C13 Not the Hero's Welcome

Theo and her allies marched back to Ravensky, the streets shrouded in an eerie stillness, but the air charged with palpable anticipation. As they passed through the towering gates of the city, the citizens slowly emerged from their homes and peered from behind closed shutters, their eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope.

Theo walked at the forefront of the group, her fingers twitching with a mix of nervousness and determination. She stole glances at her companions, finding solace in their resolute expressions. Crawford Beaumont led the way, his broad shoulders carrying the weight of their mission, while Way Onyx kept his emotions veiled beneath his hood.

The Stout brothers, Buzadu and Pi, walked with a sense of duty, their faces pale but their resolve unyielding. Lyaanna, standing tall with her chin held high, exuded the strength that came with unwavering determination.

As they moved through the city, the procession swelled with more and more citizens joining the march. The low chorus of ancient and modern words echoed through the streets, a symphony of hope and defiance that grew stronger as they approached the palace.

Theo glanced around at the faces of her people, their voices filled with both anger and desperation. Some questioned their defeat, others demanded to know why they allowed their town to suffer such a cruel fate. It was a sea of emotions, and she could feel the weight of their disappointment and expectations.

"I hope we can make things right," Theo whispered to herself, the flicker of hope she carried within guiding her steps.

"Trust in yourself, Theo," Way Onyx whispered back, his voice barely audible but reassuring.

As they entered the council chambers, the room was filled with nobles from each of Ravensky's provinces, their gazes fixed upon them. Crawford stepped forward and recounted the events with a commanding voice that demanded attention. Theo watched the council members closely, her heart pounding with anticipation, as Crawford finally revealed the truth about the deal she made with Zandra.

The council members murmured among themselves, their faces reflecting shock and concern. Theo knew the stakes were high, and she felt the weight of their judgments pressing down on her.

Stepping forward, she took a deep breath, her voice steady but her emotions swirling like a storm within her. "Council members, people of Ravensky," she began, her eyes scanning the room, "we have endured hardship and faced a formidable enemy, but we must stand united. Together, we can overcome the darkness that threatens our home."

Theo spoke with passion and sincerity, her words resonating with those present. The room fell into silence as the council members absorbed her words.

"I believe in the strength of our people," she continued, her voice growing stronger with each passing moment. "We can face Zandra again, and together, we will protect Ravensky from the darkness that seeks to consume us."

Way Onyx stepped forward, his voice joining Theo's in a show of solidarity. "Ravensky needs us now more than ever. Let us come together, harnessing our strengths, and drive out the darkness that has encroached upon our city."

But the council members remained skeptical, their expressions hardened by doubt and distrust. One of them, a noblewoman with sharp features and piercing eyes, spoke up with skepticism in her voice. "You expect us to believe that a young girl and her band of misfits can defeat a powerful sorceress like Zandra?"

Theo's jaw tightened, but she held her composure. "I know it sounds impossible, but together, we stand a chance. We have faced her before, and we know her weaknesses. With your support and the strength of our people, we can overcome this threat."

Another council member, an older man with a stern expression, added, "You speak of hope, but hope alone won't save us. We need a concrete plan, not just empty words."

Theo took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the council's doubt pressing down on her. She knew that gaining their trust would not be easy, but she was determined to prove herself.

"We will prepare a strategy," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "I promise you, we will do everything in our power to protect Ravensky and its people from Zandra's darkness."

Theo stepped forward, the weight of the council's judgement pressing down on her. She had to make them believe in her, and in the strength of their people.

"We will prepare a strategy," she said firmly, her voice unwavering despite the doubt in the room. "I have allies who can help us learn more about Zandra and uncover any weaknesses we can exploit."

The noblewoman scoffed. "Why should we trust you? You are just a girl with no true experience in warfare or battle tactics."

"But I do have experience," Theo replied calmly. "I have fought alongside my allies against Zandra before, and I understand what it takes to survive against her power. I can be an asset to this city, if you let me."

The council members looked at each other uncertainly, as if silently debating Theo's proposal.

At last, Way Onyx's voice resounded through the room like a thunderous gong.

"Theo is right-as-rain," he announced with absolute conviction. "She has already proven her worth in this game and it would be foolish to turn down her gracious offer of assistance. Your excellencies." He gave an over dramatic bow.

His words seemed to sway some of the council members' opinions, though a few still remained unconvinced.

Theo looked around the room determinedly, meeting every gaze with one of her own. She was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead – ready to protect Ravensky from Zandra's darkness and uncover the truth about her father once and for all.

Silas' voice reverberated through the chamber as he glared at each of the members, his words causing a chill to settle deep in the marrow of Theo's bones. "But I'm not so convinced of Theodora's capabilities. Her inexperience and age already cost this world everything. What makes you so sure it won't happen again? I think it would be in the best interest of this council if we deliberated on the matter a bit more, privately. And in the meantime I vote to have the members of this... excursion banned from entering Ravensky until such time that we know what to really do with them." A cruel smile spread across Silas' face like an infection, and Theo felt her cheeks flush with anger. She glanced over at Crawford, who was expressionless, but she could tell by his posture that he also saw the hidden smirk on Silas' face.

The council chamber shook as it erupted in a cacophony of raucous shouting and jeering as Budazu Stout tried to reason with the council. He slammed his hand onto the giant glass table, demanding that they pay attention to his words.

"Guards remove this man from the chamber!" Silas commanded, pointing an authoritative finger at Buzadu, his eyes narrowing with malicious delight. Pi Stout leapt to his brother's defense, attempting to block the guards. "No! No, stop!" Pi Stout hollered, desperately holding up his hands, but was also removed as Silas sneered in contempt.

"Just get rid of all of them," he spat with disdain. "Enough of all this disorder," sneered Silas, throwing his arms across his chest. "This is a place of order, Buzadu - not chaos!"

Buzadu struggled against the guards, protesting his removal as Theo cried out for answers.

"What are you doing?!" she shouted desperately at Silas, who merely chuckled in response.

Crawford stepped in then, grabbing Theo by her arm and leading her away from the chambers "Come on Theodora," he said firmly. "Let the council do their duty - we'll wait outside."