The meeting had continued for much longer than SJ had anticipated, and the discussions among the members had become very heated on occasion. The conflict over the expansion, structures, and suggestions over border locations was considerable. The resounding consideration that all had, even those in full support, was the ability of the town to financially cover the costs involved.
It was concluded again that no formal decision or vote was being made, and there was a significant split in opinion over the best way to proceed. SJ listened to all the conversations but did not put her opinion across as she could understand both sides of the argument. Expanding the town was hugely beneficial and would improve their standing significantly within the territory. The risks associated with expansion could initially outweigh any benefits as they were likely to be targeted if they suddenly showed renewed prosperity. Walking down the stairs, Zigferd asked her if she could talk.
“I have some time, although I need to complete some training today. I had been a little remiss due to what has been done today,” SJ said.
“Excellent,” Zigferd replied, leading her back to his office. “Alice, will you join us, please?”
Alice was slightly ahead of them and turned, smiling at hearing her name. “Of course.”
Once the three of them were seated in the Mayor’s office, Zigferd began, “Well, firstly, thank you both dearly. Alice, we would not be as strong as we are without your continuing support and the daily inspiration you provide to the town. SJ. Thank you for accepting the role as a town council member.”
SJ could again feel her cheeks heating. “Thank you for the opportunity,” she replied, not believing she was inspiring anyone.
“I have a couple of things that I would like to discuss. The main one is the position I would like to hope you see taking on the council,” Zigferd said, looking at SJ.
“Oh. What position?” SJ felt a sense of nervous excitement about being offered a role.
“Alice and I have already discussed the role, and we believe you have the most suitable skillset to achieve the desired results.”
“What skillset? And what results?” SJ asked.
“We believe that you would make the perfect ambassador for Killic.”
“Ambassador, is that not going a little too far? I am a Fae and am well aware of the mistrust shown towards us,” SJ replied surprised at the position she was being offered.
“I can understand your initial reservations, but we believe that you have the ability to overcome the fractious attitude of many.”
“I thank you for your words, but I am not sure I am the right person to be an ambassador,” SJ furrowed her brow in consideration of the offer.
“I think you will fit the role perfectly,” Alice interjected, noticing the reservation on SJ's face.
“How so?”
“You have a natural charisma and charm that has not gone unnoticed in the town. You have an uncanny ability to bring ease to so many yet still be such a stalwart fighter. You show both strength and caring combined. That is an unusual balance,” Alice said.
SJ blushed at the comment. “I am just me.”
“And that you are is why we believe you will fit the role perfectly. We would like you to consider several key aspects over the coming weeks if you would be willing to take on the role.”
SJ knew that being an ambassador could potentially mean travel and diplomacy requirements. Hopefully, it will allow her to speak to Niweq at the Wandering Ogre. SJ considered the offer for several moments before replying, “If you believe I am suited, I can only try.”
“That is excellent news. I will ask that Astorian entitles your role as such.”
“Who is the current ambassador?”
“We have not required one before, but with the territory borders opening, we believe that it is important that we now have the role and function.”
“I see. Does this require a vote?”
“No. The assignment and position you hold for the council is between Alice and me. We are both in complete agreement over this.”
“That’s amazing,” Dave said. “As an ambassador, you will travel, see the wider world, and meet so many interesting and potentially 'uninteresting' people.”
“You mentioned a couple of things?”
“Yes. Secondly, we would like to offer you a residence.”
“Sorry?” SJ replied, this time completely shocked.
“A residence. You can’t live in the Inn. Now you are an integral part of the town,” Zigferd replied.
Flabbergasted, SJ replied, “I hadn’t even considered it. It would make sense, but I have no idea of the cost, and I'm unsure if I can afford a property.”
“Do not worry about the cost for now. It is just a place you can call home, and eventually, if you wish to purchase or build something yourself, you can do so,” Alice said.
