Chapter 17:
My will shall resonate in this stormy game
Everyone seemed somewhat confused, but at the same time happy, as I went down to the same floor as everyone else and even more disconcerting was what I was going to show them, but I didn't intend for the city to depend on me, especially if the form of automation for both factions can be implemented.
“The Sol family and I, as their representative, laid the foundation. We've been clearing the path and laying the materials for a long time to establish ourselves, but here you are, please take the lead.”
The young man and a young lady among the warriors advanced rather strangely, as I saw when I offered them my hand with the small plaques to each of them.
“Ari, a very capable warrior and an even more accomplished strategist, you will be part of this council as the one in charge of defense and protection. I will ask that you try to put your fatalities aside in the future, or they will bring you problems, some a little more irreversible.” I struggled to contain my laughter at the small problems that would hold her back, but I avoided mentioning them, all so she would see me as wise later.
After that and passing a seal, the girl knelt down, although she didn't seem what you'd call happy, rather she seemed satisfied, it was hard for me to understand how the warriors thought at the end.
“Young man, Jūni will inherit the name of a liberator and a leader. I trust that if anything happens to us, you will lead the defense of your peers. But be sure to think before you act; it will bring you trouble in the future.” He bowed, speechless like the young lady.
“I am Abaddon, son of the House of the Sun, a seer about to be recruited by the Holy Faith, but until that time comes,” I had already used enough pomp to continue the charade, and the stinging pain on my neck couldn’t be contained. “Have a little patience with me, would you?” I knelt amidst the laughter around me, and the three of us extended our knives, and the four fingers were severed in a line that marked our agreement. While both of my hands were marked, they only had the right and left, with which they returned the pact.
It didn't take long for us to put an end to the problems. I pointed out the most suitable areas for mining and enlisted the help of the villagers to correct me on the most basic points. The same thing happened more or less with the warriors. I reported the best areas for fortifications, and we discussed the issue of materials.
By nightfall, we had our camp prepared to handle any inconvenience that might arise. The warriors were on the defensive among the trees, keeping watch, and the few who weren't were patrolling the center and the edges.
Morning called us all together for a greeting and to send almost half of the warriors to sleep, while we gathered again.
“Young Abaddon, this is the mining plan we’ve prepared.” He laid out what looked to me like the usual paperwork for the person in charge of appointing audiences, and maybe a little more.
I hurriedly put my hands in front of me and distanced myself from the guy. I wasn't interested in anything about mines at that point. "Authorized." I noticed everyone's confusion. "I said you're authorized. You can proceed as you see fit. Please excuse me if I misinterpret your reaction."
“It’s not that, e…” For a moment I meditate, looking at the plans seriously.
"We'll see that it's carried out as my lord has authorized." The boy is as reliable as ever.
A slight gesture from the woman made me give her my attention. “Regarding our watchtowers,” Ari mentioned.
"What do you have planned?" The subtle politeness in the words he always used when we discussed important topics, and with it, hoping for something clear.
“As I mentioned, putting them next to the rock is a good idea, but it could be a problem during the rains.” She seemed embarrassed to deny the idea.
I thought for a moment, as if reconsidering my answer. "Mining managers, you know how to handle structures. Could you provide directions and help with setting up the first tower on the way down?"
“Count on us, young man, we'll give our best.”
“I commend it to you,” I took out the book, ready for the supposed sermon I was supposed to give every day. “Do you have anything else to discuss before my address to the people?”
"Nothing".
“With your permission, I'll be joining my family before participating. It will certainly be inspiring.”
“I doubt it, Jūni,” the girl pointed out in an amused tone.
“How can you say that, Miss Ari?”
“I’ve heard a lot of people giving talks. He’s just a kid, so don’t give him so much credit.”
“I wonder if we’ll have to build the temple here,” the mining leader said.
—0— On the small stone platform near the entrance to the strait —0—
“To everyone present today, we're gathered for a very important matter, and I know many of you are concerned because we need a temple dedicated to Alba, however small, but I'm urging you to consider a greater urgency.” I raised my hand to avoid interruptions. “Which I'm sure everyone will agree is a priority above anything else that might happen today.” I don't mind admitting it, but only then would they understand how it worked. “Whoever gives me the answer—” I gestured my hands toward me, hoping to diffuse the situation. “What do I mean?” I extended my hands again, trying to encompass everything in the room, hoping they'd mistake it for themselves. “I'll give you a prize, a reward so you'll understand me better.”
Suddenly everyone seemed confused and I didn't blame them, they had a lot to think about and possibly none of them had the right answer.
For a short time, only a couple raised their hands and allowed them to speak.
"You go first," I spoke calmly. "Time is running out, please be brief." From their reactions, my cheerful display seemed to be working, or they were mocking my way of speaking, I wasn't sure.
“Supplies”.
I shook my head. I didn't know or care who the girl was, but I couldn't be arrogant in front of so many people, especially if she was one of my most immediate priorities.
“Close, but I apologize, I missed the reason for this urgent meeting.”
“Weapons,” Ari mentioned, quite confidently.
"She stood as far from the answer as the illustrious young lady here." If it weren't for the fact that she was looking at me angrily, I wouldn't have minded continuing. "There."
“Materials.” A young man I couldn’t identify spoke somewhat hastily.
“Nor do I, but I'm afraid you've piqued my curiosity.” I paused as the sigh drew the attention of everyone around me. “Why are you so interested in material things, when what we must decide is even more important?”
“Because that’s the only thing we might lack, we have faith and willpower.” Young Jūni spoke, as confidently as ever.
“No one has denied that you have such dedication to our great mission,” I tried to shorten the time, disappointment in my voice. “What I'm asking is; why do you think we're lacking anything material?”
A child in front of me raised his hand. “A name,” he clarified before I could give him the floor.
I clapped, in the mood to play. “Congratulations, young man. Your family will undoubtedly be blessed, but we'll talk about your reward later. For now, allow me to continue my explanation.” I saw him nod and continued. “Our tribe doesn't have a name. Trading requires one. Otherwise, any order we make, no matter how well-paid or generous our request, will never arrive, and many will deceive to carry what we ask for with our resources. That's why it's a priority over even the Temple of Alba.” From the way some of them laughed at themselves, I knew I'd revealed the stupidity they thought I was missing by following me.
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