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The next day, Ekt had to bring the Gourmand down to the meeting spot to show him why he had been avoiding him lately. Ekt had told him the Chamberlain was back and that he had a precious secret and why he was helping him not just to bring SkekLach down.

“Chamberlain.” Ekt called out.

Sil heard his name and went to see who it was, leaving Ka and Lil behind for their own safety.

“I’m not seeing him, SkekEkt.” Ayuk said.

“Hmmm. Ekt? You brought Ayuk down here?” Sil asked.

“Yes, Lord Chamberlain. I had to tell him you were back. He kept on asking me where I was.” The Ornamentalist said.

“So, what’s the big secret, Chamberlain?” Ayuk asked.

“We are bringing the Collector down.”

“No, your other secret. I know of that already. I know Lach needs to be taken out of the Emperor’s favor.”

Sil glared at Ekt. “You told him?”

“Just that it was a surprise you have with you. Nothing else.” Ekt replied.

The Gourmand had a doubtful look on his face. “So, what is it?”

“Since you were also part of my group of supporters, it best you know too. Hold on.” Sil said and left.

He returned with the sling over himself again. Ayuk saw something in the bundle.

“Know it’s against the rules, but this is what me and La have created.” Sil said as he peeled back the sling, revealing the twins.

The Gourmand couldn’t believe his eyes.

“We need you to help look out for them. I need the extra food to feed myself and them.” Sil said.

“How long have you been hiding them?” Ayuk asked.

“Since I got back a few days ago. I carried them all the time I was gone.” Sil said. “Didn’t know it until much later. La never knew about it till I returned.”

“The Emperor will find out.”

“I plan to let him know after Lach has been dealt with. For now, too dangerous for them up there.” Sil said. “Please, Gourmand. Help us.”

“I can provide the food, but not much else. Not much of baby watcher.” Ayuk said.

“Thank you. But don’t tell any of the others about them either.” Sil said.

Ayuk promised.

Chamberlain was glad he was getting his old allies on his side again. Now La wouldn’t have to keep on bringing scraps, but she would probably continue to do that anyway. He wouldn’t mind though, as he knew she loved him.

As it turned out, getting Ayuk on his side again did help a lot more. He did bring him some tasty foods from the kitchens after meals were over.

Sil knew the twins were certainly eating well with this arrangement.
……………..

The meetings were at night in the lower corridors to bring up the final plan, even if some of it was a lie, and some was the truth. Even Tek was there. But Sil and La were making sure that he didn’t know about Ka and Lil yet. They knew what he was capable of doing.

La confirmed with the others what she had seen Lach doing as well and had drawn the picture. She showed it to them all.

Tek confirmed it was exactly what had happened at that time. This had to work. The plan was set into motion tomorrow. For now, they all knew they needed a good night’s sleep first.
……………..

The next day was also when the Historian and the Mariner returned with the General’s and the Conqueror’s remains. Their body crumbles were in little urns while their clothes were carried in cloth bags on their backs and presented to the Emperor.

“We have returned with SkekVar and SkekGra’s remains, Sire.” Ok said.

“Good, but did you find out anything of what happened to them?” SkekSo demanded.

“There were arrows around them and some smaller footprints in the surrounding areas. And the Garthim had somehow been destroyed.” The Mariner said.

To the Emperor and the others, that was very strange indeed. They were all mumbling about.

Chamberlain and his allies had made their way up. He had made sure the twins were asleep before he left. The others were in the throne room first. He had to make his grand entrance last. He had just heard what they were talking about.

He was a little nervous, but knew he had to do this. He was fully robed again as like when he used to be before the exile. But he had also came up with the idea that his arms shouldn’t be covered up just yet.

The Scientist had seen the scars on his arms and couldn’t believe how bad they looked. If Sil had been here, he would have had to patch him up big time.

But now that Sil had come up with this plan, it needed to be done. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Hmmm. Grand Sire, I’m back.” Chamberlain walked in and that made all the others turn at the sound of his voice.

“Chamberlain! What are you doing here?!” The Emperor demanded out of shock.

“I come back to bring a warning, Sire. Of Gelfling rebellion out there.” Sil said.

With the exception of Ekt, La, Ayuk and Tek, all the others were surprised that Sil was even back here. But they knew that they had to act the part too.