“Alice has already spent some time considering various locations and options and would like to show you them today. Obviously, you don’t have to decide immediately, but the offer and opportunity are there," Zigferd said.
The thought of having her own place in town was appealing, but she really enjoyed the Inn. The socialising and the friends she had made there would be something she would miss. Never mind the breakfasts. Then again, many who were not residents came in for breakfast each morning. “I am happy to see what there is. Thank you, both,” she replied.
“The third thing we wished to discuss is a little more sensitive a matter,” Zigferd said.
“What is it?” SJ asked, intrigued.
“Alice has been conducting an investigation for some time now, and we believe we have a problem within the council.”
“What sort of problem?”
“We believe that one of the members is trying to undermine what we are doing in the town. This is not a recent event and is something that Alice has investigated for the past year or so. It hasn’t been easy for her to gather much information, as the individual concerned is rather secretive at the best of times.”
“I see. What can I do to help?”
“I would like you to investigate the matter on our behalf and come to your own conclusions. Our concern is that if they continue to behave in the manner they have, they will damage the town's reputation with many of the outlying villages and potentially Asterfal.”
“And who do you wish me to look into?” SJ asked, concerned at the thought of someone plotting against the town.
“Alice?” Zigferd asked.
“My suspicions point towards Bellakiy,” Alice said. “Bellakiy oversees the distribution of trade goods to the outer areas. As part of his function and role, he is required to be away from the town frequently. It is a role he has had for many years and had always been thought of as the best for the task due to his merchant skills. The concern is that he is divulging private information about the town and the council members to others. Normal council meetings are held in an enclosed room. You will see the guards who are always present. We also have magical wards that prevent people from spying on the meetings.”
SJ was unfamiliar with the fact that they had magical wards to prevent eavesdropping, and she was a little surprised by the statement.
“Some of the information that has reached our desks from the surrounding villages can only have come from the meetings, even though it has taken a long time to trace. I now believe he is the only one who is the common factor. None of it is a direct representation of council matters, but it is close enough to start spreading doubt.”
“Have you not challenged him or asked him the question?” SJ asked.
“No. As we still have no solid evidence. It is circumstantial and non-descript.”
“I don’t know who he is,” SJ said.
“Ah, You probably saw him for the first time today. He is one of the Draconians.”
SJ had seen both the Draconian and met with one of them before knowing that his name wasn’t Bellakiy. “I know who you mean.” The Draconian in question was burly-looking and appeared more like a fighter to SJ than anything else when she had seen him in the chamber. “I thought he initially had something to do with the guard when I saw him,” SJ said.
“He does look that way. He is a very skilled trader but lacks the tact of diplomacy, as he is also brash.”
“Why would he possibly do anything against the town?” SJ asked.
“I believe that it’s jealousy,” Alice said.
“Jealousy over what exactly?” SJ asked.
“His father was the presiding mayor before Zigferd,” Alice said. It was the first time SJ had heard her use his first name. “I believe that he thinks the right to being mayor should have passed to him on his father's death.”
“But you have been mayor for over 50 years,” SJ stated.
“Yes. I have. Bellakiy had been away for a long time and returned to the town only a few years ago before he was voted in on the council as a Draconian representative. His family is regarded very highly among the Draconian population. Lythonian speaks very highly of them. When he returned from making his fortune trading across Amathera, he joined as one of their representatives.”
“I do not know him to speak to. It will take time to learn about him, and if he is away from town often, then I will be limited to what I can find out,” SJ said.
“That is understandable, but we believe that since you are new to the town and are in the process of starting your career, you may be the perfect person to get to know him. He knows he has no direct influence over many on the council, but as a new member, he may try to persuade you otherwise,” Zigferd said.
The term career struck SJ. She had never even considered the potential of her joining a town council as being called a career. It was strange and rather foreboding alongside everything else she was working towards. There were no terms of office, and the potential was that she would remain in the position until such a time that she either stepped down or was replaced.
