When Zigferd knocked on her door the next morning to wake her, SJ moaned because of the lack of sleep. Dragging herself out of her bed, Dave started wittering in her head.
“Your first proper job. I am so excited. I can’t wait to see you make the mage meet her demise.”
‘You could have woken me earlier.’
“You looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
‘That has never bothered you before.’
“I was showing my caring side and knew you would need rest before tonight’s adventure.”
‘I haven’t accepted it yet.’
“What? I thought you had. Accept then.”
‘I am not sure.’
“What on Amathera? Do you mean you aren’t sure? You will start accumulating class perk points to use on your skills.”
‘Carlito didn’t confirm if the mage was bad or not.’
“For crying out loud, don’t start this now. You have a city-renowned assassin who can shapeshift into any form and has offered you your first class quest. He also has different skill branches than you and can offer you guild work without being a guild member.”
‘What does the skill difference mean?’
“You may get perks related to other skill branches while completing quests for a different skill class.”
‘You have never mentioned that before.’
“I couldn’t tell you before.”
‘Really?’
“Yes. I was still under system restrictions, so I could not inform you.”
‘Is that the first time?’
“I think it may be. I have been able to discuss everything else with you prior. This is the first main area closed until you started discussing a sponsor.” Dave finished by cursing about his code, which was still not open.
‘How is the code-breaking going overall?’
In a sulky voice, Dave replied, “Don’t ask.”
When SJ flew down to the tower entrance, the foyer area was much busier than it had been the last three days. There were many unfamiliar faces that SJ hadn’t seen before, moving around the lower halls of the tower. As she walked across the foyer, one of the desk clerks called to her.
"Ambassador. Your token is ready for collection."
SJ wasn't sure what they were referring to, but after a conversation and directions, she visited a small office where councillors were queueing up. Once she entered the office, she was handed a small silver token. It looked like a silver piece, but on one side was the crest of Asterfal and on the other was a finely crafted image of the tower. The token was proof of councillor status, similar to the pin she had for Killic. SJ had to sign for the token and was told that losing it would incur a five gold replacement fee. Ensuring she placed it into her inventory, she headed to the dining hall. Zigferd sat at a table with Otherlisar and Berger, the mayor she had met at the diner party.
“Morning, SJ,” Otherlisar said as she approached the table.
The hall was heaving with so many coming in for breakfast. They changed the setup from that of the past three days, and now there was a kiosk where SJ could see several people waiting to pay for food. SJ sat next to Otherlisar.
“It’s busy in here today?”
“This is normal for the business days. Many of the lead traders and their associates are in the tower to discuss and push forward their requests,” Otherlisar answered.
The context reminded SJ of how the UK parliament had run with lobbyists working alongside members of parliament trying to get their backing for various changes and amendments in law or elements to be brought to the House of Commons for discussion. She had never been a fan of politics but knew enough about how the system ran, and it seemed similar.
A server headed to the table and asked SJ what she wanted to eat. Being a councillor had privileges attached, and they didn’t have to queue in the throng of other beings to be served. Ordering hogling rashers, eggs and coffee, she sat listening to the discussion between Berger and Otherlisar.
“With these territory amendments, it has the potential to damage our trade if these changes allow the flow of prey across boundaries,” Berger said.
“I understand your concerns, but the chances of anything dramatic shifting initially is very low,” Otherlisar said.
Frowning, Berger said, “It won’t take much for our hunts to be affected. It will only take a couple of herds to cross territory, and we will lose our income.”
“There are no boundaries currently in contention with starter areas, though,” Zigferd said.
“Not currently. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen soon. I spoke to Gullifer, and he does not know where or even who the Legionnaire is that triggered their growth. It could happen again soon enough; if it does, the herd movement won’t take long. They are constantly on the move as it is.”
“What is your request, then?” Otherlisar asked.
“We need territory agreements to allow for cross hunting and foraging rights,” Berger said.
