“Yes, but that isn’t all. Remy also insisted on the names of their current owners, how long they have been indentured and the type of work they are forced to do.”
Slapping his knee, Brady chuckled. “So the Ruler of the Mystic Realm has guts! How refreshing!”
“Indeed he does,” Oracle said. “But unfortunately, it will not endear him to the Governing Council. Especially since he asked for what it would have cost their owners if they had to pay for the work done.”
“No!” Brady exclaimed, realizing what the intentions of the Ruler were. “This isnotgood!”
“Exactly,” Oracle replied. “In addition…”
“There’s more?”
Nodding, Oracle continued. “Remy has already ordered the release of all low-level magic users who are still waiting for their assignments of servitude and has forbidden the passing of any new laws by the governing Council. In effect…”
“Removing the one thing they all seek…power.” Now Brady understood why the warning bells were so loud in his mind. The Ruler was in grave danger by certain members of the Governing Council who had no problem disregarding their oaths. The most dangerous of them were those who would sell their souls to the devil if it kept them in power. Knowing now there wasn’t a moment to lose, he asked one final question: “What was the Council’s response?”
“Instead of complying, an invitation was extended to the Ruler and his Mystic Guardian to meet with the Council next week…purportedly to discuss the implementation of the Ruler’s orders.”
“Bullshit!” Jumping up, Brady started to pace, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.How dare they summon the Ruler as if he were their pet!Whipping around, he surveyed his well-worn law books before saying “I’m missing the laws the Governing Council passed since my credentials were revoked, so please ask Mystia to sendthem to me along with a laptop and tablet, each containing all the laws from the very earliest to now, including any court decisions regarding them.”
Resuming his pacing, Brady continued on. “As I told Mystia, this fight with the Governing Council will require more than the Ruler, Mystic Guardian and myself. She assured me the Guardian’s pack would be willing to help, so it’s important I meet the Alpha to obtain his promise of assistance.”
“I can arrange that since Alpha Jackson is my son Steel’s Fated Mate,” Oracle said.
Stopping once more, Brady stared at Oracle. “Your grandpup is a member of the Blackwood Pack?”
“Yes, as am I, Maximus and my other son, Slate, who is mated to Jackson’s brother, Dakota.”
Sinking into the closest chair, Brady, his voice faint, asked, “Then it’s really true? All the gifts Mystia mentioned? In one pack?”
“Yes, it is really true,” Oracle said, with a smile. “The Blackwood Pack is an extraordinary pack…”
“I should say so!”
“Yes, but I was not referring to that, but to the righteousness of their actions…the purity of their souls…and the love and absolute loyalty they have for each other. It is like no other pack I have ever seen.”
“Yes, well…regardless of that, I’ll still want the Alpha’s word on his commitment to help when needed.”
“And you will have it,” Oracle replied. “Shall I set up the meeting for you?”
“That would be fine…but as to the date, there are a few things here I must take care of first. But it must be within the next few days, certainly before I meet the Ruler in…where is he located?”
“France, my dear,” Oracle said. “Maximus will take care of transportation for you as soon as you tell me the date you will be ready to go.”
“I thought Mystia would do it,” Brady said, frowning slightly. Unexpected changes always raised suspicions with him, but in this case, he didn’t have any problems with it. “But whatever…I just want to get there at least a couple of days before the meeting with the Witches’ Governing Council so I can prepare the Ruler for what to expect.”
“You will be,” assured Oracle.
“Fine, now shoo! I have lots to do before I can leave,” Brady said, motioning with his hands for Oracle to leave. “Oh, and when you report back to Mystia, tell her her ploy worked, but also inform her I expect her to make sure my roses are taken care of just as she said they would.”
Rising, Oracle’s soft laugh floated in the air. “I will be sure to tell her.”
“Good…and make sure she knows I will be very unhappy if I find even a petal bruised,” Brady warned, rising. “Also, please stress how important it is for her to send me what I asked for as soon as possible.”
Nodding, Oracle said, “I promise.” Then, moving toward the front door, she opened it, pausing. “I almost forgot…what gift would you like?”
“Right now…none,” Brady replied. “The odds of me being successful in my efforts are so low it wouldn’t be right to accept payment before the job is done.”
“And that, my dear Brady, is why the gods and Fates did not have any hesitation in offering you the gift of your choice. I will wait for your call.” And with that, Oracle slipped out the door, closing it behind her.
