The Brotherhood's Council Chapter

It was a long and boring journey to the ring shaped island of Crukogh Ait. At least it felt like a long journey to Senestra who felt cooped up in her private cabin. She was aboard a large traveling barge meant for voyage’s up and down the coasts of New Angoth and Veek islands. She had to wait for two days aboard the barge.

Senestra had Vaynis as a traveling companion who seemed to know more about this region and the Triangle Brotherhood. It appeared to be more familiar with the Cren Order than she realized. One the day she landed on Curkogh Ait Senestra was greeted by a mage who acted as a Donor associate named Cadigossi. Vaynis escorted her to the inn they were staying at. This Cadigossi had a tall slender figure about him with a Veek and Crowsian appearances.

The inn they stayed at was called the Crowning Mermaid. Here Senestra met another Donor named Andolos of Lothi. Both Donars took Senestra and Vaynis to room in the inn that appeared to be unattached from the building complex. Senestra had been given two of the Angoths who attacked Triaunes as protection and man servants. Vaynis managed to recruit a large black furred Vah Shir as a body guard. She sat in the room with Vaynis, their guards and the two Donars.

“We are two of twenty one Donars who act as associates and messengers to the council of the Triangle Brotherhood. I Donar Andolos shall take over from Donar Cadigossi whose job is to greet those who wish to speak with the Council. He also organizes meetings between Donars or other higher officials and those come to see them. Donar Cadigossi often sees other guests and arranges their rooms for them.” The Donar Andolos explained to them. He looked at the two women as though he had just forgotten their names.

“Please excuse me but who are you two again, your names have escaped me?” Andolos asked them. Senestra was first to say her name and occupation/profession.

“I am Medryn Senestra an emissary from Etras seeking help. My people and others of Auxmire are under the threat of invasion by the Cren Order. I have traveled here by sea aboard a vessel named the Lessiiv captained by Olverd from Ontasi. I believe he was from there.” Senestra answered Andolos while unsure if Olverd was from Ontasi or Isseult. Andolos nodded then turned to Vaynis and smiled the same as he did for Senestra.

“The name is Vaynis Cleverwaters, I am a Sea witch and lesser deity of these seas. My charge as Sea witch is to advise the Triangle Brotherhood’s Council, but I got side tracked by other things dealing with the Makool.” Vaynis said to the two Donars who were stumped to hear this.

“Aren’t you the Salt witch of these islands?” Cadigossi asked with wide eyes and shock on his face.

“Yes the reasons why I am called that is because I watch over the islands of the Angoths and those-“ she was cut off by another figure who burst into the room. The fool had startled Senestra and actually caused the guards to draw their weapons. This man ignored the weapons and looked at Donar Cadigossi.

“Excuse me Donar Cadigossi, but the Makool diplomats are here.” The foolish figure said.

“So I am needed you go and inform the other Porters that I will be there. Also ensure our guests from Lontai and the Veek Senators are cared for in the other inns.” Cadigossi said as he stood up to leave them. The Donar walked out of the room trailing after the Porter.

“Our apologies Vaynis please continue.” Donar Andolos offered to the witch-deity. He poured some wine into three goblets.

“”Thank you Donar, I am a wandering type of sea witch who tends to spy on the Makool Domains and the Goblin Raiders across the sea. For years I have blended in with specific groups of Makool and encouraged them to fight each other.” Vaynis said trying to make her own story brief. She picked up one of the goblets and handed it to her Vah Shir bodyguard who dipped his tongue in it. He gave it back to her showing it wasn’t poisoned.

“Just taking precautions, enough about me let us hear about this Triangle Brotherhood. Tell Medryn Senestra what she needs to know.” Vaynis urged Andolos. “And do tell us about yourself she added taking a sip of wine. Andolos looked flattered by Vaynis’ encouragement to tell them his story.

“I am a warlord who rose up to become Jarl. After becoming a Jarl and doing by duties for the Triangle Brotherhood, I was given the Donar position.” Andolos explained to the two women. He turned to Senestra as though he was admiring her beauty.

