The Lizard King

Part 13: New Rules

Kayla woke up in her homemade bed, shivering as her head popped up. She'd forgotten to light a fire and last night the weather had taken a turn. The wool blanket she had acquired from town a week ago helped but it was clear she'd need more.

She could tell the weather was bad because of her housemate. Kayla's mother often stayed in town when the weather was fair but when it turned, no one would ever offer the refuge to a drunkard. Whenever Kayla saw her in her own bed, she knew it was serious.

Kayla's stomach still tied itself in knots when she saw her mother like this, hungover and barely coherent, but not as much anymore. Maybe it was the time she was spending away from town with Riptheil or just her newfound pity of those who've lost things in their past. She couldn't put her finger on it. Nevertheless, Kayla's reaction was the same: she covered her back up with the blanket and dressed warmly enough to head out for the day.

A light snow had fallen last night, only an inch or so, but it had stuck. Kayla could see the tracks of several small animals that had trudged their way through the whiteness. They weren't prepared for this either. Perhaps she'd visit Riptheil afterwards. Reptiles don't tend to do well in the cold and she wanted to make sure he was okay. Who knows? Maybe he sensed it coming and was able to prepare in time. Lizardlings are curious creatures.

As she entered into town square, Kayla quickly took note of something. Right in front of the old sheriff's station was a large soapbox, emptied of course. Someone was probably going to make an announcement soon. Kayla forgot about the blankets for a moment and began to make her way over. It wasn't everyday where someone would speak publicly in Vernharte.

Many other people were beginning to take notice as well and began to gather around. Just a few minutes later and almost the whole town was out in the square, shivering in the cold and eagerly talking amongst themselves as to what could be happening. Even when Kayla's father was sheriff were there hardly any speeches given by him. The only people who weren't there were Kayla's mother, who was still sleeping off the ale, and Marlana who, as she so eloquently stated before, would "sooner shove her head in a wasp nest than listen to some fucknut in the street." She always did have a way with words.

After about ten minutes several rangers dressed in dark green robes and light leather armor came out, followed by a large, imposing man. He was dressed in mostly black and wore a chain mail shirt with a broad leather vest atop. His hat was one common for rangers in the day and he boasted a short, black beard. As he stepped onto the soapbox, which only served to make him look even bigger than he already was, his reddish-brown eyes darted all around the crowd. Kayla could feel his eyes and they looked down on her, almost piercing her skin, before they moved on. She didn't have to guess as to who this man was. The way he carried himself, the way he commanded authority, she knew this man was the new sheriff.

Finally, after a moment or two of examining his audience, the sheriff began to speak from his soapbox in a deep, booming voice. "Good morning to you, O people of Vernharte. I am your new Sheriff, Marcus Lomew. I have no doubt that most of you have heard of me by now and believe me I would've liked to do this sooner but sheriff business has called to me before I was able to do so. I apologize for that. Now that I am here, I do intend to do my job. The hordes of roving bandits and brigands out here has not gone unnoticed by those in the Palace City. That is why they have sent me. Allow me to assure you that if you follow our rules and do as we say then these bandits and brigands, this filth that has infected you and your town shall be dealt with justly and harshly."

At this, the crowd began to murmur in general agreement. Obviously the prospect of finally being without brigands sounded amazing. Vernharte was a merchant's town after all. It would be nice to not have to worry so much about the caravans being interrupted or worse.