Origins of a Rebellion

[Adair]

A freebuild for the Guilds of Historica, and the next episode in the story of Adira Navabi. Check here:

http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=110589 and the ones before it for backstory.

Thud!

Adira almost jumped as the book was slammed down onto the table in front of her, almost toppling it. Leonard Havers, Chairman of the Council, sure knows how to get people's attention.

Havers, a short but trim man, former captain in the High Council Millitia, swept the Council with a piercing stare. He shifted on his peg leg, a memoir of his last battle in the service, and slowly removed his hand from the large tome on the table. The Council of Estolad was silent, all eyes focused on the Chairman.

“We have come here together to decide whether or not we will have Adira Navabi, blood daughter of Addalar Navabi, as head of this our village of Estolad.” Havers' eyes focused on each individual Council Member as he spoke, boring into them. “In doing so we would be declaring open rebelion against the Desert King, to whom the last Navabi has sworn allegiance. With the war all but over, we can expect nothing but complete retaliation. If we do not, we will continue to live under the tyranny of the Desert King, keeping our lives, but at the cost of our freedom. This is our choice.”

For a moment there was silence. Adira could hear Sargeanr Udgr moving about behind her, and she knew Sirhan was there too, watching them. She had barely been able to procure them a place in the Council room, but she was glad they were there now. It would be good to review notes with them on possible loyalties afterward.

Finally a coarse, bearded man across the table from her, in the garb of a goat-herder, spoke. His voice was as coarse as he was. “We all ken the army from Sultan's Gate that was coming toward here several days ago, and we all know we will not be getting no help from Berigora or anywhere else. Many O' us have bairnes and wives to think of, and that Mummy in Sultan's Gate always left enough for us to live by. Why, in the name of all sacred, would we start a wee rebelion when it has no chance of surviving?”

He continued without waiting for an answer. “I am a man O' the earth, and these mountains are me home. Why would I die and not be able to enjoy them no more?”

“Becuase you believe in Freedom for your children, rather then letting them grow up under Tyranny.” It was Havers speaking. Adira noted him as one who would vote for, when it came to that.

Havers continued. “Yes, we can not expect reinforcements, at least nothing substantial. Our only hope to make the Desert King pay so dearly in his attempts to conquer us that he decides we are not worth the bother. If we are successful, then others of like mind as us, former military etc., may join us, and evenetually we may be able to gain protection from one of the other Guilds that fought against the Desert King, and we will be able to live in peace here under our own rule. This is all specualtion, but it is a hope.”

He turned, facing one of the Council members Adira could not place. “Even if we die in this attempt, our fame will spread, giving heart to resistance elsewhere. Those who can not fight can be sent across the mountains, to go into hiding with in the Nestlands, where the locals keep up a resistance, but where they will be relatively safe. The rest of us can make a stand for freedom, unencumbered, here in this valley. We are self sufficent, our goats needing minimal supervission, and our crops already planted. We could outlast any siege they put up against us in this valley of ours...”

A loud noise, that Adira first mistook for a cough, but later realized was a clearing of throat, came from the only non-human in this Council, the Minotaur. He stared at Havers with large, solemn eyes, and his voice was deep. “I, too, hate the idea of fighting a war we can not win. But the Desert King has never been a friend of my people, and we, most of all, would suffer under his rule. I would not have that happen.” He turned to Adira. “Would you promise my people an equal share in all that happens in this village, Lady Navabi?”

“Yes.” Adira said immediately. “I maintain the tradition of the High Council. All Peoples have equal footing under me.” Her gaze moved over the rest of the Council. “I can offer you nothing except freedom. Neither security or wealth, only the satisfaction of knowing that Tyranny did not conquer you, and that your loved ones can live in freedom.”

A fist slammed down onto the table, almost cracking it. Adira looked up to see the Council member who Havers had addressed earlier, a large man with shoulderlength brown hair, staring at her, hate in his eyes. “How can our families live with nothing to sustain them? If we are uprooted from the valley, and if we ourselves are killed, then they will be homeless and without any continual source of nurishment!”

“But they would have freedom, and a legacy of freedom for which to strive.” Havers answered levelly. “This is our decision, and our's alone. We will choose this day whom we will serve, whether the Desert King, or our conscience. Choose wisely.” He looked at the Minotaur. “Councilman Duraudth, how do you vote?”

“Aye.”

“Councilman Labersmith, how do you vote?”

A middle aged, slightly pudgy Councilman to Haver's right shook his head. “I vote nae.”

“Councilwoman Dalithna, how do you vote?”

The woman smiled at Adira. “I vote aye.”

“Councilman Strauhn, how do you vote?”

“Nae.” The large Councilman said, his eyes on Adira.

Havers paused. “I vote aye. Councilman Adelwight, how do you vote?”

