The five guardsmen had shown up shortly after all the horses were hitched to the wagons, gear in tow. John shook their hands and quickly thanked them for helping keep everyone safe on the road and told them where to stow their items.

“Willis. I didn’t expect to see you as one of the volunteers,” Drew said, walking towards him, having just arrived himself.

“If all works out, I’ll be joining you full time. I’m tired of Bernard, the arrogant little man. I’m ready for something different. Some adventure.” Willis was leaning against one of the wagons, whittling a small piece of wood. “I heard the mage came through the night, so we’ll be able to head out soon.”

“I hadn’t heard that, but I just got here. I gotta talk to John. Good seeing you. Glad you’re coming along.” They shook hands and parted. Drew walked over to John, who was running around attending to a few last things. “John, you got a minute?”

“Sure but can it wait? I’m about to gather everyone up and talk to ‘em. We’ll talk after?” Drew nodded, and John rushed away and hopped on the back of a wagon.

“Everyone! People! Can I have your attention!” People stopped talking and moved near him. “Good news! Mage Virgil arrived through the night. He’ll be joining us when we depart, along with his apprentice Saul he brought for training. I’m paying him to build a bridge across the river and to begin creating walls for the settlement.” John got some appreciative nods at the announcement. “The trek will take anywhere from five to seven days. There’s a road that follows the stream west from here that ends about halfway to our destination. We’ll make good time while traveling on it. After that, we will continue west, following the stream, eventually reaching Glacier Lake. We will follow along the shores of the lake for the rest of the journey. At its end is a river that continues farther west still, disappearing into the Verdant forest that separates this plateau from the rest of the kingdom. I don’t know how long it will take to make the bridge across the river, so we will camp near there ‘til it’s finished. Once across, and near the foot of the mountains, I will use this.” John held up a small token. “It’s a city token. I’ll use it to create our settlement, giving me access to various information about the town. It will make us a legitimate community, allowing us to trade and grow. Any questions?” John could hear a few conversations, but none were of any importance. “None? Good. We will head out in 30 minutes. Gather up what you plan to carry. If you’re not riding on a wagon, you can meet us at the western gate, where once outside, we will collect the animals I’ve purchased and begin the journey. Thank you. Everyone. And good luck!”

John hopped down from the wagon. A few of the people approached and wished good luck to all as they gathered up the rest of their belongings and headed to the gate. Most would be riding the wagons. A few, like Ivan, even had their own horses. All told, there would be seven wagons and five people riding horses on the journey. Along with the guardsman and everyone else.

“Got that minute now? It’s nothing important,” Drew said, eyes towards the ground. John looked worried at Drew’s demeanor. “I just want to thank you. For looking after me, helping me.” He looked up at John, eyes watery. “You didn’t have to do it, but did anyway. And I truly appreciate it. I’ll do everything I can to help. Hunt, fish, build. Whatever you need. Just ask me. I owe you a lot.”

“Think nothing of it. I wish I had had someone besides the old farmer to help me before. It’s the least I could do. C’mere.” John smiled and hugged Drew. Wiping away a tear, Drew got into one of the seats of a wagon, and John got onto Betsy. Together, with the rest of the wagons, they headed toward the gate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Everyone here? Virgil, you got everything?” John helped the older man onto the first wagon in the train. His apprentice sat next to him.

“Yes, John. Thank you. I told earlier I’m fine. I’m old, not dead,” Virgil said grinning.

“I’d like to say a few words, if you don’t mind John.” Baron Danielson stood on the steps leading to a short tower near the gate.

“Absolutely. Of course you can,” John replied looking up at him.

“Ahem. Thank you to those who volunteered to go with John and his friends. They’re good people. They have helped me more than once. I am indebted to them still, even giving them this land grant. To any of you who may wish to join them in the future, I bid you good journey when the time comes.. Although they will be at the edge of the explored world, I am confident they will succeed.” Danielson put his hands in the air. “May the Gods of this land bless your journey. May you reach your destination without pause and without pain. And may your city prosper like none before!” Light cheers erupted from the small gathering. “Good luck John, and friends, and those wanting a new life,” he declared, looking through the gathered people. After finishing, he walked down from the steps and motioned for John to join him. “If you need anything, send a rider. I’ll do my best to support you. Because if you succeed, I succeed. Business, you know.” A big grin was plastered on his face.