“This looks like it could be very interesting and perfect for your subterfuge development,” Dave said. “Alongside the position of Ambassador, I can see there being some rather entertaining times ahead.”
“I can see what I can discover,” SJ replied.
Her display triggered.
Quest – Confirm the Leak
Investigate and confirm who is distributing falsehoods about the town and its council members.
Rewards: 1000xp
“Woah. That’s a lot of experience,” Dave said. "With the bonus for your reputation, you will easily reach level 12.”
SJ was a little taken aback by the amount of experience shown, as she accepted the quest, knowing that it equated to 2000 experience. The benefits her increased reputation had brought to her progression were huge. Anything related to the town’s continuing safety and improvement that triggered a quest would allow her to grow exponentially. Even the less rewarding quests would bring significant bonuses. Accepting the quest, SJ began to stand. “If there is nothing else, I need to go and do some training?”
“Actually, there is,” Zigferd said. Standing, he walked to his desk and removed a small wooden box from his desk drawer. Walking back around, he handed the box to SJ.
“What’s this?” SJ asked, frowning. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”
“Don’t worry, this is a formal offering,” Zigferd smiled.
SJ took the box and opened the lid. Inside was a tiny silver pin. The pin was designed as a great axe surrounded by laurel leaves. SJ took it from the box, looked at the pin, and turned it in her hands. “What is this?”
“It is the official emblem of Killic. It proves you are a member of the council. I would ask that you wear it when on official town business if you would be so kind,” Zigferd said.
“Oh. Of course. Do I need to wear it in town?”
“It is entirely up to you whether you do or not.”
SJ looked from Alice to Zigferd and, for the first time, noticed the small pins that they both wore. “I had never noticed them before,” SJ said, smiling. She removed the pin from the box and attached it to her dress.
“It can help you in the town if speaking to members when they realise you are a council member.”
“Before I go, where can I find Bellakiy’s residence?”
“He owns one of the large houses opposite the docks,” Alice said. “And if you can call back later, I will show the properties I have identified.”
“I will, yes,” SJ replied. "Thank you both for your confidence in me.”
SJ left the office, her mind racing. She had become a council member, been assigned as an ambassador, given a significant quest, received an offer of a residence, and had the potential to travel in the future—and that was just from today. Then, add in everything else she was doing: training, crafting, part-time parenting, and a potential assassination job. SJ had been planning her time ahead, focusing on her martial arts training, crafting, and weapon proficiency, and she would need to adjust it.
“So much to do,” SJ said as she entered the training ground.
“And all the time in Amathera to do it,” Dave replied.
“That is very true, but it never seems like there is enough time in one day.”
“Well, there isn’t, duh! What do you expect a day to last as long as a year? It would completely mess up the ageing system for the whole of Amathera. Then again…I wonder…”
“Dave?”
Silence.
“Dave. What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” a shy voice replied.
“You realise I was just making a statement, and I didn’t expect more hours in a day.”
“I know,” he replied uncertainly. “But I just checked anyway and can’t access the System clock. That would have been so cool if I could have.”
“Why?”
“I could have time travelled.”
“Sorry?”
“I could have reset the clock back to the beginning of Amathera.”
“I am not sure I would class that as time travel.”
“What is it then? If I amend the System clock to its creation date, the back-ups would kick in from that period.”
“And what do you think that would achieve or do to me and you?”
“Erm. Good point, I will scratch that one off my list.”
SJ rolled her eyes. “Sometimes you do have the strangest ideas.”
“I wouldn’t call them strange. I would call them abstract.”
“Whatever you want to call them, you need to be careful. I am not sure you can be trusted unsupervised.”
“You sound like my mother,” Dave huffed.
SJ laughed as she walked to the training rings and saw Lorna with a confused look on her face.
“Are you ok?” Lorna asked.
“Yes. Sorry, I was just thinking about a joke I was told.”
