Despite giving up their freedom, the Easterners were in considerably higher spirits as they met to elect their representative. Of course, this largely had to do with the fact that true to his word, the Wendolan King was releasing his prisoners in staggered groups across the River every few hours. The Communal tents and bath houses had been cleared for the returning Easterners, who received both food and clean attire gratefully. It wasn't like they hadn't been fed, but they greatly appreciated the Eastern food now available to them rather than that 'Wendolan gruel' they'd been forced to digest.

The baths of course, were even more welcome. The Easterners may have been seen as 'savages', but Saorise wouldn't have been surprised if they washed more than the other peoples did. The Easterners spent enough time among nature to know that the cleaner one was, the less likely they were to get sick with any ailments.

Saorise entered the Eastern Council Marquee behind her father and elder brother. Isaac had embraced her in a tight hug when he'd seen her, thrilled to know that she was still in one piece after having to deal with 'that ass of a King'. Clearly her brother had had opportunities to speak with Peter over the course of his imprisonment. Her father probably had too, Nathan Caramort gave nothing away as he led the way into the meeting.

They were greeted with respect and well wishes as they crossed to the Caramort seat. Lord Ridgelam sat to the right, his eyes narrowed at Saorise and Jenny by his side. Clearly, he wasn't happy about his other daughter being sold off to the Wendolan Harem. Saorise could tell that Jenny had yet to tell him that she would be leaving too just as soon as Peter approved of Eloise’s choice of Lady’s Maid.

Saorise paid him no mind, coming to stand behind her father's seat along with her brothers.

"Alright, settle down, settle down, we have much to discuss," Nathan commanded. Conversations dimmed as all attention turned to him before he addressed those within.

"I realise that as a people, as soon as we sign those Accords, many of you believe that we will be throwing away thousands of years’ worth of culture and identity just to be slaves to the whims of the Wendolan King," stated Nathan, murmurs of agreement rose up before they quietened once more, "I however, have read over the accords, and must commend you, and my daughter Saorise, for your ability to ensure that our culture does not die along with our rights as an independent people".

Nathan turned and indicated for Saorise to step forward, "Saorise has done her very best to preserve our way of life and lead us into this new era. I am proud of what she has achieved, and dare anyone of those naysayers to explain how they could have done better given the situation".

Silence in the tent before one voice spoke out.

"Honour to the Lady Caramort!"

The call was repeated by the group and Saorise bowed her head in recognition, "I only wish I could have done more".

"Alright, now to business," stated Nathan, patting his daughter on the shoulder in a show of pride as he stood to address the room further, "We need to elect a Representative from our people. Someone who is capable of standing and letting our voice be heard in the Wendolan Court".

"A Caramort should take the role," stated Lord Heathcliffe, "You have stood over and protected the East and its people for generations, I don't see how you couldn't continue that role in this new era".

"Aye!"

"Aye!"

A chorus of agreement rose up.

"Then Lord Caramort himself should take the role," Lord Ridgelam spoke out.

"I cannot," Nathan instantly denied with a shake of his head, "I have been away from my home for some time and I do not wish to leave it. Besides, I am getting old, my place is here in the East as it always has been".

"Then Isaac should take the role!" suggested another, "He showed himself to be worthy when he won against the southern armies".

Isaac sighed, "But I was of no help against the Wendolan ones. None of us Caramort men were".

The room was silent, realising what he was implying. Isaac looked at Saorise, and Saorise looked back at her brother in surprise.

"I have no desire for the role-"

"But you are best suited to it," Isaac replied, "You've shown yourself capable already of negotiating for the benefit of all Eastern Peoples. You led us forward into this new reality. It would be wrong of us to appoint anyone else".

Saorise opened and closed her mouth, unable to form an adequate response for a moment before she finally came up with an excuse, "The Wendolan Court won't accept women".

Nathan chuckled, "I think from the way you negotiate, daughter, they won't have a choice".

He was right. If she had to go and face them, she was going to give them a Representative of a people, not the feeble woman they would no doubt see.

Saorise clenched a fist as she turned away. She'd known that this was a likely possibility. She's spent the past fortnight, ever since Peter had approved of a Representative, thinking about who was most appropriate. Every time she had realised that the best option was herself, she'd wished her parents had had a few more children, just so that she could escape the lime light and live her life as freely as she'd always desired.

Isaac was the heir to the Caramort line, and whilst he was intelligent and more than capable of being a strategist in battle, the politics of a court would be a nightmare for him. Lyle wasn't stupid, but he was too impulsive, he would do them no good in court just as he had in the negotiations. And her father...her father was right, he was getting on in his years. Besides, Saorise was pretty confident that he would not be ruthless enough for the Wendolan Court.

Considering all this and her efforts in creating the Accords, Saorise knew she was the best option. With a heavy sigh, she turned to address the Eastern Lords.

"I will serve my purpose if you desire it of me, but I will request one thing of you to aid me or whoever takes up this role. A request that will never reach the ears of the Wendolan King," Saorise stated.

Lord Ridgelam was the first to speak, "Inciting a rebellion before we have even signed the Accords you so painstakingly arranged?"

"No," said Saorise, "Not a rebellion, a network. I cannot have eyes and ears everywhere, and frankly it will take too long to develop one among a people I do not trust and who cannot trust me. We will start with 500 volunteers of various skill sets and abilities. Forty of them will make their way to the capital with the Representative to act as their personal guards and servants. The rest will scatter across the Continent. In the east, the west, in the south and among the Wendolan Armies. They will be the eyes and ears of the Representative, and they will do as they are ordered for the good of not just the Eastern peoples, but all peoples. After all, if the Wendolan King's ambition comes to be, we cannot continue to close ourselves off from others and turn a blind eye to their trials and tribulations. As one people, we must be one people. This is the vision I will work towards, and what I hope you will help me in".

Those in the meeting were silent for a moment before Lord Ridgelam stood, "If we elect you, will you protect my daughter? Ensure she is not met with injustice?"

Saorise nodded, "I would never have sent Selene and Eloise off if I was not confident that they could be protected, with or without my help".

Lord Ridgelam nodded, "Then I will gather fifty volunteers to serve you".

Saorise nodded, "Have them sent to the Caramort Keep a fortnight following the signing. I will address them and send them on their assignments before I go on to the Wendolan Capital".

Lord Ridgelam turned to the rest of the room, "I elect Saorise Caramort as the Eastern Representative".

"I second".

"Aye".

"Aye".

A chorus of agreements sounded out before Saorise bowed her head low, "I will do my best not to disappoint you. Send Volunteers for the Shadow Messengers to Caramort Keep. Make them aware that if they volunteer, they leave behind all they know with little to no possibility of return".