Ok, warning to all, this chapter is long. There may be some excess and would be interested to hear if any spot in particular drags for you or feels to wordy/redundant. A lot ultimately happens in this scene...Luckily,  this chapter is also pretty tense though so hopefully it won't feel long;-) Manna's announcement to the Assembly. Let's see what the Council has to say about her choice of Nita.

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Manna

As she walked into the meeting house Manna could not help but be reminded of Fiona and how she had looked fifteen years ago when she had first announced her pregnancy to the Council. Manna remembered the shame and fear written on her face. Fear that among her own people she would find no sympathy, no allies. Now in the same position, Manna could imagine exactly how she must have felt.

The Council stood around her, at least the twenty who had been able to make the assembly on such short notice. So too did two representatives of the Initiate who had aided in Fiona's funeral. Manna knew only one of the women personally, though not particularly well. Dara Wright was her name, an initiate of the first rank, not much younger than herself. She knew that in recent years Dara had established herself well in Sithrah among the most elite of their order, but it had been so long since Manna had joined to the home of the Initiate. Perhaps that had been a mistake. It was a shame that most of her true friends within the Initiate were either dead, or too old to make the journey to Gregorn. 

As for Mina Krin, Fiona's intended successor, the girl was not present. Having not yet received her official ordination, Mina did not have a place among the General Assembly. Manna was glad for it. She had enough to worry about without having to watch her unwitting victim's reaction to the news that her future position had been a lie.

Simar Temdin, the High Priestess, was notably absent. Delayed in her journey, Manna had been told she was meant to arrive within the next few days. That was unfortunate. Fiona had long believed that Simar's support would be the key in gaining the Initiate's acceptance and Manna was inclined to agree. Moreover, Priestess Temdin was a strong woman who might have stood against the Council without fear and it would have been comforting one such potential ally in the room, especially since she expressly forbid Caleb to help her in any way.

 But there was no clear rational Manna might have raised to delay the proceedings to await Simar's presence. The Council wished to move forward in naming Fiona's successor and believed Manna's announcement today to be a mere formality. What excuse might she have given? In any case, the truth would have to be revealed eventually. There seemed little point in postponing the inevitable and there was no guarantee the High Priestess might be any more sympathetic than any other in attendance.

Manna ascended the steps to her seat on the raised stage as if she were a condemned man mounting the scaffold. Standing before these men and women she could feel their respect. The attention they gave her. The legacy she had worked her whole life to achieve. In mere minutes, it would be destroyed. She knew it as well as she knew anything with certainty. The power of the Nita was previsionary. It was dependent on her ability to please the Council and had been so ever since Astar's demise. That was the truth Fiona had never been able to accept and Manna had never blamed her for resistance to do so. It was a hard reality for any strong woman to face. 

Manna herself worked for many years to come to terms with the limitations of her power among the Senmin. And yet, in the end, she had rejected it as well, just as stubbornly. Hoping against all hope that faith in the Initiate, in her place among the Senmin, that these things would be enough to save the girl if not herself. But what if they were not? 

Manna pushed the thought away. Plans made fifteen years ago could hardly be changed now, and regrets were useless. She had only her own life to wager, but hopefully it would be enough to sate the bloodlust her announcement might inspire. With any luck, the girl's age and true innocence would stay the Council's wrath long enough to prevent them making a rash decision. To give the Initiate time to overcome their own anger and see the truth of Karina's power, joining in defense of the girl's position even if they could not forgive Manna's deception. Hope was of course a poor substitute for a well-laid plan, and certainty, but it was all she had. 

From the moment she had faced the Council that fateful night and made her bargain, she had known that it might all be for naught. That saving the child might prove impossible. Still Manna walked to her seat and took her place in it with deliberateness and confidence. She had made a decision. She would stand by it without fear. Nonetheless, as Avery Trenton brought the meeting to order, Manna could not help but feel the tension spread throughout her body.

"Honored Councilmen, members of the Initiate, Elder Nita, thank you all for your attendance," he said. "We have come here today to name the next leader of our people. The loss of Fiona Amoral demands that her successor be called forth to take her rightful spot as is commanded by our laws and our God. As Nita Amoral is not able to do so herself, it falls to the Elder Nita to name her student's successor  here today before the girl is brought before us." The Council Leader turned to address her, his head bowed in deference. "Elder Nita Manna Sayers," he said, "The floor is yours."

