I watched as the villagers milled about in the center of the easter side of the village. All confused and bewildered looks at what was happening. Most were quiet while others spoke amongst themselves. They didn’t know what was going on and were worried, that much I could tell. Each hushed word passing in almost a panic as the villagers watched my guards. I know a show of power by using my guards to collect the village wasn’t the best way to endear them to me. However, I know they wouldn’t have come together here if I didn’t do something drastic. I watched Bartak lead a group of older men towards the front of the crowd. There were ten men in total all close to my past age if not older. The oldest of the men walked with a cane, he was dressed modestly with a simple dark coat that hung over his shoulders wearing it like a cloak instead of a coat.
Even with his cane the old man looked tough, with rough weathered features a short silver beard and prange eyes that spoke of his experience. He seemed just like the right sort of man to lead people to me.
“What is this ruckus about!” He called out silencing the crowd as he and his group of men came to a stop before me. some distance between us with two guards flanking my left and right to keep the men from getting close. All Bartak’s orders as he sought to protect me. I made sure to look the old man in the eyes before I spoke. I wanted him to understand me, I needed him to listen and if I turned away from him now, I am certain he would never respect or listen to me. So, as I stared into his worn eyes, I could see a spark of curiosity dance behind them. I had his attention. “Some of you here don’t know who I am.” I spoke voice easily reaching out over the crowd. “I am Rook Talark, the Lord of this village.” I watched as confusion, shock, anger, and some distress flash across every face in the crowd. Some grumbled their distaste only to be silenced as I held out my hand stopping anyone from speaking out. The elder of the village made sure to hold my gaze and never give way his emotions.
“I know I have not been Lord to this land for long. And in my time here a catastrophe has befallen this village. First the rains ruining the fields and washing away crops.” I paused to emphasize my words. “To the newfound draught that has plagued this land. A draught that should never have happened! I stand here before you in hopes of solving this problem!”
Many of the villagers nodded their agreement at my words, all knowing that this draught was not natural. But none seemed pleased with my words. However, the elder of the village did not nod to my words instead turning to face the mountain as he spoke out. “You speak true young Lord.” His voice was impressive for someone his age, it easily carrying across the crowd. “However, this catastrophe’s as you call them only befell us when you arrived. And I remember that not even a full month back, the last time your guards came into the village they threatened us to demand that we find the cause to the river running dry.” The elder turned back to me as he tapped his cane against the stone street.
“How does you addressing us here help solve anything. All I see is a boy making claims that he will solve our problems.” The old man brushed a hand over his beard. “How can you solve anything when, you have done nothing but send your dogs after us with orders that we solve the problem ourselves. Forgive me but how were simple farmers, fishers, the odd hunter and bar maid to solve such a problem.”
The crowd was mumbling in agreement to the elders’ words. He spoke well and I could tell he had the respect of everyone here. His argument was sound too. How were the common folk to solve such a catastrophe? I smiled at him. It seemed to surprise the elder his eyes widening ever so slightly before he checked himself. While I never took my eyes off the elder, I was certain Bartak was busy balling his fists at the thought of someone daring to talk back to me. that bear thought the world of me and seemed to think everyone else should as well. But me, I needed these people to question me, I needed them to learn why I did what I did so we could find common ground to work together. So, as I smiled, I spoke. “You are the people of this land are you not?” I looked past the old man to the dried river just past us, the bridge connecting both sides of the village standing over it.
“I admit, my past actions were not taken well. But I had sent my men here before because while I may be the lord of this land, I am not its people. I haven’t been here long enough to know all that I should. In my desire to solve the problem I let my doubt about my own capabilities to cloud my judgement. I thought to ask you and yours to solve the problem because I believed you would know how far better than me.”
My words left the crowd stunned; the people turned from one another looking for someone to explain what was going on. It was funny, they must have never thought it possible for a noble to admit their faults. The elder though, his expression was the most complex. I could see shock, disapproval and finally recognition pass over the old man’s features. Some sort of acceptance like he had known without a doubt my words weren’t a lie. Which they weren’t. Rook didn’t know what he was doing when he was given this land. He believed that the people of the village would not need him to govern them. He likely believed all problems the people faced could have been overcome on their own. The elder turned back to the other elders around him, them all whispering something or another to him.
He nodded to them before he faced me again. “Your words do ring to some truth. If we couldn’t solve our own problems, we would never have founded this village. However, we have never faced such turmoil in so short a time.” The elder turned to look back at the river noticing as some bushes that ran the bank of it were already starting to die. One month without the river seeming to be detrimental to some of the foliage. “We do not have many clues as to what caused this sudden draught. Nor do we know how to bring the water back.”
I nodded at the elders’ words as he stepped forward towards him. I saw Bartak tense at my motion as my other guards moved to stand between me and the old man. I waved them off and came up to the old man. “There is nothing wrong with not knowing something.” I spoke to the crowd as I held the elder’s gaze. “To many fools have paid the price for their arrogance in assuming they knew all of what the world held. I am not so great as to claim I know exactly what has caused the draught. But I shall take some pride in saying I will do everything I can to bring back the water. I asked for you and yours to be here today so I can make this declaration.”
I looked out over the faces of every single one of my subjects. I knew next to nothing about being a lord. but I would be damned if I stood by and let people suffer. Carefully I reached out a hand to the elder. “I cannot ask you to forgive me for my past mistakes. All I ask is that you put your faith in me. to let me solve this problem.”
He looked to my hand. I don’t know what he was looking for. Whatever it was he seemed to have found it as he took my hand and shook it. “I beg your forgiveness my Lord. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Grant I helped build this village and I hope we can work together in the future.” I nodded back a smile spreading out across my face. “Thank you, now if you excuse me. Me and my men have a lot of work to do.” I said quickly turning back to Bartak and waving a hand for him to collect the guards. My quick action surprising elder Grant. He looked over the twenty guards as they formed into a line ready to march. Grants brow pinched as he looked me over. “What are you going to do?” I cocked my head to the side and threw a thumb at the river.
“We are going to follow the river up the mountain to find what’s stopping the water.” I couldn’t help but laugh at the shocked look that panted elder Grants face.
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