Day 21

Tẽra took her pets into the first session with her. The peace conference was exhausting, but it needed to happen.

Everyone eyed Flynn her new pet gogobeast. Otchulissa felt jealous and took a swipe at her new frenemy. Tẽra separated them.

General Pan put up his hand.

“Yes general?” Tẽra inquired

Ginger was sitting next to Tẽra.

“My queen, we appreciate you wanting to keep your word and step down leaving the kingdom to Ginger. But we have had our share of sprout rulers and we want you to stay as queen until the girl is has reached twenty cycles.” He proposed.

Tẽra’s face fell.

“Why?” she asked.

He looked at Ginger.

“She is not ready.” General Pan said.

Tẽra thought on her feet, home was within reach and she was happy to go. But this request based on real potential problems made her feel obligated.

Tẽra stood up.

“This council will be making decisions, not one girl. We will make a set of rules for all future rulers including yourselves. We will all sign it on behalf of our tribes and our regions. Agreeing to all that will be listed. As the representatives given authority to make decisions for your tribe or region your seal will be binding.”

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Tẽra gaged how well this idea was being received. So far so good.

“First the majority of the council must agree on something before it can be passed. Second each person who has a seat here has a vote that counts one, the queen has a vote that counts two. When Ginger bonds her man will have a vote that counts one. Their child um, sprout, that takes the throne will have a vote that counts two, but their partner will have a vote that counts one. Next any member holding a position on this council can be replaced by their tribal royalty or region leaders. If anyone on this council is murdered, the person responsible will die. Their children will die, their mate, and their parents will all die. The entire family will be erased. If someone holds a seat here, they may not be touched. If someone sitting here is accused of wrong and it is found true the council will agree what will happen to them based on what they did. Holding a seat in this council means representing your tribe. Do it well.”

So far everyone seemed happy so Tẽra continued.

“As leaders and representatives on this council it will be your responsibility to ensure justice in the land. This includes for slaves. Slaves will have rights, they must be fed properly, more than one meal per day, preferable three proper meals per day. If a slave is forced to lie with her master, they will no longer be a slave but become free as this is abuse. If a slave loses an eye, they will go free because of that lost eye. They will no longer be a slave. Slaves will need clothes that are warm enough in winter and suitable for the work they are doing. They will be provided with the right clothes for the job and season all year round.”

Tẽra saw they were not happy.

Keimoni whispered to her.

“It’s a cycle, not a year.”

“All cycles, slaves will be provided their basic needs. Including a bath.”

“You are making owning slaves an expensive thing.” They objected.

“I was advice to make it illegal. But I understand people would lose too much. So, I have made a workable option. It’s simple, either slaves are treated as people or it’s outlawed.” Tẽra said.

Ginger nodded.

They murmured among themselves and then silence fell.

Tẽra continued wanting to make the position on the council an honor and responsibility.

“If someone of this council perverts the law or takes a bribe to prevent justice and is found guilty, they will work in the mines as a slave for the rest of their life.”

“This is a heavy set of rules.” Drake said.

“The responsibility of this world rest on those here. It is not a light duty. The responsibility to make things better is on you. Not one queen or king, but all of you and if you are not up for it then leave or appoint someone who is.” Tẽra replied.

Hodge made up a scroll with what would be the beginnings of a constitution for Chayim.

Everyone there signed it with their royal seal. It was now official, Chayim was changing and it would never be the same.

Once everyone was done Tẽra announced.

“My friend is getting bonded. It is a royal wedding and you are all invited. You will be expected to present a gift to the couple. This bonding will take place as soon as her sister returns. That could be any day now, even today.” Tẽra announced.