Read Online The Broken Council (The Guardian Chronicles 1) by Steven R. Burke - Free Book Online Page A

Daria would want to have an update from
her general.   She would be very pleased
to make an alliance with the high elves.   King Ciel had denied an equal partnership with any race, so this was an
opportunity for mutual trade and for developing a strong relationship that
renewed old ties.   He was confident that
this first meeting would produce the best results out of all their visits.
    “That
sounds like the most prudent course of action of course,” Bronwen agreed.   “We could definitely use a strong ally like
the people of Nairi.   Their proximity
will allow a new nation like ours to grow quickly and safely.”   The chairman truly believed that this plan
was a good one.   I hope that Queen Daria is as accepting as the good general believes.   His dark face hid his reservations while he
put on a confident smile to shore up Yukio’s diplomatic plan.   It was still difficult for him to overcome
his prejudices about men.
    ***
    Queen
Kira sat in the newly constructed council chambers pondering a course of action
she would need to take if diplomacy did not work.   She was fairly certain that her husband and
the chairman would be successful as ambassadors for the high elves; however,
she was worried about their last visit.   She did not think her stubborn father would want to have anything to do
with her or the elves that followed her.   She stood up and began to pace around the open space where the council
table would soon be situated in front of her throne.   I
certainly hope that we are able to ally ourselves with the race of men and
dwarves; that way we will be able to withstand any retaliation from the elves.   She shook her head at such a dubious
thought.   This was going to be much more
difficult than she had originally thought.
    The
door to the hall opened slowly to admit a slight dark figure.   After a moment, Queen Kira recognized her
sister as she walked further into the light that shone through the stained
glass dome.   She immediately sensed
something different about her sibling, but she could not attribute the change
to any one thing right away.   Kishi did
not have a favorable look on her face as she stared at her sister.   Clearly something was amiss and, from the
look of it, it was not going to be a pleasant conversation.
    “Kishi,
what brings you here?” Kira queried pleasantly.
    “Why
you of course, my queen,” Kishi replied sarcastically with an equally mocking
bow.   She had a wry smile on her face and
her mirthless eyes stared boldly at her sister.
    “Kishi,
there is no need for formalities between us.   What is it that I can do for you?” countered the queen.   She had knots forming in her stomach at this
point.   She had never seen her sister act
like this.   What is going on?   What is she
playing at?
    “My
queen, do you truly think it wise to trust a goddess of the elements to help us
without reciprocation?”   Kishi was not
going to waste time; they did not have much left.   She did not trust the guardians and was even
more concerned by only one of them showing any interest in them.   It also was troubling that the other elementals
did not choose to involve themselves in something as trivial as a coup while
one of their own did.   Something does not add up .   What
is Kana doing getting involved with lesser beings?   Why help my sister of all people?   What makes her so special?
    “You
do not believe that the guardians would help lesser beings like us.   You do not believe that they help others for
the simply reason of doing that which is right.   You have never trusted anyone but yourself,” Kira retorted angrily!   “You have always looked out for yourself and
cared for no one else.   Why did you even
bother coming with us if you did not believe in our cause?”   Her face flushed red with anger.   This is
pointless to fight amongst ourselves. Why is she really here?   What does she want?
    “I
do not need your permission to do anything, dear