Page 19 of These Violent Delights

Olly’s confidence grew with each successful flight, and by the end of the day, they had a working prototype of a kite large enough to carry two people.Zelda, impressed by the team's progress, knew they had tapped into something extraordinary.

“This is an exciting development,” she said.Ozzy, her uncle, Steward and a small group of others, were watching from the castle wall.

“Definitely useful,” Uncle Tank mussed.He and Ozzy discussed the best ways to use the boy’s talent.

Steward just sniffed.He saw the strategic advantages, but he didn’t approve of flying.

Olly was eventually assigned to patrol the skies between them and the caravan.If he saw a problem, he didn't even need to land.All he had to do was write a note on a small messenger kite and send it to the caravan leader.It was a good plan...except the boy broke his ribs and one arm in a freak farming accident, which made flying difficult.

Experiments were underway to find a comfortable way for him to sit, instead of holding onto a bar as had been his custom.Unfortunately, he wasn't ready by the time the next caravan left.

Steward didn’t say it, but his expression said he’d been right all along.Flying was best left to the birds.

***

ZELDA WATCHED STEWARDfumble with the ledgers, his hands trembling slightly.She’d heard he’d once been a pillar of efficiency and reliability, but now he had become a shadow of his former self, disorganized and irritable.He was frustrated and tired, and his memory had become increasingly unreliable.

She didn’t take it personally, but he needed to retire.It was time.

The nephew he had wanted to bring in as his replacement, was found to have a reputation of a thief and a drunkard.The investigation had been thorough, and the evidence damning.It was clear that the Steward’s judgment was clouded by family loyalty.

As she entered his cluttered office, the stale scent of old paper and ink filled her nostrils.The Steward looked up from his desk, his eyes tired but expectant.“Ah, Lady Zelda.I was just about to—”

“Steward,” Zelda interrupted, her voice firm and unwavering.“We need to talk.”

He looked at her, the lines on his face deepening with concern.“About what, my lady?”

She stepped closer, the light from the window casting a glow on the scattered documents.“You’ve been a loyal servant for many years, but it’s time for you to rest.You’re being replaced today.It’s time for your retirement, and you’ve more than earned it.”

His expression shifted from confusion to disbelief.It was to be expected, since she’d sprung it on him.“My lady, I...you’ve already hired my nephew?”He perked up.He’d been going on about the young man for weeks now, all but certain she would hire him.

“The nephew you wanted to replace you,” Zelda continued, her tone calm, “has been found unworthy.His reputation is that of a thief and a drunk.We cannot allow someone like that to take your place.”

The Steward's shoulders sagged, the weight of her words pressing down on him.“I see,” he muttered.Oddly, he didn’t seem surprised.Had he known about the man’s reputation all along?Definitely misplaced loyalty.

Zelda's eyes were steely, her posture unyielding.“You’ve done your best.Now it’s time for you to enjoy your years in peace.We will take care of things from here.”

The old man nodded slowly.“Thank you, Lady Zelda.It was an honor to serve you,” he said formally.

She gave a nod before turning to leave, the echoes of her footsteps fading as she walked away.The decision had been necessary, and she felt no regret—only the resolve to keep her lands in capable hands.

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