Dudleye raised his hand to gain everyone’s attention. “Allow me to clarify. The Allundan government has two elements: a democratic republic and an oligarchy. The republic includes the Administration.” He gestured to the fifteen individuals beside him. “Every four years, a vote will be taken to choose the ministers for each province. Some ministers might change while others stay, based on the election results. Each of Allund’s provinces—four in the East and four in the West—must have onemale and one female representative. These representatives shall serve the people and their concerns.
“Each settlement will have magistrates to ensure a direct line of communication. To prevent corruption and biased voting, an annual census will be conducted. This will align with the yearly search for magic in each settlement, offering an accurate representation of the population. When voting begins, citizens from each settlement will be verified against the census records. A minister must be at least thirty-five years old and demonstrate good standing in their community to qualify for the position. To promote fair name recognition, candidates will submit a summary of their achievements for posting by the magistrates, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity. Other forms of campaigning will not be allowed.
“The Administration’s aim is to ensure that the oligarchy remains aware of the people’s needs and wishes. The ministers will function both as advisors and checks on power. We want our leaders to consider the public in all their actions, whether magical or otherwise. This is not a rule of oppression but a rule of service.”
Dudleye inhaled deeply before he spoke again. “The oligarchy,” he declared, “will govern with the goal of maintaining unity throughout the nation while ensuring the safety of its citizens. It will consist of the heads of the eight provinces—or what are currently called the eight Orders. Each province will be overseen by a Bonded couple who will train the next generation of Mages and Warriors to safeguard and serve the populace, just as they were initially intended to do.
“The Administration will personally select these magical rulers for their initial term. In subsequent iterations, the Head of the Order will choose the heirs. Since these rulers may live hundreds of years before their heirs take over, this role will necessitate ongoing selections. We have several magicalmethods to guarantee a continuous line of heirs for this position.”
The archminister clasped his hands on the table. “Does that satisfactorily answer your question?”
The tension in Deckard’s stomach was nearly so strong that he struggled to breathe. The explanation answered his question, but not with any degree of satisfaction. At least, not personal satisfaction.
If he set aside his ties to the government and evaluated the plan carefully, he could recognize its many merits. Naturally, there were some gaps and questions that came to mind, but he didn’t believe this brief response represented the entirety of what the Administration could provide. They had been developing this plan for generations. The Alliance was established soon after the Centurial War commenced but originated far before the divide of Ephria and Wauld, carrying back to the time when the Aulden Mages ruled with tyranny. They would undoubtedly have responses to any inquiries he might raise.
Unable to formulate any response through his dry throat, Deckard nodded.
“Excellent,” Archminister Essen said. “That leads us nicely to the point of this meeting. As we prepare for the final phases of establishing Allund’s government, we hold some aspirations for your futures within it.”
Deckard struggled to stay seated as Essen spoke. He wanted to pace and work through the internal conflict within him. But he held himself still, feeling Evylin’s anxiety at his side, melding with his.
“Corporal and Highlady Loxley,” Essen said with a knowing grin. “It may not surprise you, but we would like to officially ask you to accept the role of Highlady Chancellor and Highlord Commander of the Order of the Flame. You would govern theDoorstunds Province in the southwest of Allund, which includes the counties of Doorstunds Reach, Highloft Moors, Idlevere, Faurfield, and Vlaugmira. We believe that both of you would serve not only as powerful but also as capable and kind-hearted leaders. We have faith in your ability to guide the Order of the Flame with your understanding and wisdom.”
Ethenn placed his hand over Ilain’s on the wooden table. Her gold and silver moonstone ring reflected the firelight.
“Mr. Calder,” Essen continued, prompting Vayden to straighten next to his sister, “we ask you to lead the guard in Doorstunds Province as the general overseeing the chancellor’s and commander’s security. We believe no one is more qualified to protect your sister and her husband than you. With your extensive background and training, along with your deep love for family, we are confident you will fulfill this role with honor and diligence.”
Vayden’s bright blue eyes kept flickering between his parents, Ilain and Ethenn, and the ministers, but he didn’t speak.
“Captain Lohen—” Brea lifted her gaze at the mention of her name. “We would like you to Bond and rule with one of our candidates for chancellor. Highlords Wilkinsone, Humes, and Grames have all expressed their interest in being your partner. We would support your marriage to any of them, or another Mage, should you so desire. You have proven yourself a strong, brave, and insightful Warrior. If you think our desire for your union and Bonding stems from your gender alone, let us clarify that this is not our main motivation. We recognize you as a natural leader and a true servant of the people.”
Thom adjusted in his seat next to Brea, pulling his arm away from resting casually on the back of her chair. Yet, the Warrior herself showed no reaction to their appeal.
“Colonel and Private Deckard,” Essen continued.
Deckard’s stomach tightened, and Evylin grasped his hand under the table.
“We request that you accept the position of Highlord Chancellor and Highlady Commander of the Order of the Heavens. You would oversee Loclight Province in the north of Allund, which includes the counties of Loclight, Hartfolley, Tindon, Dunbriar, Maasters, and Harmouth. After these past five months, we have no doubt that both of you exemplify noble leadership and inspire loyalty among your peers. You represent everything we in the Alliance believe defines good sovereigns: honor, selflessness, trustworthiness, and devotion.”
The compliments had no impact on Deckard. He wasn’t interested in hearing how well he would perform in the role. What he truly wanted was assurance that the position was wholly unavailable to him, that he wouldn’t have to refuse to serve his fellow countrymen.
Heat burned beneath Deckard’s skin as his emotions surged. A wave of fear coursed through him, stemming not only from within but also from Evylin. He could feel her distress at the announcement, evident in her trembling hands.
“Lastly, Captain Deckard,” Essen said, and Thom turned from his inspection of Deckard and Evylin to face the ministers. “We ask you to lead the guard in Loclight as its general. We believe you are exceptionally suited for this role. Your commitment to your brother and sister-in-law, your support for your friends, and the competencies that aided you on your mission strongly endorse you over anyone else for the position. Additionally, you have prior experience as an officer. We have complete trust in you for this responsibility.”
A storm of emotion rolled through Thom’s gray-blue eyes as he ran a hand over his jaw. But he nodded to acknowledge the request.
Deckard felt his panic intensify. Everything was moving too quickly and becoming overly complex all at once. If he and Evylin declined the position, they would also deny Thom his potential appointment. Deckard couldn’t gauge from his brother’s response whether or not he desired to be a general, but he suspected that Thom’s personal discomfort stemmed more from the Alliance’s plans for Brea’s future than his own.
Although he anticipated that Archminister Essen would ask for their response and acceptance, Deckard flinched when she spoke again.
“All these hopes,” she said, her mature voice filled with tenderness, “are nothing more than that. They arerequestsalone.”
A chill rolled down Deckard’s back, and Evylin’s fingers tightened on his encouragingly.
“Your team has provided invaluable service to our country,” Essen said with a smile. “We don’t require you to accept these roles; you have already done so much for our nation. Now, it’s our opportunity to do something for you. The Alliance presents these roles as options. We envision you in these positions, but the choice to accept or decline is yours.”
Deckard didn’t know whether to be grateful or disappointed. Evylin had been right earlier; it was harder for him to decline in the face of their goodwill. From the start, the members of the Alliance had given their lives to the cause selflessly. Who was he to do any different?
