The villagers were still on edge as the sun began to rise. Nothing had come through the night. Mani had said they did their best not to lead them back to the village. He must have succeeded.

John didn’t assume as much. People can be sneaky. They could be watching right then. He stood at the western wall. He had gathered together the group of fighters to talk to them.

“I know last night I said we would find out today who attacked Mani and Yara, but I said that in the heat of the moment. We must prepare before we do so.” Some looked angry; some nodded in agreement. “We can’t all go into the Forest for vengeance and leave everyone here unguarded. We know nothing about them, specifically, how many there are. Do you think we should just go marching in?” John waited for someone to speak up. No one did. “Then we prepare. The caravan should be here today or tomorrow. And along with it more guards.” A few more now nodded their heads in agreement. “I want to avenge them as much as you, but we can’t go in half-assed. Take this day to train with Vee and Willis. They can teach you some skills. There are supposed to be ten guards coming with the caravan. That should be plenty to guard the village while the rest of us go out. I won’t force you to go, but prepare anyway. It’s always good to have some skills. Thanks.” He dismissed the group who headed in different directions.

“Let’s hope the wagons get here today. We could use some relief. No one can guard all day and night.” Ivan chugged from a water skin.

“I know. Another reason we can’t go today. We’re all tired. Get some rest. I’ll stand guard a while longer.” John smiled and watched Ivan head to his apartment.

“A few quiet days. Should have known better. Should have known they wouldn’t last.” He stood watching lost in his own world.

“Talking to yourself? I always find it relaxing having an intelligent conversation with myself once in a while.” Virgil startled him as he approached.

“Good morning Virgil. How have you been?” John shook his hand.

“I’m fine. Thank you. How about you? Healing ok?” John nodded. “Good. Tough news last night.” He leaned against the wall and patted it. “I will work to increase the height of the wall to at least ten feet in the west and create crenellations to fight between in the coming days. I have some suggestions for increasing the defenses if you don’t mind.”

“You have much more knowledge about this than I do. I’m sure you’ve built your fair share of fortifications.” John smiled.

“I have. Yes.” He leaned over to look down the outside of the wall. “While I increase the height, Saul will begin creating a moat of sorts. Waterless right now. But I believe it should be filled with abatis and spears. A deterrent, if you will, for approaching the wall.”

“That’s a good idea. It can be a project for the children. They’re always looking for things to do. Thanks Virgil.”

“Any time John. Your success is mine now. I’d really like to live a while yet.” Virgil chuckled. “I do have some offensive spells if needed, and I have begun to teach Saul too. We will remain here and aid in the defense when you decide to leave.” John again nodded his thanks, and Virgil left to begin his work.

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

Various people came to talk to him throughout the morning as John stood guard. He requested to Nathan that he take the children back out to the woods to gather more sticks to be sharpened into spears and to also look for anything that could be made for binding to create abatis to hamper approach. While weary, Nathan agreed, but he requested that two other adults accompany them.

John watched as the wall to his south slowly grew. He also watched Saul below him removing dirt to create the ditch at the bottom of the wall. Near the southern gate, groups were practicing swordcraft and their bows with the two trainers.

Instead of training, Ivan began to construct a third watchtower in the southwest bend of the wall near where the villagers trained. Vin and the others continued on the commonhall. The walls were finished; they had begun to create the rafters for the roof. He said it would be usable in two or three days.

Drew worked with Dragi to begin creating gates rather than using wagons. They would, for the moment, be drawbridges over the ditch that was being created. Once the forge was operational, the wood would be reinforced with iron.

Mani spent his day with Yara and Gert. Her wounds were deep but not life threatening. She would be back at it in no time according to the Herbalist. She’d even commented that Yara was a much better patient than John ever was. That made them all laugh.

No one was idle. Work continued, but it was visible to anyone that people were still on edge. So when the call came that there were riders coming from the south with wagons, people tensed and then sighed with relief at the sight of the new villagers and guards.

Although John was excited at the new arrivals, he didn’t dare leave his post. Drew could deal with it. He had enough on his mind.

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

Drew stood at the entrance greeting the new villagers and guards. One by one they entered the village proper and were shown where they would be staying. He looked around. “Going to need some type of barracks and training area soon to house all the guards. And I know the blacksmith will have to be built soon or Ivan will kill me. I’m going to turn into John soon making all these lists.” He smiled as Ivan approached and walked right past him.

“Where’s the Stonemason. Best get started on the blacksmith right away. Going to need arrow tips, nails, metal strips to reinforce the gates. And so on and so on. The work never ends here!” Ivan put his hands on his hips. He looked around the group of newcomers. “Where’s the Stonemason? We need him to begin work as soon as possible on a forge!”

A middle-aged gentleman approached him. “That would be me sir. I will begin on it, but not tonight. It’s been a tiresome journey. I would like to actually get some sleep with a roof over my head. I promise to start in earnest tomorrow.” The man smiled and put out his hand. “I’m Samuel. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Ivan. I’m Ivan. This here is Drew. One of the men in charge.” Drew smiled and waved. “We have a lot of work to do. We’ve already been preparing for you to come, so we have a large pile of rocks gathered for the forge and fireplaces in the commonhall and dwellings. Get settled tonight then. I’ll be wakin’ you up at first light.” Ivan turned and left Samuel in stunned silence.

“He really really wants a blacksmith so he can start hitting things.” Drew put out his hand as he moved to the man. “Drew, as he said. I’m the Town Administrator. Please follow the rest of the new villagers and make yourself at home. We will have a big dinner to greet you all this evening. Then, we have lots of work to do tomorrow.” He smiled politely and motioned him on. Samuel didn’t look impressed as he looked around.