The goat-herder Councilman hesitated. Fear gripped Adira's heart as she thought of the consequenses of his vote. With Mardil not present, he is the deciding vote. He could tie it, or swing it in our favor. And he did express his opposition near the beginning, though it's possible he could have cghanged his mind...

“Councilman Adelwight, how do you vote?”

Adelwight paused, glancing around the table. All eyes were on him. Adira held her breath. He gulped. “I, Councilman Adelwight of Estolad vote... Aye.”

Adira let out her breath. The vote had made it. She was now the lawful ruler of Estolad. Suddenly she found all of the Council's eyes on her, some full of joy, other uncertainty, other hate. She swallowed, wondering where her voice had gone. “Um... our first coarse of action will be to send the non-comabtants over the mountains to the Nestlands. Then we shall meet again to for a Council of War.”

She turned to Havers. He nodded, and smiled broadly at her. “The Council is dismissed.”

To be continued...

The build. This was just a quick build, only about 24x24 studs. It was mostly for story, but I hope the build is worthy enough.

__________________________________________

I would like to claim UoP credit for:

Trade and Law: Governing Body.

Wall Techniques: SNOTed tile stonework.

Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!

Edited June 15, 2015 by Adair

[LittleJohn]

Great little build, Adair! The bookshelves are very nice and I like the curving staircase

+1 UoP on both claims

[Captain Dee]

For a quick build this turned out very well. The staircase is brilliant and the various bookcases are nice. The windows and large half arches are good architectural elements. The irregular base is unique and looks cool. It may be somewhat small for council chambers but I think it looks fine with all the included details. And the story is well-written as always. Good work.

[Graham Gidman]

Stunning build!

[gedren_y]

UoP DoH +1 on both claims.

Edst Nol will gladly receive those fleeing the Desert King's tyranny. Mountain Mummies bearing the Mark of Horus are prepared to act as escorts.

[deraven]

Lovely scene, and great photography. And I, too, love those stairs!

[Adair]

Great little build, Adair! The bookshelves are very nice and I like the curving staircase

+1 UoP on both claims

Thank you!

For a quick build this turned out very well. The staircase is brilliant and the various bookcases are nice. The windows and large half arches are good architectural elements. The irregular base is unique and looks cool. It may be somewhat small for council chambers but I think it looks fine with all the included details. And the story is well-written as always. Good work.

Thanks! Yes, I considered making it larger, but decided I didn't have the time/pieces.

Stunning build!

Thanks, Graham!

UoP DoH +1 on both claims.

Edst Nol will gladly receive those fleeing the Desert King's tyranny. Mountain Mummies bearing the Mark of Horus are prepared to act as escorts.

The Council of Estolad thanks you greatly. We are glad our non-combatants will be able to find refuge and safety across the mountains.

Lovely scene, and great photography. And I, too, love those stairs!

Thank you! Glad you like them!

[Robin Creations]

Great build! That staicase is so clever

[Garmadon]

Great build Adair, the sideways wall is very cool, and the stairs and windows are excellent! The bookshelves and swords on the wall are great details as well, and as the others have mentioned, the border is very nice!

[Kai NRG]

Very nice interior Adair, plenty of neat details to look at! +1 for the Uop credit!

[Adair]

Great build! That staicase is so clever

Really? I thought it was a little simple... glad you like it!

Great build Adair, the sideways wall is very cool, and the stairs and windows are excellent! The bookshelves and swords on the wall are great details as well, and as the others have mentioned, the border is very nice!

Thank you, Garmadon! Glad you like it!

Very nice interior Adair, plenty of neat details to look at! +1 for the Uop credit!

Thank you! Glad it's UoP worthy!

[Lord Vladivus]

Great build and figs! Nice story too!

[Full Plate]

Nice build Adair! Great storytelling, and I really like your minifig work and that bending staircase

[Blufiji]

Nice architecture all around.

[Adair]

Great build and figs! Nice story too!

Thank you! I was rather wondering about some of those figs, so I;m glad you like them!

Nice build Adair! Great storytelling, and I really like your minifig work and that bending staircase

Thank you! The story only get's better, I hope!

Nice architecture all around.

Thank you very much.

[Balbo]

Excellent work! I love the minifigures you created. The build itself is awesome, too

Edited June 18, 2015 by Balbo

[Adair]

Excellent work! I love the minifigures you created. The build itself is awesome, too

Thank you! Glad you like them!

[soccerkid6]

Cool layout with the stairway to a higher door Neat patterns around the windows too

[Adair]

Cool layout with the stairway to a higher door Neat patterns around the windows too

Thanks! If the MOC had been larger I would have made the stairs and grander, but I think this works.

[SEE AR AR THREE]

I really like this build! It doesn't look simple to a novice like me. I really like your minotaur character too!

[Adair]

I really like this build! It doesn't look simple to a novice like me. I really like your minotaur character too!

Thank you! Maybe I think it's novice because I keep looking at all the greatest builds on Flickr... thanks for the comment!