{Chief Constable Es Von Declos AKA Bullock}

  There was a town meeting, and he knew exactly what was going to happen tonight. Honseter Fes Vontonre had convinced several of the townsfolk to side with her and raise a vote to kick Alex out of town. They had planned everything out so that Alex wouldn’t be a part of it as though excluding him from it would also exclude him from the town. Es took his seat next to the Mayor Tolance who seemed a little uncomfortable. Es didn’t like it as he easily tracked five or six people, he would have to keep an eye on. They were the only ones who seemed actively whispering in other ears. Everyone was gathered in the inn and despite it being a small town, the room was packed. Mayor stood at the appropriate time and raised his hands.

  “Quiet down now, everyone. We are starting this meeting.” He waited for everyone to settle. The totality of the town took a seat, several sitting on the floor as they didn’t have enough chairs. “Now this meeting was asked for to help air some of the issues going on. Who would like to go first?” Mayor Tolance asked the open room. Destan Set Hervot also known as Innkeeper stood and clapped his hands together.

  “You people keep attacking the mana wires when fighting with the training Dolls. If this keeps up, I will have to charge five copper a match to make up for the cost.” The tall innkeeper said and some of the room burst into grumbling and arguing. Es wanted to laugh as he had broken up several fights on that issue. It was a cheap tactic used by weaker players.

  “Yes, please if you are going to use any equipment in our town, please remember that someone has to repair it and Alex can’t fix Manawire. Only Mage Venason can. There were grumbles but it was about to go sideways as Honseter stood. The stuffy old bat had called this meeting and this she took as her opening.

  “While we are on the topic of Alex if that is even his real name. I have to ask if he is fit for this town.” She took a breath and Es nodded to his deputies on the side. There was a real risk a fight would break out. “The animal lover is destroying this community and I for one won't stand for it.”

  “Then sit down, you crusty old bat.” Tasser Es Lothos shouted from the back of the room. Es thought the young man might still be upset after being forced to pay for a pie he didn’t steal when he was young.

  “What happened to our peaceful town?” Donvo De Vonsai said. Es knew this was one of the drunks who could be paid to do anything and suspected he had been asked to take her side in exchange for either coin or beer.

  “Donvo is right, we have never had bandits in Knights attack us before.” Honsterer added. “Between that, the animals we know he is fucking, and allowing to walk the street freely. Next thing you know he will start asking we treat them like people.” Es knew this was about her husband who ran off with a beast woman. “I for one ask that we kick him out of town.” She said standing tall. Three others agreed, but most of the room looked at her in a mixture of horror and rage.

  “Shut up you ancient whore.” Jordean shouted, rage filling his face. Es had to fight a laugh, but some were not so lucky and other burst into laughter. “Let me ask you all. Who will fix the wonders we now take for granted if we get rid of Master?”

  “YOU BASTARD!!” Honsterer shouted.

  “We loved the fridges, mana stoves, and heated tubs. Even the mana heaters he was able to make have improved our lives greatly. If he leaves it will break down. I for one do not want to be in a world without the wonders he is making. If Alex goes, I go too.” Jordean said, crossing his arms. Es started to get worried about Honsterer, who was bright red as she nearly growled in rage. “Who will fix the Knights? Who will fix the things Alex has made if we both are gone? Who here wants to go back to cold water and warm beer?” He said, looking around the room.

  “I for one would rather live in a world where people don’t fuck animals.” Honsterer said boldly.

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  “The only animal I see here is you, you old cow and no one wants to fuck you.” Tesser said in outrage. Es could see the young man’s eyes glowing showing he was using a skill. He would have to talk to the Tesser about that. Honsterer stormed out of the meeting in a huff.

  “Everyone calm down.” Tolance said, clapping his boot on the table. “As we have an issue, let’s hold a vote. All those in favor of running Alex out of town, show us your hands.” Much to Es’s delight only five hands went up. “I would offer the alternative, but there isn't a need. Do we have any other business?” Es watched the crowd as the meeting went on. At the end they went outside to watch everyone leave. It was a common tactic as it allowed any disgruntled townsfolk to offer a dispute in private. Much to Es’s shock Tesser was the last one out and pulled Es and Tolance aside.

  “First, um, you might want to send someone to stop Battery. I believe he is going to burn down the old bat’s house.” Tesser said boldly as he rubbed his temple. Es put his fingers in his mouth and gave out a whistle. Soon Togots joined them breathing hard.

  “Togots, get Battery and put him in a cell until we get there.” Es said and the younger guard took off at top speed.

  “Now that we have that in order, I want Alex to stay we have five, three who need a demonstration and one we can’t convince.” Tesser said moving to sit down, rubbing his head.

  “I picked up on that too. Is this about the pie or about your woman?” At Es’s words, Tesser looked up at him in shock. “Come on, I knew from the moment you ‘lost your ax’ that day that didn’t happen.” He said with a wink. Tesser nodded.

  “Both, maybe. I just want to live in peace and Alex is the key to that.” Tesser said, standing back up. The other two nodded and Tesser laid out his plan as they made their way to Es’s office. It seemed like a good place to lay out a plan like this one.

  On entering the cell all three froze as a voice called out. “Let me out you morons.” Battery cried out in protest. All three entered the room and looked at each other.

  “No, you plan to burn down Honsterer’s house.” Es said crossing his arms. Battery backed off and looked at the ground. So, Tesser was telling the truth.

  “You don’t know that.” He said crossing his arms. Es had to smile. This was almost too easy.

  “Battery, Jordean, don’t burn down her house.” Es said moving to the small man. “Let us handle her.”

  “Yeah, you have to work on that thing you want to show Alex.” Tesser added.

  “Oh yes, I need to show him…” He turned narrow eyes on Tesser. “How do you know about that?” Battery asked.

  “You made the tubs and fridges. It only makes sense that you are working on something even better so Alex will praise you.” Tesser said with a smile, his eyes shining again.

  “You are right. My newest creation will make him so happy that he might use my name again.” Battery beamed, before putting his hands on his hips. “Speaking of the master. What are you planning to do with him?” He asked, his eyes narrowing.

  “We are going to make him our honorary lord.” Tesser said. All eyes turned to him as he stood there.

  “Great idea. Now that I know I’m on the right side. Let me out so I can get back to work.” Battery said. Es shook his head and let the small man out who quickly ran off with a smile on his face. As soon as he was gone Es and Tolance turned on Tesser.

  “What are you on about?” Tonlance asked.

  “Simple, Lord Gravostosd’s mansion.” Both men blinked at him. “Who else right now can afford it?”

  “How do you know about that estate?” Tonlance asked as he moved to Es’s chair. Es sat on the corner of his desk and Tesser took the one spare chair in the office.

  “I can’t remember the last time anyone was up there.” Tesser said, crossing his arms. His brow was furrowed as he closed his eyes.

  “Quit using that skill or you’ll be useless the rest of the day.” Es said with a smile that Alex would be proud of.

  “You are right as they have forgotten about us. That family has failed to live up to their end of the agreement for asking the Hervot family to protect this town. As far as we are concerned the Hervot family owns this land for now. As Innkeeper is busy, I doubt he would argue the point. What are your reasons for giving Alex that estate?”

  “One, keeps him out of the way.” Tesser said, holding up a finger. “Two, it is safer and easier to protect him. Three he is the only one who can afford it bringing in more income to the city. Four, um,” He trailed off.

  “Four, your woman gets to walk around without a hat.” Es said with a cold smile. Tesser looked at him in shock. “Let her walk around without a hat tomorrow. In fact, send her to meet my wife and Uta tomorrow. She needs this town to get used to seeing the real her. She belongs here.” Es smiled watching the shock on the young man’s face. Tesser hung his head and nodded. “Make sure she knows she is welcome here.” Es added with a smile.

  “What is she? Wait, not my place to ask. If she wants us to know, she will let us know.” Tolance said with a smile. “As far as your plan, I agree, and it will happen.” All three talked into the night until everything was hashed out.