Page 18 of These Violent Delights

Zelda clapped her hands together.“Wonderful!Are there any other pressing concerns I need to address?No?Let Steward know if something comes up and he’ll bring it to my attention.He’ll remain here and take notes for me.”She had things to do, and she didn’t want to be bogged down in endless meetings.

Ozzy followed her out.“Nicely done.These meetings can drag on.”

She shook her head.“It’s better if I’m not too accessible.The familiar gets too comfortable.”

“And the comfortable is easy to take for granted?”he asked, amused.

“Something like that.”It was best to keep her inner circle small if she wanted to govern a large population effectively.That was what delegation was for.

Speaking of which, she needed a new steward.Hers was tired, and beginning to forget things.The task was going to get harder going forward.Fortunately, hers was due to arrive tomorrow.“I’m expecting someone tomorrow, so if you see visitors, feel free to escort them to the castle.”

“Oh?”

She smiled.“I prefer not to say until he gets here.It might ruffle some feathers.”

At his wary look, she laughed.“He’s hired help, not a suitor!Honestly, now!Your expression was priceless.”

He snorted.“You can’t blame me for being territorial.”

“I suppose.Want to watch kite boy with me tomorrow?It’ll be useful to see his capabilities.”

“I wouldn’t miss,” he promised, pleased that she’d asked.

“Tomorrow, then.”They’d reached her battle ram, so she mounted up.“Goodnight!”

“Goodnight,” Ozzy murmured, his voice warm and deep.With a smile, he returned to the meeting.

Kites

The following day,Olly's team set to work.They started with a series of tests using different sizes and shapes of kites, each one progressively larger than the last.The first few attempts were promising—small parcels and supplies were easily lifted into the air.As their confidence grew, so did their ambitions.

One of the team members, a clever engineer, suggested modifying the kites with lightweight but sturdy materials.They also began sketching designs for makeshift harnesses and baskets that could potentially carry passengers.

It wasn't long before they reached the point of testing Olly's ability to fly with another person.They chose one of the lighter team members, a young woman who volunteered for the experiment.With the team watching anxiously, Olly and the volunteer harnessed themselves to the largest kite.

The kite caught the wind, and to everyone's amazement, it lifted off smoothly.There was a collective gasp as they soared higher, but a few tense moments later, they safely descended back to the ground.It wasn't perfect—there were still adjustments to be made—but it was a breakthrough.

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