A loud thud sounded behind me that caused the earth to tremor slightly. Lord Nova waited for my attention as if I could ignore the behemoth.
“Gryff, while I commend you on your excellent throw. You were impulsive and impatient. That ogre was dead, all that was needed was to let it suffer and die a horrible quick death. I do not come to scold you, hopefully, you will learn your own lessons with time. We tracked back to where the ogre lived. He had a cave to himself, and a deep cavern of goblins in support. If we had to guess by the amount of dirt piled outside the goblin cave probably a hundred of the vile things. We recommend you eradicate them or else something will dominate them to their will. It will also let you worry less about your water source being blocked or polluted should the remaining goblins be left alone and decide to finish the job.
“I want you to know we have no problem providing scouting for you if you keep the good food coming. We will need to establish some things for when you are not around to talk to ordinary humans who need a scout. My first recommendation is that you set up exit points at each cardinal direction. Then at these points, you establish a way for anyone wanting to go into the wild lands the ability to notify us. A small gong or bell will do, please make them sound unique. Next, mud drawings are nice but it will rain at some point. Get some wood boards placed together and molded into one piece by earth magic. We will then take the time to carve out a map of a large area around the village. We will build a legend on the side that we can use to talk to the average adventurer.
“For example the goblin caves. You come over, ring the gong. You show me the area you want to go to. I fly it, see a goblin cave. I then point to the area and then to the little goblin icon on the side. Then the symbol for easy to handle, or hard. We haven't quite worked everything out but if we are to work together with normal humans somethings needs to be established. We can start with this than improve as time goes on with you translating the frustrations or problems.
“For tonight the skies look clear, nothing on your borders moves closer or waits for an ambush. I am going to head back to the Duke, do you have anything you wish for me to bring or messages to carry?” The majestic griffin stoically rested when he finished talking. The beast was always so confident, I could never tell if he was posing or not.
“Good idea on the map, it will be a high priority issue for me. I know you can’t land or attack the Horde but you can still be active in the war effort. At least you get to hear how much we appreciate it. I am going to send a few people south for war fittings, supplies, and I need to write a report. I request a few hours to organize things. If you want some food let me know.”
“Your mate Velia fed us well. She had a late dinner and early breakfast cooked for us with a side of beyond delicious smelons. Ugh, the Duke fed us horse meat for the whole last week, no variety. Do not be surprised if your village becomes a primary vacation spot for griffins seeking delicacy meals.” A peal of roaring laughter came out of the mighty griffin. “I tell you... what... I will make you a list... of what we need for fine dining.” He continued laughing as I left him. Stupid lists and griffins amazing hearing about all my endless lists.
I made my way up the ramp into the village. Crumbled building were still everywhere. The village was a disaster in appearance and structure. I knew something drastic needed to happen. I would have to make a plan on how to rebuild. Underground? If I could build the village under the earth that freed up so much of the square footage required for plant growth. Maybe start with the animal stables. Put them below ground at night and during breaks, but let them graze and get sun during the day. Would greatly reduce the footprint of the stables. Then that brought me back to the animals arriving. I hoped they were being managed by someone we hired. Preferably one of Count Conway's men. Another thing to get to when I could.
I opened the Inn door to see it mostly empty of people. The floor was barren while sleeping materials and supplies were loaded on the side walls. Waiting to be brought out and set up for slumber later tonight. It was an eventful day but still a few hours from dinner time. I had a lot of paperwork to pen and people to find. I climbed the noisy stairs and knocked on Jak's door to his private chambers.
He answered looking fresh from a creek bath. “You know with a fire mage, I think I saw one arrive after you, we can set up a bathing house. If you use the water mage prior to the water entering the bath it will be pure and clean. No more cold dirty baths, although they are better than a dirty bucket bath like in the slums. What can I help you with?” Jak said.
“Well I was coming for a pen and paper but now... Congratulations. You are our new health and bathing officer for the war camp. I need to make that official, the village to war camp thing. It helps me get around pesky laws. So five pieces of paper and a pen please, either bought at the current market rate or returned once supplies get sorted. Then since you’re drained of aura and useless as a healer go find a fire and water mage. Tell them to draw up plans for a bathhouse based on the creek location. Have an earth mage give it an approval. Underground preferred.
“Behind the bar, where the bottles of booze used to be. That will be the war camp bulletin board, where the endless lists and to do projects wait to be tackled. I hope to see the bathhouse blueprint there in a few days.” As I was talking, Jak retrieved the pen and paper for me.
I asked which room I was in and he mentioned I had Melina's old room. It was in the basement of the building. I clomped down the stairs, around the bar, through the kitchen and then down into the basement. Two empty old wine racks sat off to both sides of the hallway before the door. It was damp and surprisingly quiet down here. I wondered if this had been original to the build or added on over the years. The structure had to predate the war, probably by a few decades at least.
I went to open the door and found it locked. I knocked on it and was told to wait. Pipi opened the door with Vern by her side. She jumped into my arms and kissed my face all over. More of a welcome home, than a passionate embrace. I locked her lips in a drawn out kiss when I felt my right thigh being hit. I looked down and saw Vern throwing wild swings at my leg. Apparently kissing mommy was not okay.