“Think nothing of it. I’ll send someone, in a month maybe, to let you know how we are faring. Good-bye friend.” John nodded to the Baron and mounted Betsy and headed through the gate, followed by his friends and future citizens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Our first of two stops along the way. We’re picking up our chickens and cows here.” John dismounted his horse and walked towards the old man sitting on the porch. “Farmer Miller, good to see you. We’re heading out today. We're here to get the chickens and cows.”

“Good to see ya again. I got 25 chickens and a rooster for ya. Three milking cows and a small bull. He’s ornery.” Miller added, “I threw in some eggs for ya, for the trip. Everything’s round back. Best of luck kid.”

They loaded the chickens onto a wagon and tied the cows to some wagons. Once situated, they headed farther down the road to their next stop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That man was odd,” Drew said, looking back over his shoulder. They had just finished tying up the sheep and pigs they got from Farmer Johannson. “Smelled bad too. Could have been the pigs, but I doubt it.”

“Heh. Friendly guy though. He gave us a sow that’s already pregnant, so it wasn’t all bad.” John turned and whistled to the group. “Alright folks. That’s our last stop until we rest for the night. Let’s head out.” The large group headed farther west towards Glacier Lake and their goal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the first day and night went smoothly, everyone visiting each other to get acquainted. As they traveled the next day, many of the people decided to walk. It was a beautiful, clear day. The kids had quickly become friends, playing jokes on some of the older party members, and attempting to let loose some of the sheep. Scout Dragi, Hunter Inara, and Trapper Veer spent the day venturing out, hunting small game for that night’s dinner. The group had volunteered to do so to try to save their supply of food for when it was needed. Some of the others spent time knitting, or reading the few books brought along. John could be seen traveling to each wagon, talking to the people to get to know them.

Watching John move up and down the line talking to people, Drew thought to himself, I think he genuinely wants them to be well. He seems to care for them and doesn’t even know them. Admirable. Now focusing on himself. I need to get practicing with my bow, but Monty looks content right now with his wife and daughter. Maybe tomorrow. Drew heard a noise near the wagon he rode. Damn kids, trying to cause trouble. “Get away from the sheep! Last warning!” Drew yelled, making the kids run away laughing. “Where’s their parents. This is worse than being in Wal-Mart,” he muttered to himself. Yea, I’ll talk to Monty tomorrow. Or maybe tonight when we stop. Set up a target and shoot. Wonder what skills he has. Come to think of it, why hasn’t John just taught me? He has archery skills. Meh, he’s busy though. His thoughts rattled on.

When they stopped for the evening, John was happy with the progress they had made. In the two days they had been moving, the group had traveled about 50 miles; the trip in total was about 130 miles. Not as good of time as Drew and him had made a week ago, but still good considering how slow the horses moved. At this rate, it would take them about three days to finish the journey to the river. John knew this wasn’t realistic though. Once they got off the path, their speed would be even slower. Maybe he’d be wrong, but he still worried. If it rained though, it could take another whole week to get there.

The group had finished circling the wagons and moving the animals to the interior for protection. Veer and Inara had finished cleaning the day’s kills, so Karmen began cooking the evening’s meal. All the kids, Besides Gerard, were collected to the side for a lesson from Maxine and Jenifer. None were happy.

“Finally some peace and quiet,” Ivan said, many agreeing with him. “The kids been drivin’ me nuts all day, runnin’ around actin’ all crazy! Monty, grab a keg of ale off the back. It’s time for a drink!” Monty walked over, and with no effort, placed it on a make-shift table and tapped it. “Fill ‘em and pass ‘em, but me first!” Ivan said, of course laughing on his way to the table.

“Hey Monty, while we still have some light left, you want to teach me how to shoot? I don’t need to learn skills right now, not really. I just need to learn how to shoot properly,” Drew asked patiently while Monty filled a mug

.“Sure. Over there,” Monty said pointing to a nearby wagon. “Make a target. 10 minutes.” The big man walked away.

