Chapter 18 Corvinus
Corvinus
Overmaster Descallia does not keep Embry waiting long but manages to surprise the hell out of me at the very same time.
“Embry.” He gestures around the table with open arms. “We couldn’t be more proud of you.
You have come to know the full weight of the responsibility of protecting the vampires not just in words, but in actions and every strategic decision you make, placing the vampires’ desires for vengeance and truth above everything else. ”
“Thank you, Overmaster,” she replies, her eyes still moist with emotion.
“What we could not and did not tell you for a reason, was that you had one last test to pass.”
Her eyes widen, and she turns those delicate features to me. “Test?”
Descallia draws her attention back to him quickly though.
“It was my test, Embry. Corvinus saw all he needed to know even before the cavern, but especially afterward. My test though, it was not so much for you. It was a test of …,” he pauses, “let’s call it pureness of mind.
I had to be sure that you had not been compromised by the witches, by one of Devora’s evil mind games.
I needed to know that she could not read your mind, and as a result, be privy to our plans. ”
Embry understands the minute he’s finished. She clears her throat. “You thought since Devora and her witches may have conjured things in my mind like conversations with Gramma that they could read my mind too?”
Descallia nods. “We needed to make sure that wasn’t the case.”
Embry runs a purple painted fingernail around the edge of her water glass. “Because if she could, the witches would be here now. You made me believe the masters and lords would all be here along with myself and Lucianna as a trap for them?”
He shrugs, but his eyes stay dark and intent. “It’s my job.”
She nods. “There was a time it would have made me very upset, but I understand. In fact, I’m relieved because if I’m being honest the same thing crossed my mind.
Was I conjuring things of my own, were they messing with my mind, what did they know?
For all intents and purposes, I’m glad you did this, and glad they didn’t show. ”
Embry looks around the table. “Although I hope you know that I did have a plan, you know, just in case the witches showed. I tossed and turned worried about the fact that we would all be in one place, something you’ve tried never to allow us to do without added precautions, or in a building protected by our own powers.
I had a plan to destroy them if they attacked. ”
Descallia grins widely. “And that right there, Embry is one more reason that this is the right decision.”
She smiles, but she’s not getting it yet. Lucianna’s eyes begin to glow as she takes Embry’s hand. “You’ll see…”
Overmaster Descallia is not usually known for theatrics, but he’s drawing this out for optimal effect.
I make a mental note to thank him for making Embry feel so appreciated and part of the vampire community.
I clear my throat to get his and the others’ attention, because there is no better time than now to make my announcement and officially clear the way for what we’ve already discussed.
He glances down the table at me. “I have a couple more things before you make your announcement, Corvinus.”
Descallia looks to each one of the masters around the table before speaking to them and the others on the phone.
“As you’re aware Lord Corvinus has been helping with the management of the lords and was asked to reassemble the warriors recently.
Master Slobozia has been the official second in command, at the same time trying to oversee his region.
As we all know that region and the Romanian region are going to become more intense and demand more attention and resources.
Slobozia can’t be everywhere, and he’s asked me to let the group know tonight that he would much prefer to stay in the masters’ group.
I’m trying not to take it personally,” Descallia says with a grin.
The masters send up cheers around the table and a couple masters clap him on the back. Clearly they couldn’t be happier for the colleague they’ve worked with for centuries.
The masters around the table and others on the phone begin to talk, but Descallia doesn’t miss a beat, quieting them again as he begins to speak. “As Slobozia continued to get pulled away, Corvinus has been working in dual roles as well. Both of them have done exemplary work in a time of crisis.”
Corvinus, as many already know from years of working with him on various projects, he has always exceeded every call of duty, every request, handling all the details, the decision making when I or Slobozia was unable to do it ourselves.”
I give him a nod. “Thank you.”
“A true leader must know when to trust the talents, insights, and skills of their team members, be there to protect, but not to overshadow. You have shown me and the others what that looks like in the most applicable sense.”
“Something’s clearly in the fucking water tonight because this is hardly like Descallia at all. The gruff fearless leader is not known for long winded speeches, just the opposite in fact.
“Lord Corvinus, I need a second in command, not as an assistant, but a fierce and powerful ruler to govern by my side, and to join the vampire court. I’ve spoken to each master, and each lord, and we would all like it to be you.”
Out of all the things I thought I knew were coming, this was not one of them at all.
Sure, maybe one day in the future I saw it being the right position, but never did I expect this.
A promotion of such caliber, a restructuring of our highest leaders to include me, chokes me up with emotion as I look around the room. “It would be my honor.”
Lucianna’s green eyes begin to glow so bright the entire room turns to a light green hue while everyone around the table and on the phone cheers and claps. Embry squeezes my hand under the table. You are perfect for that position.
My eyes meet Overmaster Descallia’s. The tricky son of a bitch knew I was going to resign and knew the position I believe should be Embry’s and now he’s officially cleared the way.
He smiles at Embry. “And Embry, now that we have a vacancy, I’d like to officially ask you to step into the position of head of the Society of Warriors.
Lord Corvinus and I have spoken with the masters and lords, and we all unanimously agree, that position, rebuilding and setting strategy to protect the vampires, is where you should be. ”
Embry’s purple eyes begin to glow and this time the emotion spills from her eyes faster then she can wipe the tears away. “I would be honored to accept the position. Thank you.”
The cheers go up around the room and on the phone, and even Descallia’s playful gavel does nothing to downplay their celebration.
He is an insistent leader though and bangs it again to get his boisterous leaders under control.
“Alright, we do have a couple more things on the agenda, and then, we’ll break early tonight so everyone can get back to your mates. ”
First, and of great importance, we need to discuss the sacred land, the shadow books, their secrets, and the very real threat of Devora.”