Chapter 2.5

“As agreed upon, Ravenstead will retain all of the scavenged ammunition. We expect twenty units of food in exchange for the forty units of coal that you’ve already received. The rest will be used as payment for your services.” Stephan was sitting behind a desk within his office. Hailey stood to his right side while Rodrick stood to his left. A familiar man stood in front. “Hailey, please reiterate the conditions to the contract.”

Hailey stared at the newly drafted paper in her hands and began to deliver the contents.

“As agreed upon between Black-Rock and Ravenstead, twenty units of coal will be exchanged for twenty-five units of food. The shipments must arrive every two months in accordance with the old calendar, a delay of a week at the latest will be acceptable.”

After taking a quick breath, Hailey continued.

“Ravenstead will also be inducted into the Outskirt Coalition and will abide by the following articles:

One, members of the Coalition agree to provide the necessary resources to maintain a council-led armed force.

Two, each member of the Coalition will select three representatives that will convey their interests to the governing council.

Three, the Coalition’s armed force may only take action when deemed appropriate by majority vote from council members.

Four, members of the Coalition must show transparency in regards to all contracts with outside parties.

Five, in the cases of absolute necessity, members of the Coalition will assist one another with the bare minimum supplies needed to avoid loss.

Six, any violations to the Coalition contract will result in a severe penalty from other Coalition members.

Seven, amendments to the Coalition contract may be made with a three-fourths vote from the Council.”

Hailey then placed the contract upon the desk.

“If both representatives agree, then please sign in the indicated field.”

Stephan signed the contract and proceeded to pierce his thumb, sealing his fingerprint next to his name. The man before him quickly followed.

“To a brighter future,” Stephan cheered.

“Aye lass, luck be with ya.” The man left the office.

After the man departed, Hailey addressed Stephan.

“The articles seem a bit vague, don’t you think?”

“Otherwise the Coalition would have been too rigid.”

Stephan now turned to Rodrick. “I know you must be tired, but I have another task for you. I need you to secure the cooperation of Dainton and Armstead.”

Rodrick put his arms up in salute.

“Yessir, it is my pleasure to serve you.”

“Get some rest first, Rodrick.”

“Happily, sir.” And with that, Rodrick left the room.

“Didn’t know you had useful contacts, like him,” said Hailey in an impressed manner. “If not for his investigations, given a few months, Ethan would’ve been drinking his life away in bliss while we starved.” Hailey was usually foul-mouthed, however, she restrained herself in situations [like this one] out of respect for Stephan.

“Rodrick is one of my loyal agents from when I strategized for the Red October. I contacted him when I notice something was off.”

Both of them remained silent for a while.

“How are we going to break the news to Anya?” Hailey expressed discomfort. Before, she had no hesitations regarding Ethan’s death, seeing how he betrayed the town for his selfish gains. Guilt began to take over as she realized that Anya was now left as an orphan.

“The only thing we can.” Stephan gave a scowl and continued, “If he had only confessed when I questioned him, this could have all been avoided.” Although Stephan held resentment toward his brother-in-law, he understood that Ethan could not be held accountable for Anna’s death. Stephan was also aware of Anya’s attachment to her father and would’ve liked to avoid their current predicament, if possible.

“Ethan left me with no other choice,” Stephan lamented. He loathed himself for ordering the death of his own people. However, Stephan still believed he did what was necessary.

“It’s for the greater good,” Hailey answered in an attempted to comfort Stephan.

To digress from the subject, Hailey retrieved Anya’s strange contraption from her pocket.

“Declan told me to return this to Anya. Apparently, she threw a tantrum because she couldn’t go.”

Stephan grinned.

“So, she has this side of her, too.” Stephan pulled out a rectangular bar that was packaged in a silver wrapper. “I’m sure this will cheer her up.”

“Is that...?” Hailey recognized the item.

“Yes, chocolate. Had to save up for a while to get this.” Chocolate was one of the lost secrets of the Ancients; no one knew how it was invented, making it an expensive luxury.

“Is it really fine to just give it away like that?”

“It’s fine.” Stephan glanced at the chocolate bar. “I want her to at least be happy before she hears the news.”