Jaen Bartlett

The plot of Jaen's childhood home now stood in the midst of a recreation area and historic park. The shaded evergreen ledges about the Bartlett Pool stood as impressive as ever, though well-trodden by industry and the curious feet of many years. Much of the old infrastructure was long gone, hinted at by large moss-covered blocks of stone. A small city once stood around the falls, and though the walls were dismantled and removed, the community remained. Thoroughfares into the hills widened, and the now-rural township became busy with visitors on their way through the mountains or just coming to the river for its crisp water and deep pools. Jaen's family, though no longer rulers of the falls, nevertheless maintained a quiet respect in the community equal to their royal prestige of old. Thus it was that he grew up into a naïve sense of entitlement and thought it only natural that he should one day help to shape and guide a community.

Given the rise of the Empire, and the transition to township rule, Jaen found little opportunity at home. Bartlett Falls was constrained by regional regulations due to its notoriety, and though the people in charge were friendly with his own family, they were calmly obstinate when it came to any involvement of his in town affairs. Jaen's role it seemed, was to be a passive friend of the town, and the upkeep of the historic park. He wanted more than that.

One day a man stopped for a rest on his way up the river. Jaen was nearby as he told his story, and overheard the man say he came from a township that was just getting itself set up as such.

“Used to always just be a bunch of farmers,” the man had said, “I think there was a city established there of some sort a very long time ago, but you would hardly know it now. All forest and hillside. Anyway, their getting enough of a population center there that the people're looking to form a more stable governance. How they'll make out I sure don't know. It's why I got out of there- the different factions can't seem to agree on anything, and I figure it was going to get worse before anything got sorted out. I'm looking for a more stable township, one that already knows what it is, if you know what I mean. Maybe I'll go back someday, though it's not like it's my ancestral home or anything...”

Upon talking with the man, Jaen learned that his fledgling township lay out in the Haven valleys. A mass of foothills lay separate from the rest of the mountain folds. Tumbled gentle slopes rose high above a sheltered valley, and a good size dam held back water from a spring in a beautiful round reservoir. This was a lovely pastoral place looking for its way in the world. Jaen saw it as his opportunity. He would go to that place, the newly-created township of Norton Brook, and become the savior who would help shape their society. Not only did he feel an innate sense of destiny, but also a desire to see a new community flourish and not descend into chaos. If they could not agree among themselves, he would lead them for their own sake.

It was with some confusion then that he left the village office at the lakeside after speaking only briefly with members of the town council. He was not dejected altogether by their dismissal of his ideas for the town, but his spirits were dampened somewhat. They had told him he at least had not missed the vote for leadership, but that it would be awfully hard for an outsider to get on the ballot in the next three days. His companions were supportive, but Leb in particular advised returning to Bartlett Falls.

“There is no shame in going back Jaen. You've come as a representative of a notable house and offered your guidance. They have refused, and there is no sense not acknowledging that fact. You can't win an election on short notice as a stranger. For better or ill we must leave them to their own devices.”

Jaen's mood had darkened. He had visited with townsfolk for most of the afternoon and while many were kind to him, none had seemed supportive of his taking a hand in their government. “What, and return to my parents to tell them I came all the way here for folly? I know what the township thinks of me back home. I'm nothing more than a pampered royal; a figurehead to be polished and put back in my museum to greet visitors to the falls. They forget my ranging and hunting. They forget I know those falls and how to govern them better than anyone since my great-grandfather who owned the mills.”

Leb looked at Jaen with compassion, seeing the fire in his friend's eyes. Then shouldered his pack and said: “Jaen Bartlett, I have been your companion and will continue to be your friend, should you find yourself. I wish you the best of luck, but I will not fight this battle with you.” and with that he turned away. Niisi too apologized, but said her path also did not lead where he was taking them and went to follow Leb.

Jaen looked at Sutton, the question unspoken on his face. The tall man gave a smile that may have been more of a grimace, and clapped Jaen on the shoulder. “I will stay by your side young master. Though if we are to proceed we will need caution.”