Many of the perabels stared at Virion in confusion. There were few who disagreed with a 20-year-old elf being allowed to take part in the discussions of the senate. That was the reason for the considerable delay between his arriving at the stronghold and his being allowed to sit at the meetings. Virion cleared his throat.
'Elder Albertus, if I may...'
The elder nodded and gestured at him to speak. Virion's voice rang forth, calm and confident.
'Members of the senate. As elder Grinyard has just informed you, the stronghold runs low on provisions. Elder Plankus' barrier holds for the moment, but we never know when it may fall'
'Nonsense!', said a perabel from the other end of the hall, staring at Virion incredulously. 'Plankus has devised an unbreakable barrier system! The warlocks can never pass through it!'
This statement elicited many cheers from the perabel elders which were quickly quelled by Albertus' raised hand. He gestured at Virion to continue.
'I apologize but you have not seen what I have, members of the senate. General Zenkolen holds terrifying power. Power enough to raze a city with ease. Power enough to kill my mother.'
At this, many of the perabels shifted uncomfortably. Zaleria Salor's magical prowess was well known even this deep into perabel territory.
'The barrier may fall at any moment and our provisions run dangerously low. We definitely will not last through the winter.'
'I know what you would suggest, Virion Salor!', said Charkon rising from his seat. 'I am afraid we cannot accept such a measure! We will never abandon our home!'
Virion clenched his teeth then took a deep breath. He faced the elder, trying to keep his mind clear and his arguments coherent.
'Elder Charkon. Escaping to Dragoncrest is the only option left for us. If we do not do so, we will be resigned to sitting here and awaiting our deaths.'
Many perabels flinched as he said this. Some of them nodded in agreement with Virion but the majority scoffed at him.
'Plankus will bolster our defenses', said Charkon looking around at the senate members.
'And Virion, you are quite powerful on the battlefield, yes? Together with your power, we will drive back the warlocks. There is no need to escape the stronghold and give up our position of power!'
A cheer went up as many of the perabels provided their assent to Charkon's words. Virion's face fell as he stared around at the adamant elders, his mind racing to find sentences that would convince them.
'W-What about from the sea? If the warlocks were to attack from the sea, we would not stand a chance!', he said desperately hoping the senate would see reason. Plankus stood to speak, and Albertus nodded at him, giving him permission.
'Virion, if you were not aware, I have extended a similar barrier into the sea. The warlocks will be unable to approach the stronghold on ships', said elder Plankus calmly, as if explaining a particularly difficult concept to a child.
'And there you have it!', said Charkon triumphantly. 'Worry not, young elf! Your swordsmanship and Plankus' genius together can wipe out any warlock force as long as we remain within the strategic high ground of the stronghold!'
The perabels around Virion began to cheer then quickly quietened down as elder Albertus raised his hand once more.
'Both sides have brought forth compelling arguments. The issue of limited rations is definitely a concerning one. Grinyard, I urge you to look into a method to increase our crop output if possible.'
Virion remained standing in confusion. He could not fathom the sheer adamance of the perabels. He felt a large surge of irritation and he clenched his fist.
'Virion, you may be seated', said elder Albertus. Virion ignored him and stood still, mentally searching for something, anything that could convince the annoyingly uptight senate members. Virion knew the general's power. He knew that the general would eventually break through the barriers. Virion shook with anger as his judgment clouded over, leaving his mind blank. Elder Symonticus placed his hand on Virion's arm. Virion shifted his gaze to the elder who had on a remorseful expression. He unclenched his fist and looked up at elder Albertus who was staring at him, waiting for him to be seated.
'I'm sorry elder...', Virion sat, the rage melting out of him. The hollow feeling that had enveloped him when he stood before his mother's grave returned.
'Members of the senate. I implore you to reconsider today's discussions as you return to your homes', said Albertus as he looked around at the old perabels seated in the hall.
'No well-considered important decision was taken in one morning. We will continue these discussions in our next meeting. Until then, adjourned!'
The perabels began to file out one by one. Elder Symonticus patted Virion on the shoulder and rose.
'Young Virion... Such are the ways of the perabel senate. Give them time.'
He shambled off to join the lines of perabel elders exiting the hall. Virion sighed and rubbed his temples with his hands, attempting to quell the dull throb of a headache that had begun to develop.
'How much time exactly, elder?'
He rose and turned to leave the hall when he felt a hand on his back. He looked to his left to see elder Grinyard, who had shuffled up next to him and was patting him on the back.
'We have high hopes for you Virion. Defeat the warlocks for us so we do not need to abandon our home!'
Virion stared at him blankly.
'Did he not hear anything I said?'
'Elder Grinyard...'
The elder simply chuckled and waddled after the last string of perabel elders leaving the senate hall. Virion stood in his place alone, watching the last groups of senate members leave the hall. Elder Albertus was the last to leave. As he reached the large brass doors, he turned to look at Virion, wearing an emphatic look on his old, weathered face. His long grey hair glinted in the limited sunlight filtering in through the tinted glass panes along the sides of the hall. Virion sighed and strode towards the exit, his impatience fading for the time being.
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