Heartwood Diaries: II
Diary of Stella Heartwood - Entry 2
The Heartwood Diaries II
In-universe date: Era Nova, Year 1
Real-world date: 12 August 2026
Author: Stella Heartwood
While I was in the midst of getting operations set up on the estate, it became apparent that affairs in town began to boil.
I had rode into town, looking for supplies to fix up the compost, when I noticed the gallows. Sheriff Galloway usually keeps order, but evidently not today. He was holding a public execution of some fellows, with a crowd gathered round.
Usual for a hanging, but what was unusual was the violently disapproving nature of the crowd. They were throwing rocks, bread, and other objects at the sheriff, while he was reading out their crimes.
I hitched my horse at the saloon, and temporarily paused the execution. Im no mayor, but being councillor awards you a certain level of prestige. I asked Galloway what their crimes were, and he told me the standard; murder, theft, etc.
That was all I needed to hear, so I let the execution proceed, until someone from the crowd yelled "They're Demeralians!"
This didnt matter much to me, nor does it to most people regarding those who commit murder, but I was intrigued why they made the distinction.
I asked, and they answered with a story.
Yesterday, a group of roughly 6 men had arrived down from Riverston. They came into Demeralia, requesting supplies for Riverston, which had been suffering from minor food shortages. This request soon turned into a demand, and they brandished weapons.
It turned into a standoff.
Then, 6 men, including the 3 men now on the gallows started a fight with the Riverston men. 9 came out dead, with only 3 survivors remaining.
To me, this didnt matter for the fates of the Demeralian men. I let the execution proceed, after all, anyone who murders another person does not value the sanctity of anyone's life, including theirs.
No matter what the crowd did, I made sure the men were punished adequately.
But, this incident deeply concerned me.
Coronado has lacked a governor for about a year now. The disputes between the towns cannot be settled peacefully currently. The only way is through force.
If things keep going this way, the Union is sure to split.
I must gather the councillors from the other towns, and formally elect a governor.
All the while, I also have to restore the estate.
Its a tough road ahead.