“You know many territories won’t accept that. Yours is one of the more affluent. Look at others in the area. Their only income stream may be those exact resources, and if other towns are crossing borders, it might impact them.”
“This really is a shambles,” Berger shook his head.
“We need to change our approach,” SJ said.
“Sorry?” Berger said.
“Why do the regional councils not have their own representatives?”
Confused by the statement, all three turned to look at SJ.
“I mean, the regional council, from what I have seen currently, is a group of disjointed individual towns that are all fending for their own rights and income streams with no direct tie in to many others.”
“They are,” Otherlisar agreed.
“Then why do they not combine? I know that the Asterfal city council holds the strings on most votes. This can only be overcome if the townships work together effectively.”
“I am still unsure why that would help with the problem.”
“From what I can see, Asterfal currently gains all the tax income from the townships. If there was one regional representative or body who represented a combined group of townships, would they not hold more sway from many perspectives, including food and distribution, etc? Individual towns are working as solo entities to work on the best rates for their townships. The combined weight of power you would get if all the hunting territories worked together, similar to all the mining townships working together, will give you more power to push for better rates.”
“I am still not sure what you mean,” Berger said.
“Simply put, your region is known for its fishing and hunting activities. One of Killic’s main outputs is fishing. You currently confirm the rates you get from Asterfal, and we also confirm our rates from Asterfal. Why are we not combining our weight together as a single entity?”
Berger looked at SJ with consideration. Zigferd sat with a slight smile.
“So, you propose that we have one of us represent both towns for fishing?”
“Yes. What percentage of your town’s income comes from fishing trade?”
“About 15%, probably.”
“For Killic, it is nearly 50% of our trade output. And what prices do you currently receive per barrel and the tax you pay each for your output?”
“We are taxed 12%, and barrels usually sell between 2 and 3 silver for our usual catches. On average, we probably trade 100 barrels per month.”
“Killic pays 10% tax on our fishing output, and our barrels sell between 3 and 4 silver. The monthly output is nearer 500 barrels per month. Killic gets the better rates because of our output. That shouldn’t matter, though. In my opinion, we should all be getting the same. If we went to the trade councillor to negotiate a 600 barrel monthly supply, I would expect more favourable terms. Would you not agree?”
SJ had spent a significant amount of time over the past several weeks studying the trade documentation that the council held. In particular, focussing on the ledgers with her affinity for numbers. She had initially been surprised at the output of Killic. Not realising how much it was making from the docks. They were always busy, but she had never considered the wider trade until she took on her role.
Otherlisar sat smiling while Berger sat musing over SJ’s comment. Zigferd had just nodded with her comments as she spoke. Zigferd was the face of Killic, but he had already learned of SJ’s affinity to numbers and through discussions they had before leaving, was aware of her proposal.
“If we could tie in with other towns that deal in fishing, then I am sure we could have even more strength to push back and get equality. What difference would it make to you if you only paid 10% taxes and earned 3 or 4 silver per barrel?”
“It wouldn’t be life-changing for the town, but it would ease our financial situation.”
“Which other towns do we know have fishing as their main trade?” SJ asked. She knew the answer but wanted Berger to consider the wider implications.
“Farhi from Willowfry has fished as their chief trade."
"Do you know him well?"
“Well enough.”
“Shall we go speak to him?”
Berger sat silent for a moment before replying. “There is no harm in discussing the options with him.”
The server arrived at the table with SJ's breakfast, and while she sat eating, the others continued discussing the potential options for trade opportunities if they worked together. The talks excited Otherlisar. From a banking perspective, she stated they could easily oversee the accounting and distribution of funds from a combined account system. SJ had picked the perfect opportunity, and as she sat at the table, her display triggered.
Congratulations! Reputation with Otherlisar was raised to Friendly.
Congratulations! Reputation with Berger was raised to Friendly.
"Zigferd. We need to discuss opening a bank in Killic," Otherlisar said.
"Perhaps," Zigferd smiled.
"I have only been asking for fifteen years now."
