Page 90 of Empowering the Wolf's Heart

“Now that you all can hear me, we can have a conversation," I said with a wry smile as my people slowly rose to their feet. "When you walked in, there was a sheet with a number on it for you to pick up; you’ll be called upon in numeric order. If you can’t write, we have scribes to help. As you can tell, asking all your questions at once is just a way to make sure no questions are answered.”

A few of the people got up, dusted themselves off, and left without a word. Others scowled and scurried off to find the table I mentioned.

My scribe called out the first number, and the questions began in earnest.

A man stepped forward, wringing his hat in his hands. “Matriarch, I thank ye for seeing us. My family ’as long sincebeen part of selling and trading with the big city folk the many pelts and items we receive from the hunts. Mistress, I just… I fear I won’t be able to provide for me family no more.” He hung his head.

My heart went out to him. I understood exactly where he was coming from. I walked down the steps to the line of enforcers who kept the crowds back. The dais was nice to see the entire crowd, but not for communicating on the same level as my people.

When I walked by Enforcer Markus he made a sound similar to a bird squawking. I glanced at him to see worry lining the plains of his forehead. I gave him a slight smile, hoping he could trust me as I trusted him.

“May I know your name, master?” I asked. The man looked up with wide eyes to see me standing before him, then quickly got down on a knee.

“Master Helm at your service, Mistress,” he said.

“Your family are traders. Of what district?” The tribe was split into ten districts which were rings around the Matriarch’s Palace. The First through Sixth were nearer to the center of the town, the last two were on the edges and were normally either hunters or Reds. But districts Seventh and Eighth were typically those who were of lesser means.

“We are Seventh District, Mistress.”

He hung his head further, were that possible. This man was humble, willing to come beg for options when he saw he couldn’t support his family.

“This world needs more men like you,” I whispered for his ears only.

He glanced up, his eyes wide and bald head glistening with sweat.

Ran?I asked.

With pleasure,she said.

“My dragon sheds scales every so often, and I hadn’t known what to do with them. Do you believe your family could find places to put them to use?”

“D-Dragon scales, m’lady?” he whispered, his poor hat being squeezed so hard I feared it would tear. “I—I do not know if we are qualified—” He cut himself off, his voice choking as if he couldn’t believe it.

I bent down to his level. “Master, we aren’t taking away your trade. My Reds will still hunt. It’ll just be a different kind, of those who are too far gone and a danger to society. We’ll find a way for you to provide for your family, alright? My scribe will ensure you’re welcome in my household to bring concerns. Thank you for coming and for being willing to change even if it terrifies the heck out of you.”

He gave a nervous chuckle, glancing up and then back down, bowing down with his forehead flat on the floor. A tiny mewl came from my lips and made him pause. “Master Helm, I just got down here so we’d be on equal ground. Please rise, I’m no freakin’ different from you. I serve Source and try to do what’s right for myself and my family and friends; my family and friends just consist of a few more people than most,” I said with a wry smile.

Those around wore shocked expressions. A few were nodding. Others looked like they’d stab me if they could.

One who was reaching for something beneath his cloak was interrupted when Shen stepped behind him. I saw the dude’s eyes widen before he slowly lifted his hands out of his pockets. Shen whispered in his ear. The dude paled before Shen walked away, blending with the crowd that didn’t even know they had Sicario Hood in their midst.

I stifled a smile as the next question was called up.

Change was coming, even if not everyone embraced it.

Shen

The people loved her.I am unsure she saw it.

Her laugh was contagious, and the little girl who had just given her a tiny flower smiled up at my Little Red as if she had hung the moon.

The people were drawn to her as a dragon is to a flame. She answered questions, entertained the crowd with her sharp wit, and put a few in their places with pointed questions that made even the tallest blacksmith look away in shame.

It was a beauty to behold. But she grew weary, her smile more forced, and her fingers clenching and unclenching around her blades.

I told the scribe to cut the last few short for tomorrow. He nodded, speaking with them discreetly. I approved his methods. If Alia knew some questions were unanswered this day, she would stay until she fainted attempting to satisfy those who would not be satisfied.

A man stepped up beside me. I had seen him around, and many showed him a respect beyond his station as Head Enforcer. He wore the Red’s hood, but it was down and he had on chain mail armor with a bow across his back. An emblem of the Ambrose flower was on his shoulder. He stood beside me for a moment, his silence one of thoughtfulness.

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