bandits that normally descended on a nation ravaged by war had been harshly dealt with by the warriors Keldorn had with him.

 A silence fell over the hall, as the High Priest of Tyr declared that Nalia was crowned leader of the Council, the Open Councillor of Amn. She nodded graciously, and then sat on her throne. The Council had voted on several rewards that were due to those who had fought for Amn… and it was up to Nalia to give them.

 "Valygar Corthala…"

 The ranger walked forward, and bowed gracefully. Nalia smiled at him, and then continued. "For the efforts you have undertaken to protect the south of Amn from enemies, we have decided to reward you with the title Chief Inspector of Athkatla. This title confers upon you estates within the city and a yearly salary of fifty thousand gold. Furthermore, we have taken this opportunity to give you one hundred thousand golds, which you may spend on your lands in the Umar Hills."

 Valygar bowed. "My thanks, Councillors… your generosity does the nation you rule proud. Know that Valygar of House Corthala is your loyal subject. My blades will be yours should you need them."

 Nalia nodded, and waited for Valygar to return to the crowd. "Keldorn Firecam, your reward is long overdue. For many years, you have fought for the Order, and for Amn, and this year you have aided me in my fight against the ogre magi's empire. You have run the south of Amn alone for the past month, and for that we have seen fit to reward you with the title, Lord of Murann. You will govern that city, and protect your holdings from pirates and raiders. We will hope that you can restore the city to its former beauty, but also hope that you will see to the well-being of its people first."

 Keldorn smiled, and bowed. "Lady Nalia… your generosity is… unmatched."
 She grinned, and gestured for him to move on. "Prelate Heribert, of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. The Council of Six acknowledges you as leader of the knights, and confers upon you the title, Defender of Faith. It is your duty to ensure that all churches within Amn have equal rights, in the interest of neutrality. However, it is also your duty to defend the city from crusades, to protect from sacrifices and bloodshed. With the Chief Inspector, you will make sure that all faiths adhere to the law."

 Heribert, the youngest ever Prelate of the Order, nodded earnestly, and beat his chest with his hand. "I will serve you till the last breath of my body, Lady Nalia. Know this now, my predecessor thought of you highly, and I too am awed by your sense of duty. The Order shall be a blade for justice in this nation, and it will remain so for many years, I hope. And for that, we have you to thank."

 Nalia smiled graciously, and Heribert moved on. Next, Nalia called, "Jaheira, Grand Druid as recognised by Silvanus himself. You are hereby given state acknowledgement of your leadership over the druidic faith in Amn. A grove will be built within the city, to be administered in the sake of Balance. In every major city, there will be a grove to the beauty of nature. We also commend upon you, the title Lady of the Forest. It will be your duty to be this nation's liaison with the elves of Suldanessllar, and to keep secure control over the land left to us within that nation."

 Jaheira nodded, and remained silent, something that told Nalia she was in complete shock. She moved away, and then Nalia faced Imoen, who blushed, and said, "Nalia, I don't really want anything. Me and Apheyr are just gonna travel round a bit, possibly visit Candlekeep… I haven't told Tethtoril how stuffy he is for a long time."

 Nalia grinned. "I knew you would say that, Immy… but I am afraid that you will not escape without some recognition. Imoen of Candlekeep, daughter of Bhaal, you have served Amn loyally, even though you are by birth, of the Gate's regions. You have saved this land from peril countless times, and have defeated demons, dragons, liches… every kind of evil, in the interests of our people. You have said you wish no reward, but I am afraid I must give you something. So, henceforth, Imoen, you shall be a citizen of Amn. From this moment, you will be counted as Imoen de'Arnise, formally adopted into my House, and my sister. Should anything happen to me, then you will inherit my position as ruler of the de'Arnise keep and lands."

 Imoen gaped, and, breaking every single nuance of ceremony, she walked towards Nalia, and wrapped her in a hug. Both of them were crying with happiness, and as they hugged, the crowd in the Council hall, started to clap, slowly at first, then rising into an incredible crescendo.

 Nalia de'Arnise smiled, and her sister smiled back.