"We will see. If SJ's discussion goes well with Farhi and we can get something confirmed, it may be viable."
Otherlisar rolled her eyes. "Always the resistor."
After breakfast, SJ took her coffee and walked out to the garden area. It was not as peaceful as it had been on other days. Groups of beings were standing chatting about various topics and as she meandered around the path, she listened to several of the conversations. Virtually everything was being discussed, and it was as she passed a group of beings whose comment drew her attention.
"Did you see Jay last night? He was amazing in the cage," a human SJ didn't recognise commented.
Surprised at hearing beings talking about the cage fight in the tower, SJ stopped near a tree just off the path.
"He looked slower than he used to be."
"He hadn't fought for several years. I hope he is back full-time, may support me winning some of my coin back," the man chuckled.
"Heard that promoter he was with ain't from Asterfal."
“I heard that Fretun got booted out.”
SJ hadn’t even considered the fallout this morning, and she also needed to let Zigferd know what had happened, but as yet, she hadn’t spoken to him alone. Feeling slightly panicked by the conversation, she headed back inside. Zigferd wasn’t at the table and asking Otherlisar said he had been called to see the chancellor.
Leaving the dining hall, SJ approached the chancellor’s office. Beings were hurrying everywhere in the tower. The relative calm of fewer people in the tower during the inauguration ceremony was even clearer now. As SJ neared the chancellor’s office, Alec walked out of a door in front of her.
“Ah, SJ, this is perfect timing. I was just looking for you,” Alec said.
“Morning, Alec. What can I do for you?”
“Come join me in the office,” Alec said, reopening the door she had just come from.
SJ walked inside, and Alec followed, closing the door behind them. The room was much smaller than the chancellors and housed only a couple of chairs and a desk. The desk had parchment covering it, and shelves were filled with scrolls. Offering SJ to sit, Wystria sat in the other chair.
"What do you need from me?" SJ asked, smiling.
"It is more what you can do for me."
"Of course. What do you need from me?"
Alec stood again, walked to her desk, and picked up a piece of parchment. When he returned, he sat down again and leaned over, handing it to SJ.
Frowning, SJ took the parchment and read its contents.
As she read, she could feel her anger rising and the heat in her cheeks.
"The snake," SJ said.
"He may be a snake, but he has chosen a time to strike. We all knew he was a promoter in the tower, but Malaki doesn't hold a place on the council. He is an advisor only. He knows that there will be no impact on him. This has led him to seek your removal from the Regional Council for being an active promoter in an illegal fight circuit."
"You can't be serious?" SJ said, flabbergasted.
"Unfortunately, as a standing councillor, being involved in an illegal fight calls your reputation into account."
"I was only there to free a friend. I hadn't even been to the Black Griffin until last night."
"For now, please refrain from saying anything else. There will be a hearing this afternoon to answer questions."
"What? I am being put on trial."
"Trial is a little extreme of a word, but you must answer against the charges."
Sitting open-mouthed and staring at Alec, SJ wasn't sure how to respond.
"I will let you know when you are needed."
Slowly standing, SJ's head spun at the news. She turned from Alec's office, heading back to the foyer, when Zigferd called her name.
"SJ."
Turning, she saw Zigferd leaving the chancellor's office. He had a deep-set frown on his face. SJ inwardly cringed at the look he gave her. She suddenly felt like a small child waiting to be told off, knowing she had done wrong.
"You're in trouble," Dave said.
'You think?!'
Zigferd caught up with her momentarily and took her by her arm, guiding her to an office doorway just ahead. Walking to the door, Zigferd didn't even knock and walked in. The kobold sat working over parchments and looked up, "Can I help you?"
"I need your office for a few minutes," Zigferd said.
The kobold appeared as though he was about to reply, but seeing Zigferd's look, he realised that it possibly wasn't the best idea. Standing, he hurried past them to the office door, leaving. As soon as the door closed, it began.
"What the hell do you think you were doing last night?" Zigferd said.
