Over the next few weeks, the accumulation of pottery grew rapidly as Jal took out his anxiety by pounding on clay. Taryn often had to remind it to do schoolwork and study herbology.

Jal ran both kilns simultaneously, one filled with unpainted items and the other finished with completed items. A frw days later, Jal made deliveries to Tunne and Minnie Blok at her greenhouse. She had seen Jal’s work in Tunne’s store and had asked for regular deliveries of flowerpots and vases for plant orders.

Piter Bumka, co-owner of Limke’s Diner slid into Jal’s booth that afternoon. “Jal, my restaurant has been in business many years. We've had broken plates, cups, saucers and bowls at various times. If I place an order from outside the valley, there are always items that arrive broken.” Piter pushed a list across the table. “I wonder if you would consider replacing my dinnerware and cups. This is what I need. I don’t expect that you’d deliver everything at once.”

Jal looked over the list. It was a huge order and would take several months to fill. "Let me type this into my tablet. I’ll put together a price list, and we can talk about the design and cost.” Piter agreed that this was a good idea.

Jurian de Clerk came into the restaurant that day. He had been hoping to catch up with Jal and Eiske and had spotted Jal’s speeder outside. He slid into the booth next to Eiske, who had joined Jal, and gave the waiter an order. “My friends,” he said, “I have news.”

“You know we are in the middle of a meadow of rabbits,” Eiske pointed out.

“Oh?”

“Yes. There are big ears all around us.”

Jurian laughed. “I understand. Perhaps you’d like to tell me whether you have more of those handsome felines available like the one at the general store?”

“I don’t. But I do know where there’s another male. I have two females at my place.” Eiske said. “I can borrow him from the Westras when mine come into heat.”

“Very good. We would like two. My daughter is begging for them. She is only one. She has fallen in love with the one in Tunne’s store.” Jurian looked at Jal. “Would you consider a special order of a piece of your wares?”

Jal chewed as it considered the question. “You’ll have to tell me what you’d like.”

“I would like a vase for my wife. It's a birthday gift for her. Perhaps in lavenders and pinks?”

“I’d love to do that for you.”

“It will be in exchange for our meeting this afternoon.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Are you certain about that?”

“Yes. Tell me, how’s business?” Jurian asked.

“I’m still trying to recover. I’m taking more time in the painting process and making pieces that have more detailed designs on them. They’ll bring in a higher price.”

“My wife has seen your work and commented on it. I suggested that we needed new tableware and she agreed.”

“Thank you. I’ll stop over with some samples early next week,” Jal said. They set up a time and Jal made a note.

After the meal, as they sat around a small table in his office, the lawyer opened a paper file. “There are several things that I want to go over with you. Before I do, I want you to remind you that our conversations here are private and confidential."

"I suggest that you initiate a charge of slander against either Oenke Bonnema or Geldou Bron regarding the impact the rumors have made. I’m going to suggest Geldou, and you’ll understand why in a minute.” Jal looked at the paperwork. Jurian went on. “I’m filing a separate charge of sending threatening messages using electronic means. The penalty for this will end up as time in !ock-up or a huge fine or both. You will win, we have the evidence. “

“I wasn’t expecting anything like this, I just want the threats stopped.”

“That is the penalty, regardless of what you want.” Jal was stunned at the anger in Jurian’s voice. “The investigation into this matter is complete. The community computer network was compromised. Six businesses and two residential accounts have been accessed illegally. Six local individuals have been identified and charged with acquiring illegal access, embezzlement, and mismanagement of Protectorate funds. One place is Jert and Onke’s business account for the boot store."

Jal and Eiske were stunned into silence.

“Charges were filed yesterday against Ea’tsme Mulder, Ulpe Hochsma, Tsjark Holtrup, Donje Tromp, and Geldou and Haerm Bron. This is why I believe the slander charge should be against Geldou."

"My sister?!" Eiske nearly shouted. "What is she thinking?"

"I believe the access to the various accounts began on the day that Jal received the first email threat and the withdrawal from its bank account. Geldou will be tried by herself because of the email threats. During my investigation, I spoke to several people who informed me that Geldou was telling people you were dead. Here is the paperwork for that charge.” He pushed it across the table to Jal.

“Maybe I should drop this whole thing,” Jal said doubtfully. “What could I hope to gain? Rumors are flying around that they haven’t got the money to pay for certain things, and even though I'm sure that’s a lie, we’re still talking about emotional damage. This is so vague. A reputation isn’t measurable. Wouldn’t it make my situation worse by making everything so public?”’

“It became public when I filed the charges of threatening you through electronic means. Do you have any questions for me?” Jurian asked.

“Yes,” Jal spoke hesitantly, “Is the charge for hiring someone to commit a murder, in reference to the shooting while we were out camping?”

“It is. The Protectorate officials didn’t have all the evidence it needed to make a conviction stick, but now the local legal system does. They found electronic communications between Geldou and the man that was the shooter. He refused to say who asked him to kill you. But now the authorities have evidence.”

“I’m very anxious about this.”

“The people who did that are in lock-up. They’ll appear before a judge tomorrow morning.” He studied Jal’s face. “Jal, you may get called as a witness for the prosecution. If you do, let me do the talking.”

Jal groaned. “I wish I could just run off to Nik! I’m worried that the anger and revenge are going to seep down to Melle, Obbe and Kleis.”

“It already did when they destroyed Eiske’s property. We need to stop their parents, before the boys decide it’s okay to do what Haerm and Geldou did.”