The day after the feast the village elders including the current village leader, Caldor, gather around. A fierce large ogre with a mustache by the name of Brody growls, “Well, why have you gathered us today, old man?”

Caldor snorts and says, “I’ve decided to pass down the village head position to my great-granddaughter, Wren.”

Brody sputters in protest, “Are you mad? We can’t just pass down the village head seat willy-nilly!” The rest of the village elders clamor up in protest as well.

A wizened female elder by the name of Agnes says, “Enough” The village elders surprisingly quiet down as Agnes continues, “Very interesting, Caldor, you, wily old fox. You wouldn’t purpose such a thing if you weren’t confident in your decision. So, stop keeping us in suspense and go on with it.”

The village elders turn to stare at Caldor, who says, “If you follow me outside, you will understand why.” The village elders comply and exit the stone home.

Wren is currently restlessly sitting on a log as she waits for the village elders to exit. Wren sits up at seeing them emerge as she fidgets in excitement where she stands. Caldor nods at Wren, while the rest of the elders wait for Caldor to show him whatever it was he wanted. Wren opens her mouth and suddenly the second seat of razor sharp teeth emerges.

Some of the newer elder’s blink in shock while those like Agnes or Brody eyes fill with moisture and excitement. “At last, the Goddess Silvia has blessed us,” Agnes muttered. Without waiting for the others to react, Agnes kneels despite her old age and says, “I humbly greet the new matriarch Frost Clan Head.” Instantly the rest of the elders do the same and say the same words including Caldor.

Wren anxiously says, “There is no need for such formalities, please rise!” Wren hastily helps the village elders back to their feet as Caldor beams in pride.

Brody snorts at Caldor’s smile and says, “It’s not you, we’re bowing to you, but the new matriarch!”

Caldor stares down his nose and snobbishly says, “My precious great-granddaughter is descended from my loins it’s basically the same thing.”

Sparks fly between them and before the two can begin a shouting match, Agnes says, “Matriarch, what are your plans?”

Wren smiles and says, “Before we continue let us return inside to continue our discussion.”

The elders excitedly do so and for the first time in many years feel a spring of youth in their steps. They all knew one thing, there was finally a new Matriarch Clan Head. And a new Clan Head meant hope for not just their village but for all Ogres.

Caldor pointedly offers his head seat at the stone table as the rest of the elders wait for Wren to take a seat first, before being seated. Wren takes a seat, while the rest of them do as well leave Caldor to lean against the wall for the remainder of the meeting. Wren peeks at her grandfather, but Caldor motions with his hand for Wren to continue.

Wren smiles and says, “I have a plan, so please hear me out.”

The elders excitedly listen as Wren says, “I plan to build a nation, where we can live in peace, but to do so we will need more than just our clan but the aid of other Ogres and other races. I’ve already built several business connections in the dwarven kingdom of Hallstatt and my master has promised me to come to aid us as the head of trade and craftsman.”

Wren pauses as she pulls out a map of Astria and points to their location beyond the Tessa Mountain range. “Presently, we’re too out of reach for successfully trade not to mention that our soil for farming is not very good for growing crops. Therefore, I propose we move the village,” Wren plainly stated.

The village elders anxiously erupt in whispers, but a single glare from Caldor, Brody, and Agnes silence the remaining elders. Agnes points at the map and cautiously says, “That is all good and well, but where can we possibly go? Any further south and we will encounter the humans.”

Wren smiles and says, “Yes, I thought of that too. That is why we will sail down the river to the Omnivorous Plains. Neither the humans nor any other kingdom has claimed the Omnivorous Plains as their own as they are overrun with wild beasts. But we are mighty Ogres who dare do so.”

Brody grunts in approval and says, “Yes, we have boats to sail down the river and sailing down the river as you say is no problem for us. But it is already early fall and winter will surely soon be upon us. Building winter homes won’t pose a threat, but what of food and safety during those hard months?”

Wren nods her head and says, “Food wise is no problem. Master gave me a space ring before I’ve left and all my kills since then have been piling up inside. And as for safety, I am confident enough in my own abilities to put downwards to warn us in time. However, I too agree, we should wait until spring is once more upon us.”

Caldor smirks at Brody and says, “Any other questions?”

“What about money?” Agnes interjects.

Wren says, “I thought that we should establish an official mercenary group, and have it recognized by the nearest human kingdom, the Kingdom of Leair.” The elders open their mouth to protest, but Wren says, “I know that it irks the very thought of asking the humans for anything, but if we have an official paper from another kingdom, we will be able to be formally recognized by merchants. Not only that, but we will establish that we are in fact civilized beings and more importantly spread the word of our existence to other ogres.”

Caldor beams with pride and says, “Excellent, when do we leave?”

Wren giggles and replies, “If you would like tomorrow, but I’d rather spend a few days here before I leave for the Kingdom of Leair.”

The elders hide their smiles of excitement and satisfaction as Caldor quietly says, “Alone?”

Wren guiltily says, “I can travel that much faster alone. Besides, I-,” Wren grits her teeth and unhappily hisses, “-I look like an elf.”

Seeing Wren’s eyes downtrodden expression, Brody hastily says, “Matriarch, you look nothing like those skinny twigs! You are tall like us and well curved like our women, unlike those flat bean poles!”

Caldor’s eyes darken with rage as if saying, “Why are you even looking at my great-granddaughter’s body in such a way, old man?! I will kill you!”

Wren smiles ruefully and says, “Well, that is certainly true.”

The elders smile at each other with glee as they whisper with excitement. The elders excitedly discuss how to keep this under wraps from the youngsters but inform the adults of the village. With the elders all filled with glee, the meeting ends as they rush away to start the preparations for next year’s spring move.