Frowning, Lorna shook her head in dismay. “Are you here to train?”
“Yes. I wanted to get a couple of hours in.”
“Excellent. Then, you can start with ten laps. That should stop you laughing,” Lorna replied, grinning.
“Urgh,” SJ replied as she began to run around the ground.
The two hours flew by as she performed her exercises, and Lorna spoke to her about her advancement to level 6, which she had undergone with Greb. She stated that she would have to get him more involved in training the newer members.
“Wait?” Lorna said, suddenly staring at SJ open-mouthed.
“What?” SJ replied, concerned.
“You are wearing a pin.”
SJ looked down at the small pin attached to her dress. “Oh. This yes. Why?”
“That means you are a member of the town council?”
“I am, yes. I was voted in this morning,” SJ replied, smiling.
Lorna put her hand up to her face in shock. “I can’t believe they allowed you onto the council. How on Amathera did you do it?”
“Do what?” SJ frowned at Lorna's shocked appearance.
“You do realise that most of the council have previously suffered at the hands of Fae. The fact you were voted in is no small achievement.”
“There were two votes: the first to add a Fae representative and the second for my membership. The vote to add a Fae representative was not as straightforward as I thought it would be.”
“Knowing the problems we had several years ago when they destroyed our whole crop, I am amazed that they allowed a Fae member to join.”
“Several years ago?”
“Yes. When the Fae attacked.”
“Attacked Killic,” SJ replied, amazed.
“Not the town, but they decided to destroy the crops. They set the corn fields on fire and destroyed the bi-annual harvest. The whole town struggled with it. Several lost a lot of coins, of which some were councillors.”
“I had no idea.”
“It was a dark time for the town. I don’t think we have fully recovered since. The fact you have joined, though, is an amazing feat.”
“Thanks,” SJ replied, smiling.
“No. I mean it. The influence you have since you reached revered status is quite significant.”
“My reputation status jumped three levels when it happened. I am not sure how it did.”
“I think I know exactly how,” Lorna replied, smiling.
“What do you think caused it?”
“Cristy, Mithril, Ogre.”
“What?”
“Your selfless act of saving Cristy, a town member, for absolutely no reward is unheard of from any previous Legionnaire who has ever passed through the town. You also located what is believed to be a Mithril mine," Lorna said in a quieter tone, "which wouldn’t have happened if you had not gone to save Cristy, and finally, you participated in the battle. I thought you were dead when you hit Bordon, but you also took out the Mage alone.”
“I wasn’t exactly by myself.”
“You were from a town’s standpoint. What you have achieved is close to a miracle.”
SJ blushed with embarrassment. “I wouldn’t call it a miracle.”
“I would. Changing the minds of some on the council is not something to sniff at. The halflings have been trying for years to get on the council.”
“I meant to ask the Mayor about that and why they had no representation.”
“Halflings are synonymous with borrowing.”
“Ahh,” SJ replied, understanding the term in relation to the world of Tolkien.
“There have been many issues over items being borrowed. The times I have dealt with them in the guard are ridiculous,” Lorna replied, shaking her head.
“What about the undead?”
“Only Floretta lives in the town and has never shown interest in the council.”
"And the trolls?"
"The troll community keeps to itself. Only Bert lives in the town, and all the others who frequent Killic live in the mountain village."
SJ had no idea there was a Troll Mountain village near Killic. “Thanks for the information and training today. I need to go and see Alice.”
“Are you back tomorrow?”
“Hopefully, I will see how I get on. I have already been given a task to do.”
“The requirements of leadership,” Lorna smiled. “I suppose I should now start calling you Ma’am.”
“You dare, and my claws will come out,” SJ laughed as she left.
It felt strange having someone she held in such high regard even consider the comment. On returning to the barracks, she found Alice upstairs in her office.
“Are you free to go now?” SJ asked after knocking on her door.
Alice looked up, smiling. “Yes. Let’s go find you a home.”
