Page 16 of These Violent Delights

The cavern she’d formed was rich with copper and turquoise, along with a handy vein of coal.The goblins had even sniffed out traces of gold and silver, and miners were working on unearthing it.That would solve their money issues.Since it was her cavern and her gold, most of it would be sent to her.

Refocusing on the matter at hand, she said, “So we’re restocked on basic essentials, but we’ll need more.I don't think a second caravan will go through unscathed, especially once rumors spread about the new minerals.”They weren't that lucky.

He snorted in agreement.“The next caravan will be leaving in a couple of days.We need to think of a way to reinforce it.Your magic doesn't last beyond the castle grounds, but there are other magic users.I suggest we have a meeting of the elders.They can ask our people if they have any suggestions, and filter through ideas.”

Steward came in, looking very excited.“My lady, there are representatives from three different clans outside.They want to speak to you about an alliance.”

Redbone raised an eyebrow.

“It begins,” Zelda murmured to herself.This is what it meant to be Lady of the castle.

She looked at Redbone.“Since it looks like I'm going to be busy, would you mind arranging the meeting for tonight?We really don't have time to wait if we want to get that caravan on the way soon.”

“I can do that.”His tone conveyed that this was a favor between equals, not the errand of a lackey.

“I appreciate it.I will see you tonight,” she said politely, her tone acknowledging his point.

“Tonight,” he agreed, and left.

She blew out a breath and looked at Steward.“Let's do this.”

Meeting of Elders

The meeting took placein the heart of the town, at the hot springs that served as the communal gathering spot.The area was a picturesque haven with lush trees providing shade, benches for resting, and quaint little bridges arching over the streams that crisscrossed the landscape.It was a peaceful setting, where the gentle gurgle of water mingled with the whispers of the wind through the leaves.

Zelda found herself seated in the center of this idyllic setting, her place marked by a tiny stream that flowed between her and the gathering.It was a spot chosen by Uncle Tank for its strategic advantage, a position that allowed her to oversee the meeting while maintaining a degree of separation.

It wasn't ideal.Uncle Tank said it was strategic, but she felt like an imposter.She would prefer that the elders be given more importance, but she understood Uncle Tanks's reasoning.She was an outsider and unproven.She needed every advantage she could get.

Many of the town elders were there and a surprising number of neighboring chieftains.

Ozzy's mother was there as well, a retired chieftain who looked at Zelda with cool interest, waiting to see what she was made of.One of his sisters and her husband were also present, both chieftains of a separate tribe.It seemed Ozzy had a large, influential family.

The council was an eclectic mix.There were a couple of ward makers, some animal magic, but not many high level mages, surprisingly.There just didn’t seem to be that many among the tribes.

There were plenty of strong personalities, and they had opinions about what to do about the Beast Queen.

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