EPISODE 4: THE TOWN COUNCIL ## CHAPTER 1: THE SUMMONS The invitation arrived by enchanted paper crane. Miss Penelope Thornwood is hereby requested to appear before the Willowmere Town Council at the next scheduled meeting (Thursday, 7 PM, Community Hall) to discuss the continuation of the Thistledown House operating charter.Attendance is mandatory.—Council Secretary Bramblewick "They want to discuss my charter?" Penny asked Silas, alarm rising in her voice. "Can they take it away?" "In theory, yes. Thistledown House operates under an agreement with the town—sanctuary status, property tax exemptions, access to communal magical resources. These privileges have to be renewed whenever ownership changes hands." "Why didn't anyone mention this before?" "Because normally it's a formality. Hazel passed the house to her rightful heir. The council should simply approve the transfer." Silas's tail twitched. "But there are... complications." "What kind of complications?" "The kind that come with politics, power, and people who resent the Thornwood family's position in Willowmere." --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE OPPOSITION Cornelius Blackthorn had wanted Thistledown House for three generations. "He's the head of the Blackthorn family," Theodore explained as Penny prepared for the council meeting. "Old money, old magic, and very old grudges. They've never forgiven the Thornwoods for being given sanctuary rights over this region." "Given by whom?" "The indigenous magical communities,...