“I have not been here for a long time and I was hurt out there by Rakkidas and was taken in by Gelflings that did help me, but others of their kind turned on me. I had to come back and warn you, my Emperor. They are planning rebellion against us because they had seen other Skeksis capturing their clans.” Sil said.

“I have been getting the Gelflings in higher numbers brought in. And what SkekOk and SkekSa said about seeing arrows and smaller footprints around the area where SkekVar and SkekGra’s remains were tells me something.” SkekSo said.

Lach then spoke up. “He lies, Sire!”

Then, Sil started moaning, "I lament to see you won't listen, my beloved Emperor... I only meant to serve you---to save you and everyone else!... I have no proof of what I heard or saw. That is all I say, and all I can do is to try and warn you... I accept that I lost again, then..." He began to back off.

La then made her move as she saw that Sil had the Emperor’s attention.

“Sire, while you are listening to him, that I do point out that before Chamberlain was banished that he had said that SkekLach was stealing essence from you. I have come to have proof of that!”

The Collector couldn’t believe that she had said that just out of the blue, but Sil might have brought it up anyway. But how could she have proof of it?

“How could you know of this and not tell me, Illustrator?” SkekSo demanded.

“Because we all know how you favor SkekLach and not me. I have the proof right here in this picture!” She had brought it along, pretending it to be paperwork for him.

“Everything she says is a lie, Sire!” Lach said.

Many others had their doubts about La too.

Chamberlain had also anticipated this. But that’s why they had to fully get the Emperor’s attention.

Then SkekEkt fell to the ground, pretending to faint. Ayuk was by his side and asked, “How could you draw up something like that when Chamberlain was a long way away?”

“It’s all a lie, Sire. I have never done such a thing.” Lach said.

The Scientist, who was in the plan too, was definitely sick of lies.

La went forward and handed the Emperor the drawing real fast. It showed a drained Gelfling in the draining chair, Tek was in the background and watching fearfully, and Lach was drinking the essence.

SkekSo took the picture with distrust all over his face. He looked at it. “How could you be sure this is accurate and didn’t just make this up, Illustrator?”

“Because I know it’s true!”

The other Skeksis all turned to SkekTek.

“I’m the one who SkekLach takes it from after I get the essence from the Gelflings. He threatens me and makes me lie to you about everything, Sire! He has been stealing from you. That’s why he looks so much younger and is stronger.” Tek explained.

The Collector couldn’t believe that the Scientist had ragged him out.

The Emperor couldn’t believe this. His favored member had been stealing from him after all this time and too many had been saying this now. But he did have a look at Lach and saw that he did look younger.

Then SkekUng came forward and gave Lach a good push over and he did seem stronger. “He does seem almost to have more strength than the rest of us.” Ung growled.

Lach glared back at him, but looked more back at the Emperor. He was now fearing a punishment.

The Skeksis leader was furious. “SkekLach! You are hereby banished for all this treachery of stealing from me!

“But Sire, you need me.”

“Not like this I don’t. Now get out! I never want to see you here again or you will be killed!” SkekSo ordered.

The others began to advance on him. They hadn’t believed it at first either, but it was confirmed of what the Chamberlain had said all along so long ago.

What happened to Sil now happened to Lach and he was made sure he left the castle. The Garthim Master made sure he left. As for his animals, they were all taken to the Scientist’s lab to be lab animals or disposed of as the Scientist saw fit.

The Emperor then turned to Sil.

Sil hoped the Emperor wouldn’t force him back out.

“Come forward, Chamberlain.” So said.

“Yes, my Lord?” He was in a low bowing position.

“For the truth to be revealed to me like this that he was stealing from me, and it was proven from others as well, you are now given back your role as Chamberlain.” The Emperor declared.

“Thank you, Sire. I will serve you well.” Sil said.

The Emperor dismissed him. He walked away proudly. He was now accepted back. La came up to him. She was so happy for him that he was back. They would celebrate together later. But now, they also had to think of a way to get Ka and Lil accepted as part of the Skeksis clan too.

Ayuk had by now also helped Ekt up off the floor. He had pulled the effect perfectly.

Tek was now out of the alliance of Sil’s allies. He was only in it to get free of SkekLach. Now he no longer had to put up with his threats anymore. He went to his lab to do what he always did for work.