So far to fall, Manna thought to herself. But she was ready. Manna rose to face the Assembly, back straight, staff firmly grasped in her hand. She hoped that she struck an imposing figure. From the corner of her eye Manna noticed Caleb sitting in the front of the room amongst the rest of The Seven, his eyes cast downward, determinedly staring at the floor. So be it, she thought. If that was what it took to fully disguise his feelings, she hoped he would indeed keep his head down. Then he would remain safe. She cleared her throat.

"Honored guests, members of the General Assembly," Manna stopped as she caught Avery's intent gaze. Aside from Caleb, not a single man or woman in this room had any suspicion. They stood here prepared to support her, to support Mina. They had no idea of her betrayal. Swallowing hard, she tried again.

"Our beloved Nita's untimely end has taken us all by surprise and the grief her departure from this world has left in its wake cannot easily be healed. Still, her position must be filled." She paused. All eyes were upon her, ears trained on her every word, waiting expectantly to hear the name of their next leader. Yet  in that moment, Manna felt a strange calm wash over her. This was the will of the God and could not be denied.

"As you know, the power of the Nita is bequeathed to her chosen successor," she continued. "While Fiona cannot be here to preform her final duty in naming the next in line I can speak with confidence that I know her will for it is my own. There can be only one possible choice among the Senmin to take on the exalted position of Nita, one chosen by the God for her power and strength, for her ability to lead our people." Manna could sense the impatience among those assembled growing as they awaited the name Mina Krin to leave her lips.

"I herby name Karina Amoral as the next Nita of the Senmin people."

The effect of her words was instantaneous. Anticipation quickly curdling to shock and outrage. Some stared at each other in confusion. They had heard the name but did not comprehend. Among the Seven however, Manna felt glares of ice raining down upon her.

"Traitor!" someone cried. "She means to name the daughter of Fiona Amoral as Nita!" Now the meeting hall was overwhelmed by angry shouts issuing from all present as the others began to understand.

"Please," Manna said, trying to make herself heard over the councilmen's voices that grew louder and more agitated by the second. "I pray you, let me speak!"

Avery Trenton stepped forward. "Gentleman," he called out over the din. "We must hear the Elder Nita." His eyes narrowed as he turned to her. "Perhaps she can explain herself."

The room grudgingly returned to an uneasy quiet though the underpinnings of dissent seemed to resonate more loudly than the clock tower striking at dusk. She could feel the venom in Avery's stare. She had betrayed her oath. He was a man easily offended and by that right alone she knew that nothing she might say now could stay his anger. But Avery could not condemn without the support of the others. The Council was the key.

"I stand humbly before you knowing the consequences of my words," Manna said, turning from Avery and addressing the room. "I am fully aware that my endorsement of Fiona's child constitutes a breach of an unbreakable promise I made years ago to the Cainell Council and can say little in my defense save that my conviction to this undeniable truth drove me to my actions. Karina is the next Nita. She is a woman of great importance her lineage is irrelevant. It is her destiny to take the place as our next leader. The decision came from the heavens and was not of Fiona's nor my own choosing."

More grumblings among the council members, only moments away from erupting again.

"But the girl is not trained!" came shout from the crowd, the voice indistinguishable from within the sea of angry stares.

"Indeed," Avery agreed. "Unless of course you have been lying to us this entire time. Secretly training the child of the Nita. Undermining us all along. How long Manna Sayers? How long have you and your wicked student sought our destruction?"

Manna had vowed to stay calm but listening his venomous tone, hearing the defamation of Fiona's name she found her composure slipping. The wound was too raw to contain her anger.

"You would dare call our departed leader wicked?" Manna asked, turning on him. "Fiona answered none but the decrees of heaven itself. She acted for our people. I acted for our people. I have always acted for the Senmin!" She turned back to the assembly. "All of you here in this room. Have you ever had reason to doubt my loyalty? My leadership? I have always served you well and swear to you now, this is the will of the God!" All remained quiet, but Manna saw nothing but cold glares before her. 

