Zarsh looks down at her feet. “As I said before, I have no say. You’re the new chief, and I am honor-bound to obey your wishes.”
You nod and release her trembling hand. While you had hoped for a bit more willingness, this would have to do for now. “Fine. So, how would I go about this?”
“Well, you’ll have to speak with the village priest about it.”
Your heart drops a little. In this backward wasteland, what kind of priest can you expect? “There’s a priest? Is he going to be trouble?”
“Who can say? I’ve known him since childhood, so he may be more receptive if I am with you.”
“And what good will it do me if I convince him?”
“The priest is connected to the magic energies of the land, including the sacred swamp. Unless you plan to challenge and defeat every male in the village, an impossible task as many of the men will no doubt forfeit, you will need his expertise. Also, his support will certainly help in gaining the cooperation of the village.”
“Fine,“ you sigh. “Let’s see what he has to say.”