Chapter 68

Dusty finally sent him the signal.

‘Hold out your hands, palm up,’ Dusty’s voice said in his head. James stopped pacing and faced the room. He lifted his arms and placed his hands in front as if he were holding a book across them. A large, thick book did appear open across his palms.

He looked up as he heard the gasps. After a few moments, he said, “This book contains the laws that shall be adhered to in the nation known as the Merat Kingdom, on the continent of Persia and the planet known as Terra.”

“From this day forth, this nation will be under the protection of the Diamond Overlord since your Shah is also a wizard. If you don’t wish to have wizards as your Overlord and Shah, then I shall purchase your properties at the going rate, and you can leave this kingdom. Also, from this day forth, slavery will be abolished.”

The first decree didn’t cause too much consternation. The second caused unrest, and the third abject revolt as half of the men leapt to their feet to shout out their objections. James swept one of his hands across the room as the other balanced the still-open book.

Everyone froze, and silence reigned. He let them stay like that for a full minute.

“I shall release you if you agree to sit and listen. Nod at me if you will comply,” James said as he then looked at each man in turn to gauge his compliance.

One by one, he released them. Those who had been standing found their seats again. Many of the men were quite shaken by the experience of being affected by magic firsthand.

Forcefully, James continued, “Slavery will be abolished. You people who own slaves will have one week to sort out how you going to operate without slave labour. If you have not released your slaves by the end of the week, you will have me to answer to.”

“As for the freed slaves, those people who wish to stay with their current employer will be offered the going rate for labour in accordance with the laws in this book from this day forth. Provision of living quarters is also covered for those of you who require this due to your location.”

“If after this week of negotiations, people still believe their civil rights are being abused with respect to our laws, they can come to the refuge that we are setting up.”

“Employers can also seek out legal counsel to ensure they too are being dealt with fairly. Any abuse or the willful destruction of property from this point forth will be treated as violations of the law.”

“Those people who wish to go back to Earth will be sent. We’ll organise transport for those who wish to go to any other country here on Terra or the paying of restitution from their current employer, and we will help them find employment here in Merat.”

“My agents will also personally visit each farm, household and business to ensure that no person is being held against their will. We will also check that all employees are being paid at the going rate and are being cared for.”

“I know Shah Fiaz was trying to recreate an era from Earth’s past, but I don’t share that vision. Slavery is appalling. If you don’t believe me, then I’m happy to help any slave owner to exchange places with a slave for a week and have them treat you in the same manner that you have treated them.”

James’ eyes swept the room with a hard look, and he wasn’t surprised that many here had fear in their eyes. He took note of the small group that Dusty had pointed out. They were all smiling and grinning at each other. He noticed that Saji was sitting in the middle of them.

‘I think we have underestimated Saji’s group, my love,’ he sent to Dusty.

She sent back, ‘Yes, we have learnt quite a bit more about Saji and his six confederates. I’ll fill you in, in a little while. We are ready to go if you’re almost finished.’

James looked forward again. “I wish this transition to happen smoothly and without brutality. I will not look favourably on anyone who breaks the new laws. Destruction or theft of property or the harming of others, no matter what their past actions, will not be tolerated.”

“Please keep cool heads, people. All complaints will be listened to and addressed. Slaves who wish to leave shouldn’t be stopped. For those people who have web access, you can find the laws under the government page for this Kingdom.”

“Information on how to access help is also provided on the site. Copies of the laws can also be picked up from the Council Chambers and any Police Station. I recommend you all read them, as they will be effective as of today, the first day of the new Merat Kingdom.”

He then vanished and smiled at the shocked men in the room before he blinked.

James turned to Saji and his group.

“Saji, it seems that your group are happy with my decree,” he stated.

“Yes, Shar Hasid. If you require some volunteers to help you check that the slaves have been freed, these men and our friends are more than willing to assist. None of the men in this group have slaves.”