Chapter 64: Thrust 1

Elania felt the tension in the chamber rise as Lefarne’s accusation hung in the air. Yolani’s hand squeezed her arm a little tighter.

Arlois turned to Elysia. “Did the Lightbringers follow all the required diplomatic procedures?”

Elysia nodded. “They have, and thus are protected by diplomatic law.”

Protected? Elania blinked, and her gaze slipped between the two Towers.

“What is the specific statute?” Arlois asked.

Elysia recited the law, her words echoing through the hushed chamber. Elania listened intently.

Ember cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the council. “An investigation has already been completed in the matter of the explosion.”

Lyra frowned. Lefarne’s accusing finger dropped from Elania, and he whirled around to face the Towers. “But you just declared that an investigation would happen,” he protested.

Elania shared a glance with Yolani. They watched as Lefarne’s objection was utterly ignored, as if he hadn’t spoken at all.

Ember continued, “The munitions were likely tampered with purposefully in order to detonate in the manner that they did. The reason the depot was not monitored as frequently was because it was warded to be inert. Those wards were disrupted. Thus, the explosion was sabotage.”

Lyra scowled, her eyes narrowing. “Why wasn’t I informed of any investigation?”

Ember smiled at Lyra, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. “After Arlois informed me, a few days before the explosion, I put several of my people monitoring the situation at the wharfs. On several occasions, members of the Lightbringer’s ship used flight packs to land on Contia, illegally bypassing the jetty guards and the prohibition against coming into the city.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mixture of surprise and unease. Lyra looked shocked, her eyes widening at the revelation.

Elania blinked, Arlois’ pieces beginning to fall together. If Ember’s people had evidence of the Lightbringers’ illegal activities, the blame would shift away from Arlois and the Contia leadership.

Her eyes slid back to Lefarne.

Ember continued her statement. “The Lightbringer crew was then observed meeting with various individuals in a local tavern.”

Elania leaned back in her seat, feeling Yolani’s grip on her arm lighten. A flicker of relief washed over her as Ember revealed the new information.

“These meetings included several members of the Silver Soldiers and known Monevoian agents,” Ember elaborated. “After this was determined, a police force was dispatched and took all the Monevoians and the Silvers who had been meeting with the Lightbringers into custody.”

Elysia spoke up. “The Monevoian agents unfortunately managed to commit suicide once taken into custody. However, three members of the Contia Silver Soldiers were questioned via advanced techniques, and it was determined that they had been involved in the sabotage of the munitions depot. Unfortunately, this occurred after the explosion took place.”

Stolen story; please report.

Elania’s eyes slid to Arlois. Unfortunately? A bad feeling slid into her gut. Had the Towers known what was going to happen before it did? And if they knew, why didn’t they stop it?

There hadn’t been that many killed, but there had been fatalities. It seemed like even a few were far too high a price to pay to allow Lefarne to tie his own noose.

“The Silvers responsible directly or indirectly benefited from the arrangement,” Elysia continued. “One was involved in a hostage situation, while the other two received payment in currency. All three indicated it was the Lightbringer agents who had encouraged or incited the act of sabotage.”

Elania glanced at Lyra, who sat silently, her face contorted with anger. She wondered if Lyra’s support for the Lightbringers would continue.

Elysia motioned to a servant, who stepped forward and provided parchment transcripts of the questioning to the council members. The room fell silent as they began to review the documents, the weight of the evidence sinking in.

When they were finished, the chamber was utterly silent.

Arlois looked down at Lefarne, a savage smile spreading across her face. “Bishop, could you please answer these charges rather than making empty statements and demands to a foreign power about the refugees they took in.”

Lefarne shook, his voice trembling as he addressed the council. “The Lightbringers will not stand for such aid to evildoers that have harmed Tiria in such grievous ways. Your only choice is to surrender the Neftasuians or face war with the forces of light.”

Arlois stood up. “I demand a vote for the immediate execution of Bishop Lefarne.”

Elysia stood up immediately. “Executing a diplomat that has been recognized cannot be done under Contia’s current laws and would have immediate ramifications for our diplomacy.” Elysia’s gaze moved to the bishop slowly and with malice. “Even if they created an act of wanton death and destruction and would deserve such a punishment.”

Arlois sighed, her frustration evident. “Then I demand a vote for the immediate expulsion of the Lightbringers and a severing of all diplomatic ties with their order.”

Lyra stood up and seconded the vote without hesitation. That was a bit of a surprise.

Each of the Four Towers stated their positive vote for expelling the Lightbringers.

Silvers emerged from the shadows, taking hold of Lefarne’s arms, and began to haul him out of the chamber.

Elania stood up, drawing a glance from Yolani. She stepped into the bishop’s path, her eyes locked on his. Lefarne’s face twisted into a smile, his body shaking with anticipation. “Strike me down! I am happy to be the martyr Tiria needs!”

Elania remained still. “The people of Neftasu are under my protection. The Lightbringers should return to their nation and avoid throwing more lives of their army away.”

“It’s our duty to fight demons and evil wherever they hide!” Lefarne spouted.

Elania shook her head. “Where the fuck do they find so many insane people?”

She waved for the Silvers to take him away.

The crowd filtered out of the council chamber, their murmurs echoing off the walls. Yolani stood beside her, quiet and contemplative. Arlois descended from her seat and approached them alongside Ember.

“The Heart and Gold are both in the dock right now,” Arlois said. “We’d like to ask for your help in escorting the Lightbringer’s ship to the border.”

Ember nodded, her eyes meeting Elania’s. “The city fleet will be going, but a show of force would be beneficial, we believe.”

Elania glanced at Yolani, a silent understanding passing between them. With a slight nod, Elania turned back to Arlois and Ember. “That’s fine. We will make it happen.”

A thought crossed her mind, and she tilted her head. “I bet you want me to go with the ships, too?”

Arlois smiled. “You’re the best option we have for a mobile demi-divine leaving the city. We would prefer to stay here.”

Yolani frowned, her brows knitting together. “I hope you aren’t taking advantage of Elania.”

Ember chuckled. “Of course we’re taking advantage, but it’s to your benefit, too. It solidifies your utility to the city and your place in it.”

Yolani frowned, then turned to Elania, determination etched on her face. “I’m coming with you.”

Elania nodded, a sense of urgency rising within her. “We better hurry, then. I don’t think there will be any delay in tossing them out.”

Arlois’ smile was feral. “On that, you can be sure.”