Chapter 114: A Seer’s Fear
After a brief pause, Sarika said solemnly, "Before we announce anything to the world, we should first convene a council meeting and decide collectively. This is a matter of great importance. I believe the council has the right to hear it before anyone else. We can make a public declaration after the meeting concludes."
Erevan nodded. "I agree with you. Then I shall call an emergency council meeting for tomorrow at 12 GMT."
Sarika gave a small approving smile. "That would be best for everyone. No matter where they are, all members should be able to attend by that time."
Without hesitation, Erevan picked up his phone and dialed his secretary. "Call an emergency council meeting tomorrow at 12 GMT. It’s mandatory... everyone must be present," he said firmly, then ended the call.
After setting down the phone, he looked at the priest, who was sitting calmly, her face serene, unaffected by the storm brewing around them. A sigh escaped his lips as he regarded her peaceful demeanor.
"How can you be so carefree all the time?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration and admiration.
Sarika’s gaze remained steady. "It’s a matter of choice, Your Highness. What has already happened is out of our hands. What will happen is inevitable. The only thing we can control is how we face it. Fate is a cruel and indifferent force. No matter how much we try, we cannot escape it. And believe me, I’ve tried."
She looked into the distance, her expression shadowed by old pain. After a short pause, she continued, her voice soft and reflective. "Many years ago, I had a vision of my son being buried alive under a landslide in the other world, during a battle with an earth elemental. Desperate to save him, I forbade him from going to the other world."
Her eyes dimmed with sorrow. "Then, one day, I fell ill and needed a rare herb to concoct a healing pill. My son volunteered to travel to the Himalayas to find it, accompanied by several of our clansmen. They never returned. An earthquake struck the region and caused a massive landslide. All of them perished."