Stronger Together chapter 185

Sitting in the clearing on Demonreach with Munin next to me I  couldn't help but stare at the invitation. It was formal as hell of  course, because fairies, but the most interesting thing about it was  what was written on the paper. A call for a full conclave of the  unseelie lords. Even Ethniu had barely rated that. I guess killing  Fenrir was big news, but still that could be spread to the necessary  parties with an email or even a nice personalized card.

This  was too much from what I could tell. In fact even Ethniu hadn't rated a  full conclave of the lords, I remembered multiple beings who hadn't  come to town that had been mentioned. Luckily Odin left us with a guide  through these murky waters. Munin, whose name meant memory, was acting  as my personal advisor until the conclave was convened. She was supposed  to make sure I didn't accidentally start a blood feud or something.

I  raised an eyebrow at the put together dark haired woman "So, I get the  impression this kind of hubbub is a big deal. I mean I doubt they call  full conclaves of the unseelie council of lords so people can submit  wish lists for secret Santa." That last bit was a bit of a dig because  her boss actually was Santa, at least when he was in the mood to be.  However I was counting on her not knowing I knew that to protect me from  her razor sharp nails. They probably couldn't get through my godsteel  reinforced skin anyway.

Munin rolled her eyes, which along  with sneering seemed to be pretty much her only means of nonverbal  communication. "Of course they don't. Only one of the founding council  can call for a full conclave session. The only remaining members with  the power to do so are the Winter Queen herself and my Lord. They only  have the right to call such a summit once, and using his only chance on  you is an honor that I hardly think you deserve, but it is not for me to  question. Aside from introducing you to the supernatural world this  will also firmly show the accorded nations that you have his backing."

That  was actually kind of touching. I mean sure, killing Fenrir pretty much  wiped out the biggest threat to Odin ever to exist but still, the old  man sounded like he was really going to bat for me. I wasn't sure if  this was just him betting on a horse early in the race or if it was some  nefarious scheme, but Odin seemed pretty solid in the books so I was  grateful for the help. I nodded deeply in place of a bow "Please convey  my most sincere thanks to the all father at your earliest convenience. I  will work hard to be worthy of the trust he's placed in me."

Munin's  normally sneering mouth actually twitched up at the corners "Well what  do you know, he can be civilized. How novel, I expected that rabid  mongrel who teaches you magic to have corrupted you beyond all  redemption, perhaps this won't be entirely unpleasant after all." She  shot her usual sneer at Harry, who flipped her off in return, before  turning back to me "As for the message I will of course deliver your  well wishes when I next speak to my Lord. Have you any other questions  about the conclave?"

Of course I had  several, but the first one was probably the most important "Where is it  going to be? The invitation doesn't say where, it just gives a time."  It was probably some pre arranged place, but I had no clue where. My  only guess was Mac's "Is it in accorded neutral territory. MacAnnaly's  pus in Chicago is the only one of those I know." I knew there were  others but the mental image of a huge crowd of monsters and great lords  packing themselves into that tiny pub was almost too funny to let go of.

I  was of course treated to another eye roll. "Of course it won't be held  at the watcher's pub. One of the accorded nations will be asked to host.  Given Lord Odin's desire for you to be the center of attention I  suspect it will be held in Chicago, so most likely at the White Queen's  estate. The Raith Deeps is the perfect environment for such a gathering,  plenty of room and not too delicate in case things get...enthusiastic."  I raised an eyebrow in shock, unable to believe she remembered all  that. Having a secretary that was the immortal embodiment of perfect  memory was convenient as hell.

Of  course, then I registered what she said after that. "Wait, what do you  mean enthusiastic? That sounds ominous, and the Deeps aren't neutral  territory." I was getting a bad feeling that this wasn't going to be the  peaceful formal affair I'd been envisioning "What exactly goes on at  these things? I figured it would be a gala and a ceremony to introduce  me and that would be it." The chances of me surviving if I got attacked  by one of the unseelie lords ran the gamut from unlikely to impossible.

She  waved her hand dismissively "Well of course there will be a formal  gala, but the conclave is also an opportunity to air past grievances  before the entirety of the lords. Your induction will take place before  the formal sessions of course, though the gala will be afterward. Honor  duels aren't entirely unheard of, but I doubt any of the lords will make  trouble for you at your first session so don't worry too much." That  sounded kind of boring actually, though I doubted reality would match up  to my expectations.

