Drew stood after having a short conversation with Virgil. “If I could have everyone’s attention.” He waited for people to quiet before he began. “I’d like to give you an update as to the progress made. We, as a community, also have a decision to make. It’s about a glaring issue I’m sure some of you have noticed. Our lack of defenses.” A few mumbled in agreement, others nodded. “First, we finished the stable and the cellar. We’ll begin moving our food and other material into it tomorrow for safe-keeping. Bethany will organize that.” She waved to everyone. “Thank you to all who helped. Please help again tomorrow moving everything. Saul and Virgil finished the walls of the final apartment. We’re just waiting on wood for a roof." He pointed to the east. "Marek planted his first crop of corn, and Monty began tilling another plot. He’ll plant soon. Thank you, you two.” People clapped lightly.

“What’s Monty planting? We need more potatoes!” A quiet laugh came from the group at the shout.

“Potatoes and wheat,” came Monty’s reply.

“Good. We have an abundance of grass here,” Monty continued, waving around him, “so the majority of the wheat will be milled for our use and trade, not the animals.” Drew changed to a serious look, hands clasped behind his back. “Now onto the important matter. Defenses, particularly walls. Virgil is going to describe his plan to us. I think you’ll understand why, at this moment, it’s probably the best and only option we have.” He motioned to Virgil. “If you would.” John helped Virgil out of his chair.

“Thank you Drew. Good evening everyone.” Several “evenings” could be heard from the crowd. “I’m going to be blunt because that’s how I am. No need to waste time at my age. Simply put, it will take too long to build a wall like was planned, starting at the outcropping and going to the river and lake.” Virgil motioned from left to right. “And while I still plan to work on it later, we need something immediately. My plan is simple. After talking to Drew, I have amended it a little. Saul and I will remove portions of the dirt around the hill, creating a retaining wall.” Drew looked at John at the mention of the retaining wall. John shrugged. “This will be particularly helpful in the west and north where the hill is steeper. On top of the retaining wall, we will create a wall at least four feet in height. This will essentially give us a wall of eight to ten feet to deter unwanted, um, things.” He paused, looking at Drew.

“Yes. You have to understand. No matter where we build the wall, it won’t stop anything determined enough to get in, not at the height we can build it to at the moment. But this will give us some security, something we don’t have right now. And also, we don’t have enough people to patrol a huge wall.” Drew stopped to let that sink in. “Here’s where the change came into Virgil’s plan. On the south and east, the slope just isn’t as great. Not as much dirt will be removed, so instead, the wall will be built higher. We suggest two entrances only. One to the south in the direction of the bridge, and one to the east in the direction of the farms and sawmill. This will give a quick escape to anyone in those directions, where most of our people are working.” He stopped when he saw some concerned looks. “That’s right. Our farms and sawmill will be located outside the wall.” He stopped again to take a breath and looked around, all eyes on him. “I truly believe in the short-term, this is our best option. It’s really our only option. Think about it for a few minutes, then if no one has any other options, we will take a vote by show of hands. This is a decision we all must make together.” He quit speaking, already the conversations amongst the villagers getting louder.

After a few minutes, Drew interrupted. “Does anyone have any other options or suggestions?”

Bert, Karmen's husband, who up until this point had never really said anything, spoke. “Our only concern is the farm and the sawmill. What will we do if we are attacked and the crops destroyed, or the sawmill?”

Drew blew a breath, puffing up his cheeks. “A valid concern. Thank you for asking. The crops can be replanted. The growing season here is very long. As you’ve noticed, the animals are plentiful, too. And we are a two week round trip journey from Innsbruck if we are in dire need of food. The Baron has guaranteed his help if needed. As to the sawmill, it’s being built out of unfinished wood. Of no consequence. The only loss might be the saw. We can get another.” Drew paused. “But we can’t replace you guys.”

After that solemn declaration, Bert nodded. “Then let’s vote.”

“No more concerns? Ideas? No?” Drew waited. “Then all in favor, please raise your hands.” He made a mental tally. “All opposed?” No one raised their hand. Drew smiled broadly. “There you have it folks. Our first major decision as a group!” People began clapping.

