“No, sir!”, retorted Astor deeply offended by the doubts and suspicions that had arisen against them, clearly sensing the ill will that surrounded them, and not tolerating such behavior from people whom he considered little more than peasants.

“We will not sit down, oh noble Ronald.” He continued, “Instead, we will stand waiting for your wise decision, as befits those subject to judgment!”

A sudden uproar arose among the elders, clearly outraged by the open provocation, and before Sigismund, stunned by the bloody insult directed at those present, could intervene, Robuald jumped from his seat and stood beside the two captains, shouting: “Never before have I had to be ashamed of my heritage, nor has this Assembly, once known for its shrewdness, ever behaved in such a senseless and shameful manner. Know then that if exile is the reward you confer upon those who have helped me in the field of battle and other ways, far more atrocious for me, I will follow them, renouncing my own blood since it has renounced the most sacred principles that have always inspired and sustained us!”

To these words, any murmur ceased, turning into a silence charged with expectation and tension: many faces were contracted by anger, while others remained astonished by the rapid and unexpected sequence of unforeseeable events.

During those moments, everyone waited with evident anxiety for Ronald's response, still at the head of that assembly, and they did not have to wait long.

Ronald sighed painfully, as if breathing itself caused him suffering, then complained: “My son, do you also want to leave me? Do you not think that for my old heart, the loss of a son was already enough pain, and now, to add to it, the loss of a brother? Moreover, remember that you are a captain of our army and that your place is at its head, and perhaps even at the head of all the people, as soon as I am allowed to rest and embrace Romuald and all our ancestors again. No, be silent!” His voice became peremptory when his son tried to interrupt him. “Say no more. You have already spoken enough, and, lastly, inappropriately. Do not add anything else and listen instead to your father and your Lord.” The old man interrupted himself, almost to reaffirm with his silence the authority over his son and at the same time over the entire Assembly, whose members finally recognized themselves in their First, and a lot of those who appeared in the grip of anger a moment ago now assented apparently comforted.

Ronald knew those men much better than his son, who still did not understand them, still confused and angry. The two captains, on the contrary, sensed the conciliation attempt undertaken by the old leader, and after exchanging a quick glance, they sat in their places, producing a notable effect among the attendees. Finally, Robuald understood and, bowing his head, joined his brother.

Ronald stared intensely at the foreigners, and although his expression appeared firm and impassive, a brief moment of emotional gratitude leaked from his gaze.

He announced: “The accusations made by my son erupt from the intense spirit of loyalty that runs through his veins, excited by the enthusiasm of youth that inflames him, so rapid and impetuous as to make him cross the boundaries of reason. Therefore, they are clearly unfounded, and I invite you, my wise and ancient friends, to forgive them, urging you to remember – if we are still capable – the ardor of our youth.

We have never neglected the sacred duties of hospitality, even when the guests were far less illustrious than those we are honored to have here, even on this cursed night. Nor will we ever! “. And having said this, he looked around but did not find the full approval he hoped for. Therefore, he added: “On the other hand, we must also consider that never before has our people found itself in such a moment, attacked by an invincible enemy, or at least made so by our unawareness, as we have been led to believe…, which has generated a blinding fear.

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Then, what is the path to follow in this hour of darkness?

Is it the known one or is it the opportunity yet to come?

I will not ask this Assembly to express their opinion on the matter, nor will I reveal my own right now. The current situation is a disastrous opportunity, animated by bad omens and ominous evocations.

If we were to make a decision now, our judgments would not be free or serene, and therefore they would not be truly ours.

However, since the dawn of tomorrow cannot bring any new promise, before undertaking anything, I believe we need help to enlighten us: a thoughtful conviction inspired by goodness, just as many suspicions, unexpressed yet conceived this evening, have been spread in the surrounding air by the unfair one. Therefore, it is necessary to turn to the one who cannot be confused by the fallacy of fraudulent suggestions, to the one who resides where the baseness dictated by passion or sheepishly impudence cannot reach, to the one who has always guided us through danger.

Therefore, I decree that an expedition to the northern heights must be undertaken tomorrow, to reach the wise Seer of the Guarded Peak.

Only he can come to our aid and unveil the mystery that shrouds our lives and our era. Captains Sigismund and Astor will come on behalf of the People of the West, and I will go for those of the East. You, Robuald, will stay here and prepare the defenses with the leaders of the city, and together, you will govern until my return.

And now, let us all retire and trust that these hours, however dark, refine our thoughts, may soothe our pains and grant us rest.”

Ronald sat down, visibly exhausted, while all the venerable councilors stood up and, bowing, silently left the room.

Robuald would have liked to oppose his father's decision, but he understood that in this way, the Council had been repaid for the offense he had caused, and therefore he remained silent, overwhelmed by the burden that weighed on his chest.

Even Sigismund and Astor kept silent, aware that serious danger had just been averted thanks to Ronald's wisdom and prudence, clearly understanding, at the same time, that they were not yet entirely safe.

He had let his head hang low, and his thick beard seemed to serve as his ears. He waited for a few minutes with closed eyes, and then he noticed with bitterness, “Never before today have I been in such a sharp contrast with my own companions and kin. Is it finally the end for us? And you, my son, learn to restrain your rightful anger. Learn from your friends that the most irresistible strength lies in humility,” he warned, throwing a fleeting glance at Astor, “the only one capable of changing the most rebellious and hostile temperaments. Tomorrow you will show remorse to the Councilors, unless you want to bring war within these walls before its time, or you aspire to transform our domains into a kingdom, which would be a mistake since we are devoid of both the past and the necessary pomp. We belong to a simple lineage – at times too simple – but it will not grow and flourish with violence or abandonment to conquer its respect, affection, and obedience: remember that, my son. And now let us withdraw.”, concluded Ronald, as exhaustion was about to overwhelm him.

“Let it be as you command,” replied Sigismund, “but allow us, first, to thank you.”

“Wait to do so, illustrious Knight,” whispered Ronald. “We have only postponed the clash, without securing the victory. Everything will depend on what the Seer knows and will want to reveal to us, but do not ask me anything about it. The night is very old, and if tomorrow I want to be able to ride to admire my mountains one last time before I disappear or before they sink under the mounting attack, grant me this interval. We will meet again with the light of dawn.”

He fell silent, and the two captains, bowing to him, left the father with his son.