Drone

27 The Rowans.

Under the concealment of the night, a meeting was in session at Wilbur's Soutfel day house. The house wasn't overly large. Not as big as his manor house at Estvor. The cottage would have to do, even if it was cramped.

Wilbur looked at his guests in the yellow lamplight across the room. Paramount Godric and his young cousin Paramount Klause stood stoically, dressed in the garb of the middle class as always.

Wilbur didn't understand why they did that. They had power, money, and station. Why didn't they show it? The only thing that marked them as noble was the metal ring on Godwin's forearm. The circlet was a Fusillade Remnant. Wilbur had no clue what it did, but he knew it was priceless.

Their choice of attire did make some sense. Most of the Estvorians and Roof Runners who crossed over into Soutvor with them were of the lower class. It sent a message of camaraderie, but still. It didn't merit much authority, which is what Wilbur would have done in their place.

Also present were a few leaders from a local gang, The Frez Seconds, and Duke Roe, a man stripped of his title and artifacts but by no means stripped of power. Wilbur was still determining how much he liked hosting these others. He tolerated it anyway because a wolf was always well acquainted.

"They're not budging," Paramount Klause said grimly. "We hit his wagons at the shipping yard, but Alred didn't send any men to back them up."

"We hit the docks," one of The Frez Seconds leaders reported. "Burned two of his ships and were only met by a few local law enforcement. They were easy to deal with." They chuckled, and Paramount Godric narrowed his eyes at them. Godric wasn't a wasteful man. He didn't delight in casualties, especially officers just doing their job. But he didn't rebuke them as he still needed their support.

"Roe?" Godric asked as he turned to the former duke.

"We stole some field artifacts," the sharply dressed man said. "Quite a few of them, too. Alred will be ruined if he doesn't deploy his garrison."

"Well, he's not moving," Klause said. "And it's only a matter of time before his sons show up with their garrisons and guns to drive us from Soutfel. We can't afford those casualties."

Godwin shook his head. "We'll abort our plan if the Kalbfel and Stemfel garrisons appear. We just need to strike him hard! What can't he afford to lose?"

"His cattle compound," Wilbur cut in, surprising himself with his answer. He had spoken before his thoughts had formed.

"Not a bad idea," the stocky Paramount Godwin nodded. "Scatter the cows."

"No," Wilbur said. "The herdsmen."

This time, Godwin protested, "There is no need to hurt bystanders." He shot a warning glance at the boys from the Frez Seconds.

"Innocent," Wilbur scoffed. "Hardly."

All eyes turned to him for an explanation.

"I've had my spies watching the compound," he lied. "It has come to my attention that the herdsmen and their families are martial men and spies, undercover, of course."

"Are you serious?" Klause asked in shock.

"Quite. Think about it. A small elite force already on the outskirts of town is in a dangerous position to counterattack. We should meet them before they hit us from behind."

That caused a stirring among those present. Even Paramount Godric stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I hadn't planned for this. Maybe Alred was ready for us more than I thought. Hiding a force of martial men and waiting for his sons could leave us trapped on all sides." He glanced at Klause with a worried frown. "I'll take care of the cattle compound personally. I want you ready to lead the attack on the manor if you get the chance."