Description
The next day, Ekt had to bring the Gourmand down to the meeting spot to show him why he had been avoiding him lately. Ekt had told him the Chamberlain was back and that he had a precious secret and why he was helping him not just to bring SkekLach down.

“Chamberlain.” Ekt called out.

Sil heard his name and went to see who it was, leaving Ka and Lil behind for their own safety.

“I’m not seeing him, SkekEkt.” Ayuk said.

“Hmmm. Ekt? You brought Ayuk down here?” Sil asked.

“Yes, Lord Chamberlain. I had to tell him you were back. He kept on asking me where I was.” The Ornamentalist said.

“So, what’s the big secret, Chamberlain?” Ayuk asked.

“We are bringing the Collector down.”

“No, your other secret. I know of that already. I know Lach needs to be taken out of the Emperor’s favor.”

Sil glared at Ekt. “You told him?”

“Just that it was a surprise you have with you. Nothing else.” Ekt replied.

The Gourmand had a doubtful look on his face. “So, what is it?”

“Since you were also part of my group of supporters, it best you know too. Hold on.” Sil said and left.

He returned with the sling over himself again. Ayuk saw something in the bundle.

“Know it’s against the rules, but this is what me and La have created.” Sil said as he peeled back the sling, revealing the twins.

The Gourmand couldn’t believe his eyes.

“We need you to help look out for them. I need the extra food to feed myself and them.” Sil said.

“How long have you been hiding them?” Ayuk asked.

“Since I got back a few days ago. I carried them all the time I was gone.” Sil said. “Didn’t know it until much later. La never knew about it till I returned.”

“The Emperor will find out.”

“I plan to let him know after Lach has been dealt with. For now, too dangerous for them up there.” Sil said. “Please, Gourmand. Help us.”

“I can provide the food, but not much else. Not much of baby watcher.” Ayuk said.

“Thank you. But don’t tell any of the others about them either.” Sil said.

Ayuk promised.

Chamberlain was glad he was getting his old allies on his side again. Now La wouldn’t have to keep on bringing scraps, but she would probably continue to do that anyway. He wouldn’t mind though, as he knew she loved him.

As it turned out, getting Ayuk on his side again did help a lot more. He did bring him some tasty foods from the kitchens after meals were over.

Sil knew the twins were certainly eating well with this arrangement.
……………..

The meetings were at night in the lower corridors to bring up the final plan, even if some of it was a lie, and some was the truth. Even Tek was there. But Sil and La were making sure that he didn’t know about Ka and Lil yet. They knew what he was capable of doing.

La confirmed with the others what she had seen Lach doing as well and had drawn the picture. She showed it to them all.

Tek confirmed it was exactly what had happened at that time. This had to work. The plan was set into motion tomorrow. For now, they all knew they needed a good night’s sleep first.
……………..

The next day was also when the Historian and the Mariner returned with the General’s and the Conqueror’s remains. Their body crumbles were in little urns while their clothes were carried in cloth bags on their backs and presented to the Emperor.

“We have returned with SkekVar and SkekGra’s remains, Sire.” Ok said.

“Good, but did you find out anything of what happened to them?” SkekSo demanded.

“There were arrows around them and some smaller footprints in the surrounding areas. And the Garthim had somehow been destroyed.” The Mariner said.

To the Emperor and the others, that was very strange indeed. They were all mumbling about.

Chamberlain and his allies had made their way up. He had made sure the twins were asleep before he left. The others were in the throne room first. He had to make his grand entrance last. He had just heard what they were talking about.

He was a little nervous, but knew he had to do this. He was fully robed again as like when he used to be before the exile. But he had also came up with the idea that his arms shouldn’t be covered up just yet.

The Scientist had seen the scars on his arms and couldn’t believe how bad they looked. If Sil had been here, he would have had to patch him up big time.

But now that Sil had come up with this plan, it needed to be done. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Hmmm. Grand Sire, I’m back.” Chamberlain walked in and that made all the others turn at the sound of his voice.

“Chamberlain! What are you doing here?!” The Emperor demanded out of shock.

“I come back to bring a warning, Sire. Of Gelfling rebellion out there.” Sil said.

With the exception of Ekt, La, Ayuk and Tek, all the others were surprised that Sil was even back here. But they knew that they had to act the part too.

