THE LAST KEEPER

Chapter 225: 225. FIRST VOTE

It had been hours now since the back and forth began, yet the council was still going at each other’s necks. Those who wanted him to be sent south, those who wanted him to die, those who did not yet know which side to take, and those who wanted him to be used as a weapon. The ten schools had been silent for a long while, but Felunka was not satisfied with their silence.

”The ten schools council seems silent today, Sissara, don’t tell me you are embarrassed by your incompetence,” Felunka said bitterly, still holding a grudge from the last time with Sissara of the Kano tribe, the head of the ten schools.

”A student was taken under Sagiri’s watch. While we do not seek vengeance, we demand justice. The Ten Schools advocate for his lawful capture and trial. Tagayia must remain a nation governed by principles, not fear.” The head of the ten Sissara of the Kano Tribe of the central plains spoke, and schools spoke. His tone always held the uncanny calmness. He almost seemed unbothered, always with controlled intentions in his eyes. It was always hard to get a read on the man. He turned toward the Warrior’s Guild. ”He is not a prize to be claimed, nor merely a weapon to be wielded. He is a citizen who must answer for his actions. To add to that, he has not graduated yet, he is still a child and a cadet.” his last statement angered Felunka, but he did not say a word. He already knew going in circles with Sissara was a bad idea.

Finally, Chief Tendai Mbeki of the Central Plains adjusted his robes and addressed the assembly with calm pragmatism.

”While the rest of you debate honor and vengeance, the Plains must consider the future of Tagayia. Sagiri represents a phenomenon unprecedented in our history. Understanding his abilities could yield advancements beneficial to the entire nation. We support containment and study. provided stability is maintained.”

Kun Nakia scoffed. ”You would turn a massacre into an academic opportunity?”

Tendai’s expression remained unchanged. ”Progress often emerges from crisis, Kun of Tsanka. The Plains have never been into war, but progress simply ensures that Tagayia does not squander such an opportunity. If he is executed, it still does not matter to us. Even though I hear his adoptive father is from the central plains. The boy grew up in the East. The plains will make a decision that does not affect our progress.”

The hall descended into chaos as voices overlapped. Felunka accused the diplomats of cowardice and insisted that Sagiri be executed. Perhaps his stance was the most clear, and many in his council seemed to share the sentiment. Yamina warned of the catastrophic consequences of rash decisions. Zaka Asakana challenged the War Council’s fear-driven stance. Kun Nakia Zawadi condemned any proposal that allowed Sagiri to live. Bekizize subtly maneuvered the conversation toward Guild custody. Linga Maaka appealed to honor and responsibility. The head of the ten schools insisted on justice and lawful proceedings, while Tendai Mbeki emphasized national benefit over emotional reactions.

The mention of the South reignited old grievances, pushing the chamber to the brink of open hostility. At last, Supreme Mandra rose. The hall fell into immediate silence.

”You have each spoken from the convictions of your councils,” he said, his voice calm yet commanding. ”Security, honor, justice, strength, progress, and peace, all are pillars upon which Tagayia stands. Yet tonight, these pillars threaten to fracture the very foundation they support.” His gaze swept across the assembly before continuing. ”We will not fight among ourselves.” Those gathered could understand his meaning.

’You are all arguing like children, yet Tagayia waits for a decision. My patience runs short. You’d better come up with a solution soon.’

Tsaka arose at the words of the mandra. The man could be said to read even the mind of the mandra and knew just how to please him.

”If it pleases the mandra, I suggest that the boy be brought before the council. Some of us have never met the boy personally. According to the testimony by his grand marshal and his captains, the boy has been peaceful. Perhaps seeing him and hearing would help some of us make a decision.” Tsaka said, and the hall fell into chaos again.

”You dare bring a criminal in front of the mandra? If I did not know you, I could say you are trying to have the boy kill the mandra.” Felunka shot an accusation. ”he killed a whole squad. nothing can redeem that but by his death!!”

”You are saying the boy is to be executed, yet you dare not be in the same room with him?” Chief Zaka scoffed. ”How do you presume to kill him if you don’t want him to be in the same room with you. The supreme ruler of Tagayia is the strongest fighter of Tagayia and all the lands surrounding it. Do you dare insult all of us by claiming the boy is stronger than him and us?” Chief Zaka was clearly enraged by this. He stood to his feet, and even though Felunka was part asakana, part chimera, he was still a foot or two shorter than the beast of a man that was chief zaka, and right at the moment, the beast was not happy.

”I dare say I also want to see the boy who had my niece change her outlook on marriage. At least before I vote to kill him,” Nakia said. Only she could dare such an obnoxious thing. Of course, it was known that her niece had challenged the boy, and to the tsanka, that was like a proposal.

”Nakia, why could you possibly want your niece’s prospective death?” Yamina asked with a knowing smile.

”A southerner would only taint our superior tribe. I will save her the heartache by making sure he dies.” Nakia rolled her eyes. It was said the woman had killed her own husband after she gave birth to their first daughter. She claimed he had done his job. She was a ruthless viper.

”It is settled, then we shall vote for him to come to the hall,” the supreme mandra said.

”I vote yes.” Chief Zaka was the first to speak.

”I vote yes,” Kun Nakia said in a slow singsong tone. The ten schools voted a yes, and the east voted a yes. The central plains council was eager to vote a yes on this. Felunka remained silent, and so did the guild. The guild was keeping its cards close to its chest. The diplomats, of course, remained neutral for this round, but the votes had already surpassed half.

”It is decided then. Shadow general, bring in the prisoner,” the supreme mandra said, and the tensions rose even higher. Everyone waited with bated breath.