Chapter 52 – Founder’s Meeting

  They set up a small campfire and crowded around it, passing around food as people found a spot. Reynard joined them, but didn’t partake in the food. He sat down nearby and remained silent as everyone waited for Reuf and Zajowle to start.

  “Do you guys do this often?” Bryant asked. “This feels like something you have a routine around doing.”

  “We have done something similar a few times,” Jack said. “Is this a tradition now?”

  “Tradition might be a little much,” Teresa said. “But suppose we could call it something. Survivor’s Meeting?”

  “What about Founder’s Meeting?” Victor said. “If we are planning on starting this city together, that would make all of us founders.”

  “Could work,” Jack said.

  “What about those that are not taking up one of the domains?” Zajowle asked.

  “Still a founder,” Victor said. “I imagine eventually we will need to divide up different areas of responsibility and form a council of some kind. Did we ever decide on what kind of government we were going to make this place?”

  “No,” Teresa said. “And I have no idea what would be best.”

  “What’s there to think about,” Savgar said. “One leader for each race, joint council. Simple.”

  “Government is never simple,” Elaine said.

  “Might not be all of us involved at that level,” Teresa said. “I’m all for starting this train, but I don’t think I am qualified for running a city. Don’t want to either.”

  “In any case,” Jasper said. “You will all be the founders. The city will be yours whether you want it or not. If you don’t want to run it, then you should find the right people to put in charge, but you will always be the owners and can remove anyone from a position of power in the city so long as you own the Foundation Crystal. Or at least Jack can, as the crystal is soulbound to him.”

  “Doesn’t sound too bad,” Victor said. “Like a secret society running things from behind the scenes.”

  “Pretty sure people hate those ‘secret societies’,” Jack said.

  “Yeah,” Victor said. “But we won’t actually be running the show, just overseeing it.”

  “Might be better for all of us too,” Elaine said. “If people don’t know who the real owner is, it can make it more difficult to target them.”

  “Is that a common thing among humans?” Sylvian asked.

  “For most,” Daniel said. “No. Most won’t, but there are some, like Clayton, that are willing to do things like that. Even some that just think they know better and should be the ones making the decisions.”

  “Or those that just like the power and prestige of being the one at the top,” Elaine added.

  “That doesn’t sound that abnormal,” Savgar said.

  “So, then this will be the Founders’ Meeting,” Victor said. “We can worry about a council later.”

  “Alright then that makes this the first official meeting of the Founders,” Teresa said. “So, what’s up Reuf. You sound like you have cancer.”

  “What is cancer?” Zajowle asked as several people looked confused.

  “No cancer?” Daniel asked. “Come to think of it, I haven’t gotten sick for more than a day since coming here. Does disease not really exist here?”

  “Of course, disease exist,” Savgar said. “But most things can be cured with a couple of spells or potions.”

  “Let’s get back on track,” Jack said. “What’s going on Reuf?”

  Everyone turned to look at Reuf and Sia who had remained silent as everyone was talking. Reuf looked like he was trying to find the right words, but Zajowle spoke again before they could speak.

  “Should we not wait on this?” Zajowle said indicating the Beast Lord sitting quietly nearby. “We aren’t exactly alone right now.”

  “Is there a problem with me joining you?” Reynard asked.

  “More confused why you would want to.” Zajowle said.

  “I admit I am a bit confused as well,” Jack said. “I mean, I’m thankful, and we have that deal, but I am still confused by why?”

  “Allow me to clear the air a little then,” Reynard said. “Part of the deal I offered that you now accepted was that I would get to choose one individual to join your city, yes?”

  “Yes,” Jack confirmed.

  “This individual would be a Founder, as you put it, as well if they join now. Yes?” Reynard continued. He said it like a question, but not one he was expecting an answer to.

  “I think I know what you are implying,” Daniel said. “Are you sure though?”

  “I am,” Reynard said. “I choose myself to join, and I am also aware of the tyrians’ plight so there is no conflict there.”

  “Now wait a…” Savgar started. “Mixing the enlighten species is one thing, but if a Beast Lord joins you will be opening the city to all kinds of creatures to join.”

  “Is that even possible?” Ruef asked.

  “I never heard of such a thing,” Sylvian said.

  “No,” Daniel said. “If beasts were able to use Foundation Crystals then there would have been some records of it happening before.”

  “Normally, you’d be correct,” Reynard said. “On all accounts. Beasts are unable to use Foundation Crystals, but I will not be the one activating the crystal. I will only be taking one of the domains. Doing it in this way will allow me to overcome that restriction. And yes, If I join, it will open the city to the possibility of sentient creatures being able to join and benefit from it as well. But my restrictions will still hold me. I will be little more than a ghost founder, and you will be under no obligation to accept any you do not wish to join.”

