Free Eden's Hammer by Lloyd Tackitt Page B

opinions on the ones I don’t know. I understand your reservations and accept them. I am convinced, though, that once I start training you, you’ll understand that it really is up to you, not someone else. You’ll be able to evaluate these folks in action and see for yourself. Sometimes, you just get hard stuff thrust on you because you’re the best available, and this is one of those times. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is.”
    Linda studied Adrian’s eyes for a long moment, judging whether or not he was being sincere. Ultimately, her instincts told her that he was playing it straight. She responded, “That’s quite a speech, and it’s also quite complimentary. But speeches and compliments do not change facts, and I have to look at this from a factual basis, not an emotional one. I stand by what I said: I’ll take it on with full reservations that if I find a better person for the job, then that person takes over. If after one week I cannot honestly say someone else can do it better, then I’ll continue on…if you still think I’m the best person for it after you’ve seen me in operation for a week. That’s the best I can give you right now.”
    Before Adrian could reply, Sarah spoke. “Linda, I’ve raised Adrian since he was eight years old. You’ve only known me for a couple of weeks and Adrian for a couple of days. If it is of any help to you, I can promise you that he is sincere and honest. I can’t remember ever catching him in a lie, even as a little boy. Whenever he did wrong, he didn’t avoid responsibility or try to talk his way out of it. He took whatever consequences he had coming and never once tried to lie his way out. I’m well aware of how rare that is, and how you have little reason to believe it. I’m just telling you what I know for what little peace of mind you can get out of this. It’s a hard thing he’s asking you. But I’m asking you, too, and for the same reason. I know the women in this village, and I know a little about you. What I know of you makes me trust you, and I’m willing to trust you with my life, and my grandchildren’s lives. I can’t imagine any stronger way to put it than that. You’re the best we have for this.”
    Linda reached across the table and squeezed Sarah’s hand. “Thank you, Sarah. Thank you very much. That means more than you know. I realize, too, that you and the entire village are placing a lot of trust in me, and that’s an honor as high as any I have ever imagined. I’ll do the best I can for a week, and then we’ll see from there. Okay?”
    Sarah and Adrian simultaneously said, “Okay”
    March 9, late afternoon
    Roman addressed the villagers, who had all gathered in the village square at his request.
    Roman stood in front of the crowd. “The reason I asked you here is to give you a vote on whether or not you want Adrian or someone else to lead us in this war against the raiders. I called him home to lead us, but I won’t be the only one following him—or following someone else we choose. Obviously, my vote is for Adrian. I’m his uncle, I raised him since he was eight years old, so I’m clearly biased.
    “This is a life or death situation. When we fight, if we choose to fight, some of us will die. I think that’s a given fact. So you have an absolute right to choose who you will follow. Your very life depends on who you follow. Therefore, let me hear any nominations for a leader. Nominate yourself or someone else. If anyone has an alternative plan, please raise your hand.” There was a long silence, and no hands were raised. “Please do not be shy about this, it’s too important. Anyone with any nomination, please raise your hand.”
    After another long silence, one hand was tentatively raised way in the back. “Yes?” Roman said. “Who’s your nominee?” A voice from the back said, “Adrian, of course.”
    Roman said, “All right, then, let’s have a show of hands for those who are willing to follow