People move into lands occupied by packs of animals all the time

Aislann, Rowan, and Isolde rode with the captain and his men to the Leòideach encampment at the edge of the Siofra forest. Wooden walls and gates lined the camp to offer defense, and wooden spikes placed before the gate warned potential enemies of the dangers that waited for them within. Watchtowers stood above them to offer advanced warning to the soldiers. Two guards opened the gates from within and waved the travelers on. Rowan knew enough history to know that their setup was too complex for a temporary settlement; they were planning to dig in for a long period of time.

They dismounted and followed the captain to the main tent. It was as large as Rowan’s house, with multiple rooms separated by thick sheets filled with expensive furniture. It was obviously the nobles’ ‘home away from home’ and completely unnecessary for a military campaign. A large table that mapped the area and military positions was the only reminder of the tent’s intended use.

“Welcome, Your Highness! Would you care for some wine?” A young man entered the main room. He was freshly groomed and clothed in the finest fabrics, a sharp contrast to the soldiers who dedicated themselves to his family. “I am your humble servant, Keyth Leòideach.” He gave a respectful bow that did little to assure Aislinn of his loyalty.

A young woman emerged from another room, similarly dressed in noble finery with a sweet perfume wafting around her. “Forgive my lateness, I was not informed of your arrival, Princess Aislinn.” She cast a sharp look at a nearby soldier, one who was not part of Aislinn’s escort. “I am Bronwen Leòideach, at your service. You and your-” she eyed Isolde with disgust. “Companions are welcome here. We will do our utmost to meet your every expectation and comfort.” Her smile was as fake as Keyth’s.

“This is all a big misunderstanding, Your Highness,” Keyth began. “Our territory is in a time of great need. We are enduring drought and famine. Our water supply is diminished, and our crop yield isn’t sufficient to feed everyone.”

Rowan wasn’t certain he was using those words properly. He stepped closer to the table and examined the map while the nobles continued to justify their actions.

“So we decided to expand our territory and obtain resources from the wilderness. Delicious fruits, vegetables, and fresh new water supplies. Our forefathers have been doing it since time immemorial.” Bronwen explained.

“This is our land, not unclaimed wilderness. You would take from my people to feed yourselves,” Isolde seethed while baring her fangs.

“People move into lands occupied by packs of animals all the time,” Keyth remarked.

Aislinn’s temper flared, and Isolde seemed ready to draw her greataxe from its sling on her back, but Rowan stepped in to de-escalate the situation. He quickly realized why the guards never disarmed Isolde, a representative of the enemy forces: they hoped she would attack them and thus provide them with ample justification for their invasion. Rowan took a few pictures of the map and focused on the lakes that were highlighted by the Leòideach family.

“Have you considered constructing an aqueduct?” He asked.

“An aqueduct? What’s that?” Keyth inquired, temporarily forgetting his plan to antagonize Isolde.

Rowan took a thin brush, an ink well, and some parchments. “It’s a bridge that’s used to transport water across great distances,” he began. “Well, it doesn’t have to be a bridge. You can use artificial canals, ditches, or anything else to transport water to where you need it.”

He pointed to the map. “It seems you’re friendly with a neighboring territory, and they have more than enough water to go around. You can negotiate with them on this project.” He designed an aqueduct bridge in only two minutes and set it aside.

“Have you tried implementing a crop rotation system and some irrigation plan?” Rowan asked. It became clear that they had no idea what he was talking about, so he drew up plans he remembered from his time helping an ex-girlfriend on her farm.

Aislinn approached him and carefully whispered in his ear. “You’re speaking out of turn. This is not how we negotiate ceasefires.” She gently warned him.

Rowan turned to her and winked. “Trust me.” He drew duplicate schematics and handed the originals to Keyth. “I think this is the best plan. I’m sure your people will be more than thrilled to receive more advanced farming and water control methods to ease their suffering without further battle.”

Bronwen looked over the schematics with just as much confusion as her older brother. Rowan continued his explanation. “You’ll be heroes who revolutionized farming and water systems, and you won’t poison your people with tainted water from Ossorian territory.”

“Tainted? What do you mean?” Keyth inquired. Rowan judged the siblings’ expressions as genuine, they did not know about the corruption in the area. He relied on Aislinn to judge the soldiers’ reactions to his words.

“The demon god Aonghas has corrupted the plants and water in the area. Eating or drinking anything from Siofra forest would turn you into a monster,” Rowan explained. “Princess Aislinn and I faced a pack of corrupted magic boars,” he recounted. “Well, she defeated them, but I was present at the time.” He added with a bit of levity.

“So, to avoid harming yourselves and your people, please take these plans and return home,” Rowan suggested.

A well-dressed man approached the siblings and took the schematics. He looked them over and analyzed every detail. “This…” He muttered. “Well…” The servant tried to find a mistake in them. “This would work for our purposes.” He finally admitted.

“Indeed. While you wage a foolish battle, the people of your territory — my kingdom — suffer. You have been presented with a solution that does not require bloodshed to implement. As such, I hereby order you to withdraw and implement these advancements.” Aislinn commanded them.

Keyth and Bronwen were annoyed by their circumstances. They couldn’t wage a battle when the cause of their battle had just been invalidated. They didn’t like having to take guidance from one they considered a petty commoner, nor did they want to retreat from an Ossorian tribe. However, the idea that they could save their territory and look like heroes appealed to them. “We shall leave at once!” Keyth declared.

Rowan quickly looked at the soldiers to measure their reactions. A few were unmoved, but the captain and his direct subordinates could barely hide their anger. “All’s well that ends well, right, guys?” He joked. He and Aislinn were suspicious of them, but with the battle ending, they needed to reach Annfayn and report to Queen Sorcha as quickly as possible.

Aislinn, Rowan, and Isolde stood outside and watched the noble siblings deliver the order to withdraw. They proclaimed their victory and received proud cheers from their soldiers. Isolde’s anger burned, but she kept her temper in check as her enemies began to dismantle their encampment.

Rowan noticed a few of the soldiers cast angry looks at Isolde. “Come on, we have places to be and people to meet.” He placed his hand on Isolde’s shoulder, offered a kind smile, and pointed to the exit with his thumb. Isolde heaved a calming sigh and nodded. He led the way out of the camp, with Aislinn and Isolde following closely behind him.