of part 6 for chapter 11

finally, the last part for the long chapter...

Lord Pivinesh gave his views that agreed with holding the line at Nirven; however he also stated that although they repelled the enemy thrice, they could not stand long if they remained alone in this war. His concerns did not go overboard, his resources were fast depleting, and further ill news was delivered by Lord Reshan and Lord Len Jin. For ten years since he became the Dark Lord, never before he was so anxious and so constrained of time.
The council now focused back on who poisoned King Ashvin, and after half an hour without any agreement, they decided to move into another issue, which was due to the presence of different rulers of several realms, a high general must be chosen to lead the coalition to combat Avernis. “One must be chosen, in whom he must be able to make sudden decisions and be decisive, great in ways of warfare and skill, charismatic and finally, one who is experienced.”
The words of Lady Chie Kuan created uproar among all, as more than half wished Master Shang to take the post, but they knew he was rather reluctant to do so. The Magi, on the other hand, objected this proposal, as they could not accept the fact that one who was not of their order led them.
Against this, Queen Khoo whispered to Master Shang, “I know you’re very reluctant to take it, but now as you’re the acting High King, all judgments by right you have the final say. Do not let your doubts cloud your mind, trust in your soul.”
He sank into deep thought, trying to fathom the consequences of his actions should he refused to do so. But he was interrupted by Lord Jason, “We now await the view of the Archknight, who thinks that he for sure will be the commander of all of us. Never!”
This sentence invoked the anger of all. Master Ran stood up and rebuked him, saying that it would be right of all in the council to choose the one, not him. In reply, Lord Cheng retaliated that now as most of the council sided with the Knights, surely the outcome would not be fair.
At this moment Master Khai opened his mouth, being the one with the most justice in his heart, “If both the Count and Viscount think that the choosing is biased, then let the leaders of the respective orders give their views and it shall be debated.”
Everyone agreed, and Lord Shen stood up first. “The Rangers though did not suffer a direct threat from the evil that has risen. Nonetheless had a crisis, no less of extent than the Knights of Koruskan. Our lands are blighted, rendered dangerous and unsuitable for agricultural purposes. Fortunately the population in the north is sparse, or else famine will be widespread.”
Then he continued, “By far, the Rangers are the least powerful of the factions in the Kingdom, but we received help from the Knights of Koruskan. His Honored the Archknight did his best to defend his land and maintaining it as a shield of ours. Hence, he should be the one leading us standing in the front lines. The threat of the east can only be contained by a coalition led by a great leader. I beseech Lord Benjamin, Inquisitor of the Kingdom and Archdruid of Karazhan, to give his speech.”
“Lord Shen surely had a great hope upon the Archknight, and I believe that all agree on it. However, he may be wise, but not great. He lacked a calm mind to quell his anger. As he said before, ‘rage leads to the blinding of the mind, hence clouding the right of judgments, ruining the best of decisions.’ Thus we must find one who is both intelligent and not easily submit to rage. I admit that I’m not that powerful, hence I choose her Honorable the Archpriestess to take the post.” said Lord Benjamin, but he was attacked verbally by Lady Xue, who disagreed on the idea of ‘pushing’ someone to the post that is not wanted by the individual in question.
Immediately Master Shang dismissed all arguments, and he asked of the leader of the third faction to speak of his or her views, and when no one answered his call, he requested Lady Yen to speak, much to the surprise of others, as they all looked at her…

12th chapter shall commence next week...