“James, sir. But most just call me Jay,” the corporal responded.
“Really? Your name is James Taylor? Can you sing? You know, what, don’t answer that. I need your help today. And I need to talk to you about Mattie.”
“Sir?” Taylor suddenly seemed a bit defensive.
Walking toward the compound gate, Alexander said, “It has come to my attention that you and Mattie have become… close. I would like to know your intentions toward her.”
Taylor’s gait faltered a bit at the direct question. He righted himself and continued walking next to his boss. “Intentions, sir? I’m not sure… I mean, I really like her. But…”
“But she just got divorced? But her ex-husband was just killed? But she’s not marriage material?” Alexander prompted him.
“Oh, no sir!” Taylor looked horrified. “I mean, yes about the ex-husband stuff. But any man would be lucky to have Mattie as a wife!”
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Taylor. And I believe she feels the same about you. If the two of you should decide to be married, I want you to let me know. I would like to throw you two a wedding party. Give our people something to celebrate. And give Mattie the wedding she deserves. Do I need to warn you about treating her well?”
“Yes, sir! I mean, no, sir. NO warning is needed. And I’ll notify you if we get to that. I hope we do, sir.” The corporal let out a long breath. Alexander clapped him on the shoulder.
“Well then, first things first. You are now a sergeant. You are junior to Jenkins and will follow his orders. But you’ll need a sergeant’s pay to support a wife and maybe children”. Alexander grinned at the sick look on Taylor’s face. Kai had just done the same to him, and it felt good to pass it on.
“Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”
Alexander steered the former-corporal into Lydia’s shop. Lydia was behind the counter as they walked in. “Good morning, boys!” She smiled at them. “What can I do for you today?”
Alexander grinned at her. “Well, I thought I’d check with you on whether you’d thought of anything better than sugar?” He then nodded toward Taylor. “And this young fellow needs a gift for a young lady. I thought you might have a perfume or something?”
Lydia’s face lit up. “So you’ve finally made your move with Mattie!” She came around the counter and put her arm around Taylor. “What took you so long?”
Taylor and Alexander both looked confused. Lydia laughed. “Oh, please. My husband told me months ago about how you moon over her when you pass in the street.”
Alexander couldn’t help but laugh as Taylor blushed furiously. Then he decided to help a bit. “You may have heard that Mattie’s divorced, and her ex has been killed. So she’s had that burden lifted, and I think she’s about ready to burden herself with this guy.” He poked Taylor in the arm.
Lydia looked sad for a moment. “I’m afraid I don’t stock perfume, though it’s not a bad idea. But perfume is a gift for after you’re married. What you need is jewelry!” She winked at Taylor, and then looked to Alexander. “Wouldn’t hurt YOU to take that advice as well!”
He smiled, producing the gift he’d bought for Jules, and handed it to Lydia. “Way ahead of you.”
Lydia inspected the leather choker with the emerald stone, noting the attribute boosts. “Well done, Alexander! That’s perfect for her.”
“I had a little help from Mags. I think I’ll take Taylor to see her this morning.”
Lydia hugged Alexander, and then she handed him back the gift. “Good idea! Now get going. I’ve got work to do.” She practically pushed them out of her shop. “And no, so far I’ve found nothing better than sugar. I’ll let you know. Tell Mags I said hello!” she said before closing the door behind them.
Alexander led Taylor down the street. “Okay, guild business first. I need you to go to the Ogre. Tell O’Malley I’m going to be recruiting again, and we’ll need to use his dining room like last time. I’m going to speak to Captain Redmond first. Meet me in the main square.”
The two men split up. Alexander walked through the outer gates of the palace, the guards there saluting as he approached. When he reached the inner bailey gate, he asked the corporal in charge where he might find the captain.
“He’s in the barracks, sir!” the corporal responded smartly. Alexander thanked the man and made his way to the barracks. Never having been inside, he had to ask directions to the captain’s office.
Alexander knocked on the door and waited for the call to enter. He found the captain sitting at his desk, signing what looked like a requisition form.
