Chapter 83: To Fix or to Break
"You don't approve," Nabs said to Bethe. They sat together in Nabooru's study. She'd found a closet that she had the servants empty out and fill with a desk and chair that would at least fit her. No art though, nor pictures of grand monarchs on the walls which Gan used for inspiration, but always made Nabs feel as though they were judging her.
"I do not." Bethe didn't take her eyes away from the door, always on duty. It'd be admirable if it wasn't so annoying.
"It will decrease some of the tension around here."
"It won't."
"They need to see that we are rulers for everyone."
Bethe shrugged. "It's near time for the council."
"Finally, I need to get out of this room," Nabs dried her quill and capped the ink before getting up from the desk. She sighed. "And spend hours in a different slightly larger room."
"Don't forget the company," Bethe said as she held open the door.
"How could I? They're the highlight of living here." She smiled at Bethe and nodded to the guards posted at her door. "At least I'll get to see their faces when I give them the news."
Together they walked from her cramped little closet to the council meeting chambers. As they passed Gerudo and Hylian alike they received salutes or nods. It had taken weeks, but she finally got everyone to stop groveling at her. Though the fear in their eyes had a certain intoxication to it. It was only that the wrong people seemed terrified of her.
As they passed Gerudo and Hylian alike they received salutes or nods. It had taken weeks, but she finally got everyone to stop groveling at her. Though the fear in their eyes had a certain intoxication to it. It was only that the wrong people seemed terrified of her.
When they reached the room, they found the newest member of the council already beside the door.
"Regent, Commander." The ancient Sperulah saluted them both. She was a white-haired slip of a vai whose wrinkles scratched out a permanent frown. Though the oldest in her tribe by some years, she had never reached the position of matron, but not for lack of intelligence, or so Bethmasse claimed. Behind her one of her granddaughters or perhaps great-granddaughters carried a collection of scrolls and letters.
Nabs returned the salute. "Have you found your quarters satisfactory?"
"They're grander than anyone should have. I've seen dunes smaller than the bed given me. Everyone flittering about all the time. And the Hylians. Everywhere you look you find their little white faces. I should order them to run naked out in the sun. That'll put some color on them."
"Ahh, true… I suppose it would. How fairs your work? I was told that quite a collection had grown in the last few months."
"Mountains of letters, and more arriving every day. These Hylians complain about everything, and our people are little better. I only reached the bottom of the pile this morning, and I fear that when I return to my compartment another mountain will greet me. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you and my grand-niece here were planning on burying me under all those scrolls. That's what they'll say of Sperulah, not content enough to be buried in the sands of home, they needed paper and vellum to do her in. Har har."
"It is not too stressful on your eyes, is it?" Bethmasse asked. "My mother told me that reading too much-"
"My niece knows less what will happen when you read too much than I know about sailing a boat." The old vai snorted. "She wants to hear from you, by the way."
"Has she forgiven me for the spearhead?"
"You threw away your heritage, what do you think? But she wants to hear from you just the same."
"I will write her."
"Better send someone to read it to her as well. Har har. Ahh," Sperulah nodded to someone behind Nabs. "Grand Treasurer." She walked past Nabs and Bethe to pay her respects to Estam.
"She's the best you knew?" Nabs muttered as Bethe opened the doors to the council chambers. "I don't think she said a sentence that wasn't some complaint or another."
"I did not say I liked her. I said she'd do the job well."
Inside Durrell was already waiting. He rose from his small desk tucked in the corner, where he already had parchment and ink set to take notes for the meeting. "Regent, Commander Bethe."
Nabs brushed past him, to walk around the large table and take her seat at its head. Bethe sat to her right. The others slowly entered and took their seats as well. Sperulah made her letter carrier stack each of the parchments in a particular order before dismissing the young vai and shooing her from the room. Ashlo arrived last, entering with an extravagant apology where she overexplained what business delayed her, as though any of it mattered.
"As we bring this meeting to a start," she continued once finished with her tale, "may I extend my congratulations to our new sister, Matron Secretary Sperulah of the Three Gates Tribe."
Bethe rapped her knuckles on the table in support. The others joined her.