John stood to speak. “If I may Drew?” he waved John forward. “Tomorrow night, after supper, I would like to hold a ceremony, inviting you all to accept becoming official villagers.” There were murmurs of excitement. “We’ve made incredible progress. I wanted to wait until we all had a place to sleep of our own, but that may be a little while yet. So instead, we will celebrate tomorrow night.” John looked to Ivan. “Unbeknownst to Ivan here, I hid a small keg of ale just in case something like this would arise.” Ivan’s ears perked up, and he held a huge grin. “I knew you’d like that,” John said laughing. “I can’t make you become a citizen, and I would never force you to. So just like tonight, you’ll have a decision to make. Thank you.” John sat back down, letting people mull their thoughts.

As the conversations died down, people approached Virgil, thanking him for his work, and volunteering their help in the coming week. The night went by quickly. Work would begin on the sawmill tomorrow along with the wall.

John sat against a crate writing a letter to the Baron detailing their progress and adding a list of needed supplies. He also asked for any more volunteers that would like to come. I hope no one wants to head back with the guards tomorrow. Except for Stanley, I like everyone here. He’s kind of a pain in the ass. He closed his eyes. I’ll request a stonemason specifically. If even just to hire for a while. Maybe more lumber if they can spare it. Ugh, but that means buying more wagons. John looked in his bag, grabbing out a large coin purse. This should be enough, I hope. I’ll add that to my letter. Buy whatever this will get me. He put the coins back into his bag and heard a clunk. “What was that?” He moved around the items. “The metal box! I completely forgot about it! I have to show this to Virgil tomorrow. Maybe he’ll know what the engravings are.” John hugged it to his chest, closing his eyes. Tomorrow though, always tomorrow. With that, he drifted to sleep.

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

Two days in a row John was woken up early. This time by the sound of a hammer. Ugh really. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is going to be annoyed being woken up this early. He opened his eyes and sat up, looking for the culprit. This time it was Monty. Must be jerry-rigging his rock picker. Monty looked up to see John staring at him. He waved. John waved back with a tired look in his eyes. Monty shrugged and continued hammering.

“Why so early,” John grumbled to himself.

“Lots to do,” Monty replied, causing a look of shock on John’s face.

“I um, sorry. Didn’t think you’d hear me,” John replied, embarrassed. “I’ll get to cooking for everyone you’re waking up.” He smiled at that. Monty hammered, unperturbed.

People came and went all morning heading to different projects. Virgil, Saul, and several adults, followed by most of the kids, headed to the southern boundary of the hill to begin work on the wall. With so many people digging, he guaranteed it would be done within a week. John snuck Virgil his final bag of candy with a smile. The goal in the south and east was to have a two to three foot retaining wall and a five or six foot wall built above it using the excavated ground. Good luck with that, John thought to himself, watching them leave. After the sawmill, and finishing the roofs, and the commonhall, and a flour mill. He stopped cooking. “Ugh, so many buildings to erect. I think a tower next though after that. Or whenever. It can be made with logs, not finished wood. Maybe that’ll be my project for the next few days.” He pulled his trusty notepad out of his pocket and found a place to sit.

Talk to people about being escorted if they’re going to explore Talk to guards about escorting villagers, see who is staying, and for how long Sawmill. Do we have enough wood to build it? Maybe stone again? Started Somewhere to store our food and wares, underground? Defense structure, wall? Tower? Talk to Virgil Starte Find out which combat classes don't have a job. Maybe they’ll take one Start asking for help. Form a council? Finish taking apart wagons, do inventory Bread for trading. Finish apartments Need roofs Laws. Go with council? Need to add to status

He added a few items.

Add citizens, appoint Bethany Commonhall Flour mill? Tower? My project?

He waited for Drew to arrive so they could get everyone added. I wonder what the town page looks like right now. “City Status.”

Name: River’s End

Status: Village

Residents: 2

Treasury: 0

Administration:

Options

Add Resident: Options

Buildings: Expand

Options

Residents: Expand

Judiciary: None

Options

Taxes/Revenue: None Options

Stores: None

Trade: Expand

Not Available

Not Available

“Expand Buildings.”

Buildings:

Status

Modified Dwellings

4 x 4: Incomplete

Modified Cellar

1: Functioning

Lean-to (Stable)

1: Functioning

Modified Wall

Unavailable

Animal Pen

2: Functioning

Chicken Coop

2. Functioning

Fishing Dock

1. Incomplete

John laughed. “Wait ‘til Drew sees that the stable is actually classified as a lean-to.”

“Wait ‘til I see what?” Drew asked, sitting on the crate John had leaned against.

“Look for yourself. Share Expand Buildings.” John waited. Drew did not look amused. “I thought it was funny,” chuckled John as he tapped the notepad. “Anyway, while you’re here, let’s get everyone added to the residents and the laws inputted.”