“The Council will not meet you until they know of your arrival and one of the Angoth Mages are present. I do speak of Levanna, and another Mage known as Bavothad from the Hilt. He has a higher rank than Levanna despite her status as High Mage of the Angoths.” Andolos said making Senestra shift a little in her seat.

“So we will have to stay here then and wait to hear from the Council?” she asked disappointed in waiting for the chance of meeting with this Council. This is just great I hope they realize the urgency of Auxmire’s need for more allies. Gods know how much longer the Etrasians, Velts, Groviscians, and the Civids can last against Cren! She thought inside her own head. Senestra kept her thoughts to herself. Her thoughts then turned to the Crowsians of Auxmire and to the Crowsians here.

“What of the Crowsians here? There are Crowsian states in Auxmire, but how did they come in league with the Triangle Brotherhood?” Senestra asked Andolos who was broken away from the conversation about the high towers of Ilon.

“They are involved with the Traingle Brotherhood through another alliance known as the Eigos Treaty. It was signed forty years ago between several Crowsian States and the Triangle Bortherhood. Come let us show you around this island/” Andolos offered Senestra.

“A fine idea Andolos. Senestra and I could use some leisurely time on this island. It could force the Donars and Porters to catch up to us.” Vaynis said grabbing Senestra by the arm. The Witch-Deity pulled Senestra along to the entrance following Andolos. There sat a traveling coach waiting for them. All three of them got inside before it set off down the road. For three days Senestra and Vaynis toured part of the island of Curkogh Ait.

Both women enjoyed the scenery of the island and many of its structures. Senestra followed Vaynis around Curkogh Ait. Her own impression of the island was bedazzled, amazed and very awestruck by the craftsmanship. She had never seen such craftsmanship before outside the city ruins near her home city and her uncle’s palace. On a very cool yet sunny day they took a walk on the beach. It was on the beach where the other Donars caught up with the trio. Her escorts Andolos and Vaynis did most of the talking before proceeding to meet the council.

“Are we ready to meet the Council Medryn Senestra, Emissary of Auxmire?” Andolos asked her with polite sincerity in his voice.

“Yes just let me put on something more appropriate and fitting for the meeting.” She requested.

“Very well we will wait.” He replied to her. Senestra had to hurry up since this was an opportunity she was looking for. As she went through her chest she found a nice looking garment with blue and purple lines along the seems, sleeves, and an extravagant shawl to drape over the shoulder. When she was ready she came out with everything ready for the trip to the council. All day they sailed over to the island of the triangle Brotherhood.

By night fall they arrived at the island. In the dark of the night the Medryn Emissary and her companions were escorted to the Council’s main palace like Hall. Here Senestra slept for the rest of that night realizing she was about to meet future allies. She lipped on the garment she chose that represent the colors of Etras and the Groviscian States right as soon as she awoke. In her fine garment she dined with Vaynis, Alagost, and another Donar named Temuht. He was a former Abydossian slave who was rescued by Angoths on a raid and received his education from the Veeks/Crowsians.

“How long before we meet the Triangle Brotherhood Council? I apologize for sounding impatiently rude and childish.” Senestra insisted on knowing while apologizing for asking.

Vaynis patted her han ensuring her it was okay. Senestra felt a sense of paralysis consume he from the touch. This feeling comforted her along with shocking her like a bolt of lighting struck her. This old diety simply smiled at her as though she was a child of hers. The sudden vibes of pride in her brought memories back to Senestra. She recalled seeing her older cousins and siblings being chosen. Some were to be Crusaders, others were given the freedom of their own choice. Etras’ armies consisted of cavalry armed with a long spear or lance and a weapon of their choosing. Foot soldiers were equipped with a shield, scaled armor, helmet, spear, mace or sword. Her thoughts were disrupted by Levanna who tapped her shoulder thrice.

“The Council will see you now. Follow me Medryn Senestra.” The Mage told her. Senestra got up to join Levanna to meet the Council of the Triangle Brotherhood. Vaynis stayed at the table letting the Emissary to her business. Senestra followed Levanna into a hallway that led straight to the center of the Hall. Both women stopped at a large double door guarded by six guards. Two of the guards opened the doors to the Council Member and the Emissary.