"Thank you," Sperulah said. She pressed her fingers on the pile of papers before her. "There are some correspondences that will need the attention of the regent. Is it time to address them now? I'm unfamiliar with how these meetings go."
"So quick to your work," Estam smiled. "If only all in this room shared your alacrity, we wouldn't have so many empty seats still." She turned to Nabs. "You wouldn't perhaps want some assistance in choosing appropriate candidates, would you?"
"I have enough help as is. And the next position will be filled faster, you have my word."
"Oh good," Estam said.
"My letters?" Sperulah asked.
"One moment, Matron Secretary, there is one piece of business that we must see to first. Durrell, please rise."
The voe stopped writing and looked up at her in confusion.
"I do not like repeating myself, Durrell."
He practically leaped from his seat and dashed to a position before the council table. "What do you have need of, Lady Regent?"
"I need an answer to a question: Castellan of the Castle or Lord High Justicar?"
"I'm sorry, Lady Regent, I don't understand the question. Those are both positions-"
"Do you want the position of Castellan of the Castle or Lord High Justicar? I can't give you both."
The voe's mouth hung open. Nabooru had to hold back a laugh as she watched his expression change to confusion, to disbelief, to shock, and finally to some strange mix of them all.
"You can't be serious," Ashlo hissed.
"I very much am. As far as I can tell, this voe is the one who was doing half the jobs keeping this city running anyhow. So, which will it be? Or would you prefer some other? Perhaps Mayor of Castle Town."
"Lady Regent," Durrell gave a fearful glance to Ashlo. "I don't know what to say."
"You could start by giving me an answer."
"I-" He swallowed. "Perhaps it would be best if you consider some other options."
"I have. Now answer the question, or you'll be answering through broken teeth."
"Ahh- Cast-Castellan, if it pleases your Ladyship."
"See how easy that was? Go, grab your junk, and come to the table."
"Regent!" Estam's voice cracked. "You are aware that the Castellan was Desquesza's position? You are given the running of this entire castle to this Hylian. He will be the one allowing access to the grounds. A Hylian!"
"My goodness, I didn't realize he was Hylian."
"Did you think through the implications? A Hylian would have the power to turn away Gerudo. A voe would be able to treat any Gerudo as-"
"As we have been treating Hylians. Is that your fear?" She looked to Durrell who had not moved. "Voe, what did I tell you about repeating myself?"
He ran to the desk and collected his things, apologizing all the while.
"I don't know what your worry is," Nabs leaned back in her chair. "If he abuses his position, I'll have his head. Seems simple enough. You won't abuse your position, will you voe?"
"No, of course not," he said as he sat in the corner furthest away from the rest of the council.
"There, you see. Nothing to worry about."
Ashlo looked across the table to Bethe. "You knew about this?"
"I did."
"And you did not speak sense to your friend?"
"The regent has my full support in this matter," Bethe said.
"So, you've both taken leave of your senses!" Estam said.
Before Nabs could respond, Bethmasse slammed her gloved hand upon the table, and the council hushed. "The rupee counter forgets herself."
Estam swallowed, adjusting herself on her chair. "Of course, my apologies Nabs-"
"Regent," Bethmasse said.
"My apologies, Regent, I am unfamiliar with your strategy for governance. I'm certain your brilliance will be revealed to me in time."
"All is forgiven," Nabs gave her own false smile to Estam. "Now that's out of the way, I have some further ideas to address some issues in the lower courts."
"I was not aware that there were any issues," Ashlo said. "Everything I have set up amongst the provincial judges and petty courts has been precisely to our king's specifications."
"Be that as it may, we have problems regardless." Nabooru pulled out a list that she asked Durrell to provide for her a few days earlier. "This is every court hearing and outcome that was not placed before the king's court for the last three months. I have separated the cases by the race of the parties in question: Gerudo against Hylian, Lizalfos against Goron, Zora, Octorok, there's even one where a Moblin brought a case against a Lizalfos. Apparently, when he did not like the result of the court, he attacked the judge and the lizard. Some exciting things happen in these courts. But do any of you want to guess how many times the courts ruled against a Gerudo in those months?"
