Monty arrived at Innsbruck early in the afternoon on the fifth day of traveling. He paid the stable boy to take care of his horse and headed straight for the Baron’s estate. He grumbled to himself knowing he was going to have to explain to him about what happened. He made his way through the village. He stopped at several shops handing them slips of paper and saying that he’ll be back within a day to retrieve the items.

He entered the walls of the estate and knocked on the door to the small manor. He wrung his hands nervously. A small old man answered the door and said nothing.

“The Baron. Very important news. Tell him it is Monty. John Mitchell’s friend.” He spoke slowly. It’s not that he didn’t like to speak. He was just a man of few words. He made each one count. He ran his fingers through his coal black hair as he waited.

“One moment please.” The old man disappeared back inside. He reappeared a few minutes later. “Please. This way.” He put his arm out for Monty to follow. They traveled down a long hallway arriving at a large room with a desk. Baron Danielson sat behind it.

“Monty. It’s good to see you!” Baron Danielson got up and approached to shake Monty’s hand. “I hope all is well. I didn’t expect anyone for a couple more weeks. Please sit. Tell me of your adventure so far.”

They sat at a small table and chairs. Monty began. “Most has been good.” The old man sat some tea in front of him. He stopped to take a drink. “Some bad. We were attacked.” The Baron leaned forward in his chair. “Two of your guards died. Richard and Simon.”

“Dead. How? Who were you attacked by?” Monty had his full attention.

“They were killed coming back here. Three men ambushed them. We killed them. John was hurt.” He took another sip and ate a pastry that had been placed on the table. “This is for you.” He handed the note to the Baron and let him read.

After several minutes, Danielson spoke. “I am most aggrieved at this news.” He held the paper in his hands. “I will do my best to fulfill his wishes in the letter. Give me two days at most.”

“We want more guards. And a stonemason.” Monty took the coin purse from his waist. “We will pay.”

“Yes, yes of course.” He snapped his fingers and the butler joined them. “Have this fulfilled with the utmost urgency. Everything. Have the head of the guard come here at once. And begin looking for a stonemason to journey with Monty. And any more volunteers.” He shooed him away. “I understand the urgency. I do. But it will take time. So please, tell me how everything is fairing besides. And what about the ore? Do you have the piece?”

Monty unlaced another small pouch from his belt and handed it to the Baron. “We found Goblins in a mine.” Danielson’s eyes widened. “We trade food for ore.” He pointed to the bag.

The Baron opened it and felt it’s rough surface. “I am no expert. I will have this looked at by a blacksmith.” He put it back in the bag. “John says you’re trading with Goblins? That’s unheard of! They’re vile little creatures. It’s hard to believe.” He folded his hands and sat back in his chair. He looked skeptical.

“It’s true.” Monty shrugged. He ate another pastry and continued. “We have walls. A sawmill. Some farms. Everything is good except being attacked. So we want more guards.”

“Hmm. Straight to the point. That’s fine.” He smiled. “I have no reason not to believe you, even if it is unheard of. We all keep our secrets.” The Baron stood, so Monty stood. “We will have the majority of the items tomorrow I’m sure. Perhaps the next day. I will talk with the head guardsman myself. I’m sure there will be people who will want to escort the wagons that will be needed. When I tell them you are paying, more will clamor to join.” He put out his hand and Monty shook it. “Please give my best wishes to John. He will be fine. I know it. He’s one of the strongest men I know.” He paused and walked Monty to the door. “Come back tomorrow to the warehouse. My Butler Bruce will gather some volunteers and the stonemason. Hopefully. I am confident that in two days time you will be back on the road.” He smiled.

“Agreed. Tomorrow.” Monty smiled and exited the manor. He headed into the village as the Baron watched from the door.

“What an odd man.” Danielson took out the piece of ore. “I don’t honestly care if they’re trading with Goblins. That’s their problem. If they have iron though in abundance, I will gladly trade my weight in food for it. It’s one of the few things we are short on here.” He sat back on his couch. “I knew investing in John would work out.” He stood and went to his desk and began writing a letter in response to John’s.

