Back to the Council

The black steed bearing Lord Blakeney raced back to the Tower of Ittendom. The wind blew his long brown hair back over his shoulders. Grasping the decoy amulet in hand in a small muslin pouch, he felt the urgency of getting it back to the council. Yet it was unbeknownst to him that it was not actually the magical talisman he thought it was.

As a Lord, Blakeney was recognized as a member of the council, the government of the land of Dayhue. The council were men concerned with governing, yet it was also an order of men drawn from the past ages. The blood of magics ran in their veins, relics of old that few were privy to. Only the wise, or those trusted by them, were knowledgeable about this rare gift the council possessed. Lord Blakeney was a wealthy landowner, and the Tower was on the north side of a huge tract of land near his castle.

As the steed raced on well past midnight, there were watchers in the woods which Blakeney was oblivious to. The seekers of the powers held in the amulet were awakened. Its power had risen anew. Their spies lie roundabout hidden in these woods, among other places. As agents of a horrible master, they faced death if they were discovered. Their master was impatient and enraged, but he was biding his time.

Lord Blakeney pulled the steed to rest and raced towards the Tower. He passed through the secret entrance, muttering a name which only few knew could open the great door. He quickly ascended the spiral staircase. The whole of the trip to the top took several minutes. At last he arrived at the Grand Hall of the Council of Dayhue, and entered.

Throwing aside his cloak, he stepped through the door into the Council Hall. At the head of a large table he sat down, and in front of him were the other council members. They had been alerted that a meeting must take place, and take place now. So they brushed away the sleep from their eyes and assembled immediately. Lord Blakeney motioned his hand to gain their attention.

"Friends, I come back to you from the Wizard's keep, many miles east of here. A friend who has long been held in esteem by this council has been acting alone in pursuit of one of the great powers of the old ages."

The men looked at each other in surprise, wondering what he could be talking about. They murmured to each other, until again Blakeney raised his hand.

"Now, I know you have questions. I am afraid I do not have all the answers. But I tell you, not only is the talisman a great power, perhaps one of the greatest, but also I have brought it back here, tonight." He held forth the amulet, and all remained incredibly quiet, gazing at it.

It was a bright gem, with facets cut into it, surrounded in a metallic sphere, with undulating spirals wrapped round the circle, made of steel. It was suspended from a long metal chain. Though it was very small, the other members did not recognize its large importance yet. They did not know which talisman it was.

"Friends... brothers, I hold here the magical talisman of centuries long past, known in the annals as the amulet of Grinnwyne."

Another man spoke up. "The amulet of Grinnwyne? Of Grinnwyne the Great? The ancient Elven king?" The council members were astonished.

"Yes, the very same. It has become clear that the Wizard has been very resourceful in finding it. I fear perhaps he did so out of pursuit of its power. I know that you would have him banished, but I would seek to allow him to remain in Dayhue, he is not to be punished. After all, he did give me the amulet freely. So I would have him to be allowed to stay here. He is a powerful ally, and we need him here."

The men began to speak to each other, creating quite a stir.


"I second that request," one said.
"Thirded," said another.

"Let it be noted that the motion has been thirded. We will now proceed to take a vote. All in favor of the Wizard LaFleur remaining in Dayhue, as an ally of the council, what say you?"

"Aye," said all except one.

"All opposed?"

"Nay," said one man, known as Rochester.

"The motion passes, then," said Blakeney. "It will come to pass that we can ally the amulet with the other talismans we have in our possession. With this combination of magics we will have the ability to protect our people for many years. I am glad to have brought it safely into our keeping. Brothers, I suggest we all go back to sleep. I am exhausted, and tomorrow we can continue. I bid you goodnight."

Blakeney stepped out, and the council members went their separate ways.

While they were dispersing, the wizard was using his time wisely. He was making preparations for a long journey. After a few hours he would depart. Where he was going was known only to him.