The discussion was not a short one, nor did it completely involve Marry. Laws on murder, rape, theft, and other issues were being worked on. John recognized it for what it was. One part doing something that needed done months ago and another putting off the uncomfortable situation with Marry. The talking went well into the night and many chose to sleep on cots or in their chairs instead of venturing out into the cold once more. The next day more dwarves and those of the beast races were involved. This revealed the flaws in the current Order. It was young and it was full of fighters and not thinkers. Luckily, they had an administrator in Jasmine to do that for them while David was still recovering.

They talked, and talked, and talked some more. Truthfully Azanii was growing bored of it. Three days of it and she could tell it was something needed for these people. It was pointless for her own. The worst part was John, her sister's mate, was stuck in these talks as a high-ranking official of the order. His opinions mattered. But it drew time away from magic research to get her back to her people. Worse, her sister was beginning to show signs of something unexpected. Joy appeared on Azanii face when she drifted off in her sister's situation. Fortunately for her, no one noticed.

Rick was in his own world during the talks. His only thoughts were on Marry and Adam. He loved Marry, but she never thought things all the way through. She was a joy to be around and could throw one hell of a party, but that was also her flaw. She wanted to bring as much joy to as many people as she could. That is probably why, except at the end, she was probably the happiest person in that whole hellhole of a transition stage. No wonder she volunteered so quickly. With near-unlimited funds, provisions, and almost no oversight. She made connections fast. It was the night before the ants appeared Rick realized that she had leveled from the experience.

Rick sat there with his thumbs pressed to the bridge of his nose between his eyes and his fists pushed together. To the others of the Wardens, they could only see him deep in thought about his wife. Worrying about her future. But Gark could tell he was struggling with something he has had experienced with himself. After watching for hours, this man in an awful position, he knew the delay had to end.

“... and so a 100-acre tax-free homesteads for fifty years should be the limit. A vote, to add this to the next ballot.”

After a quick vote to add the homestead proposition to the ballot of things they want David to look at Gark stood from his chair.

“ Before we continue onto the next issue, it has dawned on me that me and my co-councilor have only overheard the majority of the proceedings over the last few days.”

Someone gently nudged the sleeping dwarf and he looked around startled to see Gark addressing the others.

“ As our original purpose is to witness the judgment of one Marry Loren, I ask you to do so so I and my associate can begin again in our own duties. Then you can continue this long debate and arrange a time when all three of the ruling council can overlook your suggestions.”

Azannii took the chance to stand as well.

“ In addition, this sounds like talks of inner politics and laws. Nothing concerning trade nor relations with my people. As this has taken enough time away from the joint research as well with Warden John and my sister. I must see him working where he is needed most post haste.”

This caused those in the room to start talking amongst themselves before Jake stood.

“ As senior Warden, I must agree with this. Look upon our brother and ask yourself if you could endure the waiting as he had in silence. A judgment must be made. We all have agreed to her guilt. We all have agreed to her punishment. Now we must now agree to the severity of her punishment.”

The room goes quiet and after a minute Rick stands.

“ When David warned Marry to not open her mouth. One of the things he warned her of is the removal of herself and me from the Wardens. I stand before you two sides of a single coin. On one side, a Warden, perhaps the only man alive who currently can upgrade the Warden armor in every aspect. On the other side, I am a husband, a husband who knows how much of a bitch his wife is...”

Rick takes a deep breath and releases it slowly.

“ In the middle, I am a father. And ultimately I wish the best for my boy. First, she shall be removed from the Wardens. This will mean no more free room and board. She will have to pay rent. She will no longer receive discounts in the store. And I want her nowhere near my son while I am not there. I can not overlook what she did this time. Now if you will excuse me. I need to go to my son and wonder how I am going to raise him without his deadbeat mother.”

This caused the entire room to look on stunned as Rick slowly walked away to the door and promptly left without looking back.

“ He is correct, excising her is the bare minimum. In light of no other viable alternatives, I call for a vote on her punishment be this and if she leaks any information about the order or our allies, it means her death... A show of hands for agreement.”

Slowly the first hand went up and soon nearly every Warden had their hand raised. Closing his eyes Jake turned to his own wife.

“ As of this moment, Marry Loren is no longer a member of the order. She is no longer exempt from paying dues for the upkeep of her residence nor permitted discounts to the store. All services provided will be charged in full as well. She will no longer receive free labor or resources. In addition, she will be fined one-half of her sign-up bonus as a penalty for breaking her oath of secrecy. And may God have mercy on her and us for what is about to come.”