Sunday, 35 Chillbone 204
The village is a babble with speculation over what will happen
next. The remaining soldiers, led by Private Luther, seem nervous
and a little jumpy. When word comes that the village council is
to hold a meeting in the tap-room in defiance of the captain's instructions,
none of the soldiers raise a hand to stop it. Many of them are relieved
when, shortly before noon, when Private Kither rides out of the
Wyrwood with orders for all nine of them to gather their equipments
and join the hunt for Vitor.
By lunchtime there are no soldiers remaining in Bear's Reach besides
Tam, and he is not going anywhere until the golden sphere that imprisons
him disappears. Krais finally summons the courage to emerge from
the Old Mill and return home. The atmosphere in the inn is far from
wholesome. Jennete has returned from her parent's home (the Fishers)
where she was hiding after she realised the party thought she murdered
the baron. She is unusually quiet. Barvin is equally taciturn and
Grint is happy that no-one is talking to him.
Mab, however, is quite cheerful. She greets Krais warmly and informs
him that Kaleena was looking for him, but she "…told her
that you were hiding like a rat." Tarn staggers down soon after
this. Barvin regards his father wearily and seemingly with good
reason.
The taverner strides over to his son, "You…," he
begins, "You would have seen me killed! You set me up!"
Barvin nods guiltily. "Never," says Tarn, "I have
never been more proud. Well, done son. But if you ever try it again,
I'll gut you like a fish." He then sits and starts his meal
with no thanks for Krais.
The Village Council begin to gather at the inn shortly after lunch.
In addition to Tarn the heads of all the families are present: Chul
Chandar, Sigmund Chiesa, Finious Cooper, Lorik Craftwright, Benjamin
Dyer, Gellem Farmer, Rasputin Fisher, Dirk Goodie, Marblach Lyar,
Sheldon Miller, Konig Njedelstrom, Ras Smith, Rufus Weaver and the
current headman, Esher Walker.
Underneath the taproom, and listening in my way of a handy stove
funnel, Krais is joined by his companions Kaylas, Illyan, Thorn
and Arax. Emmaelia Craftwright is also present, as is little Dael.
Illyan is particularly anxious because he remembers that Lorik is
to request to be made the official father of Dael.
Lorik wastes no time in making his request. It is soundly rejected
by every other member of the council. On the whole, this is not
because they think it's a bad idea but Lorik tried to pass the child
off as his own with the a travelling gypsy two seasons ago and the
council has a long memory for deception. Illyan is pleased, although
Emmaelia seems almost indifferent at the result.
Now it is Illyan's turn to stand before the council. He is obviously
nervous, but (directing his case mainly to Esher) he asks that the
council allow him and Emmaelia to marry without Lorik's consent.
Esher thanks him and Havelock is commanded to turn over the egg-timer.
No debate is allowed to take longer than ten minutes by village
law.
Ten minutes isn't necessary, and it isn't good news for Illyan.
The town's known moderates (Esher, Ras Smith and Sheldon Miller)
do vote in his favour. The rest of the town do not. Kaylas is dismayed
that Sigmund voted against Illyan. However, the council is of the
opinion that it would set a dangerous precedent and cannot be allowed.
Illyan returns to the cellar and attempts to console Emmaelia.
But she is having none of it. "Fine," she says and walks
outside. Illyan pursues her, saying that they have to talk, discuss
where they go from here. "What's the point?" Emmaelia
asks, tears in her eyes. "There's no point. There's no point
to any of this. I'm sick of it Illyan." Further words from
the half-elf do not move her. She tells him to leave her and slams
the door to her home in his face.
A Murder of Crows
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