The meeting had continued for much longer than SJ had anticipated, and the discussions among the members had become very heated on occasion. The conflict over the expansion, structures, and suggestions over border locations was considerable. The resounding consideration that all had, even those in full support, was the ability of the town to financially cover the costs involved.
It was concluded again that no formal decision or vote was being made, and there was a significant split in opinion over the best way to proceed. SJ listened to all the conversations but did not put her opinion across as she could understand both sides of the argument. Expanding the town was hugely beneficial and would improve their standing significantly within the territory. The risks associated with expansion could initially outweigh any benefits as they were likely to be targeted if they suddenly showed renewed prosperity. Walking down the stairs, Zigferd asked her if she could talk.
“I have some time, although I need to complete some training today. I had been a little remiss due to what has been done today,” SJ said.
“Excellent,” Zigferd replied, leading her back to his office. “Alice, will you join us, please?”
Alice was slightly ahead of them and turned, smiling at hearing her name. “Of course.”
Once the three of them were seated in the Mayor’s office, Zigferd began, “Well, firstly, thank you both dearly. Alice, we would not be as strong as we are without your continuing support and the daily inspiration you provide to the town. SJ. Thank you for accepting the role as a town council member.”
SJ could again feel her cheeks heating. “Thank you for the opportunity,” she replied, not believing she was inspiring anyone.
“I have a couple of things that I would like to discuss. The main one is the position I would like to hope you see taking on the council,” Zigferd said, looking at SJ.
“Oh. What position?” SJ felt a sense of nervous excitement about being offered a role.
“Alice and I have already discussed the role, and we believe you have the most suitable skillset to achieve the desired results.”
“What skillset? And what results?” SJ asked.
“We believe that you would make the perfect ambassador for Killic.”
“Ambassador, is that not going a little too far? I am a Fae and am well aware of the mistrust shown towards us,” SJ replied surprised at the position she was being offered.
“I can understand your initial reservations, but we believe that you have the ability to overcome the fractious attitude of many.”
“I thank you for your words, but I am not sure I am the right person to be an ambassador,” SJ furrowed her brow in consideration of the offer.
“I think you will fit the role perfectly,” Alice interjected, noticing the reservation on SJ's face.
“How so?”
“You have a natural charisma and charm that has not gone unnoticed in the town. You have an uncanny ability to bring ease to so many yet still be such a stalwart fighter. You show both strength and caring combined. That is an unusual balance,” Alice said.
SJ blushed at the comment. “I am just me.”
“And that you are is why we believe you will fit the role perfectly. We would like you to consider several key aspects over the coming weeks if you would be willing to take on the role.”
SJ knew that being an ambassador could potentially mean travel and diplomacy requirements. Hopefully, it will allow her to speak to Niweq at the Wandering Ogre. SJ considered the offer for several moments before replying, “If you believe I am suited, I can only try.”
“That is excellent news. I will ask that Astorian entitles your role as such.”
“Who is the current ambassador?”
“We have not required one before, but with the territory borders opening, we believe that it is important that we now have the role and function.”
“I see. Does this require a vote?”
“No. The assignment and position you hold for the council is between Alice and me. We are both in complete agreement over this.”
“That’s amazing,” Dave said. “As an ambassador, you will travel, see the wider world, and meet so many interesting and potentially 'uninteresting' people.”
“You mentioned a couple of things?”
“Yes. Secondly, we would like to offer you a residence.”
“Sorry?” SJ replied, this time completely shocked.
“A residence. You can’t live in the Inn. Now you are an integral part of the town,” Zigferd replied.
Flabbergasted, SJ replied, “I hadn’t even considered it. It would make sense, but I have no idea of the cost, and I'm unsure if I can afford a property.”
“Do not worry about the cost for now. It is just a place you can call home, and eventually, if you wish to purchase or build something yourself, you can do so,” Alice said.
