Chapter 27 - Homecomings (Patreon)

In the end, my homecoming was an underwhelming affair. A few nods and a shouted greeting from Mallard was all I received for a welcome - not exactly the triumphant return I'd envisioned. Still, it allowed me to proceed exactly like Darya and I had planned without too much attention.

Gillem was perched at the counter, polishing his pride - the varying alcohol bottles he kept behind the counter. Somehow, that damn halfling could make even such a menial task look good - and I kept expecting a wind machine to turn on, tousling his dark mane with a breeze. He noticed that the door was open and shot me a huge grin. "Archie! Good to see you. I swear, these plebians just cannot recognize proper talent when they see it - they've been clamoring for you to return for weeks now. Sit down and tell me what you've been up to."

The plan was for me to get moving right away...but I could make a little time for an old friend. Over a basketful of fried potato strips and - bless Gillem - fresh baked bread and butter - we took turns updating each other on what had happened in the meantime. As for Grant's Crossing, time hadn't stood still. With Mallard's blessings, they'd been able to seed two new fields out of season and with the soarers gone, they'd erected a system of fish traps that provided bountiful catches. Gillem grinned over a mouthful of bread. "Oh, and a certain Chronicler has been heard grumbling about his 'gormless excuse for an apprentice.' You may want to look into that." 

I'm dead sure I won bragging rights in this exchange, however. Gillem's eyes almost popped out on several occasions, and I held nothing back. In the end, however, I stowed away my grin, adopting a serious mien. "So I did manage to seal the deal. However, in the end, my friend, nothing has changed - because I need your help again."

He jumped down from the bar stool and his eyes shot towards the door and back to me. "What? What did you mess up? We're not going to be attacked, are we?"

"Not...literally. Let's just say that an emergency meeting of the Council is in order."

"You tell me what you did, and you tell me right now!"

So I did. And of course, Gillem berated me soundly for making a mess of everything. In the end, he did give me his grudging support, however - as I knew he would. He was all bravado, but he was a good guy, and he'd never allow people in need to be mistreated. 

That's how I found myself around noon, walking into the Council Room for the second time in my life under the stares of the assembled Council of Grant's Crossing. The stern voice of Autoria bid me welcome. "Even for a Reborn, this is a record. You know, Arcangelo, you are the second person ever to cause two emergency sessions of the Council - this had better be important."

"It is." I proudly stepped towards the center of the room and carefully unrolled the skin containing the agreement, reverently placing it before Autoria.

She bent forward, avarice clear in her eyes as she focused on the text before her. "Oooh. A trade agreement between Nerit and Grant's Crossing. Very well formulated too. I am impressed, Arcangelo. Mmmh - and an mutual act of non-agression...that is exactly what we strived for. What is this final part? A mutual defense pact? That goes a bit beyond 'improving relations,' between our two peoples wouldn't you say, Arcangelo?"

I conceded the point. "Definitely. However, it is also an act that can almost exclusively be to the advantage of Grant's Crossing. Neritians have stayed in the same place for over a hundred years and have made no serious efforts to expand. We, however, aim to expand for all we're worth - and now we have military back-up. If you re-read the fine script, there are also clear limitations in place on how often and how much either party can make use of the pact."

She nodded slowly. "That is agreeable to me." She passed the scroll on and the other Council members took turns reading the contents, asking a few questions here and there. Finally, with a frown, Autoria rose. "Unless either of you have any other comments, I would agree that our young Arcangelo has performed an excellent job." Grant, Mallard and Gillem all indicated their agreement and she continued with a slight frown. "Why call for an emergency session? While important, none of this is urgent."

Wooh. I took a deep breath and went for it. "Because right now we have 62 kobolds waiting on the other side of the Jagged Rush. Also, I intend to convince the Council that you should welcome them and make them citizens of our village."

That caught their attention. Grant was staring at me with his mouth hanging open, Mallard looked at me through his fingers like a child and Autoria's mouth was reduced to a thin line. Silence reigned for ten seconds. Twenty. Then Mallard let his hands drop to the table with a slam. A high-pitched chuckle escaped him. "Oh, I need to hear what's behind this! Gillem, you knew about this and still agreed?"  

Gillem simply nodded, and their gazes returned to rest on me. I explained briefly what the Fallen were, how I'd come to gain their confidence and how I'd told them that this was the ticket to a better existence. "Now, you could argue that I could simply have returned and asked for your acceptance and be in the right. However, my experience has taught me that when a good deal presents itself, one should deal first, and handle the details later." I looked Grant in the eye as I said that.

The heavy-set half-orc grumbled. "You may be right in that, but you have still not explained exactly how accepting sixty unknown kobolds into our presence is a good deal."

