The Council's Request

Morning of the next day.

Max awoke to the sound of roosters and bird songs. From outside the window came the faint murmurs of villagers preparing for their daily works. He sat up in bed, looked at his armor and muttered to himself:

"Hmm... It's probably still too early to visit the council. I'll go train a little. There's a wooden post by the road - I asked the owner about it yesterday, turns out no one use it anymore. Should make a fine training dummy."

And so he did as he said. Gearing up into his armor, Max stepped outside onto the dirt path. He began with a slow jog around the village, warming up his muscles and joints, exchanging greetings with curious early risers. Eventually, he returned to the wooden post, where he performed a short series of calisthenics.

Little by little, more villagers gathered in distance to watch him with curiosity and some with growing surprise as he trained. Max stood up and began performing hand-to-hdan sequences against the post. First a series of punches, than elbow strikes followed by kicks. Then, after few sets, he drew his axe and shield. He practiced combination using only his melee weapon, but always stopped the ironhead just short of hitting the post, to not break it or damage the only weapon he had.

After few more rounds, he nodded with quiet satisfaction.

"That's a good wake up training" as he thougth and followed "I'll head to the well and wash my face."

Just then, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Hey! What was that? That didn't look like a knightly combat."

Max raised his hand greeting Thomas, with slight surprise on his face.

"What do you mean? That was just a basic training. I figured it's a bit too early for the council, so I thought I'd get some practice"

"Yeah, but those strikes... they were fast and sharp, rather deadly! No knight fights like that. Will you teach me someday?"

"Well, that's what strikes should be like, at least that's how I was taught. I won't show you anything for now, but I'll find you later and give a few tips. Actually... could you point me where the council meets?"

Thomas beamed with happiness and pointed to one of the larger buildings, explaining its location. Then, without hesitation, walked off in that very direction. As Max turned to follow, Saban passed by, clearly impressed.

"Don't mind the lad. He used to dream of becoming a knight as a kid. That was before he learnt the truth about them. It's been a while since I've seen him this eager to learn something. You've got good moves... but let your arm drift too fat to the side. You should keep your elbow straigther during your strikes."

Then Saban too, headed toward the council hall.

"Thanks" Max replied, then paused as a thought crept in. 

"How did he know my technique wasn't perfect?"

Outside the Council Hall.

Max stood before the most distinguished building in the village and the only one bearing heraldry. Just from the iconography, it was clear this was where the most important decisions were made.

"Knights often ruled villages like this... but I wonder how things work here?"

At the entrance, he noticed a small parchment posted nearby, it was an advertisement of upcoming tournament to be held during the summer solstice.

"A summer solstice... So finally there's at least one similarity here. But I don't even know what day it is now. Better to pretend I didn't see that and find a way to receive what's the current date."

He stepped inside.

The Council Hall.

A modest hall stretched out before him. Several numbers of the local population stood gathered, while at the front sat nine wooden stands with chairs, though only seven were occupied. Each had a nameplate describing the role of the seated person:

At the middle - Village Head - Mira, the Herbalist.

An older woman in plain attire. Her plaque indicated she handled relations with other councils.

Roland, to her right:

By looks about forty, the captain of the militia and former mercenary. Responsible for security.

Lysa, seated next to Roland:

About the similar age of Roland, the owner of village's inn. Oversaw trade and transactions with other settlements.

Thomas, furthest right:

Youngest member, representative of the village youth,

Saban, to Mira's left:

Around 50 years old, muscular and big man with a short beard. Village blacksmith. Managed resource needs for local economy.

Jan, next to Saban:

Around 30. Farmer. Oversaw agriculture and food production.

Nadia, far left:

Around 20, similar age to Thomas. A hunter's apprentice, also reprensting youth of village and additionialy the hunters.

Mira stood, formally opening the session.

Max briefly furrowed his brow.

"So it's just starting now... Were they waiting for me? It is also nice to see familiar faces among the members."

Mira welcomed the community, then greeted Max directly as he was the only guest of the village. She called for a report on security. Roland stood:

"Ahem. It's better than last month, though far from good. The summer solstice and local festival will happen in next week. I'm concerned bandit activity will increase and as you all know, I'll be escorting Sir Correnie to the tournament."

He sat, then Mira motioned to the economic representatives. Saban gestured to Lysa, inviting her to speak first.

Lysa reported that additional council fund would be needed for ale and food in preparation for the festival. After her Saban added that nothing has changed regarding the materials. Jan rose next, predicting that this year's harvest could surpass the last. Then Nadia stood, informing that animal movements in the forest were unusual, probably disturbed by bandit presence.

In the end Thomas stood, looking at Max and said:

"Max, our guest, wishes to participate in the tournament. Normally, two council members approval would suffice and for now he has mine, Saban's and Lysa's. However, with current circumstances, the council wishes to request his aid. Roland is our only guard and he couls use the help against the bandits. In return, the council offers coins and a writ allowing official entry into the tournament. The request is made in light of what we all saw this morning... Max, do you accept this dangerous task?"

Max, slightly surprised, gave a polite bow and answered:

"Honorable council and good people of Stone's Edge. It would be my pleasure to help you with your bandit problems. You've given me a bed, fresh water in well and a warm meal. I'd be glad to repay your kindness and hospitality."

Since there were no subjects requiring a vote, Mira closed the session and asked Max to speak with Roland when he had time regarding the mission.

As the other council members left their seats to hold an idle chatter with other people, Roland gave Max a nod and approached at a slow, deliberate pace.

"Good moves... for a 'guest' " he said with a tone that wavered between sarcasm and arrogancy. "But such moves against a not moving post aren't the same as a real fighting"

Max smiled and answered:

"Do not worry sir, they are just basic strikes. They will manage to hurt in a real fight. Sometimes, one clean hit is all it takes."

Roland narrowed his eyes, studying Max.

"Tomorrow at dawn. The field between the village and the ruins. You and me. Nothing formal just a spar. The other members may trust you, but if I'm to risk my life alongside you, I need to see what you're made of."

He turned, then added over his shoulder:

"And don't forget to use your shield. Not just that axe of yours."

Max nodded, a flicker of excitement lightning his eyes.

"Finally! A real sparring match. Let's see what techniques they use in this world."