"We heard a similar speech fifteen years ago," Avery said. "Fifteen years ago when you swore on your honor, on your legacy, and on your very life, that you would follow our decree. That you would not allow the child of Fiona Amoral to take the exalted position of Nita. It seems now that you willingly deceived us all along. Do you remember those vows Manna?" he asked. "In fact, there are those of you who were there when this woman so swore." He addressed the question to the whole room now. "Do all of you remember that? We trusted you with the child and you have betrayed us in raising a monster. You are no different than Astar herself!" 

The room erupted in cheers of "Yes! Yes! We remember!" 

"Hold her to her vow!"

"How dare you speak of the God you filthy traitor!"

"The Nita's progeny will destroy us if we do not strike first!"

"Gentleman, please," Manna protested. "I am no traitor and the child is not a monster. She is chosen! If you would only listen." but their voices drowned out her words.

"Fellow council members." Manna recognized Caleb Blackwell's voice as it broke through the chaos. Her heartbeat began to quicken as she watched him stand and address the room.

"I have been greatly deceived by the woman that stands before you," he said. His voice was booming as he forcefully commanded the Council's attention. Manna held her breath. What was he doing? He could not afford to draw such attention to himself.

Please Caleb. You promised me. Please save yourself! She screamed the words in her mind, though she knew he could not hear.

"Three years ago the Elder Nita came to me requesting that I train a child. A female child. Because she was our former leader I felt compelled to comply with her request never knowing the true identify of the girl. It was her ward, Karina Sayers."

The Council's anger erupted again.

"Arrest him too," someone yelled

"The witch planned to kill us all!" said another. But in general the noise and commotion brought on by this latest revelation made it hard for her to hear much of anything distinct. Her heart was in her throat. My God Caleb say something, Manna begged silently, I will not let them condemn you as well! Yet Caleb did not seem to have lost his resolve, nor show any sign of fear in his expression.

"I am, like all of you, a victim of her treachery!" She heard him shout over the din.

Mercifully, Avery held up his hand for silence. "Let the man speak," he said.

"Thank you Council leader," Caleb replied. His voice remained calm and sure. "Gentleman, as I already stated, this vile woman who calls herself our leader deceived me as she did all of you." The hatred in his eyes was so real as he stared at her that Manna found herself wondering for a moment if it was sincere. She tried to imagine the feeling of his soft touch, his arms enfolding her body in a comforting embrace, the warmth of his breath on her neck. She tried to assure herself that this was an act. She had told him to act so. To abandon her completely.

"Now that I know the truth of the girl's identity, I would never have taken on such a potentially traitorous pupil," Caleb continued. "Still, I wish to attest before this Council that in Karina Amoral I have never had a more worthy student. I have never detected treachery of any kind in her nature. As her teacher, I wish to speak in her defense." He paused, his voice hardening. "If any are responsible for impropriety, it is that woman there," he said, thrusting an accusatory finger in Manna's direction. "I make know now my opinion that the child is innocent."

Avery stared at Caleb for a moment before looking to Manna. She did not have to pretend, the distress in her eyes was genuine. If Caleb was acting, he was truly more skilled than she had ever known. Yet she understood now what he intended. He was trying to save Karina. He could see that there was little hope the Council might offer her mercy and the danger to Fiona's child was all too clear. He was attempting to protect the girl by distancing her from Manna's actions. It was a noble effort, but she could not help but fear his words might not be enough.

Avery's gaze turned to Caleb again.

"Caleb Blackwell, your testimony on behalf of Karina Amoral is noted. I am satisfied that you truly were uninformed as to the girl's true identify. However, you were not a member of this Council fifteen years ago. You do not fully grasp the magnitude of our current dilemma, nor do you seem to understand how dangerous the mere existence of the Nita's daughter might truly be.

"The Cainell Council was conflicted in our decision to allow Fiona to carry her child to term and we allowed the girl's birth only under the provision that our people would be safe from any malfeasance on the part of Nita Amoral or Sayers. When the oath was made by this woman that stands before you, she fully agreed to its terms. We were mistaken to trust her words and that mistake must now be rectified."

Manna felt her breath catch in her throat. She could hear the malice in his tone. Her heart beat uncontrollably as Avery turned his attention from Caleb to address the room.

"Gentleman," he said, voice booming. "For the breaking of their oath to the Elder Council of the Senmin, and the danger their actions present to our people, I publicly accuse Manna Sayers and Karina Amoral of high treason against the Senmin. As in the days of the past, we are now called upon to make the decision that the first Senmin Council was forced to make. We must eliminate the traitors in our midst. Manna Sayers and Karina Amoral must be destroyed."

