CHAPTER 32
After a long day of trying to keep my mind free, I was, once again, led to the vast dining hall. They had already begun eating; Royalty waits for no one. I took my seat and ate. As the meal was drawing to a close, I took my chance and stood up. Remembering the words of Gwion Bach, I picked my words carefully.
‘Your majesties, I must speak with you now, this matter cannot wait any longer. I will not be put off by frivolities. I am so grateful you granted me this chance, and I know you will help me for you are the great and just, and care about your subjects.’
A silence swept around the room and then King Donn shouted; ‘how dare you mortal, you are mocking our hospitality.’ I once again thought of my words and spoke loudly, with a confidence I didn’t really feel.
‘I dare because I am the Intercessor. I may not be Royalty, but my duties are great and important. Please remember, your majesties, it was through your wisdom and power that my line began. You gave a gift to only a few mortals, to keep the balance on Earth, it was through your great foresight that the Realms have co- existed for so long.’ They all looked at each other; it was obvious they had not been spoken to like this.
‘So you are the Intercessor, and that gives you the right to interrupt our entertainment? What can you do anyway mortal?’ This was said by King Knop, and I knew my next answer had to be perfect, or I had lost.
‘What can I do? I will not talk of what I CAN do; I’ll tell you what I WILL do. I will fight those who dare to go against your laws and proclamations. I will defeat these people, and I will restore the balance. I will do the work I was born to do and never give up.
I am, however, only mortal and I have come here to beseech you to help me in this quest. I would have been nothing without you, and now I need you so much. Help me to be all I can be, in your name.’
I hoped I had got the balance right. Gwion Bach’s words rang in my ears; forceful but courteous, arrogant but humble, and strong but meek. I waited and watched as they looked at each other. They seemed to be silently talking to each other, but I couldn’t be certain. At last it was Queen Grian’s turn to speak; ‘follow us and we will listen to what you have to say.’
We moved to some kind of board room, but it was unlike those of mortals. It was so ornate and comfortable. There was no big table, just lots of huge armchairs dotted around. A rather old man sat in the corner at a small table and held a feather quill pen over a long parchment of paper; much like a stenographer at a court. When we were all seated I was told to begin.