Avery's hand did not tremble as she read the report of Garths death. It was not at all surprising. They had known the stakes. There was no wailing, enraged pronouncement or tears, Pancreator forbid.
No, nothing like that.
Some would merely say something had died in Avery's-something she had barely had before, but it had been there all the same. Perhaps it was the last of that hope. A secret hope she had shared with no one living. Her own feelings for Garth had been more than just political aspiration-they had been as close to love as she had ever come, to anyone. She had allowed herself to think of something in her future more than just an eternity of war-something else...but she could never quite grasp it.
And they had killed him. Hope was for fools, after all....
"Send a message to Luthias Hartwing. Perhaps we should meet."
....
That night, Avery's wasn't in her palace. She had gone for a walk-no guards or hangers on. Very dangerous...but this was something she had to do alone. Roim, at least, understood. He had said goodbye to many of his friends in the same way-where no one could see his hidden weakness.
She found a suitable spot-a hill, overlooking a wide field. Averys knelt, taking a handful of dirt. In the hole, she put a small silver necklace Garth had given her during one fine summer, many years ago. When they both had those hopes. When they both had done something secret-forbidden, but that's what made it matter. Averys had never regretted it.
...but, she had never worn it again, after that summer, anyway.
Averys dropped the silver in the hole.
"You were my first."
Next came the knife. She cut the palm of her hand, letting her blood flow into earth.
"Goodbye, Garth. I'll make those sons-of-bitches pay. I Promise. Sealed it with blood."
Averys took a moment for herself. Did the iron woman-this brutal killer, merciless soldier, star destined ruler-perhaps utter a single sob?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Afterwards, she covered the hole reverently, stood up.
And walked back to the palace, her face fixed in fierce determination.
----------------------
Later, in the palace throne room
So much to do, Averys mused, checking off things on the seemingly unending list Malcador seemed a bit too happy to keep adding onto. Roim was equally bored, probably counting off the hours till they could get back to the bedroom.
Not that there was much sleeping to be done lately.
government Actions:
1. Begin spreading existing programs (Law, Infrastructure, policing, currency, health, education, etc) to the newly conquered areas. Make this a priority over all else.
2. Do both. Fund research and send out exploration teams to unlock the secret of this stone-oil.
3. Enlarge the Arena, of course.
4. Increase funding toward the Medical system, to establish the medical guild. Construct a central hospital in the capital to serve as a Guild house, in addition to serving the people. Call it the "Asclepieia"
5. Averys and Roim lead their forces out personally to hunt down the local bandits-not taking many prisoners. Use the chance to integrate both of their forces.
6. Call on a Minor Noble assembly-Lady Averys will hear their complaints.
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Topic: HOTRS II: Dead Roots Stirring Toxic Season 104AE (Read 60979 times)