The Caldarian looked around the table before addressing his audience. “I know I haven’t lived long among you, perhaps I have no right to speak, but I was allowed into this council room and I feel I can’t sit silent any longer. You all talk as though your only followers are those who dwell here in the fortress, or one of your other secret dwellings. What about those followers who do not dwell under the safety of the fortress?
Dunndar is continuing to strike at the people; he is slowly eliminating your followers by destroying the villages you have left unprotected. What is your plan for their safety? They risk their lives daily for you, plotting and planning in their own ways. You have turned a blind eye to those who have not come to join you here in safety and seclusion. They are your allies, valuable assets who could be of the utmost use to you in the coming days of hoisting Dunndar from the throne.
None of you probably realize the secret societies of followers who plot in secret to supplant Dunndar. These people minister to one another and try to help relieve the misery Dunndar has placed us under. They depend upon the actions of this council to protect them, but you have not done so.”
Silence reigned for a long moment as dozens of eyes fixed on Mikhail’s face. Finally Sir Danforth spoke from his seat. “What place do you have among us, speaking rebukes and censure over what we have not done for your people? You do not know what we daily do in service to others. I ask you, what have your people done for us?”
“I thought we were all the same people?” Mikhail replied coolly. Tierin had to admit, he was impressed. He felt a certain sense of satisfaction at hearing Mikhail champion the very people that he himself had been raised among.
“Of course we are.” Danforth said, fumbling over his blunder. “But what have those who dwell in the cities and villages of Dunndar’s kingdom done for our safety? You say they risk their lives, how?”
Tierin stood up beside Mikhail. “My Father was a scout in Dunndar’s service. He constructed the maps used by the soldiers of the Dunndarian Army. I know for a fact that he worked secretly to keep the whereabouts of this fortress secret. He fumbled and fudged many of his maps to cause the soldiers to steer clear of areas my father knew housed the resistance. Had he been found out Dunndar would have punished not only my father but anyone connected to him for the past two generations. Mikhail speaks truly that there are those who work against Dunndar to help keep us hidden.”
All eyes turned to Alannah who sat listening with interest. “You have spoken well Mikhail. Thank you for your insights. You have brought an element to our council that we have not had in many years. So,” Alannah rose from her seat. “I put it before you my brothers, what will be done for our persecuted brethren?”
One of the Orphlins leaned forward in his seat. “Pardon my lady, but I think the young man made mention of secret societies that work to supplant Dunndar in secret. I should like to hear him expound on this point, it peeks my interest.”
Alannah looked to Mikhail who slowly rose from his seat again. “My family was very devout followers of the Lord Calverin. In my infancy they began to work with other people they learned about who also followed the true king. Before long my parents had become the head of what was whispered as the subversive Underground. They worked to set free those that the usurper captured and smuggled them out of the cities. They would intercept messages sent to the many minions under Dunndar and often times would place themselves within the palace as servants to learn all that they could through the palace gossip.
Once information was received it was then passed to other members of our group. These people would then be placed in strategically waylay those who were carrying out orders under Dunndar. We warned families who were marked for hanging, hid young women when Dunndar’s soldiers would come through towns looking for a pretty face. There were families our members rescued from burning homes when the soldiers trapped them inside.
Upon the death of my parents my sister took up this cause as one of the key leaders. She also placed herself as the maid to one of Dunndar’s mistresses. This gave her information that she could then pass on to others. She even assisted men who mysteriously escaped prison. These men were then hidden in strategically placed homes. As one of the key leaders of the underground my family had one of these hideaways. A room had been constructed under our home, the door of which was under our table. A thick rug was laid over it and no one knew of the hiding spot that harbored fugitives and prisoners.”
All eyes were riveted on Mikhail. “And this Underground is still in practice?” One of the Minescurines asked.
“Yes. Or at least, it was a few months ago when Gwinn was pillaged by Dunndar’s soldiers.”
“So if we wanted to get in contact with this Underground Rebellion we could?” Joppa asked curiously.
“I could connect some of you to the Underground, yes.” Mikhail replied confidently.
“Then you are a key member of this Underground?” Agmar queered.
“I was. My family was one of the key proponents who started the secret group. I have assisted many fugitives, hidden many in need of hiding, and rescued many a family from Dunndar’s cruelties.”
One of the Caldarians rose from his seat and leaned his hands upon the table. “My lady, this is a golden opportunity. We could broaden our horizons by sending trusted members of our fortress to become middle men between us and these facets of our resistance. These people are at the heart of Dunndar’s realm, they are the key to us furthering our hold on the kingdom. They could be our eyes and ears, citizens firmly established in Dunndar’s kingdom.”
There were many hear hears and various noises of approval from the council. Alannah smiled and turned her attention to Mikhail. “Then I place you in charge of this new undertaking Mikhail. You will be the bridge that fills the gap between our people. Those who serve in secret must be joined to those who serve in hiding. Our people must unite if we are to destroy Dunndar and his realm. Lord Telmen, I appoint you to assist Mikhail as he begins to make his plans. Airianna will also come along side the two of you as you begin this quest. She is young but very capable. She knows many of the people most qualified to assist you in this endeavor. Together you will assemble a group of residents best qualified to undertake this mission and bring them before us.” Airianna looked over at Mikhail for a moment before nodding her acceptance of the mission.
“Before we know it we will have eyes and ears in every corner of Dunndar’s monarchy.” Alannah finished.