Manna felt her body turn cold as the words registered in her mind. If the Council agreed...

"Hold a moment," Caleb said. There was a note of panic in his voice now, mimicking her own rising fear that the Council would follow Avery's words without question. "Did I not just tell you? The girl is innocent!"

Avery continued as if he had not heard him.

"Furthermore," Avery said. "In light of the treacherous nature the station seems entail, I propose that the position of Nita be abolished entirely."

"We must have a Nita!" It was Aaron Baker who spoke now. As he stood, Manna's eyes met with his for a brief moment. She tried to scan his face for any sign of empathy, but saw only distress as he looked away quickly. She couldn't blame him. He had stood up for her and Fiona from the beginning. She had betrayed his trust so completely.

"Why must we?" Avery shot back. "Why must we obey these treacherous women who reach for power and domination without any regard for the people they are meant to lead!"

This seemed too much for the Council to take, their shocked whispers now contained just a bit of fear. Could Avery have over extended his reach? It was possible that his fervor could cost him the allegiance of the Council. Manna could scarcely believe his words herself. What he was suggesting...The Council could not possibly be willing to abolish the station of the Nita, the line that had led the Senmin people since their very beginning.

"Trenton," one said, "this is blasphemous."

Manna could hear the unease in his tone as he spoke, but she could detect something else as well. Exhilaration? Excitement? Could she have so grossly miscalculated the Council's deference to the position of Nita itself?

"Is it?" Avery asked no doubt hearing what she did, the hint of change. The Council considering his argument. "We have allowed these evil witches to rule us for too long!" I say we rid ourselves of this cursed seed. They claim their power comes from the God? If that is so, why have our people continued to suffer so greatly. The Senmin have been looked down upon for failing to overcome the will of our women who rule through deception and supposed magiks they keep for themselves and use not for the people's advancement.

"It has been the Council that has led us for almost one hundred years now. The Council that commands respect throughout the Empire. Let the Initiate hold the Senmin's spiritual secrets. Let them practice their spells away from the prying eyes of the Empire, cloistered in the southern territory, but the Senmin will be ruled by the Council alone. The King will accept our authority as representatives of our people far better than he ever might have Fiona Amoral's or any future woman we might name here today. In fact, he has reached out to me already. He is willing to pledge vows that will grant our councilmen representation among the greater Empire.

"It was the Nita and her stubbornness that held us back. But now Fiona Amoral is gone and Manna Sayers has revealed herself as a traitor. This is our sign from above. We must join the rest of Erestia my friends. We must show that the Senmin are lead by men of God. Manna's betrayal proves that the Nita will never be a leader we might trust!"

Manna looked on in horror, unable to speak, as a grudging consent seemed to circulate through the room. They were angry, frightened, and Avery was using it to his advantage. She could not believe she had missed it. The depths of Avery's hatred. Had he truly harbored such vicious thoughts for so long? Fiona had always believed so, but Manna had known the man his entire life. He did not wish to be contested, he held a strong distrust of the Initiate, but this? It was worse than she could have possibly imagined. It was as if the Council Leader had been looking for an excuse to destroy the remainder of the Initiate's power as his ultimate goal of his leadership. Was it possible that the whole Council might be swayed to follow in his fanatical desire to see the Initiate brought so low?

"I say we try the Nita right here and now!" Avery cried, his fervor only growing along with the hints of support among those assembled. He nodded to two of the Councilmen seated in the front row. "Perthy, Wood," he said, addressing them directly. Place the traitor under arrest. The two men came forward without question, grabbing Manna's arms, holding her tight. She did not fight. She merely stood there, feeling the hands upon her, staring at Avery in disbelief. How could he do this? How could the Council stand by and say nothing? Avery glared at her, his eyes filled with righteous fury.

"We will find your little charge and sentence her as well," he said, practically spitting the condemnation in Manna's face. "The people will see, you cannot defy the Council and live."

Manna's eyes went wide, his words bringing her back to her senses as she struggled against the men holding her.

"You wouldn't dare!" she snarled. "I may have betrayed the trust of the Elder Council in breaking my vow, but Karina had done nothing to incite your wrath. She is little more than a child. She did nothing wrong!"