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

Monty spent the evening going to various shops. He also stopped by a blacksmith. He wanted to see what he had to say about the ore. It’s not that he didn’t trust the Baron, but he wanted to hear it for himself.

“It’s dark gray in color which is fine. Sometimes they are red in color.” The blacksmith was handling the small chunk of ore. “Not a lot of other minerals in it at first glance.” He set it on a scale. “Weighs a little over two pounds. So not a lot of impurities. Would make a good small weapon or something of the like. You have more?”

“Not on me. But yes.” Monty put his hand out to take the piece back. “Just wanted information.” He nodded his thanks and left the blacksmith.

He spent the rest of his time that evening at the Drunkin’ Goat. He planned to meet the Baron early in the morning. He hoped he had volunteers and guards ready to go.

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

Monty went straight to the warehouse after eating breakfast. He knew the volunteers and guards wouldn’t be there yet, but he wanted to see what goods had already been brought. He wasn’t disappointed.

One wagon was completely loaded with flour, salted meats, and fresh vegetables and fruits. Another had more nails and building materials. A third had various other items wanted by the families. And the fourth was still empty.

“Good. I won’t have to buy another for what I bought.” Monty climbed each wagon and inspected the goods. The Baron did not disappoint for sure. He heard movement at the entrance.

“I didn’t expect you so early. I told the guards to get here when they could this morning.” Danielson was approaching with two men behind him. “I’d like you to meet Samuel. He’s a stonemason who has agreed to accompany you. For pay of course.” Both gentlemen smiled.

“Great. It’s much appreciated.” Monty hopped off a wagon to greet them. He shook their hands. “Pleasure.”

“The pleasure is mine. Thank you. I will be prepared to leave in the morning with the convoy. I thought I would come meet you first before gathering my items. You will have space for them, yes?” Monty nodded. “Wonderful! Then I will prepare and be here first thing in the morning.” Samuel turned and left the warehouse.

“I think you will get along marvelously. He’s very capable. I almost hate to see him go.” The Baron had a sly grin on his face. Monty raised an eyebrow. “On to other business.” He clasped his hands. “The blacksmith said the ore was of good quality. I’d like to know if John is indeed interested in trading for it. Here is a letter I wrote to him with trade details. And here is another letter expressing my sympathy for what happened.” He handed Monty the letters, then continued. “I will be sending five guards and five trainees with you. It’s all we can spare at the moment. There’s word from the east that Orcs are on the prowl ransacking villages. I can’t be completely undefended here. You understand. And if we stop them here, should they come, your little village would be protected anyway.” He stood proudly.

“What about volunteers?” Monty asked.

“A dozen or so expressed interest. Maybe more today will come. Several Farmers who we have an abundance of here. Another Lumberjack who can’t find work. Not many trees around here. Surprisingly a Merchant wishes to join even after being told about the little cooperative you’ve established. Perhaps she’s just trying to get a foothold. One never knows.” The Baron stopped to think. “And a peculiar young lady wishes to join as well. I’ll let her speak for herself when she arrives. I’m not certain of the others. More Farmers if I had to guess.” He smiled. “I will leave you to it oh man of many words.” He and his Butler left the warehouse.

“I like him less.” Monty milled about the warehouse waiting for others to arrive. Soon, stragglers began to trickle in. He took down their information, namely their jobs, and sent them to gather their things to put onto the wagons. By afternoon, ten adults with three kids came and went. Five were indeed farmers; one of them had the husbandry skill John had sought before. One was a lumberjack and another the Merchant. Three farmers were married, and their wives and husbands had various jobs. As the last family was leaving, a young woman entered the warehouse.

“Is this the meeting place for the expedition out west?” The young woman had full leather armor on and carried a sword on her waist. She approached Monty while looking around.

“Yes. You want to go?” Monty eyed her suspiciously having been told about her from the Baron.