“Vern, what did I tell you. We are no longer alone, Gryff is family now and I will not have you hitting him. Sorry, Gryff. Velia said to give you this.” She handed me a key. “We were cleaning this dusty place out for your arrival. Vern can be a handful so I keep him with me to help. Don't worry he will still sleep with the other kids. We will give you some space and quiet so you can write. I am so happy you are home and will be back to make things nice in here later.” She said then left with Vern. The kid would take time, it was a big adjustment. I had enough problems to stress about, and Vern was low on my list.
I surveyed the long dark room. A few candles burned. One by the bed on a nightstand, one on the table where I placed my supplies, and then a final one by the door on a candle holder. It was a huge room. The bed was smaller than the one at the Dukes. Would make sleeping with my three wives interesting. There were two chests in front of the bed, a bookshelf on a wall, and a mirror. That was it, in the room that took up almost the same floor space as the entire inn. The walls were wooden planks in seven foot tall slats. I almost had to duck due to my height, my instincts said to, but my brain told me I was fine. I walked across to the bed and laid on it. Not the best, would be adding duck feathers to it or we could buy something to make it softer. Honestly, the room needed two of these beds or a large custom bed. I would need to actually sleep at some point. Four bodies on a small bed even if all tired and not wanting sex still made for bad sleeping arrangements. Maybe take this whole back wall and combine four beds together, the room was wide enough.
I sat at my desk, in my room, and smiled. Things were improving, even if I felt buried by the to do lists. Time flew by as I wrote a few things. I penned a report to the Duke on Outpost Straddleback. I told him my plan was to clear it and build a single tall roost. The bottom floors could house crews to manage the l
and. The middle floors could rotate adventurers and soldiers. Then the top would be for griffins on mission or resting. I told him if he approved the moment we finished work here in Fernlan we would transition there. I secured the waterway and tomorrow would dispose of a hundred plus goblins. Then I would scout Xiq village and send another report. I wrote of my deal of knighting Elan and then making a contract with him. About how I needed him to help manage the mountain of work here. If he objected to state so in his next letter if not I would proceed forward with the idea. I mentioned Bella taking right to working in the dirt and that we were busy, busy, and busy.
I had finished my second set of notes when I heard the door unlock. Velia stepped in and we hugged. I could see it in her eyes that she was exhausted.
“Welcome home Gryff... I, we, have missed you. When people started showing up with no lord to order them around, it was hectic. Most of my widows and orphans sought refuge in Lakeland and I have so few to watch now. I am so lost. So much is changing so fast. I am tired and I look pregnant. I had to check with Jak and he said after starving for months and then eating full meals the belly bloats. Swelling will go down soon he assured me. I finally had my first period in months.” She was crying into my chest as she vented. “I miss them Gryff, but I am so happy. I thought we were all going to die, now they are gone to civilization again. I have worked so hard and I should be so happy, but I end up sad. Hopefully, that will fade in time also.”
I was uncertain of how to comfort her so I listened and held her. Velia was strong, my rock. I was now second guessing my decision to send her for some rest, recovery, and shopping. I sighed, broke the embrace and handed her the paperwork.
“Velia, you and Pipi do not look like proper ladies. I know we got supplies for making clothing but with the time it takes to get nice dresses made... is too long. I am sending you to the capital tonight. You will drop off Donnie at Lakeland then go to the capital. This letter will get you the proper respect you deserve upon landing. It is an explanation letter of your intent with my approval. You are to find a merchant, preferably a Trade Master. As we wage war around this village we will need to sell lots of Horde parts, weapons, and whatever else we can. It is good to have a central merchant to handle the number of transactions we require. Get us a good contract with a reputable Trade Master.
“Then I need you to get a makeover. Get your hair fixed and presentable. Not that I don't want you to look different or think you look bad. Err...”
I was digging myself into trouble and she saved me thankfully. She paused my nervous banter with a loud clap then rested her fingers on the bottom of her chin. A large grin had spread across her face as she formed her plan.
“Which I dare say is precisely what I need. Maybe a trip with Pipi. I get it Gryff. You need someone you can trust to setup the vendor in the capital. You also need me looking like a lady.” Velia smiled and I could see how it was changing her mood already. “Yes, a trip to become ladies of nobility. I can vision it now. We will be in fine dresses and looking like the Earl's wives. Correction I am one hundred percent taking Pipi. I can arrange for Dennis' wife to watch Vern. He likes the blacksmith’s place. Calms him. Please!”
“Of course, my goal was not to send you away as soon as I got home. I think it is the right thing for you and for us as a family. Get you out of the frontier, do some shopping, and come home with all my money spent.” I chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Here is two markers that mean a hundred gold each. You will need this note, and our marriage certificate to cash it. Give Donnie ten to do with as he pleases. I need to go speak to him next then address the village again. Go find Pipi, tell her the good news, get Vern settled then meet me at the fire pit for dinner. Oh, get some bedding materials so when I dominate you upon your return it will be on softness.”