"A handful, I'm sure," Ashlo said.
"Durrell, how many?"
"Not once, Lady Regent."
"Really? Truly? Not a single time?" Nabs asked.
"I'm sorry to say," Durrell looked as though he was attempting to shrink himself into his chair and away from Ashlo's glare.
"You're a clever voe. What would you say is the likelihood that not a single Gerudo was guilty?"
"Well," he nearly strangled on the words, "it is possible- that is to say, it is not impossible, that there would be-"
"Never mind, I'll answer for you." She'd need to break him of that dithering and soon. "The idea is ridiculous. Your judges are corrupt, Ashlo."
"They have done only what our king has commanded. The Hylians must learn their place in the new order. They must-"
"They must come to see us as bringers of justice. What do you think will happen if the Hylians believe going to court will accomplish nothing? They will take their justice themselves. They still outnumber the Gerudo by- how many, Durrell?"
"As of the last census, over thirty to one."
"That's quite a fair few. Now, how about just in this palace? What numbers are those?"
"I don't have that number, Lady Regent."
"Guess."
"It wouldn't be as large, perhaps only seven to one? Maybe a little more."
"Thank you, Castellan. Now, I don't know about my fellow councilors, but I've fought battles outnumbered before. No one can call me coward, but I think facing overwhelming numbers in our own camp is taking on more risk than I'm willing."
"You diminish our people," Estam said. "We were able to conquer this castle with fewer numbers."
"In a surprise attack. A surprise that would have been suicidal without Gan."
"The king's philosophy was that our strength at arms will protect us," Estam said.
"The king is not here. I can't burn an army with a wave of my hands. Can you? Bethe, how's that hand of yours, can you burn an army with it?"
"Haven't tried."
"Let's assume you can't. How long do you think until the Hylians realize they outnumber us, and we no longer have our greatest weapon in the city?"
Ashlo nodded. "I will inform the judges and ensure they understand the new policy."
"You will, but that won't be all. There are many Hylians still living who were once judges in the old regime. We are going to reinstate them."
Ashlo looked near to going for a weapon. But instead, she asked, "Anything else?"
"Yes, you are going to work with Matron Secretary Sperulah and send messages across our territory. I want them scholars representing all peoples to come to Castle Town. They will be trained on a single consolidated law so that every corner of Gan's kingdom will have the same justice. This schooling will take place as soon as I come up with a Justicar."
"Regent Nabooru," Estam said, "you must see things from the perspective of those you are ordering. The Matrons have always held sway over their tribes and the Hylian lords have done the same. You will be breaking centuries of tradition. Never mind the Moblins, who probably can't read, or the Zora and Octorok who each have their own laws that have always held sway over their waters. And the cost! Have you considered how expensive housing scholars for months will be? How will we even get an Octorok to reach the capital?"
Sands take her, I forgot the Octorok. "I have every confidence that you will figure out a way. This city once held the grandest festivals every mid-summer and the prior king found the means to house and feed the thousands who attended. I have no doubt you're better than that old fool. Now, on to new business. Matron Secretary, you said you had something that required our attention?"
"Yes," Sperulah cleared her throat. "Are the council meetings always so vigorous?"
"Just get on with your messages."
"The most pressing concern comes from Commander Desquesza in the field." Sperulah pulled out a scroll and pressed it flat before her. "She wrote that a copy of this message will be sent directly to our king on Death Mountain as well, though it is unlikely that it has reached him yet. The rebel Arlan has taken to raiding the Goron shipments to the aqueduct. They have been able to avoid our army for now. But she makes several notes that they have captured and started to experiment with something she calls Goron Powder." She looked up from her paper to Bethe. "Don't see what trouble powder can cause. Are you familiar with it?"
"Yes," Nabs said. "That is troubling." Arlan with explosions on his side. There were so many targets in the South that he could destroy. The aqueduct was the most obvious, but Arlan had a way of surprising even the most veteran commanders.
"More than just troubling," Ashlo said. "I must request once more that Regent Nabooru reconsiders the placement of that voe on this council." She prodded her finger toward Durrell. "He already has too much leniency around the castle as is. How are we to know he's not sending messages to his uncle already?"