“Absolutely. You betcha. I’ve been looking for some excitement for a long time.” She had a jovial look in her eyes.

“Name and job?” Monty looked at her ready to write.

“Veronica Lewis. No job but I wouldn’t mind taking one. I’m a level 43 Swordsman. But I’m also decent with a bow,” she said proudly. She put her hands on the table Monty sat at and leaned in. “Not to sound crazy here, but I’ve been trying to meet your boss for years. But he’s all over the place. When I heard he finally settled down, I knew it was my chance so I headed here.” She smiled.

“Level 43.” Monty wrote it down, surprised. “You know of John? How?”

She leaned in closer. “Let’s just say I suspect we have something in common.” She smiled genuinely. “If it’s ok with you, I’ll gather up my things. I have my own horse, and I travel light. I’ll be here in the morning. Have a good evening.” She left before Monty could accept or deny her. Monty sat open mouthed and stunned. He shook his head to gain his senses back.

“That one will be interesting.” He closed the notepad. He was gathering his things to leave when he saw two small children enter.

They looked around nervously, obviously scared. They slowly crept in holding hands. The larger of the two, a girl, spoke. “Mister. Sir.” She stopped. “Can we come with you?” was all she asked.

“Why?” Monty stated, to the point. “It’s dangerous.” He leaned forward acting like he was looking for others. “Where are your parents?”

“Mommy died from fever. Daddy left us here.” The girl had tears in her eyes and looked malnourished.

“It’s dangerous,” Monty stated again. Inside, his heart of gold was breaking. “What can you do?”

“Whatever is needed Mister,” she stepped forward and wiped away a tear. “I can sew a little. Benny is good with traps. He catches a lot of mice.” She trailed off. Monty caught her meaning.

“Hmmp. It’s dangerous for kids.” Monty sighed heavily looking into their hopeless eyes. “You will stay with me and my wife.” He opened his notepad. “Names?”

“He’s Benny. I’m Sofia,” she replied, beaming. They ran over to Monty and embraced his legs. “Thank you thank you thank you! We will work hard. You’ll see.”

“Be back here at first light. We leave shortly after.” Monty opened his pouch and handed them a silver mark. “Buy some food. And clothes and shoes. You will need them.” They quickly left the warehouse after hugging him once more. He smiled to himself. “What have I done.” He smiled wider.

He too left the warehouse to begin getting the items he had ordered the day before. He pushed a small handcart to gather all the items: candles, more herbs and medicines, and other small items that took time. Monty took them back with him to the Drunkin’ Goat to have a drink. When he entered, he was immediately waved down by the strange lady from earlier, Veronica.

“Hey pal! Monty right? Come have a seat. I’d like to talk more with ya about going to your village.” Veronica waved to the seat across from her. He hesitantly joined her; he kept his eye on her the whole time. “No need to be scared pal. I don’t bite. Hard.” She had a toothy smile.

“Yes I’m Monty. What would you like to know?” Monty answered her as he waved down the bartender for an ale and some stew.

“Not much, not much. How longa ride is it? I don’t plan on waiting around for the wagons. I’m gonna ride ahead if ya don’t mind.” She quickly shoveled food into her mouth and chugged some ale. “I ain’t got time to waste you know. I’ve been lookin’ to meet John for years.”

Monty raised his eyebrow again at the comment. “Why is that important?” He slowly sipped the ale the waiter had placed on the table.

“Nothing major. Nothing you need to worry about pal. I’m just anxious to meet him that’s all. I only have good intentions here. Scout’s honors.” She held up two fingers and smiled again. Stew dripped from her chin.

Monty made a motion for her to wipe her chin. “I see. That worries me. He is like family.” He put his hands on the table, annoyed.

“Slow your roll there buddy,” she said, her smile never leaving her face. She pushed her brown hair behind her ears. “You ever wonder where he came from? Your friend. In all the years you’ve known him, has he ever told you? Didn’t it seem odd that this twenty year old something was like a babe in a diaper when you met him? Clueless? No class. No job.”

