The next morning, I assigned workforces to begin gathering the timber and mortar resources we'd need to begin construction. There was some grumbling, but none dared to disobey. While convenient, I didn't want blind obedience.
At some point, a scuffle broke out among the workforce. It seemed there was a clear divide between the true loyalists and the few who only said as much to be accepted by them. Jenna seemed about to get the situation under control when a new rule idiot pulled nonexistent rank on her and declared her a traitor. The man drew his salvaged Bronze Dagger and attacked Jenna.
Jenna's mace slammed his blade away, but more of the idiot men rallied behind the fool. With a burst of speed, I arrived and cut the weapon hand of the Dagger Weilder. The others froze, seeing their leader's hand missing. They then gaped open-mouthed at their leader as he was thrown up into the air, and far higher than I had thrown the blaggard from the earlier batch. I didn't bother to catch him, and he splattered on the paving stones, leaving a gory mess.
"I am Queen, which means there are NO RANKS unless I award them! Nothing your pathetic resistance group decided matters anymore. No doubt several of your higher ranks were given them out of favoritism, rather than due to ability. I will not stand for anyone claiming they have a rank unless it was granted by ME! You then dare to attack my second in command, whom I name General of the Offense, in plain view of myself. Did you seriously believe that you had any power here? Your Men, in this land, only WOMEN can rule; that isn't just a tradition, it's the law of this land. My power is granted unto me by the land itself, and only the women of my line receive this power. Were any man to attempt wearing my coronet, the results would be extremely painful and fatal, further, any male related to that one would become infertile, so remember your place."
The men, cowed, sheathed their weapons, but I wasn't satisfied. Jenna barked an order for them to surrender their weapons, which they grudgingly obeyed. "Her Majesty shouldn't need to order you to obey common decency. You know her will and betrayed it. All of you have proven yourself untrustworthy to wield even such crude weapons as the Lizardmen forge. Learn your place, obey your superiors!"
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"I name Marta General of the Defenses. She, I trust, to keep all my people safe within these walls." So saying, I left to inform Marta of her new office.
As expected, I found her in the kitchen. I relayed the story and her new title, and she looked somewhat put upon, but bowed. "I suppose Dressnah can take over the kitchen, I'll begin shoring up the defenses, and picking trustworthy people to man the walls and gates." I hugged her. "At least this means I can take a more active role in keeping my Tessa safe." She returned my hug, then set off to assign Dressnah to her new post.
"Oh, and think of places the Lizardwomen could handle during the day. Perhaps they can be in charge of the windlass in case we need to raise the Portculus or the Drawbridge during an emergency. That at least would keep your fighters free, rather than having them stuck for several minutes winding the windlass, which could prove crucial in battle." Marta saluted with a smile.
Just then, the Woman who had called out when Dale had made comment about Lyssrah came towards me. "My Queen, I heard about what happened on the build site, how five men attacked General Jenna. Had I known their true colors, you have my word, not one of them would have made the trip alive. They played their game well, no doubt intending to force you to accept them as husbands and take control. I can't prove that, but still, now I know their true natures, I'm disgusted! The surprise about the Lizardwomen was... almost understandable. Then the idiots tried to attack them; I fully support the executions, making it clear that prejudice over race will not be tolerated, and that you rule. It should have been obvious, and it is sad we've had to remove four of our members, let alone those who died. You can be certain, Your Majesty, that I, Karmanah, am fully at your command!"
A pulse of power from the Emerald on the crown informed me that this woman was of the blood of the house of Cantarel. "Karmanah of the House of Cantarel, I name you Minister of Defense. May your family remain true, as it has for centuries past!" Karmanah's eyes bulged as she heard not only her title, but the fact that she had a family name, and one from the past.
"My Queen, I am honored, but is it alright for me to accept one of the ancient names?!"
I smiled at her. "I didn't just give you that name; it was always yours, though your family had forgotten that fact. You are of the blood of Cantarel, this I know. The magic of the Coronet informed me of this fact just now. Carry your name with pride, and welcome home!" I embraced her briefly. Walking away from the stunned woman, I sought out my wife. Comfort was something I felt I needed.
