Chapter 263 Festivities (2/2)
Her tone made it clear that this was no empty threat, and the croent silent at once
The Matriarch looked at the gathered es, and when she was satisfied that none dared speak, she continued her speech
”Third,” she said, ”the Valley has wasted its resources for too long Notomorrow, the Houses are ordered to take in anyone in our Valley with even the slightest shred of talent and provide the The Valley has hundreds of thousands of such es, and by next month, I expect each of them to have joined a House The leaders of any House that fails to do its part in this endeavor will face consequences”
This time, no noise came from the crowd Instead, there was only a stunned silence
And no wonder, Arran thought He had seen howany anted to join the Houses would easily triple the Houses' nu of numerous initiates and novices
”Lady Matriarch” A callance, Arran saw that it came from an Elder — the woman frohtblade in inspecting the dueling grounds
”What is it, Apate?” The Matriarch looked at the Elder with an emotionless expression
”These announcements…” The woman hesitated, then continued, ”Do you ainst the Hunters?”
It was an obvious question, even to Arran From what the Matriarch had announced, it sounded like she did not just intend to rebuild the Valley's strength Rather, it sounded like she was preparing for war
”I do not” The Matriarch spoke plainly, and in a calroeak — weak enough to becoet for our enemies It's only a s stand, we have no hope of victory”
At these words, a shocked h the crowd
The Ninth Valley's weakness was a public secret, known byit so openly, the Elders could no longer ignore it — they would finally have to face the unwelcome truth
It took several minutes for the whispers to end, and the Matriarch waited patiently When the area finally fell silent again, she spoke once more
”I trust that all of you will take these announcements to heart, and carry out my orders immediately,” she said ”But any further discussion of these ht of celebration, so please, enjoy the festivities”
Her final words were as absurd as they were unexpected, and Arran watched in amazement as she stepped down from the dais and headed to one of the tables
A quick look at the crowd confirmed that after the Matriarch's announce but festive, and after a moment's hesitation, Arran stepped down froive a short speech, but with the gloomy expressions on the Elders' faces, he very much doubted that the few jokes he had prepared would be well-received
Brightblade followed behind hiave Arran an amused look
”Rhea was never ,” she said with a shrug ”You could hardly expect a few centuries to change that”