Lord Jaias stood at the bay window, watching the servants below mill about the courtyard. Hands placidly folded behind his back, his mind ran over what had to be finished before the rest of the families arrived. It had been quite some time since a gathering of this magnitude had happened for the House. He had always expected his father to still be head of this branch when the gathering started. But, things had changed and Head had fallen to him. Personally, he would not have had it any other way.
The supple cloth of Jaias’ robe swished around his ankles as he moved away from the window and sat in the large leather chair. Neat stacks of tomes, scrolls and several empty bottles of ink covered the polished mahogany desk in front of him. Jaias absentmindedly ran his fingers along the spines of the books, his thoughts continuously turning over and over. This morning would probably be the last peaceful morning until the gathering ended. The five branches of House Ebonlynx were readying themselves for the Ritual. A grand undertaking if there ever was one.
The serene quiet of the study was suddenly shattered by what Lord Jaias could only make out as scuffling, arguing and profuse verbal berating, muted by the closed door. The noise only got louder and louder, approaching his study. Only one person could make this much of a fuss so early. Only one person would dare approach his study in such a fashion after he has specifically ordered that he not be disturbed.
The brass knob was wrenched to one side. The door came flying open and an angry female stomping her way inside, skirts swishing loudly. She was promptly followed by two servants, both apologizing for the disruption and trying to coax the woman to leave as peacefully as possible. Still keeping the calm look on his face, Lord Jaias straightened in his chair and held up his hand.
“It has been quite some time since I have seen my younger sister,” he replied, his voice low and even, “She is allowed to come to me when she wishes. Both of you are dismissed.”
The servants bowed deeply before backing out of the room and closing the door behind them. Jaias extended his hand towards the seat across from him, in front of his desk. His voice was smooth and honeyed as he addressed the fuming female still standing at the study entrance.
“Sister. I trust that Tobias extended my gratitude to you this morning?”
“You can dispense with the pleasantries, Jaias,” Alara replied, making it a point to show that she was not going to sit, “You know the reason why I am here talking to you.”
“I see your hunter husband and his kind have done wonders for your disposition,” Jaias replied sarcastically, leaning back in his chair and placing his elbows on the armrests, "I assure you, I can think of a thousand reasons why you came barreling through my door like a crazed elekk. So, instead of making me guess which burr has gotten caught in your corset this time, why not just tell me, Sister dearest.”
“You haven’t changed at all,” Alara sneered.
“I shall take that as a compliment.”
“My daughter, Jaias!” Alara shouted,” Why did I run into my daughter in the gallery wing?!”
“Because I wanted her sent there,” Jaias answered furrowing his forehead, “She has no idea what this side of the family even looks like. She needs to know where she comes from. Well, at least part of her.”
“Why is she even here at all?!” Alara said in a raised voice, “I was promised she would never be asked here, or brought here. This family would stay away from her and her brothers. Why was she sent an invitation?”
“I’m afraid you remember your agreement incorrectly,” Jaias replied, lacing his fingers together and resting them on his desk, “House Ebonlynx promised to stay away from your daughter, all of your children actually, as long as Father was one of the five Heads and sat on Council. And since you have been to the gallery wing, you realize that he no longer sits in either position.”
“I want my daughter to be sent home!” Alara demanded.
“Cannot be done,” Jaias replied,”Once Father was replaced; the Heads gathered and agreed that your daughter was to come. It was even put to a vote. Leniency could not be shown to one man’s granddaughter if it could not be shown to all. Everyone is taking the risk and no one can be exempt. Especially if it is for the good of the house.”
“Cixithara is not even a mage,” Alara replied, her voice not getting any quieter despite her brother’s being so matter of fact, “She could not possibly play any part in the Ebonlynx Ritual.”
“And whose fault is that?”
Alara's mouth twisted. She knew her brother was trying to sting her with that last comment, but it wasn’t going to work. She had made the right choice, for all of her children. There was no talking to Jaias. She would have to get someone else on her side.
“If Father is not head any more, then who do I need to talk to in order to get this whole thing straightened out?” Alara asked, ready to end this conversation with her brother, “Who is the head of this family now?”
"I'm not sitting in Father's chair because I'm feeling nostalgic.”
Alara felt that sinking feeling in her stomach all over again.
The story continues with "Moving Pieces"
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