The Church of Bipisal was the location of the town meeting that night. It was the only building in the town that was large enough for all the townspeople to gather. Mayor Arthur Maurer stood in front of the altar addressing the crowd.
“Now I would like to introduce our newest citizen, Mr. Silas Howe.” Mayor Maurer announced after welcoming everyone. “Mr. Howe is a former Wastedge Ranger. Recently he saved young Thomas Sharp from a Shadowspawn attack. He has volunteered to patrol the outskirts of the town in order to defend against fiends.”
“Finally someone to protect us!” Lewis Byrd, one of the ranchers, applauded.
Lucien Mercer watched the tall man walk toward the front. He looked like a gunslinger and certainly carried himself with the arrogance of his ancestors. The Guild Master felt vindicated for his feelings when he had first heard the man’s name.
“Good evening, everyone.” Silas Howe began in an authoritative baritone. “I am glad to have come to your town. I pledge to protect it from the fiends who pose a threat to your lives.”
Everyone except for Lucien Mercer and Laurence Malone, the man most loyal to him, erupted in excited applause at the Ranger’s vow. Mercer kept his face impassive, Laurence scowled darkly.
“Well, that’s mighty courageous of you, Mr. Howe.” Mayor Maurer complimented the Ranger. “As Mayor, I propose the town pays you a stipend for this dangerous work. It is the least we can do to show you our appreciation.”
Mercer scowled. This Diamond King was taking over the town.

Written & recorded as part of the 2019 edition of February Album Writing Month (www.fawm.org), the songs on this EP form the initial inspiration that has led me to develop my Ridgeline Soliloquy story.

See You In The Shadows…