The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 63

Part 12

“Maybe a few of the senior ones will have the sense to realize that what we’re doing is smart for them, since the demons will do a lot worse to them than we will, and we’ll help them be more dangerous against the demons.” Helemia theorized. “But their god only said not to mess with the colony here. I’m sure he didn’t tell them not to defend themselves against four kids who come to take them over, at least temporarily, so we expect a strong resistance from most of the adults, and of course there’s no question that the young ones would fight, since it’s basically all they do.”

“So really, you’re going to do the same thing to the Sylvan here that they left Serminak to avoid?” Mark inquired. “I mean really, it sounds like you’ll be doing exactly the same as Zarkog did.”

“As far as what we’re doing goes, that’s true.” Reggie nodded. “The difference is, Zarkog didn’t tell the Serminakis that he was taking them over so he could prepare them to defend themselves against the demons, which is what we’re going to do. He just said; ‘do what I say, or you’ll be beaten for it.’ Once we’re sure that they’ve stopped letting their kids kill each other and that they’re working hard to get ready to fight the demons, we’ll relinquish our control over them and leave them alone.”

“And besides, it’ll be fun!” Helemia laughed. “We’ll make some gains until lunch, then leave Karzog to keep an eye on things while we come home to eat. Oh by the way, can we use the backyard valley? We won’t disturb the livestock or anything.”

“You keep them from being disturbed when you’re sparring back there, and that’s generally pretty noisy, so I don’t see why not.” Talia laughed.

“So? Can we have your authorization?” Reggie asked.

Mark smiled at Talia, and they shared a quick thought. “All right, since this seems like a pretty good project, you can.

“But before I pronounce it, I want a better idea of your organization and plans.”

“I’m the political leader, Helemia is our General, Valentia is in charge of logistics, and Karzog will be in charge of discipline and moral among the conquered. Once we’ve convinced a few of the more sensible young Sylvan of the reality of the threat of the demons and the futility of resisting us, we’ll groom them for positions of leadership among their cohort.

“We’ll capture the ones who are about to get killed first, and the ones who are about to kill them. As soon as we capture them we’ll start turning them to our point of view. We’ll start training them, and organize things to keep them fed. Along with training them to fight the demons, Valentia will get them started on taking better care of the forest and waters in the Sylvan area of Hiliani, so it can support their population as it increases. Which it will, rapidly, once they stop killing each other.

“That’s about all we have so far. We know we’ll have to keep it flexible, and adapt to events as they happen.

“We’ve told Quewanak that we won’t be available for the exercises until this is done, so that’s okay.”

“Hm. All right.” Mark nodded. “Prince Markhan Reginus Longstrider the Sixth, I do pronounce you Governor of Hiliani, with full power to act in regards to the Sylvan of Hiliani in the manner that you’ve described to us here today, to promote and name to positions of authority such personnel as you require to assist you in those duties, and to draw upon the treasury of Hilia as necessary, all subject to our supervision and continued approval.

“And if it turns out that you need some help with it, don’t be shy about asking for it. We’ll give you as much help as you need, and we won’t take it out of your hands unless you’ve really made a stew of it. Even if you four are capable of doing this yourselves, you may find that it’s worth it to speed up the process by getting some help once in a while.”

“Thank you Father, on behalf of myself, General Helemia, Vice-Governor Valentia, and Vice-Governor Karzog. We do solemnly swear to fulfill the duties you have entrusted to us with honor and diligence.”

“Carry on, Governor Longstrider.” Mark chuckled.