Chapter Eighteen

Twenty competitors in one camp. Not counting bonded pets, spirits, talking swords, an astral copy of someone's grandpapi, a flute who begs to be played, of course, Loap, and Prince Adric. Eight of the twenty-four other contestants who were introduced were among their numbers. The rest were plucked from the crowd and eager to prove themselves. All of them were excited, competitive, and curious about what challenges were waiting. At the same time, they were deferential, polite, and full of ideas about what the camp needed.

Yes, someone would need to dig latrines. Shelters were a priority too. These kinds of obvious topics were quick to enter those initial conversations. It had been a hint. One that was answered when Harmony was pulled aside by Tyler.

"Oh, just, perfect." [Poise and Bearing] was in full force, keeping her tone as flat and even as possible.

Why, with all their bleeding options, did they make her in charge of them!? In principle, it was simple in that she wasn't there for the vote and could neither argue for nor against taking the position. No one else openly wanted it, and Tyler, trying to be helpful, advocated on her behalf at the same time Loap bounced about being a Royal White cheerleader. Deeply communing with the obelisk had been costly in that respect. Refusing, well, better the danger you know than the chaos of starting over.

Adric leaned in. "Uncle Benji says with great authority comes great responsibility. That's why I've tried my best to avoid both."

Being Lady White didn't come with leadership experience. Bates and Ambrosia handled most issues, interpreting most wants and needs and turning her requests into actionable results. On the streets, running around the guts of theaters, and working as a maid had put her on the receiving end of "leadership" enough times.

Servant, worker, or minor nobility, no one liked to be told what to do which is why being the one in charge rotted as everyone's misery ended directed upwards. No one liked the person who told them what to do even if it made people's lives more comfortable or won them competitions. And in the Ascendant Games, they'll get the opportunity to vote that person out.

[Recall] flipped back through old memories, as her royal position, and her new class of eraser went to work challenging this problem. It was one summer, running through Hazeldown's dry dead heat, to deliver a playwright's latest pages all to get a handful of points before Bonny Bess did, that rose up. It wasn't real money, but you could get some things more valuable than money for them, things only stage manager Wing could offer.

A childish system, but more than half of these challengers were just out of that phase. Harmony could see the softness in their faces and body language as she addressed the group with Adric at her side. "Thank you for naming me our group leader. We will be operating under a system where camp contributions will earn you points that can be exchanged for goods, services, or favors. There will be a public record of your contributions, demonstrating your value for all to see."

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Traveling stage manager Wing had all the kids who weren't old enough to make class and profession selections running to the four corners to earn points, which could be exchanged for speaking parts, costume jewelry, signed sketches, and candy. There was also pride in earning the most points. Too many kids aimed for the top.

"If you have any questions, disputes, or problems please direct them to camp manager Prince Adric."

Harmony leaned up and whispered into her pet's ear. "Can't escape responsibility this time."

The crowd all started asking questions at this, talking over each other. It was a little bit of chaos she expected. The quiet of [Final Silence] spread out, killing off the noise. Once no one was speaking, Harmony let the effect end.

"We've lots to do and little time to do it. Those with crafting skills need to tell us the materials needed for us to make armor, weapons, and clothes. We need to take stock of usable resources, make shelters, and hunt for food. After that, figuring out the secrets of the obelisk will take priority until the next part of the Games is made clear. You know your strengths, if you can't figure out what to do next go to Adric. Bonds and familiars can earn contribution points. Work now and we can rest later. Go!"

They made her leader. What did they expect? If they could get everyone fed, sheltered, and equipped it would be a win. Now came the problem of actually devising a points system. That and keeping people busy.

Adric was perfect for harrying the contestants. Harmony had experienced his speed in those little games of tag they played. He made sure everyone was at work. And when he found the probability accountant, Harmony stole him for her purposes.

Gareth Brine was a bookie. "The thing is you always want the best rewards just out of reach. You want them close enough that they can smell it, yet they need necessities that make it nearly impossible."

"And you think offering a spot in my royal household is one of those top prizes? That's just rewarding someone's hard work with more hard work?" Harmony asked doubtfully.

"We all came in here naked as babes, so it's not like you have much to offer. Earning one of the titles in the Ascendant Games is an abstract dream, but solid employment that's something you can bank on." Gareth answered with a grin.

He was right that she didn't have much to offer right now. "Keep it. Now let's talk necessities versus luxuries. "

Gareth's principles were sound. One could gain eighty contribution points by putting up their time or general services but it would cost one-hundred and ten contribution points to purchase them and in that way, people always had to input more than they got for output. The house always wins.

They worked as they talked. While Adric was the enforcer making sure everyone was working, Harmony walked from person to person asking what they could do and what they wanted while giving them breaks. It cost her almost all of the rewards from the mimics, a sip of the water, and a taste of the bars. Most of the Competitors were dropped into the spider area and the few who ran into mimics chose discretion over fighting them while naked.

"We'll need to reconvene regularly to adjust points as needs change and some members find loopholes and ways to abuse the system. For my four hours of consultation time that will be three hundred and twenty contribution points for me."

Harmony wasn't convinced Gareth hadn't made a loophole and abused it. "Very well. I'll contact you when I need input."

That evening three shelters were built, and a mound of spider corpses got hauled in. Cooked, they tasted like a bland crab. The lake was fresh water, drinkable, and had fish. Harmony got the first shelter because sometimes it was good to be in charge.

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