Every Battle Lord's Nightmare by Linda Mooney Page B

Willhem,” the other councilman spoke out. “He could very well be acting under threat of retaliation.”
                Twoson scowled at the man. “And who might you be?”
                “The name’s Banyon.”
                “I take it you’re the vocal dissenter in the council?”
                Yulen had to bite his lips to keep from smiling at the insult.
                Twoson snorted and addressed Obrey directly. “We encountered a colony of bats on our way here, which is why we request asylum. Add my voice to D’Jacques’ in calling for the three laws.”
                “You will owe us nothing other than the safety of this compound,” Atty added. “If you do not wish to discuss any matters with us, that is your right. You have my word as Mutah.”
                Obrey grunted. After another few seconds, he nodded. “Very well. You and your men may take refuge behind our walls for the night, but we request you leave at first light in the morning.”
                “Exactly my intent,” Yulen assured him.
                “Wait!” Banyon moved forward to accost the council leader. “You can’t grant them the privilege without a vote!”
                “I can, and did, the same way I allowed them into our compound in the first place,” Obrey snapped. “Furthermore, I’m thinking it might be wise to listen to what the battle lord has to say.”
                Banyon gasped. “You’re not serious!”
                “Not only is he serious, but he’s wise, which is probably why he’s head of council and not you,” Twoson rebutted. His demeanor changed, and when he spoke again, it was with a softer tone. “Banyon, forgive me for my outburst, but I can see you are young and headstrong. Most likely you’re inexperienced in dealing with issues such as this. But I can also tell you are intelligent, which is why you have earned an austere place among the townspeople. All D’Jacques asks is to be heard. That’s all.”
                Obrey glanced at the younger man. “You have one voice in the council, same as I do. But this will demand the entire council’s decision. D’Jacques?” He turned to the battle lord. “By seeking the Three Laws of Equality, I will assume you are fully aware of what will happen if any of those laws are broken. Any and all punishment will rest on you.”
                “And me,” Twoson noted.
                Yulen nodded. “I accept all responsibility. And I thank you for allowing us to stay the night.”
                Obrey surveyed the group of soldiers beyond the front gates. “As I said, we don’t have accommodations for all of you, but I can offer you and your immediate entourage a warm abode.”
                “Thank you again, Obrey. However, we would feel more comfortable using our own tents, and not put any further burden upon you and your staff. In exchange for your hospitality, we brought enough game to feed the whole of North Crestin.” Yulen waved a hand to signal the provisions wagon.
                For the first time, the tiny hint of a smile crossed Obrey’s face. “Very well. I accept your payment. Tonight, we feast.”
                “What about meeting with them?” a third voice chimed in. By the man’s tone, he was obviously curious.
                Obrey gave him a slight nod. “I am calling a meeting of the council now to discuss whether or not we should hear what the battle lord proposes.” He faced Yulen. “You will be notified of our decision.”
                Yulen straightened. “Thank you.”
                Obrey answered with another grunt, then pivoted around and walked away. The others who had gathered with him followed in silence.
                Having been dismissed, Yulen turned to face his own men.