Kealin, Moten, Krissana, Carn, and Trenton all raised their hands. Cordus, Taris, Furlus, and Vesselin stood opposed, hands at their sides.
"The Council has decided then," said Cordus, grimly.
"And decided well!" said Kealin. "Truth and justice have triumphed this day." He turned and shook hands with Moten, and they clapped each other on the back. Krissana and Carn sat in thoughtful silence. Trenton Shadowbane looked thoughtful as well, his eyes distant.
"Now," said Kealin, "if these ex-Squires may be escorted from here, we can get on to other matters-such as the important affairs of this kingdom."
"Wait," said Cordus, raising a hand. "This is not over yet."
Kealin's eyes widened. "What is this outrage? The High Council has made its decision, Cordus, harsh as it may seem."
"Indeed it has," said Cordus. "But now I must make a harsh decision of my own. This is a time of war! Goblins have taken over the forestlands of Hethos. They are near the borders of Kalamede, and if not stopped, will soon overrun the city. And even now they are advancing on Dremlock Kingdom. During a time such as this, a Lord Knight may assume full command of the affairs of Dremlock. Well, I am officially declaring us at war! The Black Torches shall be raised in the towers, and the Three Chambers of Law shall be sealed. This decision gives me the right to overrule any decision made by the Council."
Moten jumped up, his bushy jowls shaking with fury. "How…how dare you? You are just abusing this privilege to get your way!"
Kealin grabbed the Dwarf's arm. "Relax, Moten. I anticipated this lowly move on the part of our Lord Knight, and I have an answer for it. You made your decision, Cordus Landsaver, and now I make mine. I have the right to call for a vote on your removal from power at any time and upon any grounds. Even during a time of war, an incompetent Lord Knight can be demoted."
"That's nonsense!" said Taris. "I would strongly question your motives concerning this matter, Kealin. You would have one of the greatest Lord Knights since Kuran Darkender lose his position because of a few Squires?"
"We must stick by our principals," said Krissana, the Birlote. "We cast our vote, and we cannot back down now. I stand with Kealin on this matter, and call for Cordus' immediate removal from power."
"Agreed," said Moten and Carn.
Taris shook his head in disbelief. "I never thought I would see the day when the High Council of Dremlock would sink to such a level."
Furlus stood up, hand on his battle axe. His eyes had turned light grey, almost white, and his skin was deep red-the signs of an Olrog about to engage in warfare to the death. "We shall see who is cast out and who isn't!"
"Furlus," sighed the Lord Knight. "Sit down and compose yourself. These Council members are exercising a legal right. The vote must be cast."
"And cast now!" said Kealin.
"You dare take a threatening stance against us?" Moten said to Furlus. "Perhaps we should call for another vote-to remove Furlus Goblincrusher from his seat as Tower Master on the grounds that he cannot control his temper."
Reluctantly, Furlus sat back down and folded his arms across his chest. "The time will come, Moten, when the vote is cast against you-when the truth about you is revealed. I await that day with fire in my blood."
Moten scowled, but for the first time, he appeared less than confident for a moment as he gazed into Furlus' eyes.
"Cordus Landsaver," said Kealin, "has sided with lawbreakers. He has gone against everything Dremlock stands for, and he has gone against the will of the Divine Essence. Anyone in favor of his removal from power, raise your hand."
Kealin, Moten, Carn, and Krissana all raised hands. Trenton Shadowbane stared into the distance, his hands at his sides.
"Trenton?" questioned Kealin, his eyes reflecting uncertainty. "What are you doing?"
"What would you have me do?" said Trenton. "Cast out our great leader, Cordus Landsaver, over a few Squires? I think not. Do you take me for a fool? Do you think I want any of you to end up as Lord Knight? Anyone on the Council could pass that silly Divine Test and end up leading Dremlock. Yet I prefer the one who is in power now-even over myself. There is none better fit to lead us than Cordus."
"Then you back away from your principals," snapped Kealin, his voice shrill. "You are a coward, Trenton!"
Suddenly, Trenton Shadowbane growled like an animal, startling the Squires and some of the Council members. "Enough! My vote is cast, and I'll hear no more of it. I know of the darkness that lurks behind these walls. I know of the creeping disease that rots away all that is wholesome. Even the rains that bred life, before the great darkness, cannot wash away the stench of it."
"You're insane!" hissed Moten.
"Nevertheless," said Cordus. "Trenton has spoken. Whether you understand his words or not-you certainly understand his vote. This matter has been decided. Lannon Sunshield will remain a Squire, and I will remain Lord Knight."
Lannon nearly leapt out of his seat in excitement, but then he glanced towards the other Squires, and his heart sank. How could he go on without his friends?
"So be it," said Kealin, his face gone crimson. "But at least I can now have these other former Squires removed from my sight. Guards-come escort these youths to their rooms and keep watch over them until they can be sent home."
Two of the Red Knights came forward, looking uncertain.
"Hold on a moment!" said Vorden, standing up. The lad from Gravendar seemed to have quickly recovered his composure.
Cordus glowered. "You better have something important to say, Vorden Flameblade, or banishment may be the least of your worries."
"Lannon cannot use the Eye without us!" Vorden blurted out. "We helped him unlock it. If you banish us, you can forget about the Eye."
"Is this true, Lannon?" asked Cordus.
Lannon nodded quickly. "That's right. I just can't do it on my own. I've tried lots of times, but it doesn't work."
"I see," said Cordus, a slight smile appearing on his lips. He gazed at Kealin, daring the Green Knight to oppose him. Then he focused again on Vorden. "Well, it seems you Squires have me over a barrel. And so for now, you shall all be escorted to the East Tower, where you will be placed under guard while I decide what to do about all this. If any one of you cause the slightest bit of trouble, I will personally take you down to Dremlock Dungeons and give you a new home."
"You won't get away with this, Cordus," Kealin said. "Justice will inevitably prevail, one way or another."
"I believe it already has," said Cordus. "Though there is certainly more justice that needs doing…when the time is right."
Elated, the Squires jumped up and followed the two guards. As Lannon walked away from the table, Kealin made a quick sign to the lad-pulling his fingers across his throat in an unmistakable gesture.
"It's your day, Lannon," he whispered, smiling. "Enjoy it while you can."
Chapter 13: Whispers of Flame
When the Squires arrived at the East Tower, Aldreya was taken to her room and the boys were led to the Blue Squires' quarters. The two Red Knights warned the boys not to try to leave their rooms without permission and that they would be watched at all times. "You dodged an arrow, Squires," they said. "Anyone else would have been banished for what you did. But don't go trying to pull anything on us. The East Tower is on full alert, and which means that you-know-who is creeping around somewhere right outside your door."
"The Watcher?" said Vorden.
The guards glanced at each other. "Let's just say nothing you do will be a secret from this point on, so just do as you're told. If you need anything, or if you observe anything unusual, give a holler."