LOREN
Loren thought back to his conversation with Jigano. The summoner was planning to relay most of that information to the alchemist, but it seemed one piece of information might be good to say now. ”A conscription? Seriously?” He shook his head before continuing. ”I think those who suffered would feel safer with a pardon in hand. At the very least, it would be a gesture of goodwill from the new rulers that might go a long way towards settling any lingering unrest. And, if she returns and tries to seize back control, it will be harder for her if the laws are struck from the books.”However, when Remi admitted that Zariah just declared herself queen, Loren had to actually shut his eyes and take a few deep breaths. Otherwise, he definitely would’ve said something he would regret. ”Of course she did.” There was a heat in his words that he tried to get rid of, but wasn’t entirely successful. ”So let me get this straight. No one asked for her to rule them and she just declared herself queen out of the blue? Surely you didn’t need leadership that badly” In fact, it sounded like people actively opposed her from the start, so it was worse than no leader at all.
Except it sounded as if the other man had supported her reign. Loren had to physically bite his tongue to stop from saying anything that the alchemist might construe as critical. Remi probably deserved such an admonishment, but the apologetic smile he sent Loren’s way indicated the alchemist knew he’d been mistaken; given that the librarian had suffered at Zariah’s hands as well, it never occurred to him to defend his cousin. Of course, all the anger bled out of the summoner when Remi revealed Zariah threatened the alchemist’s husband and child. ”Oh Remi. I’m sorry.” The librarian’s hands clenched into fists at the knowledge that his cousin had stooped to threatening children.
If she ever came back, she’d have to go through Loren. And he would do everything in his power to prevent her from hurting his old and new friends again. He owed them all that much, at least, for not being there from the start.
So the leadership structure had begun in the revolution then. Loren considered that, and how to respond to everything he’d just heard, fingers drumming a beat on the surface of the book he still held. ”Please don’t take this the wrong way but...the leaders who serve the people well during times of strife and warfare and revolution are not always the same ones who serve best during peace.” He held up a hand to prevent Remi from reacting poorly to that statement and indicate that Loren wasn’t quite done speaking. ”I'm not saying Ronin is not capable of doing both, because he is. But...perhaps it’s worth speaking to Amalia, before everything gets finalized, see if she’d be willing and able to lead.” It was better that than force Ronin into something he didn’t want, but felt compelled to do because of duty, misplaced or not.
There was an idea percolating in the back of Loren’s mind, one that might solve their leadership crisis, but he wasn’t sure he, of all people, should be the one to suggest it.
That was the second person who’d mentioned surveillance of the manor. ”Did Edy mention how, by any chance?” Probably not, but it was worth asking. Setting up an office at the guild hall was out of the question; mixing government and business sounded like a terrible idea to him, though many did it. ”I guess a temporary structure at the Temple would suffice. They should construct something more permanent in the warmer seasons, though. However I agree that it should be up to them. Feel free to pass along any and all of my suggestions to them. I would suggest you refrain from using my name if you do.” Again, as a Launceleyn he knew he was the last person anyone wanted political advice from. Except maybe for Remi, but the other man readily admitted he was too trusting.
The librarian wanted to ask more questions about the venom and its effects, but then Remi growled and Loren got the impression the manticore might be getting tired of being used as a test subject. No matter: now that Loren had seen the other man’s mythical form, the summoner could run his own tests. As Remi shifted to his original form, Loren made sure to commit what he’d just seen and heard to memory. Then the alchemist suggests a game and Loren tilts his head, not particularly amused. That was definitely not happening. ”Fun as that sounds, I think we both have better ways to spend our time.” Loren’s voice came out in a drawl again. Then, however, he blushed, and rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, looking down at his feet. ”Besides, um...touch.” It came out in a mumble, but hopefully the alchemist heard and understood, even without enhanced hearing.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
