During the rest of that month, the ambassadors from the other tribes arrived in Bérnsted. The Cy’rens, feyns of the deep oceans, came first and were welcomed pompously by the people of the Sunset Islands. The Obwánians, with their heavy walking sticks and fur coats, and the Darklings, in their brightly colored clothing, came next. The latter two northern tribes were impatiently eager to get to business, but became quite satisfied at how quickly the others arrived. The quick-tongued Bayers from Teardrop Bay, the silent, polite Natálians who were the descendants of elves and feyns, the island-loving Dawners, the warrior tribe from the Western Isles, the fierce Schi’leons—the feyns arrived one by one. By the end of the month, the Hall was full, and everything was ready for the council to begin.

  Meanwhile, Chárlotte Ch’lant remained unknown. Chárlotte, the adopted daughter of Gwenyth, went about her usual activities. She and élberteeth were training in the Southern Plains, where they could practice easily. They enjoyed spending time together, and when they were resting after practice, they watched the Guard train and do maneuvers over the snowy hills in the distance. Their other friends were busy, élysia having taken up the job of working as a secretary to the Mayor, and Willowmere and Moon’sheen helping in the preparations for the Holds. One evening, as the horsemen were galloping on the hills nearby, Chárlotte and élberteeth rested and discussed what was happening.

  “It is so beautiful here,” said Chárlotte, watching the snow glisten in the sunlight. She remembered how the hills were covered with green grass blowing in the wind during the summer months. Now it was covered with a blanket of snow. “When you see nature’s beauty, it is so hard to think that there is trouble in the world. Don’t you think so?” Chárlotte turned the hilt of her drill sword as she thought.

  “It certainly is so,” replied élberteeth as she watched the horsemen galloping past on the opposite hill, “but one must realize there is trouble and do something about it. We cannot live in our own little world, no matter how enticing it is. Our fancies hide us from the actual truth and danger that we must face.” She sighed. “We all wish reality were different, Chárlotte, but hiding from it will only bring more trouble for us all. It does not change anything.”

  Chárlotte looked up at her friend. élberteeth’s golden hair was blowing about her face, and the sunlight reflected off her armor. Her clear eyes were looking out over the hills and were full of a sad and faraway expression. Finally, the eyes turned to hers and met them with a sweet smile, full of love and friendship.

  “You have been doing well,” encouraged élberteeth. “You’re getting better—a lot better than you used to be.”

  Chárlotte blushed at her friend’s praise. “Thank you. When I first learned, I was horrible and have continued to be over the years. I guess I never really cared much about it until now.”

  “Really?” élberteeth looked at Chárlotte and then back to the hills.

  “I think I never took it seriously because we were in an age of peace: Lársh was gone, all was well, and we did not have to worry about outsiders attacking us. Additionally, I preferred archery, so if I practiced, my time was spent improving my use of the bow and not the sword. Now... I am a bit regretful of my neglecting to practice sword fighting.”

  “Well, at least, you are seeing this now rather than later,” said élberteeth. “We have the time to improve your skills, but if it had been later, we might not be able to.” Her eyes locked on something swooping down toward them from the sky. “Look over there. Someone is landing near us.”

  éltoth landed in the snow nearby, the rush of the stop forcing him to his knees. He rose and dusted the snow off himself before pulling a letter from his belt and handing it to Chárlotte. “I have just come from the Hall with this order from the Mayor. He wants you to read it and give me your answer.”

  Glancing at the parchment in her hand, Chárlotte conjectured what was written within. Breaking the seal, she opened it and read, with a sinking heart, the following message:

  My dearest Chárlotte,

  Your presence is required at the Hall on the first day of the second week of Frozen Lake at dawn. We, with the ambassadors from other tribes, will be holding a council concerning matters that are of dire importance to us all. We will be in the Chamber of Stars.

  Until then, with sincere greetings and salutations,

  Edgar Riverleaf

  Chárlotte looked up at éltoth. “Please tell the Mayor I will be there.”

  éltoth placed his hand over his chest and bowed his head, saying, “I will do so.” Raising his head, he added, “What are you two ladies doing here, clad in armor on such a cold day as this?”

  élberteeth smiled and and explained what they were doing and how Chárlotte needed some sword practice. “We were just taking a break before resuming.”

  “Since I am having a holiday this evening, may I be allowed to spend it with you two?” éltoth’s smile seemed to light up the area around him.

  “Of course,” said élberteeth. “You are very welcome to join us.”

  “I presume you both are practicing, given your full armor and weaponry.”