“That’s fine. It should only take a few minutes,” Drew responded while chewing. “Let me finish eating then I’ll do it.” John looked at him incredulously. “What? It’s all verbal. All I have to do is open the residents’ page, and say ‘input name’ over and over and it’s done.”

“I. Yea. I’ll just let you do it. Appoint Bethany Mayoral Secretary too would you? Thanks.” John watched Drew eat. “What do you think about a commonhall for meetings and meals? We’ll need a flour mill too. And as a personal project, I’m going to try building a watch tower near the southern entrance.” John rattled off his ideas.

“All good. The commonhall especially. It could be more like a town hall, with small offices. That’s a ways away. That’ll take a lot of wood. And with Virgil and Saul building the wall, we can’t depend on them to make the shells for our buildings.” Drew finished eating. “I think the sawmill too will have to be basic. Open to the air. Vin is going to begin work on the gears needed to spin the blade. Horses will run it by going around a post turning one, then others, you know, like gears work.” He jumped off the crate. “I have an idea for the flour mill too, using a windmill approach.”

John stood in awe. “The more we talk, the more I believe that you were brought here just for this purpose. I’m sorry that you were taken away from your home,” he said sincerely, “but I’m glad, truly glad, that you are here to help.” John walked over and hugged him. Drew hugged him back with his free hand.

“I’m glad to be here too. I’m growing, not in ways I thought I would, but I am growing. I’m enjoying myself. More than I thought I would. Thank you for saving me so long ago.” Drew let go of John. “I’m going to find a quiet spot to add all the information into the city status. Give me a bit then check for yourself.” John nodded appreciatively. Drew left John standing next to the crate.

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

Before beginning work, John needed to meet with the two guards who would be leaving, Richard and Simon. He found them already preparing two horses for the ride. “Good morning gentlemen.” He shook their hands. “I appreciate you staying to help. If you don’t mind, I have a list of items and a letter for the Baron I’d like you to give him.” He opened his pack. “And here are some coins for your service.” He gave them the items.

“That’s not needed, but much appreciated. The Baron paid is afterall for volunteering to come.” Simon put them in his coin pouch.

“I also have a bag of coins for the purchase of all the items and a small sample of the iron I’d like looked at. It’s all in the letter.” The two men mounted their horses. John handed them the small pouches. “Safe journey. You’re welcome back any time.” The men nodded and galloped away towards the bridge and Innsbruck. I’m so glad no one decided to leave, John thought with a smile.

John spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon stripping trees with Lenz. Lenz occasionally took a break to fell another one. He stopped for a break to check on the city status. “City Status.”

Name: River’s End

Status: Village

Residents: 2, 28 Pending

Treasury: 0

Administration:

Options

Add Resident: Options

Buildings: Expand

Options

Residents: Expand

Judiciary: Expand

Options

Taxes/Revenue: None Options

Stores: None

Trade: Expand

Not Available

Not Available

“This menu is so burdensome. I wish there was an easier way to just see what I wanted to see. There is! Ha! That’s why I write everything down. I’m sure he got Bethany in there. Looks like the laws are in there too. Good job Drew.” John looked at the page some more. “That’s odd. It still says stores are empty, even with the cellar being filled. I guess it doesn’t count.” John shrugged and closed the screen and hollered at Lenz. “I think I’m done for the day. Tomorrow I’ll be by for logs to begin my tower. Vin should be here too, starting on the sawmill. Bye. See you then.” John waved and left.

He glanced to the southeast as he walked and saw Monty and Erik pulling their makeshift rock picker behind a horse creating piles of rocks behind them. “That looks awful. A lot of work to be sure.” John pulled some jerky from his pocket and chewed on it continuing his way back to the camp.

When he got closer, he saw stakes in the ground being used as a guide for where to dig. Virgil sat on a rock, pointing and giving directions and occasionally lending his magic to move large rocks. Even in this short amount of time, they’d made steady progress digging and creating the wall. “It’s not much, but it’ll do for now.” He stopped, eyeing where he’d like to place the tower. “I think I’ll build it right over the south entrance. People will have to walk under it to gain entry. It’ll make the wall look more imposing too.” Virgil waved to him, so he walked in his direction to see what he wanted.

“Good afternoon John.” Virgil was sipping some tea. “How does it look?” He motioned to the forming wall.

“Good I guess. It’s a start,” John replied with a smile. “Looks like you have a lot of help. I hope the candy has kept the kids in line.” Virgil looked up from his tea, giving a polite smile. John chuckled. “Thought as much. I have something I’d like you to look at, when you’re not busy. Something we found in the mine.” John opened his bag and removed the metal box. He handed it to Virgil. “We have no idea what the engravings are, but honestly, I had kinda forgotten about it ‘til last night.”

Virgil took it with both hands, turning it slightly to see the sides. He licked his finger and wiped away some dirt. “Interesting. Interesting. Did you open it?” John nodded no. “It’s Dwarven made for sure. That doesn’t mean it was used by them, no no.” He inspected the engravings closer. “I will need to study this some more if you don’t mind. The designs look to be ornamental. But I’d love to open it and study the contents if there are any. It doesn’t seem very heavy. It might have contained papers, but unfortunately they would be long gone.”

“Keep it as long as you need. Who knows what secrets it may hold.” Virgil patted it and stored it in a small bag next to him.

John watched the workers remove dirt, piling it above the retaining wall. Saul continued to harden it as they progressed. Once in a while, Virgil would flick his fingers and mumble something and rock would be pushed out of the way. He’d look at John and grin.

“I will begin forming the walls tomorrow from the dirt piled on top. With all of them digging, it will make this old man’s work easier. You’ll see.” Virgil patted John on the shoulder. “Don’t stay here because of me. Get going. I’m sure you have better things to do with your time.” He sipped his tea again.

“Thank you Virgil. I’ll see you at supper this evening.” John moved closer and whispered to him. “Have you told Saul yet of your plans?” The old man nodded no. “Better tell him soon or he’ll get a shock tonight.” Virgil shooed him away. John smiled, took the hint, and left.

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

Drew fired what felt like his hundredth arrow at his make-shift target. “I think I’m hitting two out of five shots now. Not too shabby. Considering I shot one in the lake on the way here ha.” He walked to retrieve the arrows and shoot again. “I can’t believe the difference already.” He held the bow with one hand and jiggled the little bit of belly fat that remained with the other. “Almost gone already. Amazing. I’ll look like The Rock in no time,” he laughed to himself. He fired more arrows at the tree, still missing more than he hit, but proud of his progress. I’m close to being ready to hunt. If I can't hit this target, there’s no way I could hit a deer. He smiled.

He had spent the earlier part of the day fishing with Gramps and trying to shore-up the rickety fishing dock. The city status had said incomplete, and it still did. He honestly wasn’t sure how the menu justified it as a dock anyway. It was just a few boards haphazardly thrown together braced above the water. He left it to another day’s musings. It was fine for what they needed.

After one more volley, he turned to see John approaching, notepad in hand. Ugh. He really needs to get rid of that thing. It’s more like a safety blanket than anything. Meh. I have the menu, he has the book. Drew smiled as he arrived.

“Your form is improving,” he said, having watched Drew shoot as he approached. “Two days. It’s decided. We’ll go hunting in two days. Sound good?” John asked.

“Yes, yes. I’ve been waiting. I knew I wasn’t quite ready, but now I’d like to try. I’ll use my bow if that’s ok.” Drew thought for a moment. “When I get some kill experience, will I be known as a swordsman even though I’m using the bow?”

“Unfortunately yes, because that’s what you have skills in. It makes no sense to me. But really it doesn’t matter. You’ll still get experience in combat.” John sat on the ground. “I saw you have everything in the menu. Well, I kind of assumed since I didn’t check that thoroughly,” he added with a guilty look. “Everyone was still pending when I checked earlier. You got Virgil right?”

Drew nodded. “Yep. We’ll make it official at supper, which is coming up soon.” He gathered up the arrows. “Let’s head back and help prepare to get everything ready. It’ll be that time sooner than we realize.” He unstrung his bow. “I have to say, I’m kinda nervous.”

“Me too. I hope everyone accepts, otherwise I won’t know what to do with those who don’t. Do we make them leave? I can’t do that. Even if it is Stanley who annoys the hell out of me.” John stood, gripping his notepad tightly.

“We’ll see what happens when it happens. C’mon.” Drew waved him on and they walked to the camp together.

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

After cleaning up, John and Drew helped Karmen and her husband prepare supper. The meal consisted of roast deer, pan-seared fish, potatoes, and wild mushrooms. And of course, the keg of ale.

While waiting for the villagers to arrive, they organized the tables and chairs, setting silverware where possible. Of course there wasn’t enough room to sit, so they also set up crates and barrels. “Looks good. For what it is. A proper place to celebrate and accept our new citizens.” John placed the last spoon.

“Good timing too. They’re starting to come in from the fields and the wall detail.” Drew looked to Karmen. “No food for anyone ‘til they’re all here. John and I will place it on the table, family style!” She gave a questioning look. “Um, we’ll share it, taking what you want from big platters.”

She nodded. He looked to John. “That was close.”

More people arrived and were annoyed when they weren’t allowed to get food and forced to sit down. John and Drew walked around, serving water and ale. Soon, everyone was seated or standing.

“Before we begin the meal, I’d like to say something,” John began, garnering their attention. “We’re becoming quite the community here. Friends if I could be so bold. Helping each other, bettering ourselves in the process.” He smiled. “I am honored that you have chosen to join me on this adventure. So it’s my privilege now to invite you to become citizens of River’s End. Our community, built with our hard work. If you would, please open your status page.” He waited a moment, noticing a few sullen faces. He looked at the children. “Drew informed me that unless you are over 15, you can’t become a citizen, yet. But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate you any less. So to celebrate you, the children, we have cake!” The kids cheered. “Now, on your status screen, you have to accept becoming a citizen. But before you do, know that we have three official laws here.” He stopped, putting up his finger. “One. No harm to others. Two. No stealing from others. And three. Have common decency for your fellow villagers with respect to hygiene and clothing.”

A couple looked confused. “Hygiene means staying clean,” Drew added, smiling. A few ‘ahhs’ went through the crowd. Others chuckled.

John grinned, continuing. “Without further ado, if you want to continue this journey, please accept.” He stopped, watching the people focusing on their screens.

After a few moments, he quietly checked the city menu. “City Status.”

Name: River’s End

Status: Village

Residents: 28, 2 Pending

Treasury: 0

Administration:

Options

Add Resident: Options

Buildings: Expand

Options

Residents: Expand

Judiciary: Expand

Options

Taxes/Revenue: None Options

Stores: None

Trade: Expand

Not Available

Not Available

“Oh shit.” John mumbled to himself. He looked around nervously. “Can I ask who hasn’t accepted yet? Do you need help?”

“No sir, we don’t.” Mani stood, putting his hand on Yara’s shoulder. “Don’t get me wrong, we love it here. But we are adventurers. We may even change our minds. We plan on staying for a while. There’s a whole unexplored area to our west. We just don’t want to be beholden to one place right now. Sorry.” He sat down.

John blew out a breath. “I understand, completely. And know that you are still welcome here. I still expect you to follow our laws though and help while you are here.” Yara nodded, elbowing Mani who also nodded. Disappointed, John continued. “We now have 28 citizens and.” He stopped to count. “Eight children. Welcome to River’s End! Let’s eat!” Karmen, Bert, John and Drew brought the food to the tables, crates, and barrels. Ivan flew out of his chair to get more ale, inciting some laughter.

As the night went on, John watched Virgil and Saul have a lively conversation. He must have just figured it out. He doesn’t seem very happy. John caught Virgil looking his way, the look on his face imploring help. Better go save the old man. John stumbled over to his oldest citizen.

“Evening. How was the food?” Saul turned to John, hurt in his eyes.

“You knew, didn't you. That he was coming here to retire.” John put up his hands, acting innocent. “I want to become a citizen too. If he’s staying, I’m staying. I don’t need the college to learn. I’ll learn from him.” He pointed to his teacher.

John looked at Virgil who only shrugged. “Ok. If that’s what you want. I won’t force you to go back. Are you sure you want to stay? What about your family?”

“My family is here. Everything I have is here. So invite me.” Saul crossed his arms.

John pulled up the menu, adding Saul. “Done. All you have to do is accept.” He waited a moment. “You know, even as a citizen, you can still go at any time. To be honest, I don’t even know what making you all citizens does yet. It could be nothing!”

“I accepted. I’ve learned a lot from you Virgil in these past few weeks together. I plan to learn a lot more.” Saul walked away, less angry, but feeling as though he had won.

“Oh to be young again, full of vim and vigor.” Virgil sipped his ale.

John snorted. “Welcome, by the way. I promise not to work you too hard. And now that he’s staying, I won’t have to.” They shook hands. “Good night. I doubt much work will be done too early in the morning. Everyone’s a little hankered.” Virgil laughed. John waved and found a place to sleep for the night.