FSTR - Chapter 32

Chapter Thirty Two - Chapel Council

"He required what?" Yelled out a 6 foot tall man, fisting the table in anger as he heard the insane request. And although he hurt his hand a bit, his face remained reactionless.

He would of been covered in embarrassment if he started holding his hand in pain. And even though he wouldn't embarrass himself in front of a huge crowd of people, he would still be embarrassing himself in front of people which have high importance (In this Chapel at least).

Remaining calm about this whole situation since he buried his rage in the Castle when he talked about this issue out with King Mendebal. Well more like he took his rage out on the meals which were in front of him at that time. So he calmly proceeded to express. "60 Gold Coins. He states that the Slaves are just a move to make him and "us" richer."

Taking a sip of tea from the cup in front of him (Since Ale isn't allowed in these sort of important discussions.), and witnessing the people in front of him waiting in anticipation for further explanation in this subject.

So he(Andonil Wehe) continued to explain. "I doubt that we will need that sort of financial benefit considering that we have 5 farms, 3 lumbering businesses and 5 teams of building constructors here in Hawk Kingdom alone. We aren't suffering financially. " Cleared it out Chapel Master Andonil Wehe as he glanced upon the Chapel's council in front of him.

Which included a group of 4 people, Andonil was the fifth of the Chapel Council. 2 people from the council were women. At least sexism here wasn't as strong as in the rest of the Kingdom, which might be the explanation to their tremendous territorial success, diversity.

When it comes to businesses, it could explain how the Zamerians took a step here (In a domain far beyond their control.) in the first place. Owning several businesses, investing it on a Chapel here so they wouldn't be financially dependent to the King.

Investing that profit from the businesses to an army build up, using that profit to open more businesses and reaching the point where the King would need to pay monthly fees for financial and stereotypical peace to remain upon one domain. It could explain how the Zamerians are the puppet masters for the 7 Domains in the Revolutionary Alliance.

A 5.5 foot man, fairly known as Jeffrey Ambers, holding the title of "the Main Consultant" respectfully the second most important individual in the Hawk Kingdom Chapel, had a few words to say about this misfortune which arose above them. His title, means that in big situations like this, he would advise good ideas, ideas that would help solve the problem or greatly reduce it at least, his word is greatly respected.

Failure is never in his radar, but sometimes it is inevitable, especially in some situations where all odds work against them. However, without the entire Council agreeing upon a plan, be it him (Who is considered an elder(47) with his words widely respected simply because of his past and experience.).

Or anyone else, the plan can't be taken action upon. It would be tremendously ill advised, especially if they were going against an entire damn Kingdom like in this case. Worst part for them is that if one or two in the council proceeds with a plan without the rest of the Council's acknowledgement, they would need to do it with their own expenses and risk their necks too because it would be categorized as betrayal towards the Chapel. So all 5 have to be on Board!

Jeffrey Ambers clapped his hands to stop the murmuring between these people, so his words could be well heard and acknowledged. Not failing to grab their attention, he used it to his advantage in a blink by stating. "King Mendebal refused to reason with us. Although cutting his head would be the easy way out, it will give us a tremendously bad reputation in front of our few believers here. The last thing we need is to lose those few believers we already have."

The same man who fisted the table in anger a bit earlier, after listening to Jeffrey he started to calm down and gently sat on his chair. Reasoning is always better than anger, but even officials snap sometimes.

The man with that little rage outburst, is Dean Mare. And although the last name a bit funny, his family name is well known across Hawk Kingdom. Because he himself is from Hawk Kingdom. Who "devoted" his life to the Zamerian Chapel a few years ago, swiftly climbing ranks after his academic capabilities were made clear. Now, he holds the title of "Second Consultant" in the circle of this Council.

Upon calming down, he complimented Chapel Master Andonil Wehe's words while expressing his own point of view as well. "As Chapel Master Andonil pointed out, we aren't in the urgent need for Gold. We can live with or without the tax of which the King gives to us without the public's acknowledgement."

Noticing that benefit which was also a considerable barricade to their plans. He decided to ask a man of upper ranks about it, since he himself had no idea how to approach this situation. "So what do you suggest we do, Main Consultant Jeffrey?" As taming his rage became his main focus, ideas were his second even though he had none.

Already thinking about a plan way before he was asked about it, Jeffrey quickly answered. "Well since he refused to work to our favour, we need to kill the Bear Blooded slaves ourselves. Assassinate them one by one."

"Even the ones without demonic powers?" Asked Second Consultant Dean Mare.

It was a rather insightful question, because killing each Slave would mean killing 120 people. It would be considered 200, but Arthur Hare bought 80 women out of slavery and even gave them citizenship here in Hawk Kingdom.