"Who's his uncle?" Sperulah asked.
"Arlan," Bethe said.
"Ahh, yes. That could be a problem."
"The Castellan will remain. I will hear nothing further about it."
But Ashlo did not appear finished. "You are putting my mother at risk, along with my entire clan! It would be one thing if you had defeated Arlan when you had the chance, then what could this voe do but be pathetic? But now? Are you attempting to impede my family, or are you a fool?"
Nabs' fingers twitched toward her sword. But it would not be right to spill blood on a council table. "Bethmasse, see the Mayor out."
"Never mind your brute," Ashlo stood up. "I have other duties to attend to." She stopped just before the door to look back at Durrell. "I'm watching you voe. If you put so much as a foot out of line, it won't matter what titles you're given."
"Mayor Ashlo," Nabooru said once she grabbed the doorknob.
"What?"
Nabooru gave her a crisp salute.
The vai glared at her, her jaw clenched so tight Nabooru thought she'd grind her teeth to dust. But then her hand rose to return the gesture before she whirled about.
No sooner had the door slammed behind her, did Estam rise as well. "If there is nothing else, Regent, I would best find funds for this judiciary school of yours."
Nabooru waved her away.
"Told you," Bethe whispered.
"Hush." Nabooru looked back to Sperulah. "Continue."
The further messages were of lesser importance. An update from Jocqueline on the affairs of the mountain, which seemed to be nothing but delays as Gan sorted out the problems between the Lizards and Gorons. Some rumblings from minor lords to the East of Moblins returning to their ways of raiding, even the peasants who are supposed to be tilling fields for them. And so many petty grievances that did not matter. Twice Bethe had to prod her so Nabs remained focused.
"Thank you, Matron Secretary," Nabs said once she finished. "You're dismissed."
She grumbled as she gathered her belongings and saluted before she headed to the door. "You lot just going to stand there and let an old vai carry these things myself?" She asked the guards. Not waiting for an answer, she shoved the letters into one of their arms and demanded that they follow her.
Nabooru rubbed at her eyes, hoping that would keep them open and focused. "Any word on the city guard then?" Nabs asked Bethe.
"Nothing unusual."
"Good." Nabs smiled. "I have your full support, do I?"
Bethe shrugged. "Before them, you do. But it won't turn out as you want. I'm going to put some people to watch Estam and Ashlo."
"I wouldn't be too worried about them. They know not to cause trouble."
"All the same, I'm putting people on them."
"Have it your way, see you for supper."
When only Nabs and Durrell remained, the voe began collecting his parchment and putting a cap on his ink. He had been writing throughout the meeting, just as he had done before receiving his new title.
"You didn't write down what Bethe just said, did you?"
He shook his head. "Only that there was no news from the City Guard, Lady Regent."
"Good." Nabooru leaned back in her chair and looked over her new Castellan. He had turned into a handsome young man, not that his looks truly mattered. He could have been as ugly as the witches, and it wouldn't matter. She needed a Hylian with a head on his shoulders, and of all those in the castle, he was the clear choice. "You're going to need to find a new notetaker for these meetings."
"Of course," Durrell stood. He knew not to bow, but he kept his gaze lowered as if worried of some reprisal if he looked her in the eye. "I want to thank you, for your trust and-"
"Stand up straight, by the Three. You're part of my council now."
Durrell's eyes rose to meet hers, and his slumped shoulders rose. He didn't look scared, or timid, more confused, puzzling out what Nabooru was doing. "I'm sorry my demeanor offends."
"I'm not offended, I'm annoyed. And not just at you. Everywhere I go in this place, I catch people bowing or looking away, and those who don't freeze. I don't want to see the same from you. You're a person, act like it. More than that, I half expect you're one of the smarter folk at this table. I won't have you cowering every time someone looks at you."
"We've been told to bow all our lives; at one king or another. It is how we show respect. And you clearly still want to be respected, or you wouldn't have made Mayor Ashlo salute you."