“That one is going to be hard to please.” He was about to walk away when he saw two small children standing at the entrance under the tower. Drew walked over and kneeled down. “Hello you two. Where’s your parents?” He looked around. He noticed none of the adults were concerned about them.

“Dead sir. A big man said we could live with him if we came,” replied the little girl. She had big doe eyes. Her brother stood behind her, a near spitting image.

“Hmm. Was his name Monty?” Both of their eyes got big at the mention of his name.

“Yes sir. He said he’d take care of us.” Although somewhat more relaxed, she was still visibly nervous.

“Then come on. I’ll take you to him. He’s probably in the field and just didn’t realize you were here yet. Follow me.” He was slowly able to coax the children to follow him. He handed the two children some jerky as they walked to Monty’s home. “What’s your names?”

“I’m Sofia. He’s Benny.” They chewed on the tough jerky.

“Nice names. We’re glad to have you here.” Really? Nice names? That’s how you befriend them? Idiot. They continued walking; the children nervously watched the villagers training and building. When they got to Monty’s apartment, Drew knocked on the door. Annie answered it.

“Good Afternoon Drew.” She looked at the two children huddled behind him. She bent over to be closer to their height. “And you two must be who Monty has been telling me about. Sofia and Benny correct?” Both nodded. “Then please, come in. We don’t have much at the moment, but whatever we have is now yours too.” She stood up and smiled at Drew. Sofia slowly walked into the house, Benny being pulled by his hand to follow. Once they were in, Annie spoke to Drew. “I don’t know what got ahold of Monty with these two, but you can be sure we’ll take care of them. We might need a bigger home soon though!” She laughed and looked inside.

Drew nodded and smirked. “I’m starting to think he’s just a big teddy bear.” She gave him an odd look. “Oh um. Fearsome looking, but kind hearted.” She nodded her head in understanding. “If you need anything, anything at all, just ask. And I’ll talk to Vin. The roof isn’t too steep, but we may be able to make a loft up top. At least for some beds. I’ll let you know what he says. I’ll let Monty know the kids are here,too.” He squeezed her shoulder and left.

As he walked out of the village to the fields, he thought to himself. Not the best time to be adding kids to the village. Especially not orphans. What was he thinking? At least we have some more guards to help monitor the area around the town. He took a piece of paper out of his satchel. I really am turning into John, he chuckled to himself. He opened the paper and read. Mostly farmers. That’s ok. Food is always good. A lumberjack. A Merchant. Wonder what she wants here? I’ll find her when I get back to town. He mused over the names and jobs of the new villagers.

He got out another paper and began to reread all the items John had bought. We are definitely going to need a storehouse. Or at least a bigger cellar right now. And another stable for all the horses and chickens that were brought. Ugh. At least one of the Farmers has the husbandry skill. Hopefully he can start breeding some of them so we can quit buying them. He continued to walk towards the fields. He saw Monty and his son in the distance taking a break on a small hill.

“Hey guys!” Drew shouted from a distance so not to scare them when he walked up. He plopped down next to them.

“Good afternoon Drew.” Monty handed a skin of water to him to drink. He gladly took it. “What brings you this way?”

After taking a drink, he answered. “You have a couple little visitors in your home. They’re really nervous and were looking for you.” Monty perked up. “You may want to go greet them. They seem pretty scared.” Monty stood and pulled Erik up by the collar.

“You keep weeding. I have something I need to do.” Monty nodded to Drew and took off at a jog to the village. Erik grumbled something under his breath.

“Better get going Erik. Don’t want to disappoint your dad.” Drew laughed as Erik looked over his shoulder at him and glared. Drew stood up, still laughing, dusted himself off, and went back to the village to seek out the Merchant.

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

John was finally relieved from his watch by two of the new Guardsmen. He was so tired that he didn’t bother to learn their names yet. He saw his villagers still working diligently around the town somewhat more at ease with the new guards having arrived.

Monty was sitting at a table with two small children, and Drew was at another with a petite woman. Must be the orphans he decided to bring and raise. And I wonder who Drew is talking to. I can’t remember who was all coming. Lots of farmers I know that, but she doesn’t look like a farmer. He continued to walk around taking in all the sights. He noticed several men and women heading out the eastern entrance toward the farm land. Now those must be the farmers. And the small guy’s carrying an axe. The new Lumberjack. I wish more had come. Maybe in another couple weeks when the trade caravan arrives. He was so lost in thought that he ran into a man who had stopped in front of him.

“Oomph. Shit! Sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going. You’re new here. I’m John.” He smiled politely.

“I know. The Baron filled me in about you and this place.” John saw the man looking around, disappointment in his eyes. Then he turned back to John. “I’m Samuel. I’m the Stonemason you hired. I’m here until the caravan arrives unless we extend the contract, which means more pay.” He had a sly grin on his face that made John uncomfortable.

“I see. Well thank you for coming. We won’t work you to death, just to the bone!” John laughed. Samuel did not. “Ahem. Anyway. I’m sure you’ve already been told the goals here so I won’t bore you with them again. I’d like to ask that when you’re finished with Drew’s projects that you begin constructing some roads, at least between the entrances and the housing. And if time, to the cellar and commonhall. It’s not a very big village, but I can honestly say I don’t know what it will entail for you.” He shrugged. “But we do have two nature mages who could probably help. I dunno.”

“Hmