The horse nickered softly—the sound was woody, rustling, not quite like a real horse but close enough.
She smiled."Tomorrow.I'll figure out a name tomorrow."
The Council
––––––––
THE COUNCIL CHAMBERwas built into the cliff face, its windows overlooking the lower town and the protective walls.Jin stood at the head of the table, Kenji beside him, facing the five council members.
And Viktor.
Viktor wasn't on the council, but his land holdings and wealth gave him a seat at most important meetings.He sat at the far end, perfectly groomed as always, his expression carefully neutral.
"Someone is living at the cursed farm," Jin said without preamble."A woman named Wren.She arrived approximately two days ago."The pun bread was passed around to the members, who took turns sampling it with evident pleasure.
“Needs some oil and vinegar for dipping, but what a lovely crisp crust,” one woman whispered to another.
Councilor Chen, the eldest, frowned."Living?Or camping temporarily before she realizes her mistake?"
"Living.She has a house and multiple trees, with a functioning garden."Jin paused."The crops are...unusual."
"Unusual how?"This from Councilor Yuki, who managed the town's agricultural concerns.“Aside from the bread tree, of course.Quite remarkable, that.”He nibbled on his bread, thoughtfully analyzing the flavor to see if he could detect a trace of plant.The general consensus was that it tasted like excellent sourdough.
Kenji spoke up."They're not normal crops.She has trees that produce clothes, too."He blushed, remembering the encounter.“And shoes,” he added quickly, slightly changing the subject.
The council members stared.
"She calls them pun plants," Jin said."Breadfruit grows bread.She has other trees—soap, clothing, and various goods.All functional."
Viktor's expression hadn't changed, but Jin saw his hands tighten slightly on the table."On the cursed farm.Where nothing grows."
"Where normal crops don't grow," Jin corrected."Whatever these are, they're thriving."
"Her shield was damaged," Kenji added."We assisted her in harvesting blue bulbs this morning.She had several...creatures protecting her.They called them dandelions.Plant-animal hybrids that can fight."
"Fight?"Councilor Mikhail, head of town defense, leaned forward."Effectively?"