  “Again why?” Zajowle asked.

  “The reason is not important,” Reynard said. “We had a deal. Will you honor it?”

  Everyone was silent for a long while. Jack glanced around at everyone, not sure what to make of the situation. Based on the faces everyone was making; they were struggling with their own thoughts as well.

  “I don’t have an issue with it,” Jack said. “Is it that big of a deal?”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “We did know that it would be someone,” Elaine said. “It being a beast isn’t that strange given who it is coming from, and we still get to decide who joins.”

  “I honestly don’t know the difference between Enlightened and other creatures,” Jack said.

  “It’s how the System separates them,” Daniel said. “Enlightened species have communities, the ability to gain combat and profession classes, and can decide their own path. Beasts may or may not have communities, only have one class to work from and it is often decided at birth, and often their path is determined by their species. They also cultivate differently.”

  “Alright,” Jack shrugged. “Still doesn’t sound like a big deal for us. Just an extra person.”

  “Beasts are also territorial and follow different rules that don’t always conform with most Enlightened societies,” Reuf added.

  “This city is going to be a mess,” Savgar muttered. “And you say you will need one of the domains as well?”

  “I will,” Reynard said. “But as I mentioned before, once my role on this realm is finished, I will be leaving along with all the other Lords.”

  “I’m fine with it,” Teresa said. “It’s whatever to me. Doesn’t feel like it changes anything.”

  “I promise to do my best to be as invisible as possible,” Reynard said.

  “Fine, the Beast Lord stays,” Savgar said, turning back to Reuf. “What is this big secret then?”

  “The secret I am about to share is a tyrian secret,” Reuf said. “Understand that this means it is not just our secret to share. The other tyrians species will not like that we are sharing this, and I am only doing this because if we proceed with this plan, then it will be something you will learn anyways, and you may become involved in my peoples’ problems. I also need to share the history of our people as well. But I need a promise that what I am about to share will not leave this group.”

  “Are you talking System promise?” Daniel asked.

  “No,” Reuf said. “I have come to trust each of you and will believe you at your word.”

  Everyone agreed to Reuf’s request swearing to not share his secrets. Once they had all promised, Reuf continued

  “First is the most pressing,” Reuf said. “Tyrians are a descendant of Beast Lords. I mentioned this before. Yet we are among the Enlightened species, unlike our ancestors. This is because the offspring of beasts that can obtain the coveted rank of Beast Lords are given two paths instead of the usual one. Some choose to retain their beast’s nature. The Chualtala are much like this. But others choose to follow the Enlightened paths.”

  “Why would they choose that?” Jack interrupted, curiosity getting the better of him before he could stop himself.

  “It is as Daniel mentioned,” Reuf said. “The Enlightened paths allow us to choose our own future, even if it is still more restricted than most Enlightened. It is still more freedom than we would have had as beasts. We get to pursue our own paths and there is the chance our children will have more options still if we are able to rise through the realms. But there is a price for it.”

  “There are certain requirements that we must keep,” Reuf said. “Unlike most born to it naturally, we have to work to keep our Enlightened status and freedom. The first requirement being our tribes and packs. We are connected to them, and only with them can we continue to be among the Enlightened. The second requirement is that we need a territory. More specifically a place our people can call home. Without it we will start to change back to beasts and the shift can be drastic. That is why we keep to our people so much. We also must ascend in groups and make sure there is still enough left behind to carry on those that can’t ascend.”

  “I get the whole wanting more freedom to make your own choices,” Teresa said. “But that seems like a lot of restriction just to have some freedom. Wouldn’t you have more freedom as regular beast?”

  “Many see it that way as well,” Reuf said. “It is a choice we make early on, and many decide to stay among the beasts. Those of us that decide to walk this path, do so with the hope that our descendants will one day not be restricted as we are and be true Enlightened. It has happened.”

  “What happens if you aren’t able to keep those requirements,” Jack asked.

  Reuf shared a look with Sia. “We call it going feral,” Sia said taking up the explanation. “We change physically and mentally. Even our classes will change as a result.”

  “That brings me to the most pressing issue,” Reuf said. “Sia is in the process of going feral.”

  “But she seems so normal,” Elaine said.

  “It is true,” Sia said. “My class has already changed to Feral Warrior, and my Hunter profession has completely stopped growing. There are a few things that can speed up the change. Killing with our hands or teeth, or strong emotions. I have been careful since the change started.”

  “It is my fault really,” Reuf said. “I was never meant to be the Alpha of the tribe.”

  “You have done enough,” Sia said.

  “What happened?” Sylvian asked.