“Alice has already spent some time considering various locations and options and would like to show you them today. Obviously, you don’t have to decide immediately, but the offer and opportunity are there," Zigferd said.
The thought of having her own place in town was appealing, but she really enjoyed the Inn. The socialising and the friends she had made there would be something she would miss. Never mind the breakfasts. Then again, many who were not residents came in for breakfast each morning. “I am happy to see what there is. Thank you, both,” she replied.
“The third thing we wished to discuss is a little more sensitive a matter,” Zigferd said.
“What is it?” SJ asked, intrigued.
“Alice has been conducting an investigation for some time now, and we believe we have a problem within the council.”
“What sort of problem?”
“We believe that one of the members is trying to undermine what we are doing in the town. This is not a recent event and is something that Alice has investigated for the past year or so. It hasn’t been easy for her to gather much information, as the individual concerned is rather secretive at the best of times.”
“I see. What can I do to help?”
“I would like you to investigate the matter on our behalf and come to your own conclusions. Our concern is that if they continue to behave in the manner they have, they will damage the town's reputation with many of the outlying villages and potentially Asterfal.”
“And who do you wish me to look into?” SJ asked, concerned at the thought of someone plotting against the town.
“Alice?” Zigferd asked.
“My suspicions point towards Bellakiy,” Alice said. “Bellakiy oversees the distribution of trade goods to the outer areas. As part of his function and role, he is required to be away from the town frequently. It is a role he has had for many years and had always been thought of as the best for the task due to his merchant skills. The concern is that he is divulging private information about the town and the council members to others. Normal council meetings are held in an enclosed room. You will see the guards who are always present. We also have magical wards that prevent people from spying on the meetings.”
SJ was unfamiliar with the fact that they had magical wards to prevent eavesdropping, and she was a little surprised by the statement.
“Some of the information that has reached our desks from the surrounding villages can only have come from the meetings, even though it has taken a long time to trace. I now believe he is the only one who is the common factor. None of it is a direct representation of council matters, but it is close enough to start spreading doubt.”
“Have you not challenged him or asked him the question?” SJ asked.
“No. As we still have no solid evidence. It is circumstantial and non-descript.”
“I don’t know who he is,” SJ said.
“Ah, You probably saw him for the first time today. He is one of the Draconians.”
SJ had seen both the Draconian and met with one of them before knowing that his name wasn’t Bellakiy. “I know who you mean.” The Draconian in question was burly-looking and appeared more like a fighter to SJ than anything else when she had seen him in the chamber. “I thought he initially had something to do with the guard when I saw him,” SJ said.
“He does look that way. He is a very skilled trader but lacks the tact of diplomacy, as he is also brash.”
“Why would he possibly do anything against the town?” SJ asked.
“I believe that it’s jealousy,” Alice said.
“Jealousy over what exactly?” SJ asked.
“His father was the presiding mayor before Zigferd,” Alice said. It was the first time SJ had heard her use his first name. “I believe that he thinks the right to being mayor should have passed to him on his father's death.”
“But you have been mayor for over 50 years,” SJ stated.
“Yes. I have. Bellakiy had been away for a long time and returned to the town only a few years ago before he was voted in on the council as a Draconian representative. His family is regarded very highly among the Draconian population. Lythonian speaks very highly of them. When he returned from making his fortune trading across Amathera, he joined as one of their representatives.”
“I do not know him to speak to. It will take time to learn about him, and if he is away from town often, then I will be limited to what I can find out,” SJ said.
“That is understandable, but we believe that since you are new to the town and are in the process of starting your career, you may be the perfect person to get to know him. He knows he has no direct influence over many on the council, but as a new member, he may try to persuade you otherwise,” Zigferd said.
The term career struck SJ. She had never even considered the potential of her joining a town council as being called a career. It was strange and rather foreboding alongside everything else she was working towards. There were no terms of office, and the potential was that she would remain in the position until such a time that she either stepped down or was replaced.