"Groveling on the ground isn't showing respect. You don't respect others by demeaning yourself, lowering yourself, making yourself small. You show respect by raising others high. And that is what I am trying to do, so please, by the sands show that you are worthy of being raised to your position."
Durrell nodded but didn't look a whit more confident. He collected his papers, then paused. He looked to Nabs. "May I ask-" He stopped himself and returned to gather his things. "No, never mind."
"Just ask."
He breathed out a long breath like one would just before charging into a battle. Did he fear her so much? Of course, he does. She's Nabooru the traitor, after all. The one who smiled and laughed at court, all while she plotted to kill them all. "Very well, why did you choose me for one of the two most important positions in the city? If you're looking for a Hylian to prop up as some sign of easing tensions, there are better choices out there."
"Oh? Some higher lord? Someone who knelt to Gan without raising a sword, or used the chaos to make themselves rich?"
He nodded. "That sort of person would be more prudent."
"Well, I'm not looking for prudence. I'm looking for people who can get the job done. I'm looking for people who are worthy and will prove themselves. High lords and money grabbers may have that confidence I want from you, but I doubt any of them have the skills I want. Propped-up flesh sacks who don't know how to work. So, Durrell, the nephew of a bandit, do you?"
"How much free reign will I have to perform my duties? Lady Desquesza was not without a sense of justice, but she only learned of the worst abuses against the Hylian staff. I know all of them."
"I don't like those who torment the people weaker than them, be they Hylian or Gerudo. Cast them out."
"That will anger everyone on the council. Even your friend Commander Bethmasse, I fear. Not every guard protects."
Nabs snickered. "Do you think I'm worried about angering the council?"
"No. But you are the king's favored. Everyone in Hyrule knows the story of Nabooru Bright-Flame, his childhood friend and most trusted warrior. I'm, as you said, the nephew of a bandit. A voe with no support, no money, no knights to my name, and who's only alive because I was too unimportant to kill. Our worries will be very different."
"You've made a small miscalculation there, voe."
"In what way?"
"I am favored by Gan, that's true. But even if I'd never met him, I would still be Nabooru Bright-Flame. It just would have taken longer for everyone else to recognize it. And now you are under my protection. No one will touch you."
"I wish I had your confidence."
"You can start gaining it by standing up straight. Now, this isn't the reason why I chose you, but it is a fair coincidence and I'm going to use it. Your uncle, do you have a way to communicate with him?"
He scoffed. "You can't be serious."
"It's not a trap."
"If I ever tried sending word anywhere without our king's permission, I most certainly would be dead by now."
"Find a way."
"It may take some time. What do you want me to tell him?"
"Congratulate him. Then explain your new position and the changes I'm implementing in the capital. And tell him his war has gone on long enough. He beat me and kept an army together under impossible odds. I'm offering him and the lords that follow him an honorable return to their stations. Perhaps not as high as they were before Gan stripped them of their titles, but they will live out the rest of their days in halls and walls with their dignity."
"You think he'll agree?"
"Just send the message." Even if he refuses, I have to try. "But tell him one more thing. Whatever he is planning to use that powder on – and I know he has a plan – warn him that he cannot do it. My offer ends if he unleashes that kind of destruction."
"Of course, Lady Regent."
"You can call me, Nabs."
"Is there anything else?"
"There is still one position left on this council that needs filling. You don't happen to know anyone familiar with the intricacies of the laws of Hyrule, do you? I tried reading some of them and, by the Three, I couldn't make it further than a page before falling asleep."
"I know a few. They'd be Hylian, though."
"And here I was hoping for a Dodongo."
He smiled. "I'll write up a list."
"Good, dismissed then, Lord Castellan."
"Thank you, Nabs."
Author's Note: This will be deleted in about a month or so, or whenever I remember to. I don't really like cluttering up my story. I just wished to say a thank you to those reading. But especially those who comment while not having an account. I like writing replies that show my appreciation for those who take the time to read and comment on my work, however if you don't have an account I can't really do that. To one or more guests who comment. Thank you. And also, Happy New Year. I hope my writing pace will be picking up for this year, and those who are still with me continue to enjoy.
