Is this destiny?

Sarah was pleased to see everyone nodding in agreement of waiting for two days before they discuss who will be in charge of North America that was left without an Elder after Vasily's passing.

"Good. For the ones who don't know the details of how Elder Vasily ended up in the main base of the Voronin family, it was because of me."

Sarah smirked at the sight of nearly everyone staring at her in disbelief and she could almost hear them asking if she is admitting that her incompetence led to Vasily's death.

It's not that anyone cared about Vasily who proved to them many times that he is a ruthless man. In front of Vasily, they all shivered like prey in the presence of a predator, and with Vasily gone, they could all breathe easier. But they were all eager to point fingers at the mistakes made by others with a goal to make themselves look better.

Sarah was aware that these are just a bunch of mice, relieved that the cat is gone, but if they think that without Vasily around, mice will run the show, they are gravely mistaken.

In Sarah's opinion, Vasily would be a perfect Great Elder, but he lacked the motivation to step up.

After watching the video Vasily left behind, Sarah suspects that Vasily was the Elder in charge of North America only so that he can be close to them. Silly man, Sarah thought. He spent most of his grownup life looking after them, and it's a tragedy that he passed without hearing a single kind word from the people he protected.

Sarah's eyes prickled again and she knew that the tears are ready to come out again, but she reminded herself where she is. She can cry later.

"I was undercover and Vasily's assistant Ivan sold information to the Voronins about my identity."

Several gasps were heard, and Sarah continued.

"Vasily found out what Ivan had done, and thanks to that, the rescue team reached me and my husband on time. Unfortunately, we were in the middle of the base of the Voronin family and there were too many of them. As we retreated, Vasily stayed behind so that we can escape. That is how he died which brings me to the point of this story…", Sarah paused, and her eyes moved over the assistants. "It is known that the assistants present here have access to the Elders they are serving. Also, assistants and Elders alike communicate with people from other organizations."

"Are you saying that there are traitors in this room?" Elder Gavril was quick to ask. He didn't miss the accusatory tone Sarah used.

Sarah denied it. "No. Everyone knows that the exchange of information with other organizations is necessary. It is a sensitive balance of give and take, but one should be aware of how serious some information leaks might be. What you think that is harmless information about acquiring weapons, might become crucial for our enemies to attack before weapons arrive."

Sarah's expression turned serious and she gestured toward Zack. "Zack is currently managing relationships with other organizations, and if any of you goes above or around him to communicate with others, that is a breach of protocol and you will be punished. I am sure that many of you are aware of why Ivan told Voronins about my identity, and I won't go into that, but I want to know if anyone here would do the same."

"We are not traitors!", Elder Gavril shouted.

"Yes, yes...", Sarah said sarcastically. "Everyone is putting the interests of the Lebedev family first. Elder Milan…" The man stiffened when Sarah called him out. "You are in charge of our forces in the African region. Now imagine that Elder Milena finds that there is some risk in Kenya. What would you like her to do? Handle it herself? Or come to you?"

"Come to me, of course.", Elder Milan responded.

"And what if she decides to act without notifying you and that ends up messing with your ongoing operations? How should we settle it?", Sarah asked.

Elder Milan didn't have an answer to this one. He would go and argue with Milena and ask her to compensate him, but saying that at loud would sound childish, so he decided to keep quiet.

Sarah glanced around the room. "Anyone?" No one spoke and she glanced at Konstantin. "Are there any rules when one Elder meddles in the work of another?"

Konstantin pursed his lips while thinking. "No. However, any disputes are to be settled in the arena."

Sarah liked where this is going. "So, if Elder Milan decides to talk to Voronins without Zack's knowledge, Zack can settle that in the arena. What happens if Zack wins?"

Konstantin was not sure how to answer. This never happened. Elders usually didn't meddle in each other's work officially, and on a few occasions when someone seriously crossed the line, they would settle it by exchanging resources or benefits without making a fuss. But for a challenge in the arena, there is only one rule. "The loser needs to obey the winner."

Sarah nodded. "So… if Elder Milan loses, Zack can decide how things will be handled. What if Zack wants to remove Elder Milan from his position?"

Elder Milan frowned at Sarah's words and his frown deepened when Konstantin confirmed.

"The rule we follow is that the strongest one makes the rules.", Konstantin said what everyone knew.

Sarah's lips lifted into a smile. "If I understand this correctly... Elders are responsible for their assistants. If an Elder talks to some other organization without Zack's approval, Zack can settle that in the arena and it will be up to Zack to decide on a punishment."

Konstantin confirmed.

"Wait a minute…", Elder Gavril objected, and he paused when Sarah lifted her hand.

"Elder Gavril, it seems that you have a habit of speaking out of turn.", Sarah said icily. "One more rude interruption from you, and we will settle this in the arena."

"What do you mean?", Elder Gavril asked Sarah with a frown.

Sarah was losing her patience with this man. When she came here, Gavril was supportive and she thought that he will be one of her biggest allies, but now she realized that she was wrong. Elder Gavril was nice only because he cared about his interests and now she can see that he is self-centered and power-hungry.

Well, if Gavril wants to dance, Sarah will indulge him with a dance he will never forget.

"I mean… your behavior is showing disrespect to me and everyone else in this room. If you want to speak, you need to wait for your turn. If you don't have patience, we can take it to the arena where our fists will decide who is right at the risk of you losing your position."

Elder Gavril's eyes widened. Is Sarah going to strip him from his position? And why is she talking like she would win? "What if you lose?"

Sarah's lips lifted into a smile. "Are you issuing a challenge for the position of the Grand Elder?"

Elder Gavril gulped a mouthful of air. He saw Sarah fight. Gavril is greedy and dislikes Sarah's lack of respect for her seniors, but he is not stupid, alright?

"No, Grand Elder Sarah. I apologize.", Elder Gavril said submissively.

"Good!", Sarah exclaimed. "Now, back to trading information with other organizations..."

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