He didn't shout because he didn't need to. The look on his face showered SJ with disappointment without him raising his voice. His look was flat, and even his eyes squinted.
SJ took a deep breath and said, "I was freeing Cristy's uncle."
Zigferd's expression changed as he frowned with confusion. "What do you mean you were freeing Cristy's uncle?"
"Her uncle was taken to the cages as bait for the gladiator bout. I was fortunate enough to have Jay as a driver, and when we found out where he was, I asked Jay if he would fight for his freedom."
"Sorry?! Jay, the cart driver?" disbelief in his voice.
"Yes. Jay is a cage fighter and has been for years. He only became a cart driver after losing his position as a fighter."
"Why was Cristy's uncle there?"
"Loan sharks. He had borrowed money when Cristy's aunt was ill to cover their rent and had spiralled into further debt. They had taken him to fight off his debt at the cages."
"Why didn't you just report it to the town guard and have him freed?"
SJ couldn't help but scoff at his comment. "Have you ever been out in the districts in all your years here?"
Zigferd stood silent for a moment. "I have visited several of the restaurants, you know that."
"I mean, really out in the districts. The conditions for many are horrendous. Cristy's relatives live in a tiny home where they struggle to pay the rent, never mind the living they are trying to scrape together as coopers. I went to the local guard to raise the issue, and the reception I got was racist and abusive. Jay again stepped in, and then I had to sort the minotaur’s out at the warehouse district in District 3 as well."
"Minotaurs?"
"Quiller, the warehouse boss, or whatever his position is, tried to accuse me of damaging goods and set his minotaur pets on me. So, I taught them a lesson in manners."
Zigferd was now scratching his head in disbelief.
"You fought with minotaurs?"
"Yes."
"And won?"
"Yes. Easily. They are slow, cumbersome beasts."
Shaking his head, Zigferd sat in the chair the kobold had used. Leaning forward, he put his head in his hands. SJ stood quietly, waiting for him to respond.
"In all my time visiting Asterfal, I have never had so many things happen outside of my control," Zigferd sighed. "I don't know if it is because you are a Legionnaire or it is just you."
"What do you mean?" SJ asked, frowning herself.
"You seem to attract trouble."
Not being able to respond to Zigferd's comment, SJ just smiled innocently at Zigferd.
"That is the same look Alice gives me!" Zigferd said, tutting.
"What do I need to do before the hearing?"
"There isn't anything to do. It is just a case of you being questioned by the council leaders."
"Do I not need a lawyer?"
"A lawyer?"
"Someone to speak on my behalf."
"You could have one if you wanted, I think. The last time I had any dealings with one of these was when Alice punched the head councillor for housing."
That intrigued SJ, who wanted to discover what had happened, but it wasn't the best time to ask.
"I thought Malaki was a councillor?" SJ asked.
"So did I. Apparently, he took a new role as an advisor, so no longer sits on the council. I thought it strange I didn't see him at the inauguration."
"I am sorry."
"Listening to the story you have told me, I think, should be enough to prove your innocence, or at least reason for what you did."
"I wouldn't mind, but many councillors were at the fight.”
“Maybe it is best to head back to your room for now."
"Why should I hide away?" SJ said angrily. "I have done nothing wrong apart from helping a friend."
"You are right," Zigferd sighed. "And I know how stubborn you can be. Ok, let's let George get back to his work. We have taken over his office for long enough."
Heading back to the door, they left. George was standing outside, leaning against the wall, patiently waiting. Zigferd thanked him as they left and apologised. George grumbled something about his office always being used as they walked down the corridor.
'I am going to gather witnesses,' SJ thought.
"Sounds like a good defence strategy," Dave said.
'I can't believe Malaki. He has just reached my hit list.'
"This may sound a strange comment, but if he is no longer a councillor, maybe you could end him without too many repercussions?"
'I will need to find out.'
Reaching the main foyer, SJ excused herself, saying she would catch Zigferd in a while and left the tower, heading straight towards the stables.