  “Our tribe ran afoul of a rival tyrian tribe,” Reuf said. “We often hide our ancestors to avoid blood-feuds that often come from conflicts between our ancestor Beast Lords. But somehow a tribe of tyrians antagonistic to our ancestor found us. They waited until right after our leaders ascended leaving a small group of us behind. We were at our weakest, and Sai and I were the only ones that manage to survive their attack.”

  “Your rivals,” Rayne said. “Is it the Fenrir tribe?”

  “You know?” Reuf asked shocked.

  “After you used that ability during the attack on the goblin camp I had an idea,” Rayne said. “I think I know what tribe you are from as well.”

  “Tyr tribe,” Reuf said.

  “That is what I thought,” Rayne said.

  “Tyr?” Bryant questioned. “Like the Norse god?”

  “You know of Tyr as well?” Reuf asked. “What is a Norse god?”

  “We have a legend of an individual named Tyr,” Daniel said. “And a creature named Fenrir. But in our legends, Fenrir was a monstrous wolf creature, and Tyr a human god of war.”

  “I am not Familiar with your legends,” Reuf said. “But I can assure you both are rival canine Beast Lords. But both chose separate paths that conflicted with each other. Fenrir chose to embrace his bestial nature, hunting and destroying everything that he comes across as fuel for his path. While Tyr wanted to build something lasting. Tyr commands a kingdom of beasts on the higher realms and have put a stopped to Fenrir’s rampages several times. Part of our legacy that Tyr left us, his children, is the spiritborn classes. With it, we can call upon our ancestors in times of need. It is what I was trained to be originally. Spiritborn Invoker.”

  “With our people dead, our lands taken over, Sia and I were at risk of losing ourselves. Becoming feral. I was next in line to be Alpha, but I never wanted to be. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to take up that role. That we could find another solution, but I waited too long, and Sia paid the price. After she started to change, I took up the mantle. It helped to slow the process, but it is not a permanent fix. I might be Alpha now, and we have each other, but we still have no place to call our own.”

  “Understand I am not sharing this for pity,” Reuf said as a silence formed among the group. “I only wish for you to understand. What it will mean for us to be part of this city. Our enemies will also become yours. The rest about tyrians you would have learned about eventually. There will be no way to keep certain things secret if we are to join together.”

  “Is the Fenrir tribe still looking for you?” Savgar asked.

  “They might be,” Reuf said. “I don’t know, but I doubt they will look for us here for a long time. That is partly why we went for this crystal. We had thought it might be the safest answer to our predicament.”

  “Doesn’t bother me,” Savgar said. “It is good to have allies, but it is also good to have enemies. Gives you someone to fight. We have both now.”

  “I must admit that learning about tyrians is very interesting,” Daniel said. “I never knew any of that, and there is very little written on your people.”

  “Most of our people pass oral histories,” Reuf explained.

  “Thank you for trusting us,” Sylvian said.

  “What will happen once you have a territory?” Elaine asked. “Will Sia’s class get fixed?”

  “That is the hope,” Reuf said. “Admittedly, a whole territory for only two tyrians is a lot to ask, but I do not think our tribe has much of a future left on this realm. We are only trying to make it to the next realm and rejoin our people.”

  “Honestly, that doesn’t sound that bad really,” Teresa said. “We’ll have the extra domains, so it doesn’t hurt anything and after hearing what that Fenrir group did, I’m incline to want to fight them myself.”

  “The Fenrir tribe is dangerous,” Rayne said. “They have been around for a long time, and unlike most of the other tyrians, they do not hide who they came from. They have been responsible for the destruction and raiding of several villages and towns across the land. They never stay in one place long.”

  “Just another reason to put a stop to them,” Teresa said.

  “It is unlikely they will come here,” Sylvian said. “There are no known settlements for them to pillage in this area. Never have been.”

  “Even if they did,” Savgar said. “They know better than messing with the dwarves.”

  “You are only one,” Zajowle said.

  “Won’t be for long,” Savgar said. “Once we finish dealing with Clayton, I’ll be taking a trip back to Methal and bringing some of my clansmen back here. A city will need infrastructure. Nothing better than dwarven fortifications.”

  “So, you decided to stay?” Victor asked. “I know you were planning on staying to train us, but you are planning on joining the dwarves with our city?”

  “Someone has to make sure the place doesn’t fall apart,” Savgar grunted. “Can’t leave that to the elves and who knows what you humans come up with. Besides, this social experiment may be doomed to fail, but it won’t be because the dwarves refused to be a part of it. I also want to be close by to keep an eye on… certain things.”

  “Can you make that call?” Sylvian asked.

  “Let me worry about that,” Savgar said.

  “How many domains will that be?” Victor asked. “Do we have enough.”

  “Its five total now,” Daniel said. “We still have a couple extras.”

  “Then I suppose it is my turn to share,” Zajowle said.