“This looks like it could be very interesting and perfect for your subterfuge development,” Dave said. “Alongside the position of Ambassador, I can see there being some rather entertaining times ahead.”
“I can see what I can discover,” SJ replied.
Her display triggered.
Quest – Confirm the Leak
Investigate and confirm who is distributing falsehoods about the town and its council members.
Rewards: 1000xp
“Woah. That’s a lot of experience,” Dave said. "With the bonus for your reputation, you will easily reach level 12.”
SJ was a little taken aback by the amount of experience shown, as she accepted the quest, knowing that it equated to 2000 experience. The benefits her increased reputation had brought to her progression were huge. Anything related to the town’s continuing safety and improvement that triggered a quest would allow her to grow exponentially. Even the less rewarding quests would bring significant bonuses. Accepting the quest, SJ began to stand. “If there is nothing else, I need to go and do some training?”
“Actually, there is,” Zigferd said. Standing, he walked to his desk and removed a small wooden box from his desk drawer. Walking back around, he handed the box to SJ.
“What’s this?” SJ asked, frowning. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”
“Don’t worry, this is a formal offering,” Zigferd smiled.
SJ took the box and opened the lid. Inside was a tiny silver pin. The pin was designed as a great axe surrounded by laurel leaves. SJ took it from the box, looked at the pin, and turned it in her hands. “What is this?”
“It is the official emblem of Killic. It proves you are a member of the council. I would ask that you wear it when on official town business if you would be so kind,” Zigferd said.
“Oh. Of course. Do I need to wear it in town?”
“It is entirely up to you whether you do or not.”
SJ looked from Alice to Zigferd and, for the first time, noticed the small pins that they both wore. “I had never noticed them before,” SJ said, smiling. She removed the pin from the box and attached it to her dress.
“It can help you in the town if speaking to members when they realise you are a council member.”
“Before I go, where can I find Bellakiy’s residence?”
“He owns one of the large houses opposite the docks,” Alice said. “And if you can call back later, I will show the properties I have identified.”
“I will, yes,” SJ replied. "Thank you both for your confidence in me.”
SJ left the office, her mind racing. She had become a council member, been assigned as an ambassador, given a significant quest, received an offer of a residence, and had the potential to travel in the future—and that was just from today. Then, add in everything else she was doing: training, crafting, part-time parenting, and a potential assassination job. SJ had been planning her time ahead, focusing on her martial arts training, crafting, and weapon proficiency, and she would need to adjust it.
“So much to do,” SJ said as she entered the training ground.
“And all the time in Amathera to do it,” Dave replied.
“That is very true, but it never seems like there is enough time in one day.”
“Well, there isn’t, duh! What do you expect a day to last as long as a year? It would completely mess up the ageing system for the whole of Amathera. Then again…I wonder…”
“Dave?”
Silence.
“Dave. What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” a shy voice replied.
“You realise I was just making a statement, and I didn’t expect more hours in a day.”
“I know,” he replied uncertainly. “But I just checked anyway and can’t access the System clock. That would have been so cool if I could have.”
“Why?”
“I could have time travelled.”
“Sorry?”
“I could have reset the clock back to the beginning of Amathera.”
“I am not sure I would class that as time travel.”
“What is it then? If I amend the System clock to its creation date, the back-ups would kick in from that period.”
“And what do you think that would achieve or do to me and you?”
“Erm. Good point, I will scratch that one off my list.”
SJ rolled her eyes. “Sometimes you do have the strangest ideas.”
“I wouldn’t call them strange. I would call them abstract.”
“Whatever you want to call them, you need to be careful. I am not sure you can be trusted unsupervised.”
“You sound like my mother,” Dave huffed.
SJ laughed as she walked to the training rings and saw Lorna with a confused look on her face.
“Are you ok?” Lorna asked.
“Yes. Sorry, I was just thinking about a joke I was told.”
