152 Tranquility II (2/2)
I ask of you to consider me a vessel of the old ways, as human as you are in many aspects, but in communion with an entity far beyond your grasp. A being of unfathomable divinity and yet boundless generosity for those that are stewards to the land.
A Guardian not only of the forests, but of your fields, your lives, and your futures should you devote yourselves.”
”The power of the forest flows through him, it is true,” said Ivo, his eyes flashing green as his life sense returned to him. He beheld Li while kneeling.
”I know not for the rest of you, but as a man that once stood as your high priest, as emissary between our fragile mortal bodies and the bounty of divine blessing, I am ready to devote my body and faith once more. The Lady would have had it no other way, I am sure. She would not have us withering away as old men, taking her memory with us to our musty graves. She would want us to take up our plows and faith once more and continue that which she began but could not end.”
”You need not say more, brother,” said Theo. ”Just as I joined you once against the infernal horde, so shall I now.”
The other farmers murmured in reverent agreement, but a younger voice of discord cut through. It was the youth from before.
”I know nothing of farming,” he said with shaky voice. ”I can respect the wishes of my father and mother to choose to return to the land, but I cannot give up the life I have carved out within the city. It is of no offense to you, it is simply that I know of no such other life, and there are many of my friends that would agree with me.
And besides, there are many also others here that wish for more, to see the wide world, to use our youths fully.”
Li had a response for this. ”I know, and I will not push this way of life upon you when you do not truly understand it. That is why I will have your businesses maintained such that those of you in the younger generation may still have a life you are used to.
But to those of you that wish for more, to escape the boundaries of this city, I have no recourse. You must strike out on your own.”
”Oho, there's more opportunity in the world than you all think!” Leon raised his hand from the corner of the room. He flashed a smile as white as the luxurious silken suit he wore. ”Some of you young ones want adventure, is it? Then I can offer all that and more. I recently lost quite a few men of mine to a monster attack in the frontiers of Duvin, and I can always use more manpower.
With me, I guarantee you shall experience all the adventure you want and all the riches that the wilds of Duvin can promise. Under Lakely Building, the greatest of all building efforts in the entire duchy, you will find more than enough excitement and wonder to last you lifetimes.
Not to mention the superb retirement benefits should you think that far ahead.”
”I trust that will be satisfactory?” said Li, and the younger farmers nodded, overwhelmed by his presence. It was then that he realized just how much of an impact he had on the room. All the adventurers with the exception of Azhar were also staring at him awestruck. The beastwomen had grown completely silent, looking towards Li but averting their eyes out of instinctual respect.
”That's enough of the serious talk,” said Li as he took in a breath, the aura of emerald green fading from him. ”And the day's just begun. All of you, farmer and beastwoman alike, follow me. We're going to my farm. There, we'll talk about how things will be for the future.”