A 4" by 6" picture was laid in the center of the table. The portrait was that of a young woman with long straight aubergine dyed hair. She was fair and the pupil of her eyes were deep black and her lips were painted red.
Dmitry, who displayed the portrait, started explaining, "This is Merryl Sullivan. 24 year old bank accountant. She spent most of her life in the lowland as a regular citizen with her mother, Rachelle Sullivan, who raised her single handedly until two years ago. Her mother passed away and after the burial, friends of the pair never saw Merryl again. No one knew where she went, and the police presumed she was missing after a year of searching until the other day that is."
" There are only few among the lowlands who has the gift. If one has, it shouldn't be this strong. The woman was able to summon both a Kowadja and--and a Kaleshing." Priscilla massaged her temple while stating her opinion with a stammer.
"Rue said the woman mentioned she summoned an offspring of Suyan. Suyan is a local guardian spirit. Merryl must then have traced her roots back here." Anton deducted.
At the mention of the word 'Kaleshing', the elders and the young generation outside of the circle kept silent. In their realm, there are words considered as taboo, and Kaleshing is one of them.
"It is impossible for the woman to be a member of that clan. They have become extinct from their own doing and after ten years no one has survived that curse of a clan!" Ziron exclaimed as he felt his blood starting to boil.
The atmosphere became tense, but Dmitry who might have mastered his composure around the old man broke the silence, " I took the liberty to investigate. This Merryl, is not a member of that clan. During the interrogation of the Kaleshing by elder Ziron and Muriel, he said that it was the Pas-ang who is responsible for the attack. I searched and found out that Merryl's father is none other than Elder Tommuel himself."
"Tommuel?!" Anton exclaimed.
Though Anton asserted his surprise, most of those who heard the revelation shared the same feelings as well. Tommuel is the current head of the sub-clan Pas-ang. Among the three: Kandas, Pakjawan and Pas-ang, it is the youngest. History recorded a bloody competition between Kandas and Pakjawan. To avoid the annihilation of the clan of Taray due to internal conflict, a peace treaty was made between them that lead to the marriage of a son of Pakjawan and a daughter of Kandas. Their offspring, named Pas-ang, was the first head of the clan. The creation of the sub-clan was at first a threat to the two, but as time passed by, the sub-clan proved to be content to function as a mediator for the two.
The characteristic of the Pas-ang were embodied in its current head. Tommuel was a gentle and wise old man, faithful to his clan and the man and his clan lived in peace. Everyone knows that Tommuel adored his wife Kaya who conceived him the famous twins.
Ziron cleared his throat and began explaining, " I received a report last night that confirmed that the woman is indeed his daughter. Moreover, her summoned Kowadja is unique only to the Pas-ang's"
The group of people realized this as well. The Pas-ang are known for their unique Kowadja. Their people would call it 'Kaleba'. The Pas-ang summons Kowadja's that attack as colonies, insect colonies.
"Is Tommuel aware of this since you were able to get a sample from him for the testing?" Muriel asked.
" Do you think that man would agree? He would incriminate himself if he agreed, and it will be more stupid of me to ask kindly from him!" Ziron stated as-a-matter-of-fact manner.
No one dared to ask how Ziron was able to get that sample. Unknown to the people around the person responsible, Dmitry, curled his lip to one side.
Anton sighed, " I know Tommuel better than anyone of you. It is out of his character to publicly antagonize the main clan. Other than the issue of this Merryl being a bastard child, how can she summon a Kaleshing? It is a dead gift, almost a decade now! If Tommuel did send her to attack, I know for sure Tommuel would not agree on using a Kaleshing. Tommuel hates disturbing the spirit of the dead the most!"
" There is only one thing we could do to make things clear. All of the council members should be notified. Present the evidence, deliberate and plan." Muriel suggested.
" That's it? Wait for the summons of the council? And if Tommuel hears that we know his secret, won't he have the time to prepare his defense?! Moreover, how do we know that our grandchildren will be safe until that time?! My Rue was with Emerald and both were targeted?!" Priscilla shouted. Her temper making her stand up and banging both her palms on the surface of the table.
" Foolish as ever!" Muriel mocked. "Shall we bang the doors of the Pas-ang and kill them? We are not in the times where arguments are settled through killing each other anymore! Are you not confident in your grandchildren that they can protect themselves? Should my clan offer assistance then for all of your protection?"
A chuckle can be heard outside of the circle.
Luther tapped his finger, looked at the young man who chuckled, " Anything you find funny?"
Andrei, who was sitting across Luther, looked at him and gave him a menacing smile, "Should we young master? Should my little sister escort you home tonight?"
This time a laugh was heard behind Andrei. Melissa did not hold back her tongue, "I don't mind".
Rue, Ruben and Lannis who were beside Luther did not appreciate the comment and were as angry as their older brother and grandmother.
The tension was rising, and the atmosphere was becoming dangerous. Emerald felt the pressure and as always, her inner being was preparing to defend. She must control her anxiety, her fear, or her anger, otherwise, hell will break loose.
Before any confrontation could happen, glowing, fiery floaters started falling from above them. Most of them were distracted, and surprisingly they calmed down. Then all their attention turned to the ball of flame now swirling around Emy who was surprised as well.
Emy knows this flame. She remembers the calming effect of its flame. Whenever she breaks loose during her training, Dmitry would send his Shalang to calm her.
" Forgive me for interrupting such an interesting turn of events. But I do not intend to be killed by a rampaging Kowadja." Dmitry commented as he gazed at Emy.
The tension died down as the floaters fell on them.
Andrei who was surprised, smiled and mumbled, "interesting" and thought to himself, 'His strong.'