Drew quickly grabbed a scrap piece of wood and scratched a few concentric circles on it. “It’ll do for now. Now where’d I put my bow?” Drew climbed the wagon that had his gear, rummaging through the inventory. “Here we go. Arrows? Huh. There they are.” Drew moved some bags to get to them. “What a mess. Wonder if the kids have been rooting around in here. Wasn’t like this when we left.” He jumped off the wagon, set the target on the sideboards of the wagon, and waited for Monty.

Drew didn’t have to wait long. Monty walked towards him with what had to be the biggest bow he’d ever seen, maybe five feet tall. It looked normal compared to Monty, who easily stood at six foot six. “I’m here,” was all he said. “Watch.” With his enormous strength, he was able to draw the massive bow back, resting the string near his mouth. His left arm, holding the bow, perfectly parallel to the ground. His right, with the drawn string, was in line with his left, forming a T shape. His body was squared, head turned looking over his left shoulder, his hips and shoulders aligned. “Now you show me,” Monty said, slowly releasing the bowstring.

Drew struggled pulling the bowstring back. Damn strength. Monty walked over to him, moving his arms and twisting his body until he was in the correct stance. Holy shit I can’t stand like this much longer Drew thought. But Monty continued to walk around him, lifting his arm higher, pulling his shoulders back. Drew couldn’t take it anymore and he let go, snapping the string.

“Sorry. I’m weak, weaker than I thought,” Drew said, defeated.

Monty looked at him. “Just need to practice. Work out. Get stronger.” He had a slight grin. With that he walked away.

That’s it? Maybe it’s not safe for me to shoot yet. I definitely need to get stronger. My arms are sore just holding that pose for a few minutes! More motivation to get stronger, yea. Drew pulled the string back again, making sure his arms were parallel to the ground. He held the pose even less time. “Ugh. Practice, every day. Tomorrow I’m going to start jogging next to the wagons, maybe lifting some items. John said it’ll be somewhat easy to increase attributes at first. We’ll see if he’s right.” After one more pull and stance, he put the bow and unused arrows away in the wagon and joined everyone else for a hot meal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Early the third day, the trail ended and the trouble began. They stayed close to the stream, not just for directional purposes, but for the fresh water needed each day. While the ground looked smooth, with its swaying grass, it wasn’t. It was full of rocks. Even with the nature mages riding up front, trying to clear the way with their magic, they only had so much mana, and there were just too many rocks. Within an hour of leaving the trail, a wheel broke on a wagon. The group was prepared for it, but changing it took time and burned daylight. Frustrated, John and Ivan changed it as fast they could. They gave the old wheel to Vin the carpenter to fix later that evening. Nothing would be wasted on the trip if possible.

“That was a pain in the ass,” Ivan grumbled. “Glad to be moving again. That wasted almost an hour though. Let’s hope we don’t pay for that later.” Ivan nodded to John and rode off on his horse back to near his wagon that carried his family.

The day was overcast and cool for the season. It was late spring, when normally it would be getting warmer. “It better not damn-well rain tonight,” John cursed, looking up at the sky. The sun was still peaking through in spots, so hopefully the clouds weren’t an indication of rain that evening.

But John’s cursing the skies didn’t help. A light drizzle began to fall around midday. It didn’t rain enough to muddy the ground. Just enough to make the rest of the day miserable. Later in the evening, as they crested a hill, they caught the first glimpse of Glacier Lake in the distance.

“Wow mommy!” one of the children could be heard yelling. “That’s huuuuge!” It seemed like everyone had stopped to take in the view, standing in the drizzle.

It wasn’t long before the caravan began moving again. The group descended the small hill and began to follow along the lake for the rest of the day.

By the time they came to a stop, everyone was soaked and complaining. “So much for an easy trip,” Ivan said to John. “Let’s just hope this is the worst of it. A little rain to toughen everyone up. It’ll do ‘em good. But I’m fine with it not raining the rest of the way!”

“I agree.” John looked around the enclosed circle. “Everyone’s huddled under the wagons, or inside. Looks like rations and bread tonight for supper. They weren’t able to get a fire lit. Let me tell ya, I don’t miss rations. Maybe tomorrow some of us can get some fishing done. We have at least an entire day traveling next to the lake. That’d be nice.”