The comments caused Monty to shift in his seat. He indeed had wondered where he came from. He thought to himself. What does she know? How does she know he found me so long ago? Maybe she’s just assuming it was me. He squinted his eyes at her trying to read her. If she knows something. He stopped.

“Peaked your interest hmm?” She waved at the bartender. “Two more ales for me and my future friend.” She turned back to him; Monty looked at her skeptically. “Listen.” She leaned in. “It’s not my place to tell you his history. But I’ll tell you this. He will want to meet me. I guarantee it. You ride with me back to your village ahead of the wagons. I’ll let you introduce me. You tell him I’m from Michigan, an isle far to the east past the fields of Mira out in the Great Sea. If he doesn’t want to meet me, I’ll leave. No questions asked. But he will. You watch.” She sat back in the seat, a smile plastered on her face as she drank the ale.

“Why should I trust you?” Monty retorted. His eyes were still squinted, not having been convinced.

“A leap of faith pal. I’ll even let you hold my weapons the entire journey. If it helps ease your mind a little, I’ll even answer two questions right now. About anything you want.” Veronica steepled her fingers

Anything. He thought to ask where they came from. No. I will hear from John where he is from. And Drew. It can’t be a coincidence he knows nothing of this place. Monty thought harder.

“Fine. Why are you here?” He asked, emphasising the here.

“Good question.” She leaned in again. “I don’t rightly know. I have no memory of how I got here. I woke up naked as a jaybird thirty ought years ago. I have sought out people from where I came from for years. When I heard tales about John, I knew he was from, um, Michigan too.” She bit her lip, having stumbled in her speech. “So I came here. If only to speak to him.” Veronica’s playful demeanor had turned into being stone-faced.

“How did you know he is from Me-she-gun too?” Monty asked, perplexed.

She laughed, startling Monty. “He tried to form an adventuring guild called the Ghostbusters. That’s a dead giveaway to me.” She shrugged while laughing still. “I can’t explain it to ya. Maybe once I’ve talked to him.” She took another sip. “Last question.”

“I don’t have another,” he replied, still wary. “But your tale sounds too similar to John’s to dismiss.” He stood to leave. “I will allow you to come. But you must leave if he doesn’t want you there.”

“He won’t ask me to leave.” She put up her hand to stop Monty from speaking. “But yes, I will if he insists.” Veronica stood. “Good talking to ya. I’ll be ready in the morning. Night captain.” She left the table and went up the stairs to her room.

Have I made another mistake letting her come? First the children now her? Perhaps I’ve become too gullible. He took a big sigh. Or perhaps after all these years I’ll finally get some answers. He chugged the remaining ale, and he too retired to his room.

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

The four wagons waited by the western gate along with all the new villagers. Monty brought his cart of goods along to put on the last wagon.

Ten guards should be able to guard the wagon right? Monty thought to himself. Should I trust her to leave these wagons? I do miss Marie and the kid. He was interrupted out of his thoughts by Veronica waving him down.

“Hey pal. Hope ya don’t mind that I helped the last few stragglers get their stuff loaded.” She waved at the little kids. “Some important guy was here but left in quite the hurry. He gave me this letter to give to you to give to John.” She shrugged.

“Thank you. I will talk to the guards, and then you and I will head as quickly as we can back to River’s End.” She nodded to him. He walked over to the wagons and inspected them. Then told the guards the plan. One of them yelled to roll out which they did a few minutes later. Four wagons took the journey west.

Monty finished packing his provisions onto his horse. He waved at Veronica. “Better now than never.” He pulled the reins on his horse and they set towards the village.

“On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again. The life I love is making music with my friends,” sang Veronica. She stopped when she saw Monty looking at her dumbfounded. “What? I like to sing. Better get used to it pal. Or it’ll be a long quiet journey.” She smiled her toothy grin and they went through the gate as she continued to sing.