That brought a sincere smile to my lips. Thank you for all your ideas, Darya! "Easy. We aim to expand our control of the area. However, in order to do so, we need skilled labor and are hard pressed in a few areas. From our counts, the group of kobolds contain four former warriors, eight former hunters, six leatherworkers of differing talent and a total of twelve gatherers and farmers. From the remaining thirty two kobolds, at least twenty hold skills from which we'll be able to benefit. Apart from three or four outliers and two potential troublemakers, the rest seem ready and willing to learn and work." 

I could practically see the abacus inside Grant's mind at work to translate that into earnings and savings. After a brief moment of silence, Autoria stepped in. "But what about security? Just yesterday, we could expect to be attacked by a kobold, and now you ask us to introduce them into our midst?"

I shrugged. "We have given it a lot of thought on the way here. The way we see it, you have two avenues of approach if you choose not to turn them away. Either has its advantages and disadvantages. You can let them stay where they are, on the other side of the river and allow them to build their own encampment in clear sight. This should allow you to keep an eye on them and still make use of their skills. It can also brew resentment and make them feel ostracized. Otherwise, you can accept the risks involved, allow them a clean slate and welcome them as full-blown members of Grant's Crossing. Show them that you are just where their own race was not. Whatever you decide, please remember: These are people who have been isolated from their own people and you will never get a better chance to win their hearts."

Autoria nodded, once. "We will need to deliberate on this. Kindly wait outside."

On my way out, Mallard spoke up. "Sheer curiosity, Arcangelo. Were you to decide, which would be your approach?"

I grinned - the answer came straight from the heart. "Me? I'd throw a huge party."

Gillem followed me out the door and told me in a low voice, “We’ll handle this – don’t you worry.” With a growing smile, he added, “By the way, you left before we had the chance to give you this.” handed me a wrapped package and dove back into the room with a wink.

I unwrapped the large, unwieldy package. Curious – I couldn’t remember anybody owing me anything...oh. Oooh. Shiny.

[Cured Leather Violin Case.

This exquisitely crafted violin case is made for ease of use, versatility, and durability. The two shoulder straps allow the user to carry the instrument in comfort. The zipper allows for easy access to the instrument over the shoulder. Additionally, a number of pockets and adjustable straps have been added to the case, allowing for quick access to useful trinkets in a hurry.

Durability: 30/30]

I loved it. In the middle of everything, I’d completely forgotten that the Council said they needed a week to create my reward for figuring out that digging into the existence of the Demonologist . Heh – I couldn’t wait to retire Greck’s battered old guitar case. I let my fingers slide lovingly over the case. Not only was the material soft to the touch. The case had also been dyed a dark brown color with warm mahogany and dark red undertones – and at the bottom, a nice carving indicating Grant’s Crossing.  And those pockets...right now, finding the item I needed in my inventory mid-fight was a hassle, but with a bit of practice this would be a lot easier.

Six hours later, I was disembarking from the ferry with Darya and the last group of kobolds. The rest of them were huddling near, unsure how to proceed. I held out my arm to Darya. "Shall we?"

She took my arm, and we started walking towards the city square with the kobolds following us warily. Darya whispered. "Banners. How on earth did they have time to make banners?" 

"It was a team effort - they've pretty much set aside all other work today." I noticed a huge, bright banner on one side and pointed. "Looks like even Chertog pitched in."

She read it out loud. "Glad you guys have Fallen our way. Urgh. That's horrible."

"I know - but it's working. Look around you." The wariness of the kobolds was dissipating and a few cautious smiles were breaking out on their faces. In front of us, the entire town square had been decked out with tables and chairs which were filled to the brim with food and drink. It looked like the entire village was assembled and the Council was waiting on top of the tiny stage they'd assembled.

The tough half-orc looked like she was on the verge of tears. She held on tight to me and her stunning smile was infectious as hell. "Daniel," she said in a breathy voice. "I don't care what happens tomorrow. This moment? It's perfect." She beheld the image for a moment longer before continuing, "Want to ruin it by becoming dead drunk and embarrassing yourself?"

I squeezed her hand. "I thought you'd never ask."

 [Congratulations. You have completed the quest: "Winning Hearts and Minds." 

You have arranged for a mutually beneficial peace pact between Nerit and Grant’s Crossing. In addition, you have gained a close relationship with the Chief of Nerit and helped the population of Grant’s Crossing swell by admitting a group of Anathema to become part of the village.

Reward:

You have received 1000 experience points. Experience towards next level: 3745/4000

Your reputation with Grant’s Crossing has increased by +1000 (+20%) = 1200. New reputation: 4550 (Honored).

Your Universal reputation has increased by 500 (+20%) = 600. New reputation 1150/3000 (Local celebrity)]

The end.