Proposal

Arthor's group was led into the village where Arthor felt all the eyes focused on himself.

He turned to the source of one of the stares and made eye contact with a young girl who simply observed him with fascination. The stare down did not last long however as the girls mother dragged her inside, as he gave him fearful looks.

Paying no heed to it all he focused his attention back to the older man who was leading them through the village. His wore a blue leather coat with brown pants made from tanned hide, his greying hair reached down to his shoulders and caused Arthor to really focus on him.

After all as a wise man once said in his previous life, "fear an old man, in a profession where men die young". Fishing villages may not have been raiding like the rest of the skagosi villages due to their near optimum circumstances compared to the others, however these circumstances drew a lot of attention towards themselves.

Hence causing fishing villages to experience an untoward amount of raids, the old man from the looks of the people were given was probably a military leader if not their leader outright. Either of the two options would require him to lead the defense against the invasions hence his existence was more than enough proof of his skills.

"Here we are" arriving at his home Arthor and his group saw to gruff men who came forward with a wooden plate offering them Bread and salt. Once both sides had partaken in the tradition the tension between the two had visibly subsided.

The old man who had revealed his name to be Joseth, led them into his home which was a traditional skagossi longhouse. Once in they sat around the hearth. They dived straight it the matter.

A fire crackles in the hearth, as the light from the dancing flames illuminate all those present. "Joseth, I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I know what they say about me, and I will not insult you by calling the tales false, but I will say this once more. I'm not here to cause trouble." Arthor began speaking as calmly as possible hoping to ensure that Joseth knew he truly possessed no ill intentions.

Joseth simply observed Arthor studying his expressions under the dancing lights. "Your reputation is hard to ignore, Arthor. I know many a wives who tell the tales of the high chief Arthor, so as to scare their children. So tell me what brings the feared Chief of the Woodlands to our small village" Joseth did not fail to give Ronell and Lothor a look.

The light in his eyes, telling Arthor he had recognized who the two were. And with the stories that were being associated with them Arthor was certain that the already dim view Joseth and his people had of them got worse.

Arthor leaned forward as he spoke out, "I come with a proposal". Arthor's words caused Joseth to simply stare at him with the same steely look, "The Lords who claim lordship over these lands have done naught for us, they engage in their petty wars causing unnecessary damage and loss of life."

A snort emerged from one of the guards who was leaning against a wooden pillar once Arthor had spoken. That action had caused Lothor to sport a death stare, before he could act on the impulsive thoughts that ruled his mind Freya held him in place. Trusting the others to keep Lothor in check he did not turn back to him but maintained eye contact with Joseth.

"you speak of loss of life, but as far as I'm concerned you've caused more death than the lords in recent times. I believe the call it bloody spring, your forest of angels has claimed more people than the lord has killed in the past five years." Joseth rose a brow as he focused on Arthor.

"When lords fight, it is their men that die. Their fires almost never reach us and I have no intention of drawing the brunt of those flames on to myself. So as far as I'm concerned if there is a threat to my people, then he seats before me." Joseth had made his thoughts clear with those words and Arthor immediately felt his group tense.

But he took no actions, he was hear for an alliance not a war. His people could afford no more at this point in time.

"That may have been the case before, but just recently Lord Crowl sent a messenger demanding my surrender. And once I refused he sent his men" Joseth's brow rose at those words as Arthor continued.

"You are right, they wage war amongst themselves, but do not forget why they wage these wars. They want control, absolute control. That means anyone who isn't on their side an enemy that includes you and your village. They may not have come before but do not let that delude you into thinking they will never come"

"War takes lives and they will want to make up those numbers, to Lord Crowl, the lives of your people belong to him." Arthor put more force behind his voice as he got to this point.

Joseth met the force behind Arthor's words with his own, "You propose rebellion, Arthor?! Do you not think we've tried that before, I have lived through two of those and each and everytime we were met with swift and brutal retribution! What possesses you to think this time will be any different?!" 

"You did not have me before" the confidence behind those words was enough to leave Joseth stunned. 'This boy honestly thought that was enough' Joseth thought to himself in absolute disbelief, "I'm aware of your village's past attempts, and I know the Lords' cruelty knows no bounds. But, Joseth, the time has come for change. I've faced insurmountable odds over and over again, many thought me mad and even more thought me a fool. But I face each challenge and emerged victorious. Lord Crowl sent his army and we sent them back in shambles."

At those words Joseth and his men all had their eyes widen at those words.

"On my own, I may fail. But with you on my side, you will witness a new age."

Joseth still skeptical, but no longer downright hostile asked "And what, may I ask, once the lords are gone what then. You are not a man known for your generosity."

Arthor this time sported a smirk as he continued, "I won't lie to you, Joseth. When the Lords are ousted, I'll be the one in charge. But I promise you this – the people will have a say in their governance, and I'll ensure that your village's voice is heard. Your people will never go hungry or fear for their lives for as long as I live."

Joseth paused, deep in thought., "I require the rest of the day to think about your proposal, you may stay to see what our village has to offer, tomorrow you will receive your answer."

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Only a few more chapters until the appearance of Ice Dragons