Something that the 120 men can't buy with 10 years of Free work! The slaves in the Arena have to become Champions to buy their selves out of slavery. But the point is, killing 200 people isn't cheap.

"No no no." Urged Jeffrey as he waved his hands from left to right in front of them.

The difference between killing a few people with powers from killing 200 is large, and he knew it well. "Just the ones with powers."

Getting to the main point he stated. "We need to mask the assassinations so well that it would seem like it was the work of conflict between Arena Warriors instead work from us. We need to work in the Shadows if we wish to kill all... how many men with powers are there?"

"20, well one of the 20 is a Woman..." pointed out a lady of the council. This lady was known as Alena Hog. Her last name seems uncommon as well, I know. But it sure matches her attitude.

Her attitude matches her height(6.2ft) too. She is a fairly fit woman (Due to past manual hard work.) with medium length black hair tied into a tail behind her head. Her slim face made her look rather attractive.

Her earned nickname however, "The Guard Squasher". She used to be a villager, a victim to sexual harassment due to her sexually attractive features which came along with her height. and or verbal abuse because of her financial status.

Until one day, a retarded Guard decided to slap her behind. 15 Dead Guards later, she was offered a Career in the Chapel and climbed the ranks in a short time. Her academic skill matched her height too.

Her position in the Chapel, the personal BodyGuard of the four. That's her official rank and it is considered a great honor. But she too carries great ideas, most of which proved very beneficial.

And if anyone even thinks about hurting any council member, her 180cm Iron LongSword begs to differ, she carries it with her all the time.

Stunned due to the fact that the Arena actually accepted a woman Warrior for the first time, schemes rolled in his head one after the other with no signs of pausing. "A lady. Hmmm. That can work to our advantage." Stroked Jeffrey his beardless chin as he sunk down to his thoughts, thinking one idea after the other and keeping silent as a result. Allowing the rest of the council to speak out ideas they might of put together by now.

But to aid Jeffrey's first none female included plans even further. Another woman of the council jumped in the conversation and stated. "I have a few connections in the Arena. A few Believers of upper Arena ranks can prove rather useful against a few BearBloods. But since those believers have restricted access in the training yards taking parts on the other teams, the believers can't really do much against the other 15 Bear Bloods apart from glorious battle, since they are likely split in teams."

This woman, last but not least in the council. Zehra Flint. The Chapel Master's right hand and the Chapel financial manager. She is a competitor herself for the title of a Chapel Master.

To aim for such a goal it is rather difficult, but her academic skill far outmatches anyone else's here in this room, her upper advantage is that she came here from Capital Kingdom. Granting her an academic skill of a considerably superior level in these times. Which says a lot, because everyone in this room is considerably smart.

A bit too thin, mildly attractive, standing 5.4 feet tall. She wasn't the most eye catching female in front of other people's eyes but she sure got attention from men, who apparently don't see any woman as "not good enough" for their retarded needs. Her golden hair grabbed a lot of attention I suppose, but she doesn't try to be attractive, at all! Even keeps her gorgeous hair tied into a bun.

Seeing it as an opportunity to get this project started. Chapel Master Andonil Wehe suggested. "Than I think you should contact those Believers, if they manage to kill all 5 Bear Bloods in that team, it will still result into 5 less people to worry about. As for the rest, we can hire other Assassins. But we will have to throw a few Gold Coins. Experienced assassins don't come cheap and neither does assasination."

Rather interesting for him to talk about expenses, being the Chapel Master and all! But yet again Zehra Flint is the financial manager, if someone needs to know what the Chapel can or can't afford, she would be asked about it first. It would be the best idea.

Comfortable with her knowledge, she felt sure that the Chapel can afford to kill all 20 before this Chapel Embarrassment reaches Capital Kingdom, projected as a failure instead of a tamable barricade. They could be losing their ranks in the Zamerian army, and possibly their heads too if they leave this problem to expand.

"Then we shall kill these first 5 Bear Bloods first, and then kill the rest of the 20. We should keep it low key as much as possible in order to avoid suspicion."

Not understanding what she meant by "suspicion", Second Consultant Dean Mare in aims to compliment her plans, told them. "Yes. Because with a huge portion of the Zamerian Soldiers fighting against the two Kastem domains, here we would be target practice for the King's Platoons of Soldiers." If only he knew that Zehra doesn't want suspicion from the Capital Kingdom Chapel officials.

"So we all agree to this plan? Because i do." Finally asked Chapel Master Andonil Wehe, in hopes to finally put this plan into action and finally enjoy today's second lunch waiting for him in the dining room.

"Yes."

"I agree."

"Me as well."

But to keep everyone in anticipation, Main Consultant Jeffrey Ambers expressed after he took a sip of Black Tea. "I have further plans about this female Arena Warrior. But the plan isn't solid yet. So for now, this plan shall be the best approach. I agree!"