Ning read the coalition compact aloud in the public yard. She stood beside the route board with the signed copies in a stack, so anyone could compare the words before adding a name.
“The compact promises defense to towns that request it,” she read. “No settlement is forced into the command structure. Local route leads may move civilians under the agreed signal plan.”
Wei pointed to the transfer mark on the board. “The local alternate can take over if the primary is absent. The town can request defense at any time. It does not have to join first.”
Pei stepped forward and signed for the orchard growers. Huo recorded the former soldiers who had chosen specific duties. Some agreed to watch the road; others would maintain signal poles or help move supplies. He did not enroll the whole group under one name.
Three neighboring villages signed. One asked for the clinic route to be printed on a separate sheet. Ning agreed. Another wanted the stock amount listed beside the mill but not the names of the families who had donated grain. Bai brought the public account and showed the remaining quantity.
The first village’s headman read the compact twice before he signed. “My people are joining because the north road is watched. If it opens, we can change our minds?”
