Begenday stood before the grand double doors of the Hall of Elders, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. This was no ordinary gathering; the elders of Biringan were a formidable group, the heads of the most powerful clans in the city. Each one was a master of ancient magic and political maneuvering, and their respect was as potent as their fear.
He pushed open the doors, the heavy wood groaning in protest, and entered the chamber. The room was dimly lit by flickering torches, their light casting long shadows on the stone walls. The elders sat in a semi-circle on raised platforms, their faces obscured by the hoods of their ceremonial robes. Their eyes, however, gleamed with curiosity and suspicion.
"Elders," Begenday began, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I come to report an incident of great significance."
Elder Luthar, the head of the largest clan and a man known for his ruthlessness, leaned forward. "Speak, Begenday. What has happened that warrants this urgent assembly?"
Begenday recounted the events of the day, detailing how Nicole, now known as Nik Owl, had appeared in Biringan. He described the confrontation, the warriors' attack, and his decision to arrest her based on the prophecy's implications.
When he finished, the elders exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of intrigue and skepticism. Elder Vanya, a woman with piercing green eyes and a reputation for her cunning, was the first to speak.
"A stranger with tattoos," she mused. "The prophecy has been whispered among our people for centuries. Some see it as a beacon of hope, others as a harbinger of doom."
Elder Jorun, a man with a long, grizzled beard and a voice like gravel, grumbled, "Hope or doom, it is dangerous to act hastily. We must verify her identity and intentions. The safety of Biringan is paramount."
Begenday nodded. "I agree, Elder Jorun. That is why she is currently imprisoned. We must proceed with caution."
As the elders debated, their voices a cacophony of conspiracy and concern, Begenday could sense the undercurrents of their true motives. The absence of his father, the ruler of Biringan, for years now had left a power vacuum that the elders constantly sought to exploit. They conspired against one another, each hoping to gain more influence and control.
Begenday, acting as regent in his father's absence, had tried to maintain balance, but the tension was always palpable. He knew that his decision regarding Nicole could tip the scales in unpredictable ways.
"We must interrogate her," Elder Luthar declared, his tone decisive. "We need to know if she is truly the one foretold or an imposter sent by our enemies."
Elder Vanya nodded in agreement. "And we must do so discreetly. News of her presence has already begun to spread, causing mixed reactions among our people. Some are hopeful, believing she could end our suffering, while others are afraid, seeing her as a threat to our fragile stability."
Begenday sighed. "The city is already buzzing with rumors. I heard whispers as I walked here—fear, hope, skepticism. This prophecy has been a double-edged sword for our people. We must handle this delicately."
Elder Jorun's eyes narrowed. "Then let us proceed. Summon the council's enforcers. We will conduct the interrogation in the deepest chambers of the citadel, away from prying eyes and ears."
As the elders began to make their plans, Begenday couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him. Nicole's arrival had already set off a chain of events that he feared could spiral out of control. The elders, with their own agendas and machinations, would not make this easy.
He only hoped that Nicole, alone in her cell and unable to understand the language around her, would find the strength to endure what was to come. The fate of Biringan might very well depend on it.