Vandalism

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 17th October 2009

Characters: Zathris, Luanc
Description: A cotholder comes to Zathris about an issue at his hold.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 5, day 4 of Turn 5
Notes: Takes place after "Another Escort?"

Zathris

Luanc sat on the edge of the chair, his whole body stretched upward so
that he could peer through the high window that gave onto the Hold
gardens. As pretty as they were the gardens didn't interest the
middle-aged cotholder, but the snow that was falling _did_. He trusted
his son and daughter-by-marriage, and his wife had seen all weathers
come and go at their home. There really was no reason to worry. In
their sheltered valley they might not even get the snow, anyway.

But he would rather be there instead of off on some foolish consultation
with the new Lord Holder just to avoid trouble that wasn't of their
making. Luanc relaxed into the chair and frowned.

The door opened, interrupting any thoughts that Luanc might further
entertain. The holder was greeted with a warm smile and the offer of a
friendly hand immediately upon Zathris' entrance. "Ah, welcome to Amber
Hills Holder Luanc." He didn't bother to introduce himself, feeling
there was no need, and Zathris felt like he'd be flaunting his title if
he did, so he left it at that.

Luanc was on his feet before the man spoke and took the other's extended
hand. "Thank you, Lord Zathris. But more properly I'm a cotholder.
Skybroom CotHold, it is. You might not know about us," he admitted as
an afterthought. "We grow nuts."

"Actually, the name is familiar to me." Zathris motioned for the man to
take a seat. No need for either of them to be uncomfortable, and he
took his own after he swung around his desk. "A pleasure to finally
meet you. Now, what brings you here?"

"I've a problem with the neighbours," Luanc admitted, a smile briefly
lighting his weathered face as he added: "Isn't that nearly always what
brings people to their Lord Holder?"

"You would be surprised." Zathris, of course, had some knowledge of
what people had brought to Lord Benaroy, but after ascending to the
position himself, he had a feeling he didn't hear a goodly portion of
them. Perhaps lord Benaroy had split up issues between his Steward and
his Assistant Stewards, or perhaps he had simply dealt with them
himself. Zathris, too, was learning he had to delegate. "But please,
tell me about your problems. What, exactly, is the matter?"

"It's ridiculous, really. It's the children that live in the next cot.
They raid our trees. Do damage, steal nuts. Those nuts are our
_livelihood_. But they're just children," Luanc said with a sigh, "And
their parents refuse to stop them in their misbehaviour."

"I'm going to assume that means you've tried to discuss this with their
parents." It certainly didn't sound like a good situation and Zathris
thought that the neighboring hold ought to have a bit more respect.
"What did they say when you did?"

"That the boys aren't doing any harm." Luanc's voice trembled with
suppressed emotion at the memory. "They damage the trees - instead of
beating the trunk they bash and slash at the branches - and then steal
the nuts. I _tithe_ from those nuts!"

Zathris nodded. It was serious business all right. "Did you bring proof
of the vandalism to the parents to show them the damage their children
were causing?"

"I told them I saw them with my own eyes, at first. And I carried one
of the broken branches over another time. But they won't come over to
see for themselves - it is quite a walk. The only thing I've been able
to think of is getting a large canine and teach him to keep everybody
but family off the property, but I don't really want the youngsters
being mauled."

Zathris shook his head. "No, and I'm afraid if they were, then we'd be
having an entirely different discussion." Zathris pondered a moment,
then got a bit of parchment. "I'll write a letter with the seal on it.
If you see no improvement, send me a letter and I'll send down one of
my stewards to have a chat with them."

"Would you do that?" Luanc sat up straighter, pleased with the results
of his journey. "I told them I would have to come and speak with
somebody here, and it made no difference in their attitude, but a letter
from you may do."

"I would certainly do that." Zathris understood the Holder's position -
he'd had to deal with similar issues at Willow Bend. "It's no laughing
matter and improper to not have respect for other people. I'll have
someone deliver the letter as soon as possible. What is the name of the
hold in question?"

"Shallow Creek." Relieved of some of his worry, Luanc laughed. "If
the creek was deeper we'd likely not have the problem."

"You probably would - someone would have surely built a bridge."
Zathris made a note. He could look up the Holder's name himself. "I'll
get this sent out by the end of the day if I can find someone who has a
firelizard and is familiar with the hold. If not, I will send it in the
morning."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." Luanc got to his feet. "I won't
take up any more of your time."

"It's not a problem." Zathris rose as Luanc did and reached out to take
the man's hand once more before he left. "Clear skies to you."

"And to you, Lord Zathris."

Last updated on the October 17th 2009

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Vandalism