Ivan laughed. “I agree. Gonna go hide in my own wagon with Marie and the kids. See you in the morning.” Ivan started to walk away, then stopped and turned back to John. “Don’t worry too much John. It was bound to happen. We’ll get through it, even if it takes a whole extra week. Just do what you always do, keep planning a way.” He turned and strode off.

He’s right, like usual. Where’s my papers? May as well do some studying. John maneuvered around the wagon until he found them in his pouch. These weren’t just normal papers, no. They were blueprints for buildings. While he was an experienced carpenter, it was mainly with furnishings, not buildings. They were expensive, but needed. He couldn’t depend on or have foreseen another carpenter joining his expedition. He’s higher level than me too. He said he’d built some of the buildings in Innsbruck. I might not have to use all the blueprints if he knows some. I’ll have to have a talk with him soon, see what he knows. Between the two of us, we might be able to knock out quite a bit of building quickly. John put the papers back into the pouch. He found his bedroll and unrolled it on top of some of the crates. “My back’s gonna hurt in the morning.” He laid down and tried to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rain had stopped through the night, but the damage was done. Everything was soaking wet, and while not overly muddy, the ground was saturated. It was slow going throughout the day. Drew jogged next the wagons, surprising John, Ivan, and Monty. His goal was to get to 10 strength and endurance by the time they reached the end of the lake. He could already tell a difference in his body, just from the previously added points. “Not quite so pudgy around the midsection. Not quite so out of breath either so quickly.” Drew talked to himself like usual as he jogged up and down the line of wagons.

Looks like he’s taking it seriously. John was riding Betsy, watching the surroundings, and Drew occasionally when he’d approach the front of the wagon train. He was practicing his bow stance yesterday, getting better as the day went on. He probably didn’t notice. He looked frustrated more than he did satisfied. He’ll get through it. Looking up at the sky, John spoke. “Please don’t rain today. We’ll be lucky to get 15, 20 miles in the way it is. Just give us an easy journey the rest of the way.”

“Didn’t know you believed. Actually, are there even gods here?” Drew asked, jogging up next to him. He took out a piece of jerky and chewed on it.

“People pray to them, but are they real? Who knows. Just like the Baron back in Innsbruck. I think it’s more just offering goodwill, protection as it were. Let’s hope it works,” John replied chuckling. “We’re over halfway, but if it keeps raining, it’s going to take us a while to get there. And that’s just to the river. It’s probably another half day to where I’d like to set up the town, if the map I bought is accurate.”

“Let’s hope indeed then. By the way, share status.”

Drew Cooper Level: 1 Class: none Job: none Attributes Vitality 8 Health 80 Strength 9 Health Regen 9/hour Endurance 10 Stamina 100 Agility 8 Stamina Regen 8/minute Intelligence 13 Mana 130 Wisdom 12 Mana Regen 12/minute Trait Timid 10% decreased accuracy while in a fight. Can be changed or removed Job Perks Combat Perks Skills Expand Spells

“Got a point in Endurance earlier. I can already feel the difference. Now I’m going to focus on my strength. I’ll keep jogging though.” Drew paused. “It feels good ya know? To be able to do this and not feel like I’m dying.” Drew was smiling.

“Congratulations. Keep it up. It’ll get harder, but don’t stop. You’ll feel like a million bucks in no time.” John swiped away the screen. “Best get going again. We’ll be stopping in a few hours. You’ll have time to work on your strength and bow stance then. Yea, we all see you working on it.” Drew smiled wider and took off jogging towards the back of the train. “Yep, he’s going to be just fine.”

Two and half hours later, traveling on the fourth day ended. Several of the people got out their fishing poles and strolled to the lake before the sun had a chance to set. Within five minutes of stopping, Ivan already had the keg tapped and was passing around mugs, joking and laughing with those around him.

“How the hell does he drink so much and not feel like shit every day,” Drew asked no one in particular, pouring him some water.

Monty snorted. “Practice.”

Turning to reply, Monty was already walking away, headed to the lake to fish. “For a big guy, he sure is quiet, even when he moves.” Drew shrugged. He decided he wanted to help cook tonight. He’d never cleaned a fish in his life, but he was willing to learn that too. He headed over to the table where fish were being placed. He watched the others, grabbed a fish, and tried himself. Not bad for the first time, I guess. It’s in one piece, even if it’s not pretty. He walked over to the cooking fire, fish in hand. John had opened a bag of flour and was breading them for Karmen. She was frying them in a large skillet. “Here ya go, my attempt to fillet a fish. Bad right?”

John grabbed it, breaded it, and handed it to Karmen. “Doesn’t matter what it looks like, as long as it tastes good. Right Karmen?”

“Mmmm, yea,” Karmen replied, moving the fish around.

“So, how much farther do we have to the other side of the lake? Seems like we did ok today,” Drew asked.

Dusting his hands off, “Maybe 40 miles, a day and a half, two days max if we continue like we have been.” John washed his hands before continuing. “As long as it doesn’t rain again, I really think we’ll make it there by the end of the sixth day. Cross your fingers.” He whispered the last sentence. “Oh I missed saying things like that,” John smirked. “Help Karmen here would ya. I’m going to go fish for a bit myself. Thanks!” John patted him on the shoulder and walked away.

“How can I help?” Drew asked Karmen.

“Bread ‘em, and hand ‘em to me. Don’t touch my oil or you’ll lose a finger.” Karmen turned and looked at him seriously.

“Got it, no problem.” Drew’s hands were up in the air in surrender.

The sun had set, and everyone had eaten. John decided to speak to everyone, as most were gathered around the fires. “Good evening all,” he said, trying to garner their attention. “Now that we’re all fed and had your ale. Looking at you, Ivan,” he said, pointing at his friend. “I’d like to update you. If we keep going like we are, we’ll be at the river in two days. When we get there, Virgil will have to decide how best to build the bridge. Like I said before, it may take a whole day depending on the strength and width of the river. The map I purchased is pretty old but has held accurate up ‘til now. It doesn’t show it as being very big, but we’ll have to wait and see. Once we’re over the river, it looks to be about a half day journey to our final destination. Get a good rest tonight. I’d really like to push the horses tomorrow to get us there sooner. The sooner the better. Thank you.”

The rest of the night was peaceful. Someone had brought what looked like a guitar, only more squat, and was playing a quiet melody. One by one, people began to go to their wagons to sleep. John was the last to go to bed, except for Ivan who was passed out by the fire. He threw a few more logs on the fire for his friend, and he too headed for his wagon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It drizzled again, lightly, in the morning of the fifth day. But then the sun came out, creating a light fog over the area. A few of the more adventurous of the group rode ahead to fish, some went out to hunt, and others, namely Drew, trained. The day was uneventful and fruitful. The ground was hard near the lake and full of flat rocks. While bumpy, it made for faster traveling. The group was able to travel 25 miles again like in the first couple days.

“If I squint, I swear I can almost see the end of the lake. Too bad we didn’t bring something with us to see farther.” Ivan was drinking another ale. The group had stopped for the night and were gathered around the fires inside the circle of wagons. Twilight had set in and the near-full moon reflected off the lake.

“There’s no way you see anything. We’re still a ways away. Probably just a mirage on the lake. We’ll definitely be there tomorrow though. 15 miles to go, 20 max. We had a good day today.” John put up his mug and Ivan met it with his.

“A good day indeed,” Ivan said cheerfully. “Your friend seems to be doing better too. I was worried at first, with him always talking to himself. He’s working hard, jogging every day, lifting heavy items, working with Monty. They practiced shooting today, did ya see it? Drew missed the target by almost 15 feet!” He was laughing heartily at that. “Monty made him fish it out of the lake as punishment. But he’s trying, willing to learn. And I respect that.” Ivan got up to fill his and John’s mugs and returned. “He’s a peculiar one. Seems nice enough.” John knew there was meaning behind what Ivan had just said.

John took a drink then smiled. “Yea, a little odd to be sure. Not much different than I was so long ago. We all have our quirks.” John left it at that.

“Aye, aye. Ya got me there.” Ivan stood to leave. “Getting late. If we really do get to the river tomorrow, we’ll have a lot of work to do. You still want to build a little outpost?”

“Maybe, we’ll see what it’s like there first before I decide. Might not be needed.” John stood to leave too. “Night old man.” Ivan finished his mug of ale, and held it up to John and headed to his wagon.

John lit a candle once he was situated in his wagon. He took one final look at the map and smiled. Almost there.