Frowning, Lorna shook her head in dismay. “Are you here to train?”
“Yes. I wanted to get a couple of hours in.”
“Excellent. Then, you can start with ten laps. That should stop you laughing,” Lorna replied, grinning.
“Urgh,” SJ replied as she began to run around the ground.
The two hours flew by as she performed her exercises, and Lorna spoke to her about her advancement to level 6, which she had undergone with Greb. She stated that she would have to get him more involved in training the newer members.
“Wait?” Lorna said, suddenly staring at SJ open-mouthed.
“What?” SJ replied, concerned.
“You are wearing a pin.”
SJ looked down at the small pin attached to her dress. “Oh. This yes. Why?”
“That means you are a member of the town council?”
“I am, yes. I was voted in this morning,” SJ replied, smiling.
Lorna put her hand up to her face in shock. “I can’t believe they allowed you onto the council. How on Amathera did you do it?”
“Do what?” SJ frowned at Lorna's shocked appearance.
“You do realise that most of the council have previously suffered at the hands of Fae. The fact you were voted in is no small achievement.”
“There were two votes: the first to add a Fae representative and the second for my membership. The vote to add a Fae representative was not as straightforward as I thought it would be.”
“Knowing the problems we had several years ago when they destroyed our whole crop, I am amazed that they allowed a Fae member to join.”
“Several years ago?”
“Yes. When the Fae attacked.”
“Attacked Killic,” SJ replied, amazed.
“Not the town, but they decided to destroy the crops. They set the corn fields on fire and destroyed the bi-annual harvest. The whole town struggled with it. Several lost a lot of coins, of which some were councillors.”
“I had no idea.”
“It was a dark time for the town. I don’t think we have fully recovered since. The fact you have joined, though, is an amazing feat.”
“Thanks,” SJ replied, smiling.
“No. I mean it. The influence you have since you reached revered status is quite significant.”
“My reputation status jumped three levels when it happened. I am not sure how it did.”
“I think I know exactly how,” Lorna replied, smiling.
“What do you think caused it?”
“Cristy, Mithril, Ogre.”
“What?”
“Your selfless act of saving Cristy, a town member, for absolutely no reward is unheard of from any previous Legionnaire who has ever passed through the town. You also located what is believed to be a Mithril mine," Lorna said in a quieter tone, "which wouldn’t have happened if you had not gone to save Cristy, and finally, you participated in the battle. I thought you were dead when you hit Bordon, but you also took out the Mage alone.”
“I wasn’t exactly by myself.”
“You were from a town’s standpoint. What you have achieved is close to a miracle.”
SJ blushed with embarrassment. “I wouldn’t call it a miracle.”
“I would. Changing the minds of some on the council is not something to sniff at. The halflings have been trying for years to get on the council.”
“I meant to ask the Mayor about that and why they had no representation.”
“Halflings are synonymous with borrowing.”
“Ahh,” SJ replied, understanding the term in relation to the world of Tolkien.
“There have been many issues over items being borrowed. The times I have dealt with them in the guard are ridiculous,” Lorna replied, shaking her head.
“What about the undead?”
“Only Floretta lives in the town and has never shown interest in the council.”
"And the trolls?"
"The troll community keeps to itself. Only Bert lives in the town, and all the others who frequent Killic live in the mountain village."
SJ had no idea there was a Troll Mountain village near Killic. “Thanks for the information and training today. I need to go and see Alice.”
“Are you back tomorrow?”
“Hopefully, I will see how I get on. I have already been given a task to do.”
“The requirements of leadership,” Lorna smiled. “I suppose I should now start calling you Ma’am.”
“You dare, and my claws will come out,” SJ laughed as she left.
It felt strange having someone she held in such high regard even consider the comment. On returning to the barracks, she found Alice upstairs in her office.
“Are you free to go now?” SJ asked after knocking on her door.
Alice looked up, smiling. “Yes. Let’s go find you a home.”
