"Theanis. Called the Grass Snake."
"The runaway noble?"
"Please. Runaway makes it sound like they wanted me to stay. The rebellious ex-noble."
"You can shift shapes, I don't think there's any 'ex' there."
"I'm trying to overthrow the whole damn system, can't that count?"
"There are a lot more manipulative bastards trying to clear out their rivals, in the world, than idealists."
"That's fair. Doubt me if you'd like. But I understand you're expecting trouble with the Columbans."
"We are. Shan O'Columban got in good with the Scots king and has some backing to return 'nobility' to Ireland. It's been two decades since any Irish fought wings, and they have a handful of stags."
"Well, that I can help with. I've dueled the winged, and much less fragile ones than doves. Stags, the main problem is their endurance; the antlers aren't much use and half-shift is ungainly."
"What do you want, to train us?"
"To train just the local militias, none of the local titled sons? Room and board is fine. If your baron wants my help, he'll have to convince me."
"You dislike the titled that much?"
"No one's tried a country without them for a very long time. I think that ought to change."
"And, what, every farmer a little lord?"
"Pick someone to speak for the village - maybe by agreement, maybe draw lots. Have them do the same for a wider speaker. Like a guild council, for everyone."
"Hmm. Well, you should talk to Flan Miller. Good lungs on him, so he's a petty officer. Convince him you can train the lads, and you can stay here free. Take my cudgel; he'll recognize it from when men get too rowdy here."
"Hah. I will. Do you have many archers?"
"Some. Sheh the bowyer, next town over, comes around with the baron's boys to organize it every month or three."
"Then I'll talk to him later. Thanks."