The Stewards of Reed, Volume 1: The Rise of Fallon Read Free Page B

and nodded in response.
    “Now, please say your good-byes to your father and join me when you are ready.” Isaiah shook Tobias’s hand and walked back to the double doors.
    Tobias hugged his son. “Be good, my son. We shall see you in a few months.”
    “Aye,” Fallon replied. “And you shall take care of Attawan?” He had not forgotten about his birthday present.
    “Of course,” Tobias said. “I love you always, son.”
    “I love you, too.”
    After Tobias left, Fallon turned back to Isaiah, who had been patiently waiting on the other side of the entry hall. He walked towards the old man and together they entered the inner chambers.

    *************

    It is unfortunate that very few Reedites have ever seen the Council’s inner chambers, for it is one of the more stunning spaces within the village. The floor was adorned in a beautiful mosaic tile unlike anything Fallon had ever seen. There were no windows, but the walls were lined with bookshelves, maps, and works of art from faraway places – all things that intrigued Fallon’s young mind. But it was the ceiling that really captured Fallon’s attention. Large wooden beams crisscrossed the circular ceiling in a wheel spoke pattern, with an enormous candelabra hanging from the center. In between each of the beams were the most beautiful pieces of stained glass lit up in various shades of blue, yellow, green and red by the fading sunlight outside. As he began to study the glass more intently, Fallon’s thoughts were interrupted by Steward Isaiah’s voice.
    “Fallon, I would like to introduce you to the Council of Elders. These invaluable souls provide much needed guidance with regard to the safekeeping of this great village.”
    Fallon had learned about the Elders in school, the group of eight men and women – all over the age of fifty – who provided counsel to the Steward regarding the village’s affairs. He turned his attention to the semicircle of wooden desks before him.
    “Hello,” Fallon said quietly.
    “Hello,” each of the Elders echoed in response.
    Steward Isaiah began making introductions. “Starting at the left we have Elder Tomar, Elder Lydia, Elder Jacob and Elder Catherine.” Skipping over his own desk he continued, “And to the right we have Elder Anne, Elder Peter, Elder Theodora and Elder Graham.”
    Although all the faces before him were friendly and smiling, Fallon was intimidated. He felt immediately that he was being judged, and he shifted uncomfortably as he stood next to Steward Isaiah.
    “Fallon, please remove your shirt so we may behold the mark,” the Steward directed. In accordance with tradition, the mark had to be verified by the existing Steward and sitting Council of Elders before any training could commence.
    Fallon obeyed Isaiah and unbuttoned his shirt, holding it open to reveal the mark. Almost immediately the room filled with gasps and the Elders began whispering vigorously to one another.
    “Is something wrong?” asked Fallon, noticing the Steward was now frowning.
    Isaiah did not immediately respond and seemed deep in thought as he studied the mark upon Fallon’s chest. At last he spoke. “Thank you, Fallon, you may button your shirt now. Would you please excuse us and wait for me back in the entry hall? The Elders and I have important things to discuss.”
    Fallon was confused, but he obeyed Isaiah and headed through the double doors back into the entry hall, sitting down in the uncomfortable wooden chair once again.

CHAPTER THREE
The Debate

    Elder Lydia was the first to speak when Isaiah stepped back into the inner chambers, closing the double doors behind him. “That is not the mark of Reed, no matter how similar. Fallon cannot be our next Steward,” she remarked firmly.
    “Aye, was not a precedent for this already set with the twins?” added Elder Tomar, eager to impress the others with his knowledge of the village’s history.
    “That was a long time ago and a completely different situation,