Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 60

Several days passed when Joulupukki finally had a chance to meet with the council. “Seileach,” Joulupukki nodded to the Elder as he entered the council chamber convening once again on the fifth floor, but without the throne. “How fares the Council,” he asked? “We are short the Councilman from Erin, otherwise we are all well. I do not mean to offend or be short with you and I know that the King has the right to dissolve this organization. If I may ask, what are your intentions toward the Council of Six.” The King looked at each of them. “I believe that the single greatest decision that Erlenkönig made as King was the creation of this Council. I have several suggestions that I wish for you to hear and consider for improvements. First, I would like to create a permanent position for an elf to sit in on all Council meetings to record a verbatim record of the proceedings and to post them in various areas around the clans to be determined by the Council, so that each individual elf will know what its council is up to. Second, I believe that time limits must be created for the length of time an elf can sit on this council as well as a limit to the number of times a single elf is allowed to be a Councilman. Third, I think that the revolving of the Council between clans should be re-established so the Councilman can have first hand knowledge of the condition of each clan. Lastly, I believe that the Councilman for all of the clans should be elected by each individual elf that makes up that clan.” He paused to catch his breath. “Has the council made a decision on the fate of the Dark Elves we hold as prisoners?” “We would like to hear your opinion.” “Well, Unless there is an elf who wishes to point out egregious crimes that an individual Dark One has committed I would say any Dark elf who denounces his leaders, agrees to no longer use dark magic and swears allegiance to the Council should be sent home under probation. All others who are found guilty of severe crimes, I regret to say, should have their magic removed. Gwaldon has at my bequest, already arranged for a group of elves to attempt to reduce magic in elves under certain circumstances. This may be an option for those type of elves, making their magic harmless but not stripping it completely. We need to find a new homeland for the Ibero Elves but not until the current Elders are removed from power and a new Elder Council can be created. They must be closely monitored and agree to certain conditions such as not going to war with humans. As for the Erin Elves, I suggest we send a delegation to Erin to access how we can best help our brothers there. I have a soft spot for Erin as my mother, Queen Aisling, was from the Green Isles. I have no more for now. I will let the Council debate these issues.” The King turned to leave. The Northern Clan Councilman addressed him before he could. “My King,” he began. “I do not wish to keep you but we have decided your coronation will be held within the next forty turns of the earth at which point you will be declared King of the Village Kingdom. The other Clans will have to make that decision on their own. I will be requesting recognition from the Northern Elder Council that you be declared king of the Northern Kingdom as well.” “Thank you,” Joulupukki replied, “I will respect your wishes. One last thing, I have already arranged to have the Village moved to the top of the world where we will no longer be in conflict with the humans. Most humans believe that elves are nothing more than fantasies, tails of fairies if you wish. There may come a time when we may again be able to live together but that time is not now. We will have to create a lot of good will toward our human neighbors before we dare try to approach them again.” Joulupukki left the Council to debate on the proposals that he had suggested. He knew that, as King, he could have demanded the changes and they would have been accepted and put in to force at once, but because of his future plans, he needed the Council behind him one hundred percent. To do that he would have to allow them the ability to come to their own conclusions. In the end, all of his recommendations were, with minor changes, adopted by the Council.