Senestra walked into a large chamber in the shape of a sphere. Three levels of platforms rested on the middle part of the wall. Upon these raised platforms that stretched from the floor to the center of the wall were thrones. A total of eighteen chairs that appeared as thrones sat on the connecting platforms. Seated in each chair was a Wizard, Druid, Mage or a Sage. In the center of this room was a single solitary erected platform. She went over there to stand before this council. All eyes of these council members were focused on her including the familiar Levanna who had just seated herself.

A herald came out from underneath the lowest platform. He introduced her as the emissary diplomat from Etras. The wizards, were Lord Degore, Uxius, Azohr, Clixone, Octas, and Marlene a few were Angoths, one was a Veek, another Crowsian and the others Irkan Clansmen. He named the four Mages as Raziel, Abodar, Bovathad, and of course Levanna the High Mage. Half were Angoths, the other two were Crowsian-Veeks. A trio of Druids sat in wooden carved thrones. Their names were addressed as Glasan, Ezanis, and Shorral. Each one came from the Irkan Clans. Four Sages sat among the Council. They were known as Sanast, Eethos of Veece, Malark and Toranon of the Angoths.

“Greetings great Council Members I come from Auximire seeking aid and-“ she was cut off by Clixone who snapped at her.

“We know why you have come here!”the female wizard eyed her with angry, wrathful, eyes under shortened auburn hair. Clixone wore a fur lined cloak over a fine velvet dress and knee high coal colored boots.

A wizard stood up to calm and silence Clixone with a wave of his hand. It was Uxius who was very healthy looking man with white hair, beard and elderly face. “Excuse me Madam Clixone she lost her child and husband to Cren privateer ships. Please speak tell us your tale and why you came seeking us out.”

“I…uh…” she honestly could not get the words out. Senestra felt flabbergasted by the Wizard Uxius permitting and urging her to speak. For several moments she could not find the words to speak until she looked over at Levanna. The sister of the Angoth Champion nodded to her encouragingly.

“Council Members of the Triangle Brotherhood alliance I Medryn Senestra Emissary of Etras come seeking aid against the Cren Hordes. For decades the Hordes and raiding parties of the Cren Order have been ransacking and invading our lands. Other Kingdoms and Peoples have shared the same fate as Etras. Yet there are kingdoms and chiefdoms able to hold the worst of these hordes. Oross, the Velts, Groviscians and even the Civids have been able to quell Cren’s armies. Even with our combined strength today we could not fair well against Cren’s countless armies. Etras has vast fields to defend, but her own cavalry and armies cannot maintain these invasions nor be in two places at once.” She paused letting herself catch her breath before continuing. The young determined Emissary spoke on one breath before this moment. As she allowed the Council to take this in and contemplate the situation she thought of home. Even though Etras had a force of some forty six thousand mounted long spears, and lancers along with Groviscians Hoplites, Maiden Archers, Etrasian Infantry, and Isseult Warriors could not guard all borders at once.

“We will consider your offer Medryn Senestra. Give us a few days while we discuss this offered alliance and the current crisis. Thank you for your time miss, but do not think we will turn this down, have a good stay on the island.” Uxius told her with a wry smile.

“Are you sure there is nothing else to discuss?” Senestra blurted out not believing their meeting was this short.

“Unless you’d like to tell us whether you sought us out or sought help from the Crowsians! Then this meeting has been adjourned.” Clixone barked at her showing they had other matters to discuss.

“We were seeking aid from the Crowsians in Auxmire but they turned us away. The Crowsian states of Camiss, Estris, Doshanos, East Mewn, and the two Jewel Crowsian States refused to lend any help or aid.”

“Are there Makool around your oceans?” Bavothad asked her.

“Yes there are a number of large islands where the Makool Domains rule.”Senestra answered Bavothad. She then recalled abandoned lands between Etras and the Independent states. “There are these abandoned lands we could offer as tribute in return for your aid.” This caught the entire council’s attention. Each one looked at the young Emissary Medryn Senestra with bewildered excitement. None of the kingdoms or small states dared claim those lands, but these Angoths would be able. Before Senestra could get another word she appeared to have made a few powerful allies.