Chapter Thirty Nine: The Chosen Group of Seven

The Commissioner of Games has just approved the empaneled Group of Seven, together with the two Associate Members who can alternate as Full Member in case there is credible suspicion that the Group of Seven was actually rigged, or the competence of any of those originally empaneled cannot be relied on to deliver a competent result of the Prudence Wars.

The newly formed Group of Seven is now composed of four former Dark Master winners, while three of them are Potioneers. According to the Standing Rules, the Group's composition cannot exclusively belong to a single race, and that at least two of the Full Members of those selected must come from the opponent's side. In this edition of the Purple Junket, the Associate Members were distributed to both competing sides, one for each of them.

None of the two sides were very much happy on how the jury selection turned out to be. Most of those chosen were either too difficult to predict, and most of those who are obviously sympathetic to either causes were easily challenged. There are quite a few who were removed without obvious reasons, and the strategy of both sides seems very hidden thoughout the duration of the selection, as well.

But now the competition is left with the presence of the seven Full Members, whose true identity will now be concealed in order to deliver an impartial verdict. As the jury selection comes to a close, the empaneled Group will now wear the Gold masks throughout the Games and from this moment on, while the Associate Members will wear the Maroon masks.

The Commissioner of Games has now expressed his intent to ordain the selected Group of Seven immediately, despite the presence of a provision in the Standing Rules that affords him a chance to overrule any of the selections on valid grounds. He immediately certifies for the records that the chosen Group of Seven has complied with all the applicable rules within the conduct of the Purple Junket.

As soon as the message has been relayed, the ordination ceremonies have formally started. The masks of the Golden color arrived first; it is immaculate in design, held in perfect order on silver plates that reflect several majestic regalia sculptures at both ends, which then provide for the place of its artistic handles. Meanwhile, the modest silver tray carrying the two Maroon masks also arrived following the recognized protocols that honor the Group's important role in the Games.

The two opposing sides are carefully studying the chosen jurors as each of them are bestowed with their masks. Despite diligent efforts of the Team Captains, the jurors themselves have behaved quite appropriately in their demeanor and their visible spirits are full of mystery, donning their loyalty with a poker face. Both of the opposing sides, however, are quite convinced that this edition of the Games will face its most impartial Group of Seven ever selected. Yet.

There is no other clue offered that a turbulent Games is about to happen ahead of the Games' pageantry. It was the calm before the storm, indeed.

x---------x

This Chapter is sponsored by Burberry men's watch.