The next morning I could hear Alberich and Tammy arguing, with Harriet adding to both sides of the argument. "She's a child you horn headed moron she shouldn't be asked to do something that could make her uncomfortable." Well, Tammy is trying. I think to myself as I get up and head out of the tent to see Cassie near the tent watching her new "parents" arguing over her with Harriet standing to the side. While I didn't see the twins I didn't see Shadow either, Father Peter was standing near the wall where the men were left overnight. As they were not currently there and no one was frantically searching I guess Jake took them into the town to await my arrival. The rest of our group's tents were spread out behind my tent showing that I was deferred to as more important. I mentally shake my head at that.

Before Alberich could respond Harriet spoke up, "yes dear. However Alberich says that according to their society she is an adult mentally. So in making some choices for herself should be allowed so how about we ask her what she thinks?" I smile at Harriet's calm tones and demeanor, and see Tammy look over and look shocked to see me awake. "Sorry Hunter for waking you, but his hornyness says Cassie needs to attend the trial. I think it's a bad idea to have her face the people who hurt her." I cross my arms and lean against one of the thin stone tent poles. "Well, why don't we ask her like Harriet suggests. While she might not be able to fully protect herself at her age, she is learned enough to be away from home so she has to know if it is good or bad."

Cassie nods her head vigorously in agreement and Tammy lets out a big sigh and turns to the young unicorn. "Alright youngling, what do you think should happen?"

Cassie looks to me in gratitude and then turns to the group and responds, "while these people for me right now are a little scary. I need to be of help to bring those who need to be brought to justice. This is something I can do, Alberich's people cannot do truth telling only magical unicorns can. I will not be harmed by this Tammy, but I can do some good here." Tammy sighs again and nods her head, "alright; but." Tammy turns to face Alberich with fire in her eyes and Father Peter cowers again, "if that youngling gets hurt. I will skin you alive." Alberich chuckles and lays his head on Tammy's shoulder, I was certain he was speaking to her privately. However he didn't share was saying to her, she pats him on the nose and then turns to the rest of the camp.

"I guess I had better go check on Calliope, and make sure that she's been eating right while I have been gone. While she is carrying your grandchild you are a bit busy with those twins, I am kind of glad Shadow elected to take them out for a climbing lesson." Well that explains that, considering Shadow can practically climb up smooth glass he would be an excellent teacher in how to climb. As well as what to do if you fall.

Cassie perks her head up, "Calliope? That is someone I have not met yet is she special?" Tammy huffs, "only in as much as she carries Harriet's grandchild. The girl was trying to take over the group by bedding Jake, and then trying to harm Gwen." Cassie stomps a hoof, "why that's ridiculous! Hunters are protectors, and need to be protected due to that." Cassie very carefully danced around the Hunter's weakness, not as good as most; but it was a decent attempt. None of the humans know of it, which is probably a good thing.

Alberich looks to me, "once you have broken your fast we will head into the town. Yes, Jake did take the men in there. They will be tied to stakes for the proceedings, some of our guards are guarding them. They won't be harmed if they haven't caused any." I nod my head and he continues, "where is that feather duster I sent him to get you some food before you woke up." Harriet looks sheepish, "he might be a bit. We made bread this morning and he loves fresh bread, I'll bring her a plate. Start on into town, I'm sure you can stomach a meal in there now." Harriet runs off and Alberich lowers his head a moment trying to not laugh, "so the proud cat gets done in by pastry. That is funny."

I walk up to Alberich's side and pat his shoulder, "well; you know what to do now if he gets too annoying." Alberich nickers in amusement then tosses his head in Father Peter's direction, "come along. If any of them are to die today they may wish death rites from you, and stop COWERING. If you are going to lead people you need to act like you are not afraid of everything." Peter looks at me and I nod my head, then I start walking back to the gate between the two unicorn's. Which I had not intended, however I know the concern is that someone were to harm me. While I may not be able to act they both certainly can.