"Then you have condemned her!" Avery shot back. "Did you think those oaths meant nothing? You have treated us like fools for the last time Manna. Now everyone will remember you as the woman who brought the end to the line of the Nita and destroyed the Initiate's authority among the Senmin. You only have yourself to blame."

Manna looked again across the room, scanning desperately for a sympathetic gaze. She found none. Not one man present would meet her eyes save to impart acrid stares. Manna was prepared to die for her deception, to lose everything she had ever gained in her lifetime, but she would not give up on the girl. Karina could not be harmed. She looked franticly towards the representatives of the Initiate who sat with neutral faces watching the scene unfolding in front of them without comment. Were they too frightened to stand against the raging councilmen? Surely they couldn't allow the Council Leader to strip their power as well, no matter how angry they might be at her deception. It was to their impassivity Manna turned next.

"Sisters," she cried out, "you may reject my leadership, you may hate me for the deception I have wrought against yourselves and the Council, but do not tell me you will sit idly by as these men succeed in destroying the highest of line. As they take from us any remained of authority among our people!"

The Initiate members rose to their feet at her words, and the room turned their attention to them. Manna was surprised to see how quickly the majority of the men seemed to be eager to hear their response. Perhaps Avery had overestimated his reach in suggesting the Senmin leadership cut all direct ties from the Initiate in eliminating the Nita. It gave her hope again. The elder of the two women, Dara, spoke.

"Manna Sayers, I have known you as my leader since my earliest days as an inductee of the Initiate, and I have known you to be wise and just." Her voice was clear, strong, but it lacked any semblance of sympathy.

"If you believe you have known me, have faith in me now," Manna answered.

"Your betrayal to both the Council and the Initiate cannot simply be overlooked. That you and Fiona conspired together to place your former student's daughter in line to inherit the position of Nita without the knowledge of the Council or the Initiate, that you did so in violation of an unbreakable bond, surly you must know these are unforgivable offenses. Moreover, your grave crimes have led the integrity of our sacred Initiate to be called to question here today. You are our representative among the Council and you have caused us great shame."

"What you say sister cannot be denied." Manna replied hoping her voice portrayed the correct level of contrition. "As I stated already, my only defense is that the girl I chose is indeed the rightful Nita. I regret our need for secrecy, I regret more the implications of my deception now, but given the child's lineage and the nature of a prophesy that came with her birth, Fiona and I feared we could trust no one and thus risked our lives and reputations for the good of our people.

"It was never our intent to deceive. The Nita and I had planned to present the girl before the Initiate on her sixteenth birthday. We had hoped for time to properly explain our actions. To allow Karina Amoral to prove herself as worthy so that there might be no question. But the Nita's sudden death took that chance from us."

"There is already a successor," one of the councilmen cried out suddenly, interrupting. "Fiona named another girl as her apprentice did she not? I say we eliminate Fiona's daughter and let the one they already named take power."

Another grumble of assent went through the room.

Manna blinked her eyes tightly for a moment, fighting to control the fear his word inspired. He spoke of a viable option the Council might reach for. A choice that would likely mean death for herself and Karina as well. When she opened her eyes again, Manna did not look to answer him, returning her gaze to Dara alone. This woman's sympathy was the only thing that might save the girl.

"What say you to this man's words Manna Sayers?" Dara asked. "You must know they have merit. I myself have met Fiona's protege. She is, to my estimation, clearly worthy of the position."

Manna did not hesitate. "Mina is strong," she said. "The girl is undoubtedly possesses of powers of the other realm. But sisters hear me now. she is not our future Nita and the ritual has already been completed. What Fiona had to give has been bequeathed to her daughter and I will not pass my remaining power to Mina Krin. If you destroy Karina I will take what strength I could impart to the next Nita with me to the grave."

The woman seemed to be deep in concentration, considering Manna's proclamation with perhaps a hint of anger. It wasn't surprising. Manna was attempting blackmail after all, threatening to leave the Initiate weakened if they did not accept Karina as their Nita.  

As Dara leaned in to confer with her colleague Manna could feel the room's anticipation, all waiting in silence to hear the Initiate's response, perhaps confused by the words they did not understand. To the Council, Manna knew her statement meant little, but to these women...