  “Indeed, we are practicing,” responded élberteeth. “My friend is trying to polish up her skills. Lest you think I'm ill-qualified, I will say that I am the best swordswoman in all of Sunset Island.”

  “Well then,” exclaimed éltoth in delight, “since I am the best swordsman in the Three Hills, we must have a match! May I have the pleasure?” He extended his sword, as was the custom among the feyns when wishing to challenge someone else.

  “Willingly,” replied élberteeth, tapping éltoth’s blade with the flat of hers rather than the sharp to signify that they were going to not duel to injure each other.

  “Let’s do it at the bottom of this hill.” éltoth scrambled down the hill and began trampling a large perimeter in the snow to mark their field of combat.

  A few minutes later, their swords were bared. In the next moment, the air was full of the metallic clash of metal striking against metal. The field of snow became trampled underfoot, and the dead grass could be seen poking out in parts of it. The match went on for a while because each found that they had met their match, but a clever trick knocked élberteeth’s sword out of her hand and settled the contest.

  “Well done,” said éltoth as he bent down to pick up his opponent’s sword. “You are an excellent swordswoman.”

  “Thank you,” replied élberteeth. She was slightly disappointed by the outcome, but she could not resist éltoth’s friendly spirit. “You are a skilled swordsman as well, éltoth. You show skill. Perhaps you should join me in training my pupil.”

  “I would be honored to do so.” éltoth bowed to élberteeth. “Between the two of us training her, she will become quite adept.” He turned to Chárlotte and said with a smile, “Will you have me for a trainer?”

  “Certainly,” she answered. She returned the smile with one of her own and a laugh. “The more, the merrier.”

  “Well then, let’s begin.”

  Chárlotte found éltoth to be a good, thoughtful teacher, and she quickly blossomed under his skill, for he was fair and kind, demanding yet full of praise when it was deserved. Not only was she improving, but she also found herself enjoying éltoth’s company even more.

  Just as the stars were coming out, the three parted. éltoth flew toward Bérnsted, and Chárlotte and élberteeth walked back to Chárlotte’s home to enjoy the evening a little longer.

  “The council is three days from now,” said élberteeth as they walked through the shadowy forest.

  “Now that it is closer, I feel so scared because of what the Prophecy says. It claims that I will kill Lársh, but it does not say whether I will survive it. The unknown worries me because something terrible might happen. élberteeth, I don’t want to see him ever! I don’t want to get hurt or die! The mere thought of it terrifies me!”

  “My dear,” said élberteeth as she wrapped her arm around her friend’s shoulders. “Not knowing what will happen is often the best course to take. Trust in Lightness and take heart. You shall be prepared for whatever comes and be able to face it. Death is not the worst event that can happen to a feyn, Chárlotte. You shall kill Lársh and save your world. If you die in the attempt, you will be ready for it. Such a death for a noble cause—for freedom, for truth, and justice—is honorable. Of such a death, you should not be afraid. Whatever happens to you, Lightness will be there with you. Trust that and find comfort in it.”

  Chárlotte looked up at her friend’s face. élberteeth’s hair shimmered in the moonlight as if it were silver water, and she looked down upon Chárlotte, hiding a small sigh as she did so.

  “Are you going to be at the council?” Chárlotte asked a few moments later.

  “Yes, and élysia and Moon’sheen will be there as well,” said élberteeth.

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  “That will make things more bearable.”

  “Yes, it will,” replied élberteeth. “But you must remember you are Ch’lant and, in the eyes of the ambassadors, the most important and mysterious feyn there. Because of this, you must be well-behaved, wise, and prudent, for you will be key in some decisions and may even have to mediate when there is a disagreement. I will instruct you further as the day of the Council approaches. Everyone will watch you closely, Chárlotte, and they will have to reevaluate their expectations. You know what I refer to, I am sure.”

  “Yes, I do. No one was expecting the last descendant of Ch’lant to be a woman. They will be disheartened.”

  élberteeth paused as soon as Chárlotte’s house came into view and said, “I won’t be staying at your house tonight. My home is waiting for me. If anything strange happens, let me know.” She muttered softly to herself, “I do hope none of the Ch’lant stuff has leaked out into the public.”

  “I hope it has not.” Chárlotte had caught her words. All who knew her identity had been warned not to breathe a word about her lineage until the day of the council lest some spy hear and try to kill her.

  They parted at the gate, but élberteeth turned back and, grasping Chárlotte’s hand, said quickly, “If anything happens in the Council that involves you, I will be at your side no matter what happens, whether it be following you into battle or entering the heart of Nimph’s Vale where Lársh dwells.”

