THE LAST KEEPER

Chapter 223. THE NINE CONCILS

It had been three weeks since sagiri was brought into Ko’alsi City and one week since he was transported to Alikah City. Only then was he transferred from the warriors’ guild headquarters and into the toughest holding prison of the High Council. It was rarely used, but sagiri could understand why. It was rare for a crime to be so serious that it required all nine members of the council of Tagayia to decide the verdict for one person. The prison was worse than the suffocation chamber. It is airtight, and he was still bound by the seventh wing binding threads. More had been added, and even if it was still unnecessary, Sagiri did not correct them. He had regained all his senses and body strength, but somehow the archive was still silent for some reason he did not know. Today was the beginning of his hearing, and from the prison, he could not hear anything outside or even extend his senses. It was another suffocation chamber.

Deep in the heart of the inner wall of the inner city of Alika, nine councilors sat in the convergence hall. The High Council, the War Council, the Ten Schools Council, the Warrior’s Guild Council, the Northern Council, chaired by Grand Zorath Zaka Asakana of the Bami tribe, the Eastern Council, chaired by Grand Zorath Linga Maaka, the Western Council, chaired by the Western Kun and Grand Zorath Nakia of the Tsanka tribe, the Central Plains Council, chaired by Tendai Mbeki of the Fuzaka tribe. And lastly, the diplomatic council of Tagayia.

The Convergence Hall stood at the heart of Alika City, a monumental testament to the unity and power of Tagayia. Rising from a slightly elevated plateau, the circular structure dominated the city’s skyline, its walls fashioned from ancient stones and warm sandstone that shimmered under the sun and glowed softly beneath torchlight at night. The council could run from night to morning. Before dawn came, they would have to come up with a verdict.

The floor of the convergence hall bore eight interlocking emblems surrounding a ninth at the center, representing the collective strength of the councils under the authority of the High Council, chaired by the supreme mandra of Tagayia. Elevated platforms formed a perfect ring around the chamber, each aligned with the respective directions and reserved for a specific council, ensuring that every voice carried equal weight within the hall. At the center stood the obsidian throne of the Supreme Mandra, flanked by the seat of the Shadow General and the inner council. Their position signified neutrality and ultimate authority in the governance of Tagayia.

Each council was instantly recognizable by its distinctive attire and symbol, reflecting its philosophy and role within the nation. Members of the High Council wore flowing robes of deep ivory and gold, symbolizing unity and balance, while the Shadow General’s midnight-black cloak bore subtle silver designs of shifting shadows. The War Council appeared in ceremonial armor of bronze and crimson, heavy capes draped across their shoulders and etched with the honors of past battles; their symbol, crossed spears behind a shield, signified unwavering readiness to defend the realm. In contrast, representatives of the Warrior’s Guild donned fitted garments of indigo and charcoal, allowing ease of movement, adorned with beadwork and trophies from conquered foes. Their emblem, a coiled serpent around a blade, reflected their cunning nature, perhaps.

The Ten Schools Council projected an air of wisdom and discipline through layered robes of sapphire blue and white. The ten grand marshals sat at the far back of the council. The Eastern Regional Council, carrying the burden of Sagiri’s upbringing, wore elegant garments of emerald green and gold. Their emblem is a rising sun over gentle waves. From the harsh lands of the north, Great Chief Zaka Asakana and his council stood clad in heavy cloaks of deep blue and silver, trimmed with fur and reinforced with leather armor. Zaka himself wore a heavy coat fashioned from the hide of a feral beast he had killed, emphasizing the northern belief that only the strongest may rule. Their symbol, a mountain crowned with a sword, represented unyielding strength and dominance.

The Western Regional Council, led by the formidable Kun, presented a striking image in structured robes of burnt orange and black. Their emblem, a setting sun framed by twin blades, symbolized vigilance and decisive action in the face of threats. Representatives of the Central Plains Council wore lighter robes in shades of amber and teal, blending practicality with elegance. Subtle metallic ornaments, which hinted at their devotion to innovation and economic progress. Their symbol, an interlocking gear and sheaf of grain, captured the harmony between technological advancement and sustenance.

Finally, the Diplomatic Council embodied serenity and restraint through graceful robes of white and soft lavender, their attire minimally adorned to emphasize neutrality. Their symbol, an olive branch encircling a globe, signified peace, unity, and their commitment to preventing conflict both within and beyond Tagayia.

Seated within the Convergence Hall, these councils formed a vivid picture of power, tradition, and ambition. The arrangement of their platforms ensured balance. Regional leaders were positioned according to their geographical origins, while institutional councils occupied spaces reflecting their societal roles. The council had long sat, and only the arrival of the high council remained. The Supreme Mandra’s arrival would signify the beginning of the meeting. Even as all dozens of high-ranking members of Tagayia sat, there was tension in the room. No one dared speak until the supreme ruler of Tagayia arrived, but a lot was being said in the silence.

It was going to be a long night.

Finally, the twin doors opened, and the supreme mandra stepped through. Walking behind him was his most trusted man, Tsaka, the general of the shadow units, and the other members of the inner council. Even with his face covered with a veil, the supreme mandra was poised, and each of his steps spoke of elegance and power. He was not hurried, even with the discussion at hand. A ruler is never to show weakness or haste, and a man who easily bends under pressure does not deserve the position. He walked to his throne and stood. Every member of the council stood and bowed deeply in greeting.

They only dared to sit after the man sank into his chair and the high council was seated before they sat.

"The council begins!" he said in a powerful voice, and as if the councils had been waiting for this moment, the hall quickly descended into chaos.