"Sisters," Manna said, interrupting their talk, "Forgive my intrusion but you know what these men do not. I could have easily hidden my true intentions, I could have named Mina as Fiona's successor knowing full well that Karina had already taken the former Nita's power in ceremony. I could have taken you all down while your backs were turned if that was truly my goal as these men allege, using Karina's strength along with my own to usurp bot hate Council and the Initiate. 

"I have instead come before this Assembly and made my position known before all, speaking the truth that I have, regrettably, been forced to hide for many years. Surely in these men's reactions you can see that I reap no benefit in naming Fiona's daughter as the next Nita. So ask yourselves, why would I do this thing if I were not certain. I tell you this now because there is no longer need nor reason to hide it. Karina possesses the powers of old." 

"What the hell does that mean?" Avery demanded, clearly angered to see to see the reverence the councilmen seemed prepared to offer the Initiate members present. He could not understand the meaning of Manna's words, but he could tell that new evidence had been presented, undermining his authority over the Assembly. "What does any of what she has said mean!"

Dara stared at Manna, ignoring Avery's rant. "You are certain?" she asked her incredulity unmasked.

Manna nodded. "You are younger than I," she said, "and it is forbidden to speak of matters pertaining to the one of great shame, but perhaps you have heard of the lost prophesy of Astar."

The woman looked distinctly uncomfortable now.

"I knew it!" Avery exclaimed. "It was always said that a prophesy of Astar survived. I was warned when I took my position, 'beware of Astar's prophecy!' Fiona tried to activate it. Invoke it somehow."

"Avery you ignorant man!" Manna snapped, "You know nothing!" She knew should ought to maintain more composure, but what did it matter now? It mattered only that she would be heard. That she could defend Karina's position. The Council's wrath would be hers to bear regardless. "Prophecy can not be controlled by any mortal man or woman," she retorted. "And Astar's words foretell the coming of a savior for our people."

"Hold your anger Nita Sayers," Dara interjected. "I have always heard tell that the prophecy was not so straightforward. If you wish us to trust you, you can keep nothing from us now. Recite the prophesy before this assembly. I'm sure you will agree, it is no longer the property of the Nita nor the Initiate alone." Manna nodded, though she did so hesitantly, already dreading the reaction they might have to Astar's predictions. But there was no choice but to give the truth now. She had to have faith. Taking a deep breath, Manna began the recitation.

'And Astar said unto the people: 'You have been deceived by false prophets and I have been humbled, but hear my final wisdom. The People of the Lord will soon be afflicted with a great suffering. Within the course of three generations, those hereto our neighbors will rise against us and the Senmin will be brought lower than they have ever been before.

A child will be born unto The People. This child will be of great lineage, the blood of the fae fully matured within her veins. And she will be known by the mark she will bare upon her. Beware of the child of power. She may bring salvation, but she may yet be your downfall. Foolish as you are, you may not be able to see the difference before it is too late.'

"There you have it," said Avery said. Manna could almost hear a hint of some perverse glee in his voice. "There is the proof! Gentleman, this girl is dangerous. She must be destroyed. "

"No!" Manna screamed. She could feel every ounce of remaining composure slipping. "I have been honest. I have held nothing back."

"But there is nothing in your words besides more treachery," Avery countered

"You fool!" Again Manna struggled against the two who held her arms, but their grip only tightened, preventing her escape. She wanted to claw his arrogant face to bloody shreds. "You do not even try to listen!"

"My hearing if fine Manna." Avery replied. "In fact, I believe everyone heard you perfectly well! 'Beware the child of power.' Were those not the words you just uttered? ' She may yet be their downfall.' I do not believe the meaning could be any clearer."

A loud mummer of assent and support ran through the assembled men. It was everything Manna had feared.

"Stop this!" Dara's voice rang out though the hall, the room quieting at the sound. "Council Leader Trenton, your interpretation of the prophecy, like Nita Sayer's, is limited. You are correct, the potential implications of the child of power sound dire, and yet the first passage of the prophecy sites her as our salvation."

"That is not a risk we can afford to take!" Avery said.

"It is not for the Council alone to decide." Dara answered calmly. "My sister and I have stood here silently as you besmirched our name. In light of the Elder Nita's deception we had little place to speak, but as our current laws stand, we still hold power on this Council and you will hear us. Manna believes this child has the powers of old. This does indeed change our assessment of the position that we as Senmin now find ourselves in. It has been many years since such a child was born."