As we approach the gate I do notice that the townspeople had finished placing scrap wood over the main road, as well as spread straw over the mud to help bind it together better. The smell was greatly reduced, and I notice something. All of the 'shanty' houses had something akin to gutters previously, but now there are barrels at the bottom of each to collect water. Yes, one of the guard we brought yesterday had been into something called homesteading in the old world. They strongly recommend the people do this for at least bathing water. I stifle a chuckle, as to me the idea wasn't all that novel; yet the people here had to be told to do it.

Peter looks around in astonishment, "so much change in just one night. How did your people accomplish this Hunter Gwen?" I stop and turn to the priest and think a moment to try to find words that won't make him appear foolish. "I think the question you should be asking is why your villagers hadn't thought of it to begin with Father Peter. Placing a barrel under the downspout isn't that much of an intuitive leap. It's just about thinking of the best way to make sure you have extra water, even if it isn't drinkable. It is still useful either for bathing or watering home gardens, which this town could use as well." Peter nods his head lowering it a moment then speaking again. "I guess people here didn't think it would be of any help. I know that when the world changed I never gave any thought as to where my food water and clothing would come from as all I have ever needed to do was shop for it. Most of the people here come from local cities when they fell to the dragon's, from my understanding they were probably some of the last remaining active cities. Though their populations were relatively small, I guess they just missed the notice of the Dragons at first. Seeing as how the government's there knew how to best keep supplies portioned out none of these people ever had a want until they came here." I nod my head as Peter realizes the hopelessness these people are actually in.

The sad thing about the old world was that it had taught too many people to rely on what someone else could do for them. Also that they didn't need to be responsible for obtaining the things needed for survival. So now we have one whole town filled with people who have no idea how to care for their own needs without someone explicitly telling them how too. They would not be a welcome addition to my city, as they could not as yet pull their own weight. They also might not survive their first winter, and seeing as how this is Canada all be it Southern Canada. There are things they have to have to survive the cold that will be coming their way. I hope something could help them to learn the right way, however as they currently are; they may not survive the New world.

We approach the center of the town and notice that Jake had a dais constructed for us to stand on with steps that could accommodate a unicorn's body. Also there was an extra person staked out in front of the group and she was gagged. I turn to Peter before we come out from the side of the buildings ringing the center of town.

Peter sighs at seeing the female on the stake, "that was Father Innocent's first acolyte. It surprises me not that she is there, however I doubt you will convict her of anything. She never did anything herself." I turn back to the circus in front of me and head toward it.

As I walk past the female that was staked she stared at me as if to burn through my body with her glare, and I step onto the dais; with my entourage. I step into the center and look out to the people who did gather, from appearances most of the townsfolk are hiding inside their homes afraid. Maybe we can change that, Cassie can you hear me? The young unicorn looks startled for a moment then responds. I am going to ask you to do something semi unethical to assuage the fear of the people here. I need to know which of the men did the least harm. Don't tell me what they did, just tell me which one it is. You are just the truth finder, I have to be judge and jury.Cassie takes a moment and indicated a man in a set of home made leather clothing, I get an idea as to what his 'crime' was and I address Jake.

I point at the man in the leather clothes, "Jake please untie that man and bring him forward please. We will begin with his crimes." Jake nods slowly as I imagine he guessed I would start on one end and finish at the other. He unties the man in question who upon being untied falls to the ground crying. Oh yes, this does have potential. I notice a woman in the crowd with a couple of children also breaking down and crying. Jake wrestles the man onto his feet and drags him forward and up the dais to a few feet from me. Then lets the man fall back down still crying. I give Alberich a pointed look and walk over to the man and touch his back. "Pull yourself together you are frightening your children," I whisper to him. He stops crying and looks at me as if his world had ended right then, "I won't harm your family if that is what you are thinking. Any crime you committed is on you not them." I step back as I give him a moment to gather himself.