“Your Holiness, on behalf of the Castro delegation, I request a continuation of the Draw.”
The hall filled with murmured voices. Other representatives, low-ranking scholars and servants whispered, while higher-ranking scholars displayed their resentment much more clearly. Cornelia felt the general desperately pull her sleeve in an attempt to make her sit down. Now, when she spoke the words, Rodrigo’s face turned as white as a high scholar’s vestment.
“Blasphemy!” one of the aides sitting beside her Holiness stood up. “To question the Draw’s regulations and the Navigation’s verdict is unheard of!”
The Tower guards behind the Castro delegation stepped forward. Even without looking at them directly, Cornelia felt that the soldiers were ready to unsheathe weapons at the slightest gesture of their master. Despite that, she continued talking.
“To be left on the same land for a third term is unprecedented. It may not be a big deal for other territories, but it is a hazardous task for the West. Unlike the North, we do not have mountain pastures; neither do we have rich mines like the North-West. It was tough enough to survive twelve years. Telling people to live another six on this desiccated land is just outrageous!”
Imara shook her head, and the guards eased up. General Rodrigo used this opportunity to apologize.
“I’m terribly sorry, Your Holiness. Please take into consideration that young blood can’t control her emotions yet…”
“Why are you telling this, instead of…” Cornelia’s indignation was interrupted by the calm, yet firm speech of the Tower’s master.
“Young princess indeed should mind her manners, especially in a holy place. But we understand that royal blood in her veins is strong and seeks the best for her people. Thus, we shall overlook this impertinence. The Castro delegation may leave now.”
Swallowing her pride and resentment, the princess lowered her head. Begging as a last resort didn’t fit royalty, but leaving quietly without trying everything was even more shameful in her eyes.
“The lack of resources is a burden on its own, but the West also maintains a dangerous part of the wall and guards it against nymphs. Please reconsider the Draw or provide us with aid, Your Holiness.”
“That cannot be done. The Tower’s verdict is just and ultimate; its decision takes into account each nation’s burdens and capabilities. The heavens do not send us ordeals that we cannot overcome on our own. Return for the next Draw in six years. Have a safe trip home and may the Saintess’ blessing be with you.”
The general was fast enough to reply before the princess opened her mouth.
“May Your Holiness thrive, as we are deeply grateful for such generosity.”
One by one, the delegation members left the Draw hall. Some couldn’t fight their own curiosity and gazed at a young princess that caused such uproar. Others were experienced enough to keep a straight face and leave the discussions for later in more private surroundings.
Stolen novel; please report.
The princess, accompanied by her knight, walked quickly, without paying much attention to other representatives. A few servants they met in the hallway were busy lighting the lamps. And the general stayed behind, needlessly apologizing to the keepers of the Tower. This thought made Cornelia remember the last words of Her Holiness.
“Who needs a blessing when people are starving and dying from plague like flies?”
Shuddered, Dietrich glanced at the hallway, making sure there was nobody around.
“Your Highness, how can you say such blasphemy, and in the Tower of all places? Please, I know you are distressed but mind your words.”
She didn’t reply, nor did she look back in an attempt to check their surroundings. The girl stormed into the guest room, prepared for her by the Tower servants. For some time, Dietrich waited at the doorstep and just listened to the rustling noise. Finally, when he found courage to take a peek, Cornelia stepped outside of the room. She was fully dressed for the road. Behind the princess, a maid carried two bags. The look on the maid’s face eloquently showed all frustration that she felt toward her master’s temper. Feeling the same, Dietrich made an attempt to appeal to reason:
“Pray tell, Your Highness, wouldn’t it be better to rest for the night before we set off on a long journey?”
“No need,” without a second of consideration replied Cornelia. “As you said yourself, the road is long. The sooner we return, the better. Notify the general, and I meanwhile will ask to prepare our horses.”
The knight bowed. A bitter smile on his face contrasted with perfect manners.
“I doubt the general shares the same sentiment.”
Dietrich was right about the reluctance to return home, which was shared by almost the entire delegation. The news regarding the results would reach the capital long before the representatives arrived. And the Draw couldn’t be affected by anyone of those present. Still, human emotions could hardly follow reason, and no one in the delegation, from the general to the humble servant, wanted to be the harbinger of death in people’s eyes.
On the fourth day of their travel, the delegation reached the border between the Central and West lands. Cornelia vividly remembered how encouraged she felt when she saw the tall trees encircling the Central land on the way to the Tower. How hopeful and foolish she was just a few days ago.
Now she gazed at the old and magnificent trees growing along the border. It looked almost like a wall dividing different worlds. No one could cross this barrier nor breach it. Like the enormous Tower, the message of this green wall was clear as day, but it didn’t make it less suffocating.