Open Mind allowed the crowd’s commotion as the implication of Cowd’s charge sank in. For longer than most of the species present had existed in their present sentient form, there had been the Treaty between the Kel (in the person of Xol) and the Council.
What surprised Open Mind wasn’t really that Xol might have been in violation of Treaty, but in this Human criminal being the one that might destroy the uneasy peace of eons. Humans were among the youngest of sentients to make their mark and take their place in the annals of Forsetti. (Even though Open Mind knew they were much older than even they themselves imagined.) If Treaty were voided, it could bring the entire galaxy to the brink of war. The previous war, which had ended in the creation of Council and the Treaty of Kel, had nearly ended, not just sentient life in the galaxy, but the existence of the galaxy in this reality over all. Caution would be needed in how to proceed.
Xol, in his normal form, was a hideous sight to behold. He wasn’t even trying to maintain a pleasant visage, as he was desperately trying to reduce reality on Cowd, negating his existence. If he had been successful, there would be no evidence, since the creature Cowd would’ve been erased from the reality he occupied. The effects of his existence would still be seen, though, viewed from other realities, for Cowd had cut quite a swath in his murderous rise to scientific and philosophic prominence. Though he wouldn’t have existed to most sentients, his victims would still have ceased to live.
However, Xol was not successful in his attempt, for Open Mind, even though surprised, was ready to counter the assault of Xol.
“Your attack on a Summoned is perilously close to being a violation of treaty itself, Xol of Kel!” As Open Mind said this, Cowd was cowering behind the imposing figure of Robert Harker, as though that would’ve been of any help. “I have used the power of the Assembled Members of Council. There will be no further attempt on the Human criminal.”
Xol sneered a Kel curse and his visage softened somewhat to something not entirely hideous and terrible.
Open Mind turned to Robert and Cowd, addressing them specifically, “Human Robert Harker. Human criminal. I would consider you out of line and lying if not for the attempt by Xol of Kel on the reality of the Human criminal. No blood has ever been shed in Council. However, entities, in fact, entire civilizations have ceased to exist by order of Council. So, be very careful in your answers and replies to this Summons.
“Human criminal. Present your accusation and any evidence you feel you have.”
Cowd lay on the floor behind Robert, whimpering and shivering in fright. Robert turned around and yanked on the rope tied to Cowd. “Get Up, Cowd! Tell them what you just told me.”
Cowd struggled to his feet, his face a mask of fear and dread. Slowly, he regained his composure. He almost seemed to regain his dignity as the great Professor Cowd, master of Science and Religion.
Licking his lips, he began, “Council, esteemed Summoned friends, astounding crowd of onlookers on planet and beyond, I bring to you the greatest revelation and discovery of my career.
“Xol of Kel has willfully and knowingly violated treaty by corrupting the natural progression of sentient species in this galaxy. Xol of Kel has masquareded as various God heads of separate non advanced, newly sentient species, including Xavvians and Humans.”
Cowd seemed almost gleeful as the import of his words impacted the very foundation of Science, Government, Religion, indeed Reality itself. Open Mind was forced to call for order with yet another supernatural display of Assembled Council’s might. He motioned for Cowd to continue.
Continuing, Cowd said, “Ths very Kel himself, Xol, confessed, no BRAGGED to me about it when he explained to me how I would thwart the plans of Council in regards to Xavvian royal succession, and secure a position of untouchable power and wealth for myself. How could I resist such an offer? But also, how could I believe this Kel?
“This Kel, Xol of Kel, showed me the works of his hands when he corrupted the faith of M’Artel, my student, by appearing to him as the Consort of the Great Mother. My students are not simpletons, swayed by credulity. In fact, my star pupil had an assignment from Council itself. When Xol, as the Consort, showed M’Artel the mark in his hand, I knew that Xol had been present at the formation of Xavvian religiosity. In trance, I learned from M’Artel that this secret mark was not even known amongst Xavvians in general, only the adepts.
“On it’s own, this is only circumstantial eveidence. But, I recorded the session on my own. With machinery that I stole from one of my victims, an assistant to Royce Harker. The cover of suspicion came over Captain Hingman for this death. A ruse that apparently even fooled the great Xol himself. The recording has been authenticated by Forsetti as part of the terms for my deal. Billy Shakespeare is here with it to please Council with its replay.”
Open Mind turned to Council. “Is the recording an accurate reproduction?”
Seventeen members of Council stood and acknowledged it was an accurate reproduction of events that had occurred within the reality of these sentients. In fact, it had been authenticated by Forsettian Security, though they had not been aware of the implications. Open Mind called for the replaying of the event.
Billy Pilgram stepped up to join Cowd and Robert with a small notepad in his hands. He touched the screen and a holographic image of Cowd’s old office appeared several meters in front of them.
In the recording could be seen Cowd, Xol in his form imitationg the Consort, and M’Artel in a trance with blood flowing from the newly self imposed cuts in his paws.
Xol’s image spoke, “The same reaction I got from those beasts the first time I appeared as their precious Consort.”
The figure in the hologram shimmered and grew into the same great dragon from the Sykoft melee of just days ago. Reaching out to the real Cowd, and not his image, the Dragon took the rope from Robert’s hands. An explosion of light and sound erupted from the area between Robert and Cowd. When the air cleared. Robert and Billy were lying on the ground, and Cowd was nowhere to be seen. Xol had also disappeared from his Council seat.
After several long minutes of silence in the Great Hall, Open Mind spoke from his position, “The Treaty of Kel has been broken and is null and void. A state of war hereby exists between Council and Kel. The Human criminal has been taken by Xol, and they were allowed to depart by my order. Be glad you did not see what had happened in the reality of Second Major concerning the Human criminal. His destiny lay now in the wrath of Xol. The Council pities him, but we will not intervene.
“Summoned! You are released from your Summons. Council has greater issues to deal with now. Remove those that belong to you. They are unharmed.
“This Assembly of Council is ended.”