"What does that even mean?"

"It means that the prophecy deals in matters that the Council is ill equipped to interpret," Dara replied curtly. "When the Elder Council was formed, treaties were drawn Avery Trenton. You know that as well as any. A decision to destroy the Nita, nay, to abolish the position entirely, as you have suggested, without the agreement of the Initiate, without even the presence of the High Priestess, such an act would be an unquestionable breach of every pact ever made to protect and rule our people. That you have even attempted to do so without even possessing a full representation of all delegates of the Elder Council is an inexcusable affront against the Council as well."

Manna could see the effect of Dara's rebuke on Avery's face. Though he remained confident, head held high, she could tell he'd heard the truth in her words. He must know the other councilmen would too.

"What do you propose then?" Avery asked.

"The High Priestess Simar Temdin, head of our sacred Initiate will arrive here any day now. Priestess Temdin was to come and affirm Mina Krin's new title, but we will instead take the time to convene our group of Initiate representatives and return to the Council with our evaluation of the situation. You, as Council Leader, may do the same with your own men. Perhaps more of the General Assembly might be given the chance to make their opinions heard if messages are sent that their immediate presence is required. There is no question that such important matters must be handled by the whole of our people and thus it is our duty to hear as many voices of representation from amongst the Senmin as possible before making a final decision."

Avery nodded, though he seemed to do so grudgingly. But there was no way he could hope to sweep aside the woman's rational answers to situation at hand.

"And the Elder Nita?" he asked, casting another glare of loathing in Manna's direction. She knew he was frustrated to see her granted even this smallest of reprieves.

Dara paused. "I agree with your assessment that she has committed severe violations of the laws put in place to rule our people, and given grave offense to both the Council and the Initiate," she answered finally. "I'm certain our leader will wish to question her to ascertain the depth of her crimes. Perhaps you will also have further question to put to the Elder Nita with the input of more members of Council. Can we agree Manna Sayers be temporarily held under house arrest?"

Avery took a deep breath in and pursed his lips together in thought. "I suppose that is reasonable." He agreed. "But I will provide the guards."

Dara nodded. "We will all reconvene before the week's end to declare a joint Council and Initiate agreement as to what is to be done. Elder Nita Sayers, you will relinquish your staff until then."

 Manna bowed her head permissively and allowed the Council Leader to take the staff from her and hand it to the priestess. The pain she felt as the wood left her grasp, temporarily striping her of both her title and power, was tangible, but Manna had to show her willingness to cooperate. To prove she held no fear in the results the Initiate's investigation would yield, though the opposite was true. She was relinquishing all of her power to the Initiate and the Council, sacrificing any chance she might defend Karina on her own. There was no other choice. The girl had to be officially accepted if she was to become the next Nita. Fighting would accomplish nothing.

"Now tie her up," Avery said, turing back to the men who still held Manna's arms.

"Really Avery," Manna said, staring at him with anger that rivaled his own. "At least grant me some dignity. I have no intention of running from you. I ask that you not treat me as some common criminal!"

"Perhaps you should have thought of that before you acted as one."

"How dare you."

The Council leader walked towards her until they were uncomfortably close.

"At this moment, there is nothing I would like more then to see you and the little bastard child burning upon a pile of sticks," he hissed. "I trusted you. I never trusted that disgrace Fiona, but you. I believed you had honor and respected our sacred Council. Do not defy me further if you value the life of that girl." Manna could see the depth his hatred. A hatred inspired by her betrayal. She knew that nothing would redeem her in his eyes.

"Now tie her up!" he said again. A rope was found. Ralph Perthy and Darren Wood bound her wrists and lead her roughly from the meeting house, Avery followed close behind, determinedly leading Manna back home to her prison.

Well things don't look great for Manna or Karina at the moment, but at least there is some hope. Dara has proposed an investigation into Manna and Fiona's actions. The High Priestess will be the one to lead it. So, who's ready to meet High Priestess Simar Temdin? She's an interesting character ( another favorite) and she will appear in the next chapter. Fiona had hopes that the woman would be their ally. Lets see if she was right...Also, for those of you missing Karina, I promise that next Monday's chapter will bring her back into the story in a big way:-) This week I will only be releasing two chapters so you can expect to meet Simar on Friday.