There's Always the Other Side of the Coin
The weather over Haven was spectacular in this late Autumn season. There was very little humidity, and as a result, the skies couldn't be any more blue. Everything in sight, even faraway trees, were seen with a crystal clarity only common to this time of year. The mid-day sun served to accent all the various shades of greens and blues, thus heightening the impact on the visual senses. True, there was a slight chill in the air hinting of the coming Winter. The winds picked up too, growing more frequent and becoming more breezy; the wind swirled, picking up leaves and scattering them about. It seemed as if the wind were intent on cleaning up the landscape in preparation for the first, pristine snowfall of the year.
It promises to be an interesting day, Rowland thought. He was on his way to the Palace, where again another meeting of the Heraldic Council was going to take place. The casual observer wouldn't have noticed it but the activity was actually split in two phases. We have the induction of the new trainees soon and the ceremony thereof; and now this seemingly more urgent decree from King Theran, Rowland thought as he scratched his pepper-colored beard. "No doubt due to those damn Karsites," he muttered under his breath as he walked along.
Activity was everywhere. Trainees were walking in and out of the elegant yet functional white building of the Collegium. The loud and reverberant ring of the bell in the tower had rung again, signifying a change of classes. Some were at the benches in the surrounding ornate gardens, conversing about the classes and about the high and low points of their friends and classmates. Yet there was still this undercurrent of urgency and could be seen, if one were to look close enough, officials from the Heraldic Circle with worried faces heading towards the palace.
Rowland continued to walk along in his Herald Whites, musing and pondering. He had a question in mind, perhaps which there is no answer of yet. Ah...here comes Jevan Piers, thought Rowland, and then out loud to himself, "Perhaps he has heard something I have not." Jevan Piers in his whites came walking from the opposite direction on the cobblestone path. Jevan was balding yet he had a very imposing presence. Somehow, the way his eyebrows arched over his eyes then met downward just above his nose gave the impression that this was a serious man. Yet there were times when they looked almost ludicrous, such as when he was the butt of a joke. Then his eyebrows arched upward, causing many ripples to appear on the skin of his slightly reddened forehead. The way they rose and fell, alternating between surprise and dismay, was quite something to see.
Grinning widely, Jevan Piers extended his hand in greeting as he met Rowland. They always squeezed each others hand as hard as they could to see who would relent first. Though this was sometimes painful of course, neither of them dared show it on their face. Today, it seemed Rowland had the stronger grip.
"Okay, okay, Mighty Sir Rowland, enough, " he said as he laughed. "What praytell is the news of the day?"
"Hmmm, I was going to ask you that. You don't know?"
Jevan shook his head, causing the reflection of the bright sunlight on his head to dart back and forth across his shiny dome. "It does seem there is an unusual sense of urgency around here."
Rowland, though he may not have really needed to, and he did this almost semi-consciously, shielded his eyes. "My thought exactly. Well, all we can do is go to the Council Meeting and find out."
With an air of slight anxiety they both felt and shared, they headed in that direction...
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Koromiel: Lol...I can feel the eyes burning into me...I know. I know this isn't what you wanted to see after the whole Fenix/Jewellyn thing. That's the next chapter though. So you don't have to wait long. And as always, much love to the ppl who submit reviews! We love you guys! Hopefully the story will become more popular after it's finished. I wonder how long that's gonna take...I know this chapter was short, but the next one will be a kick in the pants! XD
Until next time!
