So, ten votes for A against 6 for B. You guys really love your neighborhood friendly Wielder.
The expedition had been gone for two weeks. Days had been quiet at the settlement, with no note-worthy events.
Then, one afternoon, a boat could be seen approaching from the river. First a small dot, it slowly increased in size as it drew nearer, until everyone could see it was carrying two members of the expedition.
The council gathered quickly on the river's bank, fearing the worst, fearing everyone was lost. That particular fear was soon forgotten. But the men's report was disquieting.
Uneasy murmurs accompanied the tale, first when the scouts talked about the nightmarish change in scenery once the hills were left behind, then, even more, when the walking and beastly fire spirits were described.
But the worst was yet to come. One of the two finished his report: "Thus, when we saw the fighting prowess of those spirits, the Wielder sent us back, with the agreement of the rest of the expedition, with a request. He asks the council to bestow him the red stone, so he can communicate and perhaps convince the spirits to let us pass peacefully or, he said, even convince them to side with our tribe. We haven't found neither obsidian or coal, yet, but we were still a day or two away from the mountain's slopes. We need this, if the mission is to succeed."
The water shamans who were listening on the report immediately started shouting angrily: "You can't really consider this! It's a trick! It will come haunt us back later!" a few in the council nodded their heads in agreement.
The fire keepers were of a different position: "We have to listen to the Wielder. He has kept faith with the tribe for all this time, he could have created trouble but he didn't after we chastised him. And obtaining the help of these living fire spirits is paramount!" a few others nodded.
A fierce, but quick debate ensued. Shouts, curses and threats were exchanged, but in the end most of the council decided to entrust the two men, plus five more to avoid incidents, the gem, to be brought to the Wielder.
Two boats left that evening, loaded with more supplies and with a red stone.
Nothing further was heard in camp for three more weeks. Then a month. Talk had begun in the council to send a smaller expedition to check on the larger, when they came back.
They came back on foot, on the near side of the river. They came back, and they did not come back alone.
Marching along the expedition fire spirits could be seen. As big as men or bigger, they matched the scouts' descriptions. They strode forward next to the Wielder, twenty of them, full of purpose. What that purpose was, the council would soon find out.
The Wielder, accompanied by the expedition (with the notable absence of the water shaman) approached the village, then stopped.
The council came forward slowly, frightened by the fire spirits.
The Wielder stepped forward, the Gem held in his hand. He regarded the council, then smiled. It was not a kind smile: "So... elders. Here I am. After years of humiliation, here I am, back where it all started. With the Gem. And allies. - his smile suddenly vanished – I came back to collect my due. My destiny. I was chosen by the fire spirit. Chosen to rule, not to bow and scrape to a group of old, frightened men who will never take a risk, never make a move to greatness – he raised his voice to a shout, he could now clearly be heard in the whole settlement – This tribe was chosen! Chosen by the fire spirit as his proxy in our land! We are destined for conquest, we are chosen to submit the weak tribes surrounding us and make them strong, strong like we will be! Follow me in this new age! Follow me, to glory!"
He cooly regarded the council: "I am not ungrateful. You could have killed me, long ago, yet you didn't. Thus I will offer a choice... stand with me... or against me... what will it be?"
His eyes glowed, red with his inner fire, while he waited for an answer.
A. Some men in the onlooking crowds started to prostrate themselves to the ground, chanting the Wielder's name. The councilors, frightened by the fire spirits, had no choice but to imitate them.
B. In the middle of the crowd, armed men were gathering around the water shamans, spitting curses towards the wielder and forming a battle line. The councilors quickly made their way to them, making a stand.
C. On the outskirts of the crowd, during the speech, several men started quietly moving away towards their homes, obviously trying to grab some supplies and get away before things got ugly. The councilors retreated, joining them in their attempt to escape.
Ok guys. This is the most important choice so far in the second act. Think carefully, because whatever you choose, there is no going back. Voting on!