Either  way I was much less worried now. "Fair enough. Is there any limitation  on equipment? I'd like to bring my weapons and armor, but I don't want  to start a supernatural cold war with the leprechauns or something." I  really hoped Munin wasn't going to make me do some sort of crash course  on manners or something. We had a week until the conclave, which I could  only assume Odin did on purpose so more people would have time to  arrive but most of them wouldn't have time to arrange something  unpleasant for their enemies.

That  one shockingly actually got a laugh from the taciturn raven maid.  "Leprechauns are part of the fae court's. The only ones at the conclave  would be from Winter, so I suspect a war with them would be cold indeed.  But to answer your question no, there are no limitations on ones  equipment. After all, my Lord will be bringing his spear. You and your  companions may bring anything you wish, though be aware others may do  the same." Despite the warning I wasn't too worried.

My  Archangel Armor was a top tier piece of equipment, I refused to believe  any Tom, Dick, or Larynthrotep would be able to break out world glass  artifacts to show off at a glorified party. With the exception of some  elites like Odin my armor should be enough to keep us safe against most  beings. Plus the girls had their own gear, even the worst of which was  made by a legendary smith who created Thor's fucking hammer. Another  question occurred to me "How many people can I bring with me?"

Munin  frowned slightly "That's a bit complicated. The allowance for each Lord  is set, but it's also somewhat based on the position and usefulness of  the people you bring. Two servants, one advisor, and one companion.  Don't assume that allocation doesn't matter either. The mount of say a  person has and their treatment will vary wildly based on position. Most  lords bring expendable people as servants, they have an alarming  tendency to disappear." Her expression was calm through her entire  explanation.

Despite the lack of  obvious reaction, her voice did have a tinge of pity in it as she  continued "There are protections in place for the retinues, but they  also vary based on position, so killing a servant only costs a small  weregild, and only then if one is caught. Some Lords don't even bother  to bring servants, and only the strongest will bring anyone of value.  Aside from the occasional death the servants are also treated with  disdain, and it takes a powerful being to force anyone with real  capability to subject themselves to such treatment."

Raven  spoke up from behind me, surprising me "That means only two of us  should go." I turned to see her smile and sit down next to my chair,  assuming a lotus position in mid air. I snorted at her little act of  showing off but otherwise ignored it and motioned for her to continue.  I'd been sitting away from the others consulting Munin as everyone else  politely pretended they couldn't hear every word we said but that was  clearly over. Raven's slight smile faded as she spoke again "I think you  should bring Cinder and I."

Kara  stormed over from the other side of the clearing "Raven, what the hell?  The people at this thing are going to be total monsters. Not bringing  me would be crazy. With my Robe of the Fire Rat I don't have to worry  about magic anymore, and physically no one can compete with me. I'm the  logical first choice." Despite her snappish tone I knew her anger came  from a place of worry, I more than understood, she wasn't wrong either,  but Raven had never steered me wrong, her logical approach to planning  had worked out for us so far, so I kept quieted and waited to hear her  response.

Naturally  she felt Kara's worry too, and didn't take any offense to the furious  Kryptonian's ranting. Despite having a compassionate expression on her  face however, she decisively shook her head. "That would be a mistake.  The Robe doesn't grant magical immunity, only resistance. There's no  guarantee that it would even hold up against world class beings like the  ones at the conclave. Cinder and I are the ones who have the magical  abilities to keep ourselves safe in those magical shark infested  waters."

Raven  stood and paced over to Kara, pulling the smaller girl into a hug "I  know you worry, and that you want to help. I know that you spent most of  the last year having to sit out the big stuff because of your lack of  magic resistance and now that you patched that hole in your defenses  you're excited to be able to help. But this is a big deal, we need to do  the smart thing here. I wish you could go too, but this is the best way  for us to keep Cam, and even the rest of our family safe." Her voice  was warm and encouraging, but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Kara  nodded "I know. It just sucks. Every time you guys go on one of these  adventures without me I spend the whole time worried sick." Inari came  up behind her girlfriend to squeeze her shoulder. "I just thought this  was behind me. That I could finally stand on the front lines with all of  you. But it looks like I still have a long way to go." She turned and  headed back over to the others desolately, bringing Inari with her, and I  turned to look at Raven. Her sparkling violet eyes were sad as she  watched our friend go, but there was no give in them.

I  turned back to Munin "Well looks like we have our lineup. Raven and  Cinder as my companion and my advisor. Not only are they magical experts  their combined attack power is insane, and with me playing defense it's  basically our strongest lineup if you don't count Kara." Munin seemed  to mull it over a bit before nodding, signifying that she approved of  the choice, and honestly you couldn't get a better endorsement than one  of Odin's ravens approving of your plan. I exhaled heavily "So. What do  we need to know?"