Chapter 39 - A Consensus Reached (1/2)
While Florence was hoping to use her authority from Salem to strong arm the old witch into letting her have her way, the presence of the Dark Prince had made things around the Cauldron rather unpredictable. They knew he was only there to serve his council, but he was also there to make sure that the child was given a fair shake and that her own views were heard. Cornelius really didn't care about the child more than anyone else, as it was an issue about being fair to all involved. The fairer he was to everyone else, the more reasonable of a deal he'd get out of the bargain. He could also use the situation to speak to the witches to get the intel the council was seeking. The other witched on the other hand were not pleased to see him.
”This is a matter for Salem,” One of the other witches said, not pleased to see so many people at the meeting concerning a witch and her status.
”You know this matter concerns us all,” Cornelius replied, ”So I suggest you get used to the players here and negotiate in good faith.”
”We will, my lord,” Florence said, stepping in on behalf of her friend.
”As her sister, this is my decision.” Alyssa added, ”Not yours.”
”We know dear,” Mrs. Goldman assured her, ”Our sisters are just worried about Diane's safety as people and other species are antsy when a new heavenly aura comes into the world.”
”How rare is that kind of aura?” Alyssa asked.
”There hasn't been one in a few decades,” Cornelius answered.
”In other words,” Gabriel added, ”It's been a while.”
”I wouldn't worry about security that much,” Cornelius continued, ”Have you seen the guardians here? She's pretty much the safest human on the planet.”
”We understand,” Florence said, ”But we worry about other creatures.”
”Such as you blood suckers!” the other witch spat out.
”That's enough!” Florence chided back to her colleague. ”The Dark Prince is not to be spoken to that way. Show respect or you will be dismissed from the gathering!”
”We may be blood suckers,” Gabriel said, ”But we are not dumb enough to want to go near a witch. We're actually old enough to remember what happens when a vampire feeds off a witch, especially one with a heavenly aura. I can assure you that neither of us want to see that happen again.”
”That is accurate,” Cornelius said, ”We do not.”
”The undead isn't an issue either,” Mrs. Goldman added, ”The cauldron will keep them at bay. Anything else would be no issue for the guardians.”
”So what are you suggesting, sister?” Florence asked Mrs. Goldman.
”I purpose she stay here,” The old woman answered, ”I will be here to protect and train her. Her mother and I were very close, and I know she would have wanted it this way. If something were to change, we can always come to Salem at a later time. But this is the only home Diane has ever known, and as long as it's still safe, there's no reason she can't remain here under the care of her sister, and myself of course.”
”And what say you?” Florence asked Cornelius.
”I'm fairly comfortable with the idea,” The Dark Prince replied, ”And the council would be wise to accept my recommendation. With my brother here to back up the guardians, I am confident no harm shall come to the young witch. That will please the council too knowing one of us is around to keep an eye out and assist.”
”Your brother also has a gentle reputation,” Florence added, ”We are alright with him staying behind to watch but no one else.”
”I won't take that personally,” Cornelius said, with a snicker. ”I am actually here to do business for the council. If you can help me with the answers I seek through private consultation, then I shall head back to Europe when you leave.”
”I shall do what I can to help you, my Lord.” Florence said, ”I will have to consult the witches in Salem about this, but I have a feeling they will accept my recommendation which is to let the child stay here and continue training.”