A New Situation

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It’s strange, Ahsch thought to his wife, though the Daydreamweave was open to everyone, going to a royal meeting and not being with you.

Avery growled slightly in his mind. Just make sure cunt doesn’t let it go to her head, she retorted directly to him. I’m still not sure why you were summoned and I wasn’t, came her group response.

Ahsch and Kirasiel shared a look as they walked briskly towards one of the meeting chambers used by the Ruling Family. According to Kirasiel, it was a larger one. And upon arrival, Ahsch could see why they were using a larger one - by his count, all of the High Houses had been summoned, as well as several key members of the government, including…

“Ah, Ahs- or rather, Lord Ahsch Odestag,” came a voice the hrafthi hadn’t heard in months.

He smiled back at the speaker. “Michlas! It’s good to see you again.”

The man, dressed in the fine clothes of a military dress uniform, clasped arms with Ahsch and shook. “I heard about what happened with the ah… traitors,” the big man said apologetically. “I’m just glad you’re… somehow okay.” He gave Ahsch a once-over, frowning slightly in thought.

Ahsch smiled awkwardly. “I’m afraid I can’t really talk about that - especially not here. Suffice it to say, it’s not a trick I’m keen to repeat anytime soon.”

Michlas nodded his understanding. “Of course, of course. Though…” he looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Have you… sent word to your family? I know a courier had been dispatched with the news within a week of your death.”

The hrafthi felt his blood run cold. Fuck, he swore to himself. I hadn’t thought of that.

Might want to reach out and let them know you’re alright, Avery suggested, being filled in on the conversation by Mahat, who was by Ahsch’s side in her beast form. You know, before the news of the Prophet’s return filters out to the countryside.

Yes, that’s probably a good idea, Ahsch agreed, thinking furiously. The question was, how to tell them…

He forced his attention back on the present. “I’ve clearly been remiss in my filial duties, so you have my thanks for reminding me.”

MIchlas smiled. “Of course, not a problem.” There was a beat of quiet between them as he glanced between Ahsch and Kirasiel. “I’d also heard some fascinating news…” he started, but Ahsch waved him off.

“Yes, we’re engaged; no, she didn’t put me up to it - though she did suggest it; and yes, Avery wasn’t thrilled about it, but she’s since… come around on the idea.” Especially once it was made clear that Kirasiel was more than willing to submit to Lord Odestag with the same masochistic eagerness she did Ahsch. “Though living arrangements are a pain and a half,” the hrafthi added as an afterthought.

Michlas nodded sagely. “Yes, I don’t pity you that. Passing strange that, despite marrying two royal women who are the Heads of their Houses, you aren’t the Head of any House yourself.”

Ahsch gave him a lopsided smirk. “Probably for the best, what with all the rest of my responsibilities taking up so much time.”

A deep chuckle was Michlas’ response. “Probably for the best.”

The chattering of the gathered royals quickly died down as eleven more figures entered the room from the opposite end - the Ruling Family. “Take a seat,” King Solan said. “There is an urgent matter to attend to.”

Quickly, the dozen-odd High House royals found their seats, as did a few others that Ahsch recognized, if only by name and description - they were the leaders of the other religious orders of the Kingdom, though Ahsch couldn’t place the priest in the Irztonite robes.

Once everyone was seated, the King passed his gaze around the room, nodded to himself, and then began. “As some of you may already be aware, tensions have been mounting on Our western border for some time now, and are reaching the tipping point. Nemvataten battalions are marshaling at key outposts near the border, and We have dispatched forces of Our own to safeguard the sovereignty of Our Kingdom.

“However, a new development has emerged which brings with it certain… complications. Several caravans of refugees have fled Nemvataten and requested asylum from Us. We have decided to grant this request - pending a thorough check of all refugees to prevent spies from entering Our Kingdom. However, the past several years have not been kind, and We shall struggle to feed and house these poor souls.