  “Hopefully not the latter,” responded Chárlotte with a shudder. “Thank you, élberteeth. Your presence at the Council will mean the world to me.”

  She smiled. “You’re welcome. Farewell till tomorrow!”

  “You too! See you tomorrow!” called Chárlotte as she waved her hand after the departing figure. She went inside her house. It was silent again. Her friends had each retired to their own homes after Chárlotte was better, and she missed them because there was nobody to make the evening cheery. The silence that met her in each room was tangible. She was sad as she entered the study and bent down before the fireplace to light it. The fire rose with a loud crackle, and Chárlotte left the room to take off her armor. When she returned to the study, she was wrapped in a crimson silk dressing gown and carried a cup of tea and a plate with a small, frosted pineapple cake and a sandwich. She then ate while she plunged into a historian’s first-hand account of the Great War. Time slipped by. Late into the night, Chárlotte sat engrossed in reading the book. Later, she went to bed.

  The next two days were busy with preparations for the Council. élberteeth spent the days teaching Chárlotte important subjects and helping her around the house. The Mayor and éltoth were organizing and making their preparations in the Hall. The ambassadors whispered to one another as scouts began returning with startling developments.

  A small body of Lársh’s men had crossed the river and attacked a village on the other side before they re-crossed onto their side. Another was that the enemy was moving slowly northwards. Such news startled everyone in the Sunset Islands, and Chárlotte grew anxious lest the Council convene too late.

  On the morning of the Council, Chárlotte woke up before dawn. When she saw the overcast sky, she shook her head and dressed hurriedly. She put on a crimson gown with a gold embroidered sash. After she had done her hair partly down and partly up with intricate braids joining to form a bun, she attached the leaf clasps of the Heartstone and stood back. Looking in the mirror, she made some slight adjustments before she was satisfied with her work. Then she went downstairs to make a hasty breakfast.

  After she cleaned up, she put on her fur coat and muff and went outside to wait for élberteeth, who was to meet her at the gate. In her haste, she forgot to button the two top buttons on her coat.

  The sun had not yet risen, but the sky was lightening in the west, a faint gold and blue. Little red and brown birds were chirping on the snowy branches and flitting from one deodar to the next. Across the snow-covered road, a buck and doe were eating bark off one of the trees. The morning seemed to promise a surprising day.

  As she waited, Chárlotte stamped her feet and stuffed her chilly hands deeper into her muff. At last, she heard the muffled clop, clop of hooves on the road. She strained her neck to see who was approaching.

  Coming around the bend, on a chestnut horse, came élberteeth. Beside her trotted a black horse intended for Chárlotte.

  “Good morning, Chárlotte,” greeted her friend as soon as she was level with her.

  “Good morning to you as well,” she replied. “I say, it is frightfully cold today!”

  “Yes, it is cold indeed. Given the cold, I thought it would be better to ride to town today than fly,” answered élberteeth, pulling her hood over her head. “élysia said she will meet us as we pass near her house.”

  “That will be nice,” murmured Chárlotte as she mounted the black horse and settled into the saddle.

  They rode on for a while in silence till élberteeth began, “I believe the council will go well if we get the Schi’leons to realize we are actually going to war because they have got it into their heads that this Council is for us to gather information. We ought to expect some difficulty from them today.”

  “The Mayor made it clear it was a war council, did he not?” asked Chárlotte.

  “He did, but the Schi’leons are a type of feyn who takes in a certain idea and has to be fought with to change it. They are also prone to taking advantage of situations for their benefit at the cost of everyone else.”

  “That is nonsensical, especially at a time like this.”

  “No, their ways do not make much sense, except from the perspective that they care only for their own people. However, they are feyns and, as such, are strange beings.”

  “What an odd way to say that,” noted Chárolette. “What if they don’t make trouble today?”

  “Well, then I will be happily surprised because it will save us time that would have otherwise been spent arguing.”

  “That would be beneficial for sure. Look! We are almost to Bérnsted.”

  They had just left the forest and were now half a mile away from the walls of Bérnsted. Though she had lived within a few miles of Bérnsted her entire life, Chárlotte always enjoyed the sight of the “Star of the North,” as it was called, for it filled her with delight.

  Bérnsted was surrounded by great, white stone walls with towers built at intervals along them. Four gates, one to each point of the compass, opened into the city. Within the walls, Chárlotte could see the roofs of the buildings, the gilded, domed tops of the Hall, and the tall, lonely spire of the cathedral. In the southern part of the city, there was a large, thick patch of trees, not covered by snow and in their summer garb, and Chárlotte knew it was the Haven’s Glade, the most enchanted location remaining in their world.