“Good morning, Alexander. Have a seat.” The captain motioned toward a chair in front of his desk. Alexander complied.
“Requisitions?” Alexander asked after a moment, just to break the silence.
“Yes. This job isn’t all fighting enemies and chasing criminals, I’m afraid.” The captain finished what he was doing and looked up. “What can I do for you, my friend?”
“Well, I have a sort of requisition myself.” Alexander smiled. “I came to see about recruiting more citizens. Our population is growing, and we need more hunters to help feed us until the crops grow. We also need more craftsmen, and well, pretty much everything.”
The captain laughed. He produced a paper from one of his cloak pockets. “The king and I assumed as much. I would have given this to you yesterday, but you had company with you, and I wasn’t sure you’d want to discuss it in front of them.” Alexander knew he meant Pollock and friends.
“I appreciate the discretion.” Alexander took the paper. It turned out to be a list of citizens who had expressed interest in joining Alexander. It was a significant list. There were nearly 100 names, with professions listed next to each.”
Seeing Alexander’s eyes widen, the captain added, “Folks have been making inquiries at the gate, even stopping my guards on the street. There were more who asked, but many would not have been a good fit. Word of the potential wealth of your lands is spreading, and there are those who would try to take advantage. These have been approved by the king, myself, or Lydia.”
“I… I was just going to ask for permission to recruit in the main square. This is amazing! Thank you.” Alexander was touched by the gesture.
“If you can’t take in the whole list now, mark down those you’d like first, and I’ll send runners to notify them. Some could probably be ready to go by sunset.
“I just had Taylor go and reserve the dining room at the Ogre so we could interview volunteers.” Alexander looked at the list again. “Are there any you’d recommend above the others?”
The captain took the list back, grabbed his pen and made a dozen or so markings. He handed it back to Alexander. “These are known personally to Lydia or to me. And are ready to go on short notice. I’d vouch for any of them. You’ll also see there are several guardsmen on the list. I’d appreciate it if you take them last. I need time to replace them.”
Alexander nodded quickly. “I’ll leave them here until you say otherwise. I’ve got enough bodies to guard the walls for now, and potentially more coming from Broken Mountain today. Plus, our lands have been blessed, so servants of the dark cannot easily cross the moat, or climb the walls, or even walk across the land in between.” He considered telling the captain about his conversation with Kai. “Captain, I recommend you do the same. Get your priests together. I can lend you some dwarves to pray to Durin. Choose a chapel near the walls, or build an altar in the wall itself. And have the mages set a perimeter of light posts like I did at Whitehall. Then have the gods bless the altar. The blessing should extend outward, giving you a buffer. You may very well need it.”
The captain looked at him, clearly tempted to ask questions. Alexander saved him the trouble. “I believe the forces working with the Dark One are significant. I have no proof yet. But I would prefer you be prepared. I’ll tell you more as soon as I’m able. I’ll be advising Broken Mountain and Antalia to do the same. And any other realm that will listen.�
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Captain Redmond nodded his head, taking Alexander’s unspoken meaning. “I’ll get to work on that. In the meantime, I’ll send runners to that dozen, and any others on the list you think you want. Feel free to recruit in the square today. Or any other day.”
“Thank you.” Alexander looked at the list. He picked five hunters, two bakers, a chef and his two assistants, two carpenters, a fletcher and his wife, and a butcher’s apprentice. He showed the list to the captain, who jotted down the names.
“I’ll have the runners tell them to report to the Ogre. How long will you be there?”
“I’ll give it three hours. Also, you and Lydia, and the royal family, of course, are invited to dinner at the keep this evening. We’re going to be creating a second dragon forge. I thought you might like to watch.”
“Lydia and I will be there. I’ll let the king know, but I doubt they will attend. The queen isn’t feeling well.” He winked at Alexander “Nothing serious; she’s mostly sick in the mornings.”
Alexander grinned back. “Seems like that’s catching in your extended family these days!”
