September 11, 2005 – 10:00
High Mage Finnas, High Elf Ellya and High Elf Yalor stood in front her Coralis's apartment building, next to the car driven by Petaan.
"Let's hope she's home, or we might have to warn her first meeting that she'll be late," said High Elf Yalor, going up the stairs.
Coralis and Jeremie were getting ready to meet with Frank's family at a restaurant for brunch while Frank and Samantha drank their coffee in the living room when the elders rang their bell. Frank got up to answer the door.
"Luv, were you expecting the CMMA elders?"
"No, why?" said Coralis while he let them in.
"Sorry for coming here unannounced. We wanted to give you a heads-up, but we have been occupied on calls on our entire way here," said High Mage Finnas.
"Well, elders, you are in luck, then. Had you arrived 30 minutes later, you would have missed me. What can I do for you?" said Coralis, indicating for them to sit down.
"As you are well aware, six of us have been killed since this war started, either as well-respected elders or as a traitor," said High Elf Yalor.
"Yes, I am aware. A lot of agents and elder candidates also turned out to be working against you," said Coralis, sitting on the armrest by Frank's chair.
"May I offer you coffee or something else?" said Samantha.
"No thank you, we can't stay long," said High Mage Finnas.
"Uncovering traitors within our ranks forced us to clean our house and restructure our institution before we appoint new ones. A hold on recruitment was also put in place. The last few years opened our eyes that the current hierarchy wasn't working, and we lost the support of factions we swore to protect," said High Elf Ellya.
"I indeed have heard a lot of anger from the wolves when I handled their cases with Eva."
"We will still form a council of twelve elders, however, the hierarchy and structure will not be the same. Ellya, Yalor and I will form what we will call the Core Elders, and we will divide our territory into 9 districts. The Department of Family Affairs will be attached to us, the Core Elders, but each district will have a sub-elder appointed to it and will have their own security and law enforcement units," said High Mage Finnas.
"Tobly will still lead a unit of elite agents, but his team will be reduced and attached to us, the Core Elders. They will not have jurisdiction in any district. If the sub-elders call for backups or if we're facing a territory-wide threat, Tobly's team will be sent to assist. We will officially announce the changes at 20:00 tonight, your local time, but we needed to talk to you first," said High Elf Yalor.
"I heard about your reform from a clan of vampires based in Sudbury. Their leader asked me if I trusted Emery before they gave their support. I told them they could trust him. I suppose you also seek the support of my werepanther clan?"
"I think it could work," said Samantha in mind-link.
The elders looked at each other.
"While we aren't surprised to see you also hold influence over vampire clans in District V. You will be appointed High Mage for the District VIII," said High Mage Finnas.
"Oh, really?" said Frank.
"That's great news," mind-linked Jeremie to Samantha.
"I can't, I don't have an active contract with the CMMA and even if I had one, I don't think I'm the person for this role, the northern Saskatchewan events proved that. I'm still on the top 3 of many lists, I'm way too young, and I'm leading the local werepanthers, which would put me in a conflict of interests."
"You may never had one officially with us, but you have been working alongside us for a few years, even after your contract with the EBEE terminated. We all know the lists used by human authorities do not reflect the real threat to them. You are feared, yes, but you are also well respected and highly influential in many factions," said High Elf Yalor.
"Age isn't relevant as you have proven time after time that you can lead and that you care for the well-being of our people while staying true to our laws, customs and values. You would need to appoint a new leader for your werepanther clan, yes, but given the demographic of District VIII, you are the most adequate to fill its sub-elder role," said High Fay Ellya.
"They aren't wrong," said Frank, looking at her. "Plus, if I understand this correctly, you'd have your own crew and local clans would call you guys directly if there is something."
"Right, but from rumours I've heard, new elders need to be mated. We haven't completed ours yet, and I can't be expected to complete it for a job I don't even want."
"In light of the actions you took leading to the rescue of your mate in the northern Saskatchewan secret research compound, you meet that requirement to our satisfaction. You can seal your bond whenever you see fit, it is irrelevant to us," said High Elf Yalor.
"You see, Blue Thunder, if we would hold elections like humans do, those with questionable motives would be likely to apply, which is counterproductive to our efforts to clean our ranks from traitors, and elemental folks would vote for their favourite star," said High Mage Finnas.
"I'm a sports star!"
"Your reputation reaches far beyond the sports field," said High Elf Yalor.
"I think you should do it," said Frank, looking at her.
Coralis looked at him.
"Fine, then."
"Very well. We need to leave to meet with Ligyo, who is set to become High Fay for District IX," said High Mage Finnas, getting up. "At noon, you are to meet in St-Johns with Ellya, Roz and Ligyo for a meeting with troll leaders whose clans are located in the eastern districts. At 15:00, you will have another meeting with Emery, Roz, myself and a couple of provincial human representatives. At 18:00, you will have a last one in Quebec City with some human mayors in your district. I will hologram you all the coordinates," said High Mage Finnas.
"We will meet again tomorrow morning at 10:00 at our Headquarters. If you have decided on who will be your second-in-command, he, or she, shall come with you," said High Elf Yalor.
"One last thing," said High Fay Ellya, her hand on the door handle. "Now that you are one of us, you are no longer to refer to us by our title. I am no longer High Fay to you."
Coralis nodded and the elders left.
"Wow, that was quite the bomb they just dropped on our laps," said Samantha.
"That's for sure. I knew Emery was to become High Mage for their new District V, but I had no idea they considered me for another district."
"Remember last month when Seb's dad told us the elders told Tobly to consider you off-limit, do you think that was the reason?" said Frank, watching Coralis pouring a drink.
"I don't think so, but I don't know. I don't understand why they think I'm fit for the position. I think I'm too young and too impulsive. Besides, I forgot about it on the spot, but I'm a shadow member!"
"We are delighted by the news, but there is a small problem. We do not want another leader," said Samantha.