“I have not been here for a long time and I was hurt out there by Rakkidas and was taken in by Gelflings that did help me, but others of their kind turned on me. I had to come back and warn you, my Emperor. They are planning rebellion against us because they had seen other Skeksis capturing their clans.” Sil said.

“I have been getting the Gelflings in higher numbers brought in. And what SkekOk and SkekSa said about seeing arrows and smaller footprints around the area where SkekVar and SkekGra’s remains were tells me something.” SkekSo said.

Lach then spoke up. “He lies, Sire!”

Then, Sil started moaning, "I lament to see you won't listen, my beloved Emperor... I only meant to serve you---to save you and everyone else!... I have no proof of what I heard or saw. That is all I say, and all I can do is to try and warn you... I accept that I lost again, then..." He began to back off.

La then made her move as she saw that Sil had the Emperor’s attention.

“Sire, while you are listening to him, that I do point out that before Chamberlain was banished that he had said that SkekLach was stealing essence from you. I have come to have proof of that!”

The Collector couldn’t believe that she had said that just out of the blue, but Sil might have brought it up anyway. But how could she have proof of it?

“How could you know of this and not tell me, Illustrator?” SkekSo demanded.

“Because we all know how you favor SkekLach and not me. I have the proof right here in this picture!” She had brought it along, pretending it to be paperwork for him.

“Everything she says is a lie, Sire!” Lach said.

Many others had their doubts about La too.

Chamberlain had also anticipated this. But that’s why they had to fully get the Emperor’s attention.

Then SkekEkt fell to the ground, pretending to faint. Ayuk was by his side and asked, “How could you draw up something like that when Chamberlain was a long way away?”

“It’s all a lie, Sire. I have never done such a thing.” Lach said.

The Scientist, who was in the plan too, was definitely sick of lies.

La went forward and handed the Emperor the drawing real fast. It showed a drained Gelfling in the draining chair, Tek was in the background and watching fearfully, and Lach was drinking the essence.

SkekSo took the picture with distrust all over his face. He looked at it. “How could you be sure this is accurate and didn’t just make this up, Illustrator?”

“Because I know it’s true!”

The other Skeksis all turned to SkekTek.

“I’m the one who SkekLach takes it from after I get the essence from the Gelflings. He threatens me and makes me lie to you about everything, Sire! He has been stealing from you. That’s why he looks so much younger and is stronger.” Tek explained.

The Collector couldn’t believe that the Scientist had ragged him out.

The Emperor couldn’t believe this. His favored member had been stealing from him after all this time and too many had been saying this now. But he did have a look at Lach and saw that he did look younger.

Then SkekUng came forward and gave Lach a good push over and he did seem stronger. “He does seem almost to have more strength than the rest of us.” Ung growled.

Lach glared back at him, but looked more back at the Emperor. He was now fearing a punishment.

The Skeksis leader was furious. “SkekLach! You are hereby banished for all this treachery of stealing from me!

“But Sire, you need me.”

“Not like this I don’t. Now get out! I never want to see you here again or you will be killed!” SkekSo ordered.

The others began to advance on him. They hadn’t believed it at first either, but it was confirmed of what the Chamberlain had said all along so long ago.

What happened to Sil now happened to Lach and he was made sure he left the castle. The Garthim Master made sure he left. As for his animals, they were all taken to the Scientist’s lab to be lab animals or disposed of as the Scientist saw fit.

The Emperor then turned to Sil.

Sil hoped the Emperor wouldn’t force him back out.

“Come forward, Chamberlain.” So said.

“Yes, my Lord?” He was in a low bowing position.

“For the truth to be revealed to me like this that he was stealing from me, and it was proven from others as well, you are now given back your role as Chamberlain.” The Emperor declared.

“Thank you, Sire. I will serve you well.” Sil said.

The Emperor dismissed him. He walked away proudly. He was now accepted back. La came up to him. She was so happy for him that he was back. They would celebrate together later. But now, they also had to think of a way to get Ka and Lil accepted as part of the Skeksis clan too.

Ayuk had by now also helped Ekt up off the floor. He had pulled the effect perfectly.

Tek was now out of the alliance of Sil’s allies. He was only in it to get free of SkekLach. Now he no longer had to put up with his threats anymore. He went to his lab to do what he always did for work.