Chapter 14
We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Keep
Thanking the captain once again, Alexander headed to the square to meet Taylor. Finding the man standing near the fountain, he said, “Change of plans. No need to recruit.” He handed the list to Taylor. “These are all volunteers already approved by the king. Those with marks are being invited to the Ogre as we speak. If you see any names you know personally, that are not guards, we can send someone to fetch them as well.”
Taylor looked at the list. “Regina and Bodine. An older couple, both mages, sort of. They have lived here since I was little. Their village got wiped out when they were teens. They were the only survivors.”
“Mages, sort of?” Alexander asked.
Taylor replied, “Yeah, they are telepaths. Doesn’t work with people other than each other. They seem to be able to talk to animals, though. Regina does some healing for folks, too. They have a farm just west of the city.”
“Could you send one of the guards out to get them?”
“I’ll get a horse and go myself. Won’t take but a few minutes. I’ll bring them back to the Ogre.” Taylor jogged back toward the palace to borrow a horse.
Alexander took the opportunity to swing by Mags’ shop. She greeted him with a smile as he entered. “Alexander! Back so soon?”
“I am. But not for me. I’m on a mission!” he declared. “Any chance you know a guard named Taylor?”
Mags smiled up at him. “Of course. Good looking young man. Beautiful singing voice. Used to moon after Rose’s girl Mattie.”
Alexander laughed. “Not ‘used to’… still does!” He winked at her. “So you know Mattie as well?”
Mags nodded her head. “She’s a sweet girl. Worked for Rose till she married that fool. I hear you killed him, by the way?”
“Wasn’t me, but I helped,” Alexander replied. “Anyway, I’m trying to help things along between Taylor and Mattie. You think if I send him here, you can help him pick an appropriate gift?”
“Of course I can! Always happy to encourage young love. How did your young elf like the choker?”
Alexander looked shyly at the floor. “I… haven’t given it to her yet. Stuff’s been happening. We had to fight in Antalia…” He drifted off, knowing he sounded lame.
Mags decided to let him off the hook. “Well, timing is everything. You’ll know when to give it to her.”
“Thank you, Mags. I’ll send him by later.” Alexander put 100 gold on the counter. “Would this cover it?”
“Yes, I’m sure we can find something quite nice for that.”
“Then please tell him his money’s no good here. Tell him it’s a pre-wedding gift from you or something. That should make him squirm a bit, and be entertaining for you!” He grinned as he left the shop.
Alexander made his way over to the Ogre. On entering, he found Martin and Blix standing at the bar, talking business. The lunch crowd was beginning to filter in.
“Good day to you, barkeep!” Alexander called out.
Martin turned and winked at him. “Alexander. Good timing. Blix and I were just discussing business.”
Alexander shook his head. “Oh, no. I’m staying out of that. I’m here to recruit. Maybe have some lunch?”
“Of course, of course. Come on back. None have arrived yet, but we’ll get you set up,” Martin said as he led Alexander back to the private dining room. Blix joined them. Once Alexander and Blix had sat down, Martin left saying he’d bring food and drink.
Blix took the opportunity to fill Alexander in. “I know you don’t want to get into details. But I’ll be loaning Martin and Rose what they need. At 5% interest. Though to be honest, with you building the structure for them, they won’t need all that much.”
“That’s a good thing, Blix. The more businesses we can help with the funds we have available, the faster we grow. Later you’ll be able to do bigger, higher interest loans. Don’t worry.”
Blix nodded reluctantly. “I will say, you were right to suggest them as a first client. They have a wonderful business model. The food is good, rooms comfortable and clean. And with the low overhead they’ll have at the keep, the Ogre II will be more profitable than this one.”
There was a knock on the door as Martin brought two plates of food and a jug of water. “I can bring you ale, but I figured you’d want a clear head,” he explained.
“Thank you, Martin. And I’m glad you two seem to be reaching an agreement. It’ll be a pleasure to have an Ogre at the keep!”