She giggled and gave me a gentle kiss. I handed her the paperwork along with the markers. Velia was so happy she skipped as she left. I was interested to see how she cleaned up. There was that hidden beauty both her and Pipi had that was buried under the hardship. I was sad to see them go, but the village needed the best price and I needed someone I trusted to make the deal. If I had to guess the capital was desperate for the items we were supplying. I did not worry about giving hundreds of gold to the ladies so they could afford to go shopping for dresses, haircuts, and more.
I left the Inn and went to the town center not far away. I found Elan on his steps, well our steps now, chatting away with master trainer Baldwic. Crap, I went to dodge the trainer when Elan called out to me in greeting.
“Sir Gryff, come on over. Baldwic here was telling me of how the transition to peace was easier on Lakeland than here. Can I help you with something?” Elan hollered at me as he leaned against the building.
“Yes, I need you to take this declaration here and get copies made by one of the earth mages. Then post them on the door of the Inn, and town center. I then want a sign with this posted on each barrier exit for each cardinal direction. I am ordering the village go from realm law into war camp law. It will help us control issues and prevent problems. I think after the King's orders I am well within my right.” I said.
Trainer Baldwic grinned at me showing missing teeth. The man was intimidating. Elan frowned but decided to keep his mouth shut.
“Excellent. With the village in this condition, very little order and a big influx of people there are bound to be situations. A war camp means no trial, sets the leadership chain into military command and will help those arriving. A clear set of rules and laws is smart. First smart decision I heard you make. Nothing as dumb as running out to do battle without armor. Or delivering a fatal blow to your opponent, then before he dies you give him a golden opportunity to kill you. I look forward to beating some of your mistakes out of you on the training field. As soon as one is built, of course until then we can train in one of the recently harvested fields. Should be fun times, for me at least.” Baldwic said. Then patted me on the back and left us. I heard him mumbling, then chuckling, then mumbling to himself some more. The guy sounded crazy.
I ensured Elan was clear on his orders and went to find Donnie in the fields. As I left the village upper limits and trotted down the ramp I saw six large piles of dirt stacked in front of the slope. At the far end, people carted piles of earth out of dug out tunnels and off to the fields to dump it. I detoured to the closest one.
The opening was ten feet wide and eight feet tall. Large enough for the big wagon to fit in. The walls were not mud or dirt colored, instead, they were a light gray. This dugout was finished and stocked with supplies, filled with long lasting foods. Good to see they were getting organized. Zack the earth mage tapped me on the shoulder as I studied the cavern.
“Easy enough to make, the hard part is keeping the top from collapsing. With the goblin hearts we got from the bodies today it helped the process immensely. Get me more of those and some time to rebuild my aura and I can make these frequently. I want you to know that ogre heart is the supreme catalyst for an earth mage. We could build a cave big enough for an entire village underground with that thing and with few more earth mages. That is what we were thinking you should do. Us earth mages have been digging down recently in all the cities. With the barrier limiting expansion above ground the only options left are to build taller or dig down. Of course, if you were not in a hurry and willing to not rush the build you could ransom that ogre heart to the city with the highest bid. Probably fetch ten thousand gold if not more for it, of course, you run a risk of a higher noble claiming it as an emergency procurement for the realm and not seeing any coin. I would personally use it and get this place out of the top ten worst locations to visit. You should know it will only be helpful for underground work, and it is a one use item. All the hearts are, not like the other parts that are ground down and then used as a pill or a paste.
“Anyway, if you touch the ceiling and walls you will feel a tough bedrock like material. We are manually digging out the caves to save aura to solidif
y the structures. It is progressing well but the three of us earth mages are done for the day. We should really stop for now and have the workers sort out the supplies into the six areas.” Zack explained as he slid a hand over the rough interior wall.
“I agree, great work. There is enough space here for people to sleep in too if needed. I have to go see my squire, Donnie.” I said and walked to the fire pit.
Donnie was sharping his blade while sitting on a rock. One of the adventurers from earlier was watching over his work. It was good to see him getting instructions and learning. I took a seat beside him and absorbed the bustle of the area for a minute. He focused on his work and I watched the village.
“Donnie. I gave your mom some gold to resettle with. To be fair it was your gold, you helped get the crown. Before you say you did not do much, it is I who decides such things.” He gave a nod and kept working the edge of his blade. “I am sending you to Lakeland tonight. Here is a note to be delivered to the Duke. I then want you to ask for Trade Master Mont. He will guide you to a tailor for a custom fitting of new armor. It will match mine, which is somewhere in that stack of goods.” I said pointing to the large pile of boxes, crates, and sacks.
“Velia is going to drop you off, get some things then continue on to the capital. She will give you ten gold for spending money. I want you to enjoy your time there. Spend some money in that market, some good shops there. Then once your armor is done fly back to Fernlan. That young lady you have been seeing. I forget her name...” I tried to remember the girl's name. The one who complained about his snoring… I remembered that at least.
“Mina my lord,” Donnie said with a shrug. He was not offended.
“Well take Mina if you want, or go alone. Up to you, please get the armor, and have a good time. I promise there will be plenty of Horde to kill when you get back.” I said and patted him on the back.
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