162 Knights (2/2)

”I'm happy to hear you both enjoy and appreciate it,” said Li. He nodded and then said, ”I called you two here to give you an apology for my conduct. It was unbecoming of me, and it must have come as a shock considering how I usually present myself.”

Hearing this, Jeanne and Sylvie deflated, their tensions soothing out as they became more convinced that Li had returned to his usual self. Good, thought Li. He had gotten them on good terms again. He would not want them to be uncomfortable around lands that he and Old Thane both now managed.

”It is good to know you are fine,” said Sylvie, and Jeanne nodded in agreement. ”I worried less for what you may have said or done and whether you had been stricken with any harm.”

”And the concern is much appreciated. Speaking of, I acknowledge that I may have been overbearing with my might regarding the priests of Light.”

”No true priests of the Light they are,” said Jeanne with a grimace.

”Be that as it may, I still understand that the temples here do much good work. They are responsible for healing the sick and for much good to those with nothing through their food banks and the orphanages. They are an integral part of this city and this duchy, and I have no personal qualm against the faith of the Light. Thus, I am going to send them an olive branch of sorts.

A request to recognize my faith's legitimacy such that we may be able to set aside differences and work together.”

”And if they refuse?” said Jeanne, a nervous waver underlining her voice.

”They will not take kindly to the beastwomen residing here, too,” commented Sylvie.

”Nothing will come to blows because they know they cannot win. And because nothing will come to blows, the high priests must compete with us in more, say, economical means, and we will respond in kind. They will lose their monopoly over healing, and I will be able to provide it at no cost.

Adventurers that wish to learn priestly spells will find themselves with a viable alternative in the form of Druidry.

The poor and stricken whom the temple rely upon will find that they have a far better place to turn to for shelter and grain.

But of course, this is only if they do not cooperate. Yet if rationality prevails, then I am hopeful that cooperation between the green and the light can come to be.”

Jeanne appeared happy at the idea, but Sylvie had a wondering expression on her face. Li could tell a question was brewing within her head, but before it could be put into words, she was interrupted by the sound of charging footsteps.

A young man broke into the clearing of the shrine, his black hair frazzled, and his breathing labored. One of the younger farmers that had decided to join his father in the fields, Li recognized.

”What is it?” said Li.

”Knights, O great seer!” said the man in between heavy breaths. ”A great many of them. Order of Lys, aye, the whole lot of them, I figure. And the lord, too, his carriage be with them. They're rattlin' up and around our farms, wantin' to see you.”

”I was expecting them a little earlier than this, but no matter,” said Li as he gave an appreciative nod to the young man. ”Be calm, for no harm will fall upon your livelihoods. I will talk to them.”