“Aye, lad. Rose will be staying there ta run things at first, while I run this place. Rose hopes ta train up Mattie so she can take charge there.”
Alexander thought that was a great idea. “Mattie’s already practically running the kitchen at the keep. I’ll think she’ll do just fine.”
Alexander took a moment to open guild chat. “Brick, I won’t be back to open the portal to Broken Mountain. Can you please handle it? Also, send a runner to King Thalgrin, let him know about the forge, see if he wants to come and participate?”
Brick replied, “Aye, we’ll take care of it. No worries! Are ye havin’ any luck there?”
“More than I expected. I’ll be back before dinner.”
There was another knock at the door, and the first of the citizens stuck their head in. “Alexander? I’m Daniel. I’m a carpenter. Got a message to meet you here?”
And so it began. Alexander met with volunteers as they arrived, asking a few questions of each before sending them out to the dining room to eat. Before long, Taylor joined him. He brought Regina and Bodine in with him, and Alexander chatted briefly with each. He liked them instantly and was fascinated by their telepathic abilities with animals. He mentioned that Jules seemed to be able to communicate with the prowlers they’d met. This caused great excitement with the duo.
“I can’t wait to meet Jules!” Regina exclaimed. “And the prowlers!” Bodine added. Alexander smiled at them both.
“If you’d like to head home and pack your things-”
“We have what we need, at least for now,” Bodine interrupted before apologizing. “I’m sorry, Alexander. We’re excited about going. We brought some things with us. We will need to go back for all of our animals and such tomorrow. Do you have space for them?”
Alexander grinned “We have plenty of space. In fact, if you’re willing, I’d like you to work with a couple of our farmers tomorrow. I’ll send you all here to purchase more livestock. You can pick up your animals, and bring a wagon with you for your belongings. In the meantime, you can come back with us this afternoon and meet everyone. There will be a welcome dinner this evening, and a special surprise.”
And over the space of two hours, Alexander met with the nearly thirty volunteers he’d take in the first wave. He accepted all of them, putting faith in the king and the Redmonds’ recommendations. About half were ready to go back with hi
m immediately. The others would be ready the next day.
So Alexander, Blix, Taylor, Rose & Martin, and a dozen volunteers all made their way back to the Greystone compound. Taylor had gone out to secure a horse and wagon, and the volunteers piled their packs and belongings in the back. Martin had insisted on loading up several barrels of ale, as well. Saying it would be his contribution to the evening’s celebration.
Lydia flagged them down as they passed her shop. She said they’d round up Fitz, and he would bring them to dinner. Alexander stopped at the dragon forge and invited Master Ironhammer and the other masters to dinner as well. He didn’t tell them about the forge, wanting it to be a surprise. Ironhammer accepted. The others opted to stay and work.
A few of the volunteers who wanted to go immediately hadn’t shown up yet. So Alexander made everyone comfortable inside the house. He sat down and pulled two chunks of obsidian from his bag. He quickly formed both into the shape of light cannons and began to infuse the first with the Ray of Light spell. When it was full, he had significantly drained his mana. He pulled out a soul gem and used it to power up the second cannon. As he worked, he opened guild chat again and alerted Silverbeard and the others as to how many he was bringing back with him.
Then he took both cannons out to Master Ironhammer at the smithy and asked him to shape the triggers. The old dwarf took only a few minutes to complete both. By then, the last of the stragglers had arrived. Alexander set the trigger word for both to match the other cannons.
Alexander gathered everyone from inside and outside the house and opened the portal. The humans, dwarf, gnome, horses and the wagons filed through into the keep’s courtyard. Lola and Silverbeard were there to welcome everyone and begin getting them situated. The dwarves had already arrived and been settled. Silverbeard reported that there were sixty of them in total, with more expected. Also, that King Thalgrin would be joining them for the evening.
Alexander led the O’Malleys to the kitchen, where there was a happy reunion with Mattie. Then Rose and Mattie kicked Martin and Alexander out, saying there was work to be done, and they were in the way.
Darkness Fallen Page 29