Seeking Help
Anson approached the council house. He saw the ferocious statues of the sphinx/phoenix hybrid. He knew they were there to intimidate and discourage anyone from approaching. It must have worked as Anson was thinking it would be easier to fight Nessie, than to approach the fearsome council. If he wasn't so desperate for his daughters welfare, he would turn around right now. He had never had occasion to approach the council, but he had heard stories. They were very powerful, but could be bought off. The council was supposed to go by the religious book and the law, but they made their own laws and rules. The council did what was best for them first.
He was cursing himself roundly for getting himself in this position. He had always hoped that he would never have to seek their help and prided himself on the fact he never had to. Now because of his eagerness to get his daughters married off he was in this impossible position. Anson stood there for the longest time wondering if there was a way out without having to go to the council.
He was cursing himself roundly for getting himself in this position. He had always hoped that he would never have to seek their help and prided himself on the fact he never had to. Now because of his eagerness to get his daughters married off he was in this impossible position. Anson stood there for the longest time wondering if there was a way out without having to go to the council.
Anson realizing he could not put it off any longer approached the door and entered inside. There he saw a table with a small timid looking man sitting there. He sized him up and thought he could be easily persuaded to let him in to see the council.
Hamzah: No, it cannot be done. If as you say your great uncle was a council member you of all people should know that you cannot just walk in here requesting an audience. There are procedures. Go through the proper channels and we will talk then.
Anson rubbed his neck in frustration. He knew he would have a little trouble, but this guy seemed like he was going to sit there for the long haul and it would take a massive explosion to move him.
Anson thought. Why was this man sitting at the desk instead of in the council chamber? He had never heard of a secretary so to speak working for the council before. He had to find the key to unlock that door. Seeing the man's ill humor and putting himself in his place he took a stab in the dark.
Anson: It must be hard sitting here on the fringes of power. You in spite of being honored (Anson knew this man paid for his position as it was an open secret), with this appointment were shuttled here instead of where a man of your station and intellect should be. The council decided you weren't worthy, and that is why you are sitting there. Wouldn't you like to get back at the council by ignoring proper channels and allow me to give my petition? Who knows what important work we might be interrupting?
Hamaz paused thinking: This Anson was right. He would really get their goat by bringing a petitioner in without prior screening by the council. They would have to fly by the seat of their pants if he did this. He smiled evilly.
Anson smiled. He had hit the right spot. He was glad as he didn't have enough money with all these trips back to his home village lately to bribe this man.
Anson thought. Why was this man sitting at the desk instead of in the council chamber? He had never heard of a secretary so to speak working for the council before. He had to find the key to unlock that door. Seeing the man's ill humor and putting himself in his place he took a stab in the dark.
Anson: It must be hard sitting here on the fringes of power. You in spite of being honored (Anson knew this man paid for his position as it was an open secret), with this appointment were shuttled here instead of where a man of your station and intellect should be. The council decided you weren't worthy, and that is why you are sitting there. Wouldn't you like to get back at the council by ignoring proper channels and allow me to give my petition? Who knows what important work we might be interrupting?
Hamaz paused thinking: This Anson was right. He would really get their goat by bringing a petitioner in without prior screening by the council. They would have to fly by the seat of their pants if he did this. He smiled evilly.
Anson smiled. He had hit the right spot. He was glad as he didn't have enough money with all these trips back to his home village lately to bribe this man.
Hamaz told Anson to take a seat. I will be most happy to announce your honored presence sir. Hamaz disappeared behind ornate doors.
Anson looked around at the room. This whole place from lighting in the shape of Anubis to the furnishings screamed come in at your own risk. The council wanted you to be intimidated before you even entered the inner chamber.
Anson sat down knowing that his presence might still not be welcomed by the council. If they turned his petition down, there was nothing he could do.
Anson looked around at the room. This whole place from lighting in the shape of Anubis to the furnishings screamed come in at your own risk. The council wanted you to be intimidated before you even entered the inner chamber.
Anson sat down knowing that his presence might still not be welcomed by the council. If they turned his petition down, there was nothing he could do.
After what seemed like an eternity Hamaz reemerged and said your petition has been granted follow me please. Anson was relieved. He felt that if the council agreed to see him they surely would hear his plea and find in his favor. Smiling he followed Hamaz into the hallowed inner sanctum.
What Anson didn't know is that Farid, Abdullah's loyal goon, having seen Anson's errand, threatened a villager who went in the back door and told them what Abdullah wanted. The council was more than amenable and they concealed the man behind the screen who would report everything said in this room. If that wasn't bad enough, the council knew why Anson was there, and they were not happy that he was trying to cross the very man who appointed them to the council!