Chapter 44: The Convention Begins
The Druid convention had finally begun.
All the high-ranking Druids, both residents and visitors, gathered in a large clearing. Each was allowed to bring one apprentice, resulting in a crowd of nearly a hundred.
This was the largest gathering of high-ranking Druids in history.
“Thank you all for coming, for joining us in addressing this potential ecological crisis,” Arcaiste said, his voice somber, his melancholic gaze sweeping over the assembled Druids. He sat on a prominent rock, his position as Grand Sage clear. “I believe that with our combined efforts, we can overcome this challenge and save our world.”
The visiting Druids began murmuring amongst themselves. Abyss and his companions were accustomed to Arcaiste’s melancholic demeanor, but the others, unfamiliar with him, wondered if some unknown catastrophe had befallen the continent, causing such sorrow in their leader.
One of the Sages, sitting beside Arcaiste, spoke. “This ecological crisis hasn’t fully manifested yet. We’re here to prevent it. There’s no need for alarm. Let’s discuss this calmly.”
His words reassured the visiting Druids.
“Thank you, Master Harviges,” Arcaiste said, but Harviges, his face impassive, simply nodded curtly.
“It seems he’s one of those who oppose Master Arcaiste,” Abyss whispered to Rebecca, glancing at her. He had chosen Rebecca to accompany him, her alchemical skills and her recent success with the potion making her a valuable asset. Flora, although skilled in persuasion, wasn’t as well-known among the Druids.
“The atmosphere is tense. They might start arguing. When are you revealing your plan?” Rebecca whispered back.
“Let them present their ideas first. It would be rude to interrupt,” Abyss replied.
“Do as you see fit. I’ll support you,” Rebecca said, winking at him.
“For the benefit of our visitors, we’ll introduce ourselves. I am Arcaiste, Grand Sage of the Druid council, and the moderator of this meeting,” Arcaiste said, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Druids. “I’ll be organizing several more meetings until we find solutions to these problems. Now, let the other Sages introduce themselves.”
The other fifteen Sages introduced themselves. Druids, living in harmony with nature, weren’t skilled at concealing their emotions. Their expressions revealed their true feelings towards Arcaiste. Abyss identified the dissenting Sages Maggie had mentioned.
The one sitting beside Arcaiste, clearly the highest-ranking among them, spoke last. “Greetings, colleagues. I am Ambrosius, a Sage of the council. I look forward to our discussion and our collective efforts to protect our world. We must be proactive.”
He emphasized the word “proactive,” a clear jab at Arcaiste’s passive leadership.
Arcaiste, although likely aware of the subtle insult, showed no reaction, his expression unchanged.
“I didn’t realize their relationship was this strained. They’re practically enemies,” Abyss whispered to Rebecca.
Rebecca nudged him gently. “Stop turning around. It’s rude. Elves value decorum. Use the link,” she said through their telepathic connection.
“Alright,” Abyss replied, then continued mentally, “So, who’s truly in charge here? Does Arcaiste have any real authority?”
“I doubt it. Those Sages clearly don’t respect his position. They resent his inaction. The council likely makes decisions through voting,” Rebecca replied.
“Then I’ll need to convince the majority,” Abyss said, thinking. “That won’t be easy.”
“You’re planning to drain the mana from around their sacred tree,” Rebecca said, her voice amused. “Their entire ecosystem depends on it. They won’t agree so easily.”
“I have a plan. We’ll see if they trust me.”
After the introductions, Arcaiste stood up. “Now that we’ve all introduced ourselves, and I’ve met with our visitors, let’s begin. I know you dislike long speeches, so we’ll get straight to the point.”
He summarized the current situation, then said, “Now, I want you all to share your ideas, no matter how unconventional. We need every possible solution. What are your thoughts on the sacred tree and the animals’ strange behavior? Anyone want to go first?”
Abyss decided to wait, observing the other Druids’ reactions.
The dissenting Sages exchanged glances, then Ambrosius stood up. “I’ll start. My colleagues and I have discussed the current problems and have come up with two proposals. For the sacred tree, we can try returning some of the mana to it, hoping to stimulate its growth and restore its vitality.”
“As for the animals, we propose, setting aside the issue of balance for now, to take control of them, to manage their behavior.”
This was a bold suggestion, sparking a heated debate among the Druids.
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