Page 55 - North Star Magazine 2022

provided for during times of crisis. My job is to ensure that farmers from across the continent are equally contributing to the capital’s emergency storage,” said Lou.
“Ah? Are we getting ready to go to war?”
“Natural disasters can kill just as many as battle. East, West, South,
North we are all one people and so we must all contribute to the store for the betterment of our people.” Lou smiled. Lou’s responses sounded rehearsed to Rilos. It was as if he were trying to sell him something that he couldn’t refuse. Not that he could; refusing this seller would end poorly for the old man, likely with a blade to the belly.
“The only crisis happening around here is the bandits. I heard they’s torchin towns.”
Lou appeared to be unimpressed by this comment. He squinted his eyes and forced a hard smile.
“We have heard of these bandits, yet despite our efforts to purge them from the east, they’re a bit more allusive. I cannot deny their existence or the barbaric crimes they commit, but I can promise that your village is protected. We have placed a Mage of the Elements outside your town. Should they invade, the mage will be alerted and will end the attack before any true damage can be inflicted.”
“This sorcerer is hiding somewhere in the woods? And he will see when the bandits ride into town? What if they come from the woods? No way one man has the power to stop a pack of those fiends.” Rilos was prodding him. If he pressed the right button, then he could use his ignorance against him. Naivety was the easiest way to compromise an interrogation.
“Once more, I can assure you that the sorceress protecting your land is quite capable of handling a group of men with blades and torches. Now if we could proceed to business-” Lou was cut off by a grunt from Rilos
“Erragh, so ya taking my crops. How much do ya plan on taking?” asked Rilos.
“We will be taking seventy-five percent of your harvest by the end of the season. It is important to note-” Hearing the number caused a flood of fury into his stomach. His heart began pounding against his ribs, and he felt a rush of blood through his face.
“Seventy-five percent?! Do you intend to starve this particular village, or the entire east? There is not a natural disaster large enough for me to sacrifice the