Debate With The Mayor

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

"I'm sorry Dad, but we can't keep going on like this!" Tamma protested before the middle aged man that had just entered the cafe. "Even if I wasn't next on Cyclo's bargaining table, our people are struggling too much under his growing demands!"

"I know dear, but he has us in such a precarious position." The man known as Mayor Jahno Aplonica replied. "Calling warriors and mages here will only infuriate the monster, leading him to destroy our home and us. While I am sure these associates of Hugh's hero network are skilled, I doubt they fathom Cyclo's true power."

"With all due respect Mayor Aplonica, we are not pushovers either." Mitch said confidently. "We have spent an extensive amount of time training for a situation like this, and we are not only confident that we can free you, your daughter, and your people from your tormentor, but we are completely invested in doing so."

"Your boldness is admirable, but my daughter is taking a giant risk entrusting outsiders like you and your crew to take care of our giant problem, no pun intended. This could make things worse for those of us that actually live here."

"Honorable Mayor, can it really be much worse?" Rick asked slightly heatedly. "Isn't Cyclo trying to claim Tamma next? How could you be okay with giving up your daughter for someone that has no intention to stop taking whatever he pleases?"

"Young man, do you really think I would hand over my child to that beast?" Jahno replied angrily.

"How exactly did you plan on stopping him?" Rick asked, trying not to match the mayor's tone. "Making your struggling people pay even more?"

Jahno opened his mouth to reply, then stopped. He sighed, then said one more thing before leaving the cafe.

"If my daughter trusts in you, then I will do the same, for now anyway. I just hope we're not making a terrible mistake in doing so."

"I am so sorry about my father." Tamma said apologetically after his exit. "If you don't want to continue getting wrapped up in our problems, I understand."

"No worries Tamma, we are here until your town's problem is solved." Cerissa said reassuringly.

"Cyclo and your father will be shocked when our work is done." Essie added excitedly. "Trust me girl, we've got this!"

"Thank you." Tamma smiled as happy tears rolled down her face. "Let's enjoy our drinks and each other's company, then I'll show you more of the town. Then we'll talk strategy for how we'll make Cyclo's next visit his last."

To be continued....