Hoff leaned against the stone railing of his office balcony and stared into the starry sky, deep in thought at the moment, and let out a sigh that sang with exhaustion. His days were typically occupied with meetings, rushing in and out all day long. And so he took whatever moment of peace he got, however short it might be, and enjoyed the silence. Being on the high council for so many years had turned Hoff’s hair a very distinguished shade of white that showed he was a dedicated member. Indeed, the council had consumed so much of his time that on occasion he would wish he could just go home and forget about all of the problems that were occurring inside the kingdom at that moment. Sometimes he felt like the only vote on the council that was keeping unrighteous action and evil-doing from completely engulfing their society. All hell had broken loose when the newcomers had arrived from over the seas and they had only been with them for a few months. Yet it seemed that they were already causing a stir among the people with their preaching of contention and lies.
“I wish they would just go back to where they came from,” said Hoff to himself in a weary whisper. “Maybe then things would go back to the way they were before; back to when we had peace, and no contention. No rioting or mobbing. Back to the time when people were forgiving of one another…” It was hard for Hoff to believe that so much had changed in such a short amount of time.
Hoff allowed his eyes to move from the clear night sky and looked out over the massive city instead. The streetlights were glowing brightly now, casting soft light on the dark ground. People were bustling back and forth heading to their many destinations, their white robes fluttering behind them as they walked. Hoff often went to his office balcony to think about the problems facing his people. He found it an environment where solutions could spring to life within him for the dilemmas they were facing. And there was currently a dilemma that he plainly could see; the newcomers wanted bodies and the council wanted to grant their request. Hoff was the only one opposing the decision.
Hoff was pulled from his thoughts when a voice spoke up from behind. “Councilor Hoffman, it’s about time for the meeting to begin.”
Hoff turned to see his assistant, Burnier, standing in the doorway looking at him. Hoff had asked the young boy to come and get him ten minutes before the meeting started; he often was late to meetings because he was lost in thought or writing. So he developed a solution by getting his assistant to inform him before a meeting took place.
“Thank you, Burnier.”
The assistant scooted away from the door and let Hoff walk past him back into his office. Burnier could sense the concern on the old councilors face; he was feeling distant. He had only seen that look a few times, and it was typically an indication of how things in the kingdom were about to go.
“So, have you found out how you could convince the council that the newcomers are evil?”
Hoff walked over to his desk and grabbed a large piece of paper, which he folded until it was a small square and placed into his pocket. When he was done he looked over to his scruffy young assistant and frowned.
“No, I have not. I’m afraid that our peaceful little island might be lost. I can see no way to convince the council not to give the newcomers bodies. The evil ones have played it out very well. We can only hope for the best tonight, but brace ourselves for the worst.”
Burnier let out a disappointed sigh.
“So are you still planning on running away then?”
The tone in his voice sounded sad and slightly fearful of the response. Hoff walked over to him and rested his hand on the young man’s shoulder. Squeezing it, he whispered.
“I might, that is, if things don’t go well with the council tonight. The other high priests want the evil ones to be present during the discussion and judgment process. We plan to make our vote in front of them. Which I think is foolish, but I won’t argue with the rest of the council. Heaven knows I’ve done that enough these past few weeks. No, not anymore. Not after tonight.”
Hoff went quiet and stared at a picture hanging on the far wall of his office. He studied the painting absentmindedly. His mind was racing with so many thoughts and feelings. He wanted everything to go well but, then again, he knew that wasn’t going to be the case. There were going to be changes, and not good ones.
The assistant spoke up.
“So, do you still want me to inform the Prophet Rupert, that you will be meeting him at the dock tonight?” Burnier paused and looked around the room as if afraid he might be overheard. “You know, sir, to discuss your secret departure to the old world. I mean what if the council takes your advice and throws the two nasty creatures out of our city? It could happen!”
Hoff chuckled. His young assistant was so hopeful for their future.
“No, Burnier. Tell the prophet that I’m coming and that I wish to speak with him.”
Burnier nodded his head slowly and it hung slightly as he did so. It was obvious he wasn’t going to change Hoff’s mind about the matter. He was a wise man, but possibly the most stubborn person Burnier had ever met.
“Yes, sir, I will tell him.”
The assistant turned and headed for the door and was about to leave when Hoff called for him. He stopped and looked over to the old councilor.
“Burnier, I would like to thank you for being such a good assistant. You have always supported me in my decisions, and for that I am grateful. I want you to know that just in case we never see each other again.”
Burnier smiled and shook his head. It was taking all of his might to not allow tears to come to his eyes. He had grown to love the old man during the years that they had worked together and he had become like a second father to him.
“Are you taking the map with you? You know, just in case you change your mind and want to come back to the island for a visit. Please take it with you…” Burnier said.
Hoff grabbed a few more things from his desk as the boy said it and walked over to the door where the young boy stood and smiled.
“Yes, Burnier. I’m bringing it with me. Don’t worry. I also brought some gold to get me by in the old world. Everything will be all right.”
The assistant nodded his head and walked out of the room. Hoff followed him and turned off the lights to his office, shut the door and locked it up. He stood in front of the doors for a moment, breathing slowly. This would be the last time he would see the inside of his counciling room. He shook his head. Get a hold of yourself, Hoff, it’s just a room.
“Sir, you’re going to be late if you stay here any longer!”
Hoff turned to the young man.
“Let’s go.”
He headed down the long hallway with his young assistant. Their footfalls echoed against the granite walls as they went. After a minute or so of travel, they stopped in front of two massive oak doors. On the smooth panels of wood were carved the symbols of life’s creation. Hoff studied the design with wide eyes. It had been carved into the door during the reign of the King.
“Wish me luck,” said Hoff flatly. “Wish everyone luck for what is to come.”
“Good luck, sir.” Burnier said as Hoff pushed open the doors to the grand council room and left his assistant standing in the hallway outside.
* * *
He walked toward the long judgment table sitting in the middle of the room where the Board of High Priests were seated. They were wearing their white judgment robes and a few of them watched with mixed expressions as Hoff walked around the massive mahogany desk to his usual seat.
“Nice to have you with us, Councilor Hoffman,” said a deep voice. “Now we can begin the judgment meeting.”
The rest of the room echoed the deep voiced mans words. Hoff leaned over to see who it was that had spoken first. His eyes met councilor Igmans who was sitting in the middle of the long table. The chubby man had large bushy eyebrows that seemed stuck in the raised position. Hoff found his appearance rather funny because the man looked like he was perpetually surprised.
“Thank you for waiting for me, councilors,” said Hoff. “I was in my office pondering the situation we are facing. I hope we may make a decision with wisdom and sobriety. I would not want us to make a poor choice.”
The Council nodded their heads in agreement at his words.
“Thank you for that, Hoff. Now, let’s get started. We all know why we are here tonight. I ask that all of us have an open mind and an open heart,” said councilor Igmans boldly. He looked over to Hoff and studied him for a minute. Hoff, catching his stare, smiled uneasily. The whole council knew that he was against the idea of giving the strangers bodies.
“That includes you, councilor Hoffman.”
“I’m aware that it does, and I’ll keep my mind and heart as open as I can manage,” retorted Hoff, his voice constricted. Some of the board members leaned back in their chairs and chuckled. Hoff couldn’t tell whether they were laughing at him or at his comment. The council had changed; they were a lot harder to read.
“Let’s get started, then,” said Igmans.
The Council became still as he looked across the room to the big stone doors at the other end. Igmans called out to the strange spider-like guards standing by the threshold. Their glossy eyes widened as he spoke to them, giving the distinct impression that they were very excited.
“Bring in the two souls that request bodies!” Igmans said in a very commanding voice. “We will judge them now!” The two large spiders shivered with excitement at these words.
“Yesss, masters!”
They both rushed to the center of the door and grabbed the big round knobs with their ropey limbs. They pulled open the massive portals revealing two strangers standing in its threshold. Light from the hallway poured over their gothic frames as they walked into the room and over to the members of the council. They were wearing strange attire that Hoff had not seen them in before. The man was in a black velvet suit, his dark hair slicked back, his features charming, a sly smile upon his face. The woman beside him wore a long brown evening gown, with her hair put up into a thick round bun on her head, looking beautiful and seductive.
Their pointed teeth showed through their curved smiles. They looked particularly devilish and sly, like two slick salesmen from the old world. Hoff could feel a chill run down his spine as they stopped in front of the table and looked at the Council. Their deep red eyes shifted from one side of the room to the other. When they got to Hoff they gave him a threatening stare.
“Welcome, strangers,” said Igmans cheerfully. “I hope it wasn’t too hard to find this place.”
The man in the velvet suit spoke up, red sparks escaping his lips as he expressed himself.
“We found it without trouble. After living here with your people for so long, we have the island memorized.” He paused for a second as if in thought. “Please, Mr. Igmans, call us by our names. I think it would be a little more respectful, wouldn’t you agree?”
Igmans nodded his head slightly and looked around at the Council to see whether they approved as well. Everyone appeared to agree, everyone, that is, except Hoff who was shaking his head no. Igmans ignored him.
“What are your names, strangers?”
The demonic woman chuckled slightly at the question, as if seeing some hidden joke behind it. A red mist escaped past her maroon lips as she breathed out each harmonic laugh. The queer cloud of red filled the air around her head, sparkling before it disappeared into nothingness. She spoke up.
“My name is Rume. I have come a long way to be here tonight. I hope you will consider our plea to become real. It would mean the world to us!” She smiled. “We would serve you for the rest of our lives.”
Hoff rolled his eyes as she said this. He could feel instantly that she was putting on an act for the high priests in the room. She didn’t care for anyone but herself. She was a temptress and a bloodthirsty animal. He was about to question her when the man in the velvet suit spoke up. Shifting his gaze from Rume, he addressed the council.
“My name is Rox and I must agree with my future wife, when she says we will serve you faithfully if you grant unto us human bodies. It’s been our dream to become real like unto you. I have dreamed about it ever since I was created. I have dreamed to stay with the humans.” Rox threw his hand up and gestured to the council.
“Each one of you is great. You can make this happen for us.” He smiled at them, until his gaze reached Hoffman, where the charming expression faded from his face and went hard. The rebellious priest had stubbornly refused to agree with him on anything. Just you wait Hoff; you’ll get yours before it’s all over! I’ll make you suffer! I’ll bleed you dry!
Councilor Igmans was nodding his head with delight as the strangers finished their charismatic introduction. Hoff could tell that the other councilors were eating up their lies as if it were a feast. He felt like interrupting at that moment to try and open up the eyes of the council. To warn them; they’re not here to serve us! They’re here to destroy us! Mustering all of his will power, Hoff refrained from speech. He had to maintain control of his emotions in front of the council.
“Very well, Rox and Rume, please tell the Council why we should grant unto you bodies?” said Hoff, irritability dripping from each syllable.
The two strangers quickly looked over to Hoff. Their red eyes were still and penetrating, like long daggers. He could feel the hatred they had for him radiating off their faces like heat from a flame. Their bitter emotions burned in their benighted souls like a damning fire.
“Well, councilor Hoffman,” said Rox, masking the anger Hoff knew was there with a charming smile. “I feel you should grant unto us bodies because of all the good works we have done for your people. Have we not healed the sick, and granted the wishes of the poor? I’m sure councilor Edder can testify to our good deeds. I visited with him in his home and helped his daughter a few nights ago!”
Rox looked over to the far end of the judgment table where councilor Edder was sitting. The skinny man looked solemn as he studied the strangers. Tears began to come down his face as he recalled the events of that night when they had healed his daughter. He finally looked over to councilor Hoffman.
“My daughter was sick with a brain tumor, and they healed her. I can see no wickedness in them. They’re kind souls. They deserve bodies!”
The Council began to grunt out their agreement at the heartwarming story; they all had experienced similar encounters with the strangers during their stay. Hoff felt sick at their willingness to just hand over the gift of mortality to these without considering all the possibilities. No one could see what he could see, nor feel what he could feel; the danger that came with these souls was more serious than Hoff could even wish to explain to a council who’s ears were closed to reason. They were all blinded by the demons flattery and witchcraft.
He turned and looked at Rox to find that the demon was still staring at him.
“I will not deny that you healed councilor Edders daughter. But I want it to be on the record that devils can also perform such miracles. What do you think of that?”
Rox and Rume began to chuckle. Their laughter began to fill the chamber with turbulent chatter. Just as it seemed that it would get out of hand, it stopped suddenly and Rox spoke up.
“I wouldn’t know, Hoff. I’m not a devil! I’m just a spirit who wants to help those in need. The only crime I am guilty of is using this wonderful gift that god has given me to help the poor and lowly of heart.” He shifted his tone, his voice got more deceptive and harsh. “But maybe you can explain to the Council why you use such insulting words. I am sure they don’t want to hear that their precious loved ones were healed by a demon… if such a thing does, indeed, exist!”
The council turned at that moment and gave Hoff a hard look; they wanted to know why Hoff had said such a rude thing. He could tell that they were scrutinizing him now. The strangers had succeeded in turning the council even further against him. He had to act fast. He had to say something.
“That is not what I meant and you know it. I was merely saying that it could be a possibility that you were demons. I mean you have caused rioting in the streets in the past—”
Rume cut him off.
“Allegedly, we have caused riots, councilor Hoffman. It has not been proven that we were there when those riots took place. I would guess that some people just spread the rumors that we were there, you know to give use a bad reputation! It is sad, really, that someone would do that when all we want is to help such kind people as yourselves.”
Hoff could feel the blood rush to his cheeks. Rume was lying to him. She knew perfectly well that she and Rox were the instigators of all the problems in their society. If something went wrong, they were the first on the scene.
“Our city had no crime before you folks arrived on our shores. It was peaceful and pleasant. Maybe you could explain that to me. How does a city that was good for over four hundred years go bad all of the sudden without anything causing it?” asked Hoff rigidly. “Tell me, how?”
Rox and Rume shrugged their shoulders. They were trying to look as innocent as humanly possible. Hoff wasn’t buying the act.
Rume spoke up. She sounded completely helpless.
“I don’t see how this could be related to us in any way. But if you want to pin it on me then be my guest. I’ll take the wrap for someone else’s mistakes. I will happily take the blame, that is, if it will quiet your hard heart against us.”
The whole council room began to protest aloud, objecting to the thought that Rox and Rume had caused their city’s problems. The notion was absolutely absurd to even consider. Councilor Igmans shot Hoff a look of disgust and then he looked back over to the strangers sympathetically.
“No, no, no, I’m sure it wasn’t your fault that all this turmoil has come. You have to excuse councilor Hoffman, here. He’s had a grudge against you lovely people ever since he saw you in the square helping out. I think he’s just jealous.”
Hoffs jaw dropped as the words were said. He looked quickly over to the bushy eyed councilor with surprise. He couldn’t believe that the old man had just said that about him. It was degrading and absolutely erroneous, not to mention a little juvenile. He was only concerned for the safety of his people. There was no grudge, and there most certainly was not a molecule of jealousy in him.
“I beg your pardon, councilor Igmans! Did you say that I had a grudge against them? Did you say that I was jealous?” Hoff’s voice rose with incredulity.
The chubby man gazed over to him sternly. The look on his face was filled with indignation.
“Yes I did, Hoff. And I won’t take it back! It’s true! It’s true! It’s true! You have had it in for their kind souls ever since they got here!” Igmans pointed a chubby finger at Hoff as he spoke the words.
Hoff was taken aback by the childish behavior of his fellow council member. He could feel anger rising in his chest and he was sorely tempted to get up from his seat and hit Igmans hard.
“That is absolutely untrue, councilor Igmans. I am not holding a grudge, I’m—”
Hoff was cut off by Rox.
“It’s all right, councilor Hoffman. I forgive you for your hard feelings against me and my future wife. I also forgive you for being so jealous of us and the way we do things around here. I mean, if I were in your position, I would envy me and Rume as well. I mean, look at us. Who wouldn’t? We’re hot!”
Hoff shot a disgusted glare over to the wicked man in the velvet suit. Rox and Rume were smiling maliciously at him now, like two Cheshire cats. They were feeding off of the contention mounting in the room. It showed all over their pale, lifeless faces.
Hoff stood up and pushed his chair away from him. He pointed at the demons and yelled, finally losing his temper. The room got quiet at that moment.
“You are corrupt, vile creatures and as long as I am on this council I shall say ‘no’ to you receiving a body! It would prove the fall of our society. It’s complete madness!”
Hoff turned to the men on the council with him. Everyone looked surprised at his sudden outburst but he continued.
“I can’t believe you can’t see what they are! Their power comes from an unknown source. They’re devils!”
“Settle down, councilor Hoffman! You’re proving nothing by this show of blind hatred towards our friends. They mean us no harm,” said councilor Edder. “You need to swallow your pride!”
Hoff felt so frustrated. He shook his head with disgust; everything was falling apart before his eyes. There was no way to get them to see. They were all hooked by the bewitching deeds of the strangers.
Rox spoke up jokingly.
“Devils? Devils! Did you call us Devils?!” He looked over to Rume. She was smiling at him.
“Honey, do I look like a devil to you?” Rume looked him up and down and raised one of her brown eyebrows. She licked her cherry red lips.
“All the time, dear! All the time!” The council members laughed awkwardly at the strange humor. Rox turned and looked at Hoff. His eyes seemed playful.
“Councilor Hoffman, I feel that you don’t truly know us yet. Besides, don’t all devils have red skin and horns? Don’t they carry little pitch forks and have pointed tails?” He was sounding more sarcastic with every word. “You can’t seriously believe that they look like normal spirits? That’s crazy!” Rox looked back over to Rume.
“Honey, where did you put your horns today? Did you bring them?” Rume threw her hands up and felt the top of her head. Her face echoed a mocking surprise, as if she had lost something very dear to her. She began to look around the floor for a minute trying to find the horns she had dropped. Everyone began to laugh awkwardly again at the silly behavior. Hoff remained quiet; his anger was brewing in his chest. He had lost the argument.
Councilor Igmans spoke up.
“All right, all right. I think we have heard enough. It’s time to vote. All in favor of granting Rox and Rume bodies, say ‘I’.”
The whole council said “I”, except for Hoff, who kept his peace. Councilor Igmans continued.
“Those of us not in favor say, ‘nay’!”
“Nay!” stated Hoff loudly, firmly, and completely alone.
“Well that settles it; Rox and Rume will receive bodies tomorrow at twelve noon. The both of you are to report to the temple for your instructions.”
The room erupted with applause. Rox and Rume bowed to the council.
“Thank you all, I guarantee that you have made the right decision,” said Rox with a smile. The demonic man looked over to Hoff. “You will be the first one I want to see, Mr. Hoffman, when I’m real! I think that we will have a lot to talk about.”
The threatening words hung in the air like an arctic wind. Rox licked his lips menacingly and then turned to the doors behind him. Hoff watched intently as he and Rume left, the big stone doors closing behind them.
“Okay, is there any other order of business we should look at before we close for the evening?” asked councilor Igmans quickly. It had been a very long day and he wanted to get home to his family.
Hoff turned to the Council.
“I am resigning from the board as of this moment. I thank all of you for your help and support in the past.”
The attention of the council was now completely Hoffman’s and they looked over at him with surprise. Councilor Fetters was the first to speak.
“You what? You can’t just leave the board; you have been with us for years! Why, councilor Hoffman, this can’t be over us giving the strangers bodies. That’s absurd. We all disagree at times—”
Hoff interjected sharply. He was not going to be swayed in his resignation.
“I know, councilor Fetters; I’m doing it for another purpose. I ask that you respect my decision. I hereby resign.”
There were heard a few grumbles, but no one spoke openly because there was nothing left to say. Hoff walked around the table and out of the room.
Authors Note: Hope you enjoyed this first chapter of the Brass. The next chapter will be posted on Friday evening around 4PM MST . Thanks for reading!
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