123. Leader. *

Inside the hall we seated on the chairs in the first row while waiting for the council to talk over some things.

Only those showed up who could fit in.

The cold outside was severe and it didn't make sense to let people suffer it.

" After we done Zeph, let's head out so we make the north most town of Uitla, by nightfall. From there is just a few hours the next day. " - Carlos leaned forward to able face him.

" We also need more layers. " - Zephyr looked at himself and shook his head. " Otherwise, we need to make frequent stops. I would kill for something waterproof. "

" We can do research when we arrive using, my families library. "

" Using my family library..shut up! Can't stop, won't stop bragging. "

" How dare yo..

" Alright boys.." - mother put her hands up and then pointed at the side seeing the elders coming in single file. " ..you can discuss it on the road. It's about to start. "

The few members who still played active roles in any way were really just three out of the ten.

Granny, her replacement Menir who already took over some of the weddings last season and a kind old lady called Myma who dealt with the sacrifices and tributes in advance but, her role now is moot.

Crime as such, didn't effect a community so small and well..satisfied with their lives.

It's easy to get along with others, not hurting them or otherwise steal or harass them, if the alternative is a frightening army of fanatics able to kill you with nothing but, a few well placed kicks.

We were united and hopefully remain so, even if more residents show up in the years to come.

Menir, shared some nervous looks with granny then stood up to address the full house.

" Welcome all. " - he put his hands forward reminded me of granny and he looked sweaty which was understandable considering the reason we gathered. " Our meeting today concerns the future..umm..leadership of Emet village. "

He looked back at granny and the other ornaments who were only there for show now, who waived him to continue.

Zephyr narrowed his eyes and searched for the elders gaze who found other things like the ceiling and their shoes or hand much more interesting.

" Without further w-wait..let's hear the n-name of the council's..

Zephyr stood up walked forward and tapped him out, Menir walked back to his seat relieved.

He turned to the first row of people and smiled kindly which was just bad sign, right from the get go.

" Clever stuff..you knew!? "

Interestingly he zoomed in on Carlos. Who just shook his head in denial.

" I see.." - after confirming it he addressed the crowd.

" Thank you for your..vote of confidence. I'll promise to do my best and live up to it. "

Even those not close to him were shocked.

His family more than others.

I was honestly ready for hours of people speeches and riveting stories to finally convince him but, he just accepted it.

After the people brains allowed them to react they all cheered and shouted surrounded their new leader.

He shook a lot of hands and hugged a lot of others so we had time to talk it over..sort of.

" So..this is interesting.

" It's freaking terrifying, is what it is..

" Explain yourself, Carlitos..

" I will travel with him near the clouds for days..

" Oh..okay..

" No seriously..Lylly say something! "

I listened to them but kept my eyes on him. He didn't acted or played games.

He probably saw this coming a mile away and prepared since long ago.

" Dad knew..

" She is right..big brother knew..

We looked at the girls sitting in the very middle of the row.

I caressed Anna's head. " He told you princess? "

" Hmm..he said, he will bring sovereigns for me.."

" It's souvenirs Ili..and he said, he'll bring me some too."

We looked back to man who smiled at the two girls who joined him soon after sitting on the table as he took seat at the middle chair the now empty table.

It took some time but all found themselves sitting again and we waited for the now table of three.

The leader and the two children.

" With this out the way.." - he specifically give me a condescending smile. " As, some might know, I'll be leaving with our friend Carlos for his homeland in just a few hours. "

He tapped Ciren shoulder who handed him some papers. " Thank you, master..."

He read it's content to himself then told us his plans for security.

" Once gone, Alexander as deputy leader will take charge for defense and assign those manning the wall. "

Alexander stood up and asked with a small but confident smile. " You sure..?"

" Of course I am. Lucian!? "

Lucian stood up as well. " Yes? "

" You will take over training, you will create your own style of approach, take what you already learned..now build on it. "

" I won't let you down, big brother. " - he bowed with a serious expression gaining another title. Master Lucian.

" I know you won't. Revels? I need you take over the archers and retrain them into your image. Now, I know.." - he put his hand up before they could say something. " ..You might leave at any given time and..blahblah..mygoditsboring..it doesn't matter!..you will do it or, sleep in the forest, deal? "

The nodded unceremoniously and he moved on.

" Dear sister..you will take over the tavern with the help of Seline, will you? "

Demelza was shocked. " U-until you come back? "

" No. Take over with mother for good. I think you two be great at it. I trust you two completely. "

" Hmm..thank you brother. "

" I'll do my best son."

" Lylly, you will stick close to those two playing hard to get and soak up everything you can from them with the others who pick up the bow. "

He finally told me my priorities which were more or less my thoughts. " Understood. "

He he raised himself and walked to front of the table sitting up between the two girls and addressed all. " People, we faced the last few months together and accomplished more, and faster than, I ever thought possible..yet our hardest days are still ahead. "

He gave a grim reminder that once the snow melted our fates will be tied to once again external forces we cannot control.

" Yet now more than ever, I believe we be able to face those days. After all.." - he smiled at Nifa and Cintia who sat with us. "..our family still growing steadily and hopefully, continue to do so. "

The girls locked hands with each other and laughed happily being considered family after such a short stay and not just by him, all of us.

" Remember people..Better, everyday. "

The people's leader spoken for the first time.

Reminded us once again that his mind and his action are still unpredictable as ever.