Fanfic:Her Rightful Place (II)
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The chamber deep below the Grey Tower was uncomfortably warm. That those gathered in this room were all cloaked in black did not help matters, but the real cause was the large iron brazier that cast shadows against the bare stone walls. It cast enough light to reveal the identities of those present, if each of them did not conceal their faces by illusion or mask. Elia hid hers behind a veil in the Taraboner fashion, but so thick that nothing was visible but her eyes, and those she kept lidded. Added to the disguise was the slight stoop to her stance, and the Lugarder accent she masterfully imitated.
"Liliandra Sedai is dead. That is why the council chamber is quieter than usual." The two other channellers in the room reacted to the news differently. The woman to Elia's left could have been a statue, if not for the fire in her eyes. The Blue sister hated the other women on the Supreme Council, but that was not what enraged her. It was the fact that 'Blue' had no hand in Liliandra's downfall, and could claim none of the credit.
"She was the other member of the Council?" To Elia's right, the Asha'man purportedly from the Green Ajah shifted uncomfortably after speaking. Elia didn't know whether that was genuine concern or a feigned act of discomfort. Either way, this report was to his benefit, as far as he would see it. The Supreme Council of the Black Ajah was meant to be balanced: two Aes Sedai and two Asha'man. Before Liliandra's death, it had been three and one. Now he likely thought another man would be joining their group, helping to level the playing field. An innocent thought.
"Yes."
"How did she die?" he asked.
Elia didn't even try to keep surprise from her voice. "You don't know? She attempted to strike against me." Once again, no reaction from the woman to her left. The Indigo's tone grew cold. "My retribution was swift and absolute. You see, that is what happens when you think to move against me." She had no concrete proof they had any plans, but that was all these Blacks did -- plot and scheme. Well, those were for naught. "I disposed the last leader of this council, and now another. Do either of you also wish to die, or can we move onto discussing the real reason we are here?"
A long silence followed, which was all the answer she needed. Malachite eyes flashed from the Asha'man to the Aes Sedai, waiting impatiently for either of them to speak.
'Blue' finally stirred. "The attack against the novices or soldiers. Did either of you direct Mirin's hand?"
A "No" from Elia was followed by an "I did not" from 'Green'. 'Blue' nodded. "So she acted alone, or she acted under 'Yellow's command."
"Her name was Liliandra," Elia said caustically. "We can say that now that she's dead. As for her involvement with Mirin Sedai, who knows? But what Mirin did was exactly what we need from our members."
'Blue's' voice got more heated as she barked a reply. "How can you say that? She murdered children! Any number of them could have been swayed to the Shadow, and even if they could not, destroying the Hall of Sitters would have been a better target. Or the Warder Hall."
Elia nodded. "True, on all accounts. But consider this. Mirin Sedai had been the Mistress of Novices for over ten years. Outwardly she poured everything into being a surrogate mother to those novices and Accepted. She was devoted to them, as devoted as any Blue with a cause."
"Your point?"
The Indigo tsked. "My point is, she was an agent of the Shadow, a member of the Black Ajah, and no-one suspected a thing. But far, far more importantly, when she was asked by Liliandra or whomever to kill, she did so. She set aside her personal interests, and ten years of work, to do as she was instructed. That is patience. That is dedication. I hope we all have that sort of resolve when the Great Lord asks us to do his bidding, or one of the Chosen."
Another heavy silence followed that. Across the flame from one another, 'Blue' and 'Green' stared at one another. They could feel the world moving under their feet, and they did not like it.
"So you're saying we should die when instructed?" 'Green' kept his tone level, in stark contrast to 'Blue's'. Elia's response was to tsk again.
"Don't be so ignorant. No, that Mirin got caught was her own stupidity. Hiding the weapons in her apartments and openly showing the Hall of Sitters forbidden weaves. Who knew what happened to her; pray that I never go mad from having children." She actually shuddered at the thought. Not from having children, but to see her mind addled so. Elia kept a steady gaze on 'Green'; he was the one more likely to slip into her pocket. "No, I am not suggesting you sacrifice yourself for the Great Lord. I am saying that when I give you orders, you will act on them."
"You?" Blue snapped, "giving us orders?"
"Yes. Of course." Elia's tone was high, as if caught by surprise. "Who else would you have lead this council? Both of you have stood by numb whilst Emmond and Liliandra were disposed of. Both of you had no idea of Mirin's involvement, and couldn't see what the real power behind her actions were. Furthermore, you don't know as much as I do. Emmond told me plenty before his end." That they did not even know that Emmond lived was further testament to their inferiority. "If you think Mirin was the highest placed amongst us, well... More fool you. So yes, I am now leading this council." She took a step forward, towards the flame. "Think of Emmond and Liliandra if you wish to oppose me. Think of what happened to those poor children if you think my retribution could not be as wrathful. Because if anything happens, trust me, there will be consequences. But serve me, serve the Great Lord, and we all can prosper."
A third long silence. This time, it was Elia's turn to break it.
"Oh, and as for these names. 'Blue' and 'Green' and 'Indigo', they are childish. If you think that I am a sister of the Indigo Ajah, or that I am from Lugard or Tarabon, or anything else you think you may know, then you disappoint me. From hereon, you shall call me Deyeniye. I do hope you approve." She gave them each one last, pointed look before turning to depart.