  The large, steel gates of the eastern wall were open, and many feyns with animals laden with baskets of fruits, meat, winter vegetables, and other goods were slowly streaming into the city. The market was held today, and the lower part of the city would be crowded, making it difficult to get anywhere.

  “élysia forgot to wait for us, but I don’t blame her, for it is to be busy today,” said élberteeth. “Well, let’s get moving before we need to hurry to beat the crowd.” élberteeth urged her horse forward, leading the way.

  A few minutes later, they reached the gate and, passing under the arch, entered the city without much trouble. As they expected, the streets were crowded, but each rejoiced to see that it thinned as it got nearer to the Hall.

  “Lightness be praised!” cried élberteeth with joy. “We won’t be late yet. Come on, Chárlotte.” élberteeth trotted forward, guiding her horse cleverly through the crowd. Half an hour later, their horses were walking up Rivern Way and were out of the crowded streets. “At last,” sighed élberteeth, “we have gotten out of that chaotic street.” Her eyes suddenly noticed the Heartstone peeping out from inside Chárlotte’s coat, just where she had left the coat unbuttoned. “Ah!” groaned élberteeth in dismay, “I should have made sure that necklace was hidden until we were in the Hall.” Glancing around cautiously, she added, “I hope no spies have seen it because they will recognize it instantly. Oh well, we are in Lightness’s hands. Not much can be done now.”

  Chárlotte became afraid and ashamed. She hastily buttoned the top of her coat so that no one else could see the Heartstone. They rode on. élberteeth in a gloomy silence, and Chárlotte in a fearful one.

  The buildings on either side of the tree-lined road were stores and shops, but as they wound their way deeper into the city, it slowly melted into an avenue with houses on green-shaded lawns. Further on as they neared the heart of the city, it suddenly ceased to be a residential neighborhood and became a long beautiful park with trees, open areas where there were benches and swing seats, and quaint paths and walks that would have been bordered by flowers in a different season. The park ended at a high stone wall with gilt gates. Before the gate stood an armed guard. Chárlotte saw the Hall’s roofs rise behind the wall and knew that they had arrived at the place that would decide not only her fate but the destiny of the entire world. A sick, nervous feeling squeezed inside her as she looked up at the Hall.

  Arriving at the gate, they were halted by the guard. “What brings you both here today when there is a council? Unless you were summoned and possess the Mayor’s letter, you must now turn back.”

  “We were summoned here, sir,” answered Chárlotte before élberteeth was able to. She showed him her letter, and élberteeth showed hers.

  He examined the letters before saying, “Very well then. It will only take a minute to open the gates.” The guard bowed low and went inside the gatehouse.

  The two women rode through the open gates and entered the Hall’s large courtyard. Trees, now barren, shaded the yard on one side. On the other, common and exotic plants, which were winterized, lay in neat beds along a gravel walkway lined with shells. Before them, the tall, sprawling mansion called the Hall rose. On the far left were the Mayor’s stables, and on the far right were the greenhouse gardens known for producing summer fruit even in winter. The sun’s rays shone through blank patches in the clouds.

  The stable master seemed to have been prepared for their arrival, because he approached them saying, “I shall take your horses into the stable and tend them while you are in the council chamber, ladies.”

  Chárlotte and élberteeth dismounted, and the man led the horses off in the direction of the stable. Looking about, Chárlotte wondered where they were to go to reach the Chamber of Stars.

  “We go this way,” motioned élberteeth, and she led her into the Hall. They entered a spacious vestibule with stairs at the farther end and passages leading off into other parts of the massive building. To their right, heavy oak doors stood slightly ajar. Above the doorway, on the arch, gold runes were inscribed.

  “The Chamber of Stars,” breathed élberteeth softly as she gazed up at the arch. “That is where we must go.”

  Holding hands, they each walked toward the door: élberteeth with a slow, sure stride, and Chárlotte with a quick, nervous step. When they reached the threshold, they could hear many feyns’ voices talking–some loudly, some softly, some quickly, and some slowly.

  “Here, there is no reason to keep your identity hidden,” élberteeth explained. “Let me take your coat before we enter.” She helped Chárlotte out of her coat and held it folded over her arm.

  “Here goes,” whispered Chárlotte. She was nervous and yet excited. Her heart beat quickly, and her cheeks flushed. She placed her hand on the doors and pushed them open.

  Thank you for reading!