Village Visit
The boat crew was relieved when 6 of the armed troops left the boat along with their Mistress, Miss Errowyn or was fast becoming known as The Lady of the Lake. The captain being polite in escorting Errowyn off his boat and conferring for a return ride back to the Island.
Errowyn knew that some had watches to tell the time and the Captain Owner of the boat had to make a living. But they always came back to the docks when the sun hit the horizon. She looked up at the towering man with a weatherd sun darken skin and a small bushy beard. "We'll be ready when you return to the docks. Lets say an hour after you dock. To give you and your crew time unload and sell your days catch?"
The Captain nodded as he accepted the few meager coins for transport from Errowyn. At least she never welched on payments, and kept her guards inline. Some of her guards pitched in and helped with running of the boat, hauling on the lines to shift the sails. "Me and the crew will be awaiting." Even though he could easily make her find another crew to spend more time with his family. But then he had come to enjoy the extra wealth that landed in his pockets along with the crew.
Errowyn smiled her thanks and took her leave. Four of the Guards had already dispersed into the village of wooden building along with a few adobe buildings that lined the main street that cut the town in half and surrounded the open area where the fishing boats docked along the heavy timber and stone brick quays. She headed on into the open market area on the open area between the docks and town proper. The remaining Two let her have space, yet close enough to respond to any threat to her.
She moved with easy grace through the open market stalls looking over the produce from distance lands beyond the mountain and the lakeside farms. She listened to the locals converse with each other and the market stall vendors. Picking up news from all over the realm. Even from Osman City. The Sandstorm Battle was a big topic even though the battle had happened several weeks ago.
Lines were drawn in the sand so to speak. Some favored the new Regime under Her Highness Uso's reign. Others still wanted the Osmans to be in power. Others didn't want either Uso or the Osmans in power, but the Rebel Leader who was behind the attack on Uso's Palace as it fsat becoming known. Osman was slowly being replaced with Uso-City for the city thast held seat of power.
Errowyn gave a soft giggle at hearing that the Osmans were being replaced by Uso. Some of the ladies wondered if she was mated and was going to produce Heirs to Throne for the new Uso Dynasty. There was even romurs that people were rallying behind Princess Julie, the rightful Missing Heir to the Throne of the Osman Empire.
"I tell you if Peincess Julie allies herself with Boors, I'll just go and burn my shop, home asnd kill off my family! Then go underground to fight against the Boors!" One shopkeeper yelled to his neighbor.
"Hear Hear!" Several onlookers agreed heartily with the Stall Vender.
"Thought you was anti-Osman?!" Shot back the other Vender bagging a few fruits that looked like apples and passing them to a customer.
"At least they kept the Boors on their side of the mouintains!" The Shopkeeper retorted between yelling of his wares to those passed by.
"Who would want to live here? When was the last time Boors attacked?" A costumer yelled into the ensuing arguement. "I'll tell you... they've never attacked. Who would want all this sand from the coast to the mountains?"
"It would be for the resources this land sits upon! The gold, gems to name a few." Another countered as the arguement grew more heated.
Errown moved on after her purchase of the apple like fruit. But was stopped when one addressed her. "Mistress Errowyn, Lady of the Lake, since you've arrived here and made your home here on the lake. How you feel about Princess Julie getting forces to recapture the Osman Throne?"
Errowyn looked at the man who addressed her as those around her fell quiet. They knew she was from off planet and flew Kawarime that could strike with imunity from being hit with return fire. "She owes me a Life Debt. If she and her forces attack any village or town along this lake, will feel my wrath and I'll claim what is rightfully mine. Her life. And the troops who support her."
"What about the rest of the Empire?" Another asked getting bold enough inquire.
Errowyn looked at those around her. The Children playing, working, socializing. The women who were mothers, wives, daughters. The menfolks in their varying trades. "By Contract to Queen Uso. I would protect that she would consider important. And this area as it does provide the majority of food and water to the capitol city. Besides I've an invested interest in the island out on the lake."
Those that heard her speak, nodded sagely. A contract must be honored above all else, for what did a person have if he or she failed to uphold a contract. Nothing. For they would become nothing as no-one would do business with them.
They watched her take her leave and move to the next set of stalls deeper into the Market.