Siroos was followed by Faris and Ranon when he arrived at the stone house used for elder meetings.
Fuming he entered the place, his chest heaving while he wrestled with all the animal spirits that wished to break loose. Usually, they remained dormant inside him, waking up only when he needed them so there wasn't too much hassle for him. But recently, whenever Cassandra was around, they gave him ample trouble, especially his dragon.
All the Elders were sitting around the half-moon wooden table, deep in discussion. Seeing Siroos enter, their mouths closed and they straightened up their spines.
At the end of the table, Haylia sat poised, not at all seeming pleased with how the ceremony had proceeded. She was all about following traditions but she didn't wish to enrage her son.
Siroos banged both his hands on the table that feebly trembled on its eight legs. If he wished, he could squash it like a fly, but this was not the cause of his ire; men sitting around it were.
