8. Berne #2
Heavy wooden doors slammed open as he pushed his way into the council chambers.
The room fell silent as Berne stood there searching for Sirin, and he growled when he saw her on the dais, wide-eyed and pale.
At his noise, the councilors all turned from where they sat facing Sirin in a wide half-circle to look at him.
Everyone looked exhausted, perhaps Sirin most of all.
Each shuffle of his feet echoed through the vaulted ceilings, and several council members sat at their desks with a fork or cup halfway to their lips like he had interrupted their supper.
Where the hell was Sirin's food? They hadn't even bothered to feed her!
The large windows normally flooded the room with light only served as portals for the night to assert its dominance.
Berne looked at each council member's face, at each stern expression that fell in the dim light; so many faces he knew well were shuttered to him.
When he looked to his mentor, Jorund pressed his lips together tightly and motioned with his hand, a ranger signal that meant danger ahead was unresolved. Great.
Sirin's shoulders were slumped, and she'd barely lifted the corner of her mouth to smile when he entered.
He didn't wait to be told where to sit or stand.
He stormed through the room and immediately mounted the dais to sit with Sirin.
Berne rubbed her back, hoping that she could feel the calming message he tried to convey through his touch.
She looked up at him smiling, and for a moment, he felt as if he'd done something extraordinary to earn such a prize.
The smile trickled down him, warming him through and he leaned down, subconsciously drawn closer to her.
Gunna cleared her throat and called his attention back to the councilors. ''It seems you've forgotten what little manners you've acquired in recent years, boy. You were told that we would call for you if we needed you.''
''Seems you forgot to call for me then, because you do need me,'' Berne said, raising his voice so they could all hear him.
''But don't fret, I'm here now, you just let me know when it's time to say my piece.
'' He settled back into his chair, doing his best to embody the way he felt on the inside—like a bear pacing its cage.
''The researcher,'' Gunna said with disdain, ''Sirin Agbuya has violated our laws and our sacred duty.
The fact she did not know she was trespassing on our sacred land is immaterial.
Our dictates are quite clear: No one is to know of our location, our task, or our duty outside of Sanctuary.
As such, we have historically executed trespassers.
Berne Brodersen, you've indicated you would like to speak on behalf of the accused. Go on then, speak.''
Berne stood and looked down at Sirin. She gave him a stiff smile, and he took a deep breath to steel himself to speak.
''I've followed Sirin for over a week now.
While she's been transparent about what she is searching for, she has shown great care for the environment.
She has lovingly cataloged plants and animals and noted things about them I've never noticed, though I spend most of my time in nature.
I understand our sacred duty, and I have ruthlessly eliminated others who threatened our protectorate.
Sirin has shown the utmost care for both our land and our duty.
Were it not for our sacred duty, I would request she be allowed to leave.
However, I know that is not a possibility.
Further, knowing what I know of her, I doubt she would do so.
'' He chuckled to himself. ''I don't know we'd even be able to run her off if we wanted.
I think she should stay. She has a lot she can teach us, even about ourselves and our land.
Beyond that, she could likely offer us perspectives on our duties and power we have overlooked. ''
The councilors' expressions hardened at his words.
Shit. He had a terrible feeling about this.
''I'm prepared to take responsibility for her,'' he continued before anyone could respond.
''I'll ensure she doesn't leave or contact anyone and she won't put us or our duty in any danger.
She could truly be an asset to us if we only let her.
''2 He crossed his arms, attempting to find something more to convince them, but he wasn't a man of words, he was a man of silence.
He could go days without saying a word. He hoped he'd said enough.
He sat down next to Sirin, who smiled up at him encouragingly.
She placed a hand on his knee and said, ''Thank you.
Even if it doesn't work, I truly appreciate it.
I feel like we know at least a bit about each other after the last week, perhaps you more than me, and I imagine that was difficult to—''
''We will recess to discuss our verdict. Please wait here,'' Gunna said, leading the councilors out into the next room.
''It wasn't as difficult as it will be if they try to kill you.
I'll tell you that for free. But, look, maybe I've got a plan, just in case.
You don't deserve this, just for asking questions and such.
I'll see you through this, somehow, I swear it.
'' He patted her hand, which still rested on his knee.
After a moment, she turned her hand to lace their fingers together.
His stomach rioted at her touch like a swarm of bees had come to life inside him.
''I hope you don't mind,'' she said. ''I could use a friend.''
''Not at all. Say nothing of it.'' He didn't know what else to say; anything they tried to plan now would all be speculation.
Thankfully, it seemed Sirin agreed, as she appeared content to trace patterns on the back of his hand, the gentle touches of her smooth hands were meant to soothe him, but they only stoked the desire for her that had been simmering all day.
Once again, Sirin was the most delicious kind of torture.
She sat right next to him while being entirely unattainable.
He glanced at his crotch, hoping his stiff cock wasn't too obvious.
He wasn't sure what would be worse, if Sirin saw, or the council.
Luckily, he was sitting in a way that at least partially concealed his arousal, but they couldn't wrap this meeting up quickly enough for his comfort.
Berne's nerves were stretched thin as fishing line as they waited.
Sirin had pulled out her notebook and was scratching away.
Peering over her shoulder, he could see how accurate her drawings were.
She'd drawn a diagram of the village's layout as it would appear from above, leaving empty the areas where she had not ventured.
It was spot on. She added wee numbers, which corresponded to the opposite page, where she made notes about different parts of the town.
She was acting so much less concerned about the situation than he felt, almost at ease.
She even smelled at ease. Sadly, he'd become used to the smell of her fear, but she didn't even let off a whiff of it now.
She tilted her head this way and that, scrutinizing her notebook, and Berne was content to watch her work.
So often, Sirin had a vibrant, frenetic energy, like her lush body struggled to contain all of her; but now, she was so focused, every movement was graceful and precise.
She stuck her tongue out as she worked, her brows drawn in concentration.
Berne leaned closer to read note number eight, next to a sketch of his cabin.
Design notably different from the rest of the village, set away.
Indicates need for privacy and a unique designer.
Likely self-built, as second story appears unfinished.
Furniture indicates single occupant, though there is evidence of bear pet.
Garden out window similar to those in village proper.
Initial observations indicate largely temperate species of plants, potential for genetic drift, inv.