“We have called this meeting of the most influential of Our subjects to discuss the matter and suggest solutions to the issue to Us.” The King gestured broadly. “We shall hear you.” Instantly, the leader of the Krutunites was on her feet. “We recognize Kiilira, Avatar of Krutune,” King Solan said.

Kiilira bowed. “Your Grace, is it truly necessary for our Kingdom to provide for these refugees? Can we not send them to Te’jaron or Basali, if our situation is as dire as you say?”

The King’s gaze hardened slightly. “We have already granted them asylum. To reject them now would be to go back on Our word. To refuse to care for them at all would demonstrate weakness to Our neighbors.” He shook his head. “This is not a question of ‘if,’ Avatar; it is a question of ‘how.’”

Kiilira’s face twisted slightly at the King’s response, and Ahsch understood why perfectly: to go back on one’s word was dishonorable, and anathema to a Krutunite. To show weakness was, while not dishonorable, certainly undesirable for a Krutunite as well. King Solan’s response was perfect.

Several others stood and made suggestions, but Ahsch only half-listened. The problem was that there wasn’t much in the way of room for the refugees - all told, there were over five hundred incoming, and they had little more than the clothes on their backs. And on the one hand, Ahsch wanted to help - just as he wanted to help the poor who had come to the Temple all those months ago for the first service. But at the same time, he was also realistic - there was no way the Order of Enochiel could house and feed that many.

And that was the crux of the problem. Most of the suggestions were in the direction of putting the refugees aside and making them fend for themselves, with little in the way of aid. The Utsusian leader, Archcleric Bennoch, was attempting to garner support in terms of feeding the refugees, but even such an established religion would struggle to provide enough.

But still, an idea was turning over in Ahsch’s head. Ariin, Elui, how much space outside the Temple belongs to the Order?

Enough, came Ariin’s instant reply. If we set up tents it would be a damn tight fit, but if we built some actual buildings - or bought more land; or both - we could easily accommodate that many.

House Odestag has enough saved up to buy out a good chunk of the surrounding land, Avery supplied, a little leery.

House Celes could buy the entire forest, Master, Kirasiel said unflinchingly. Without causing too much of a strain upon our coinpurse. Ahsch had to take a second to comprehend just how mind-bogglingly wealthy House Celes had to be.

Avery, how much would it take to buy enough supplies and hire builders to build a village?

Fuck, Ahsch, I don’t know;I dance and stab and talk shit at the pricks you’re sitting with, not calculate costs in my spare time!

Then ask Butler, Ahsch replied. There was a sigh, and then he felt his wife’s attention recede from Daydreamweave. Ahsch turned his attention back to the idea that was forming. Feeding them is the main issue.

Master, Elui said softly, numerous plants and animals from the Ley Spring are highly nutritious, and High Priestess A’uro of the Order of Utsus is still amenable to your interests.

Ahsch nodded to himself. Reach out to her then, he instructed. Then he stood.

King Solan almost suppressed his raised eyebrow, but Ahsch caught it. “We recognize Lord Ahsch Odestag, Prophet of Enochiel, of the Order of Enochiel.”

Ahsch took a deep breath. “Your Grace, should we receive support for this plan, I believe I have a solution, though I preface this by suggesting that the refugees be required to do three things: firstly, they must work. Whether they take up farming, join the military, find employment within the Capital, or join a religious order, those who are able to would be required to do so. Secondly, while I have a plan that could provide housing - or at the very least, a location for the refugees to live - feeding and supplying them will require the aid of others; I believe Archcleric Bennoch’s goals will align with mine. Thirdly, while me and my associates can handle the brunt of the cost and work, I believe it would be of value to those assembled to become involved in one way or another - even if only as a show of unity in these trying times.”

The King’s gaze had narrowed slightly. “Go on, Prophet of Enochiel.”

Ahsch nodded, then took a deep breath. “The forest within which the Temple of Enochiel is located is uninhabited, save for my Order. With the supplies and funding, we could construct a settlement for the refugees, close enough to the Capital that we may keep an easy eye upon them, yet far enough so as not to pressure our citizens.