The Tiger Within Chapter 26

"I see… Why was the council not made aware, Argas?" Daxin asked folding his arms as he leaned against the tree behind him .

The council of the elders was made of every clan . It was the council of elders duty to ensure peace and tranquility as well as ensure the laws of the land were upheld . To be part of the council, one must first be more than 60 years of age and gained the blessing of the family head . Position within the council was decided upon by two separate criteria . First being integrity and n.o.bility . They must be too proud to accept bribes, but kind enough to be part of the clan . The second being Wisdom, the ability to make fair judgements . This also includes knowing the laws of the land . Seniority mattered, but only if knowledge befit their age .
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As the second youngest member of the council, and yet wise beyond his years Daxin held enough to make the others take heed of his words . Keen observation was the key to his success among the council . He didn't miss details, such as the desperation hiding deep in the Jackal's eyes . Argas offered a sad smile to the wolf .

"I am afraid we intended to tell the council tonight . I am old and no longer have the energy to run my house . We needed a younger, stronger leader to care for us and look out for our interests . He was the best suited, and is now gone . I hope you can find Justice for us, elder Werol . The truth must be honored . " Argas added turning his head and bowing it to the Owl elder . Werol nodded slowly, but turned his gaze back to Kyera clearing his throat . She met his eyes, serene and calm . He almost lost himself in those golden pools .

"Did anyone tell you about this Kyera?" Werol asked raising an eyebrow . If she knew would be the catch her . If the boy told her and she ignored him this situation would be trickier .

"No, Elder . I was still under the impression Argas was in control, not his grandson . If I had known I do not think the situation would have changed . I still would not have given the child over to him . " Kyera replied and Werol nodded . Her answer seemed to be satisfactory to him, but there was no telling for sure . His eyes hid everything from those around him, as did his stoic expression .

"I see . That is as it should be . Were those the only transgressions?" He asked, a slight hint of concern in his voice . Surely she would not let him down now . Not after all that had happened and all of her training… .

"No, Sir . Shall I proceed?" Kyera asked respectfully and he sighed in relief before waving for her to continue . "Two of the jackals also changed form in broad daylight in the center of the human village . I do not know if the soldiers that rescued me saw that or not but… It was unforgivable . If he was head of his clan, then we have more to be concerned with than I had thought . His ideals represent the clan of the jackal, then does the Jackal wish to see us all hunted once more?" Kyera asked her concern was genuine and filled her voice .

The whispers began again and several of the onlookers glanced uncertainly at the Jackals . She didn't want to cause this type of discord, she had hoped to handle it quietly but she had no choice . Deep inside Kyera's heart, there was a twinge of pain . All she had wanted was a thorough investigation, not to out cast the Jackals from the Council, but if there was no trust for them then there was no future .

The face of Argas suddenly paled by about 4 shades . What on the forest floor had that boy been drinking to think that this was a good idea? He knew his grandson was a bone head, but a bone head couldn't have done this alone . However any s.h.i.+fter worth their salt knew the Kin weren't strong enough to battle the humans once more… who was pulling the strings? His eyes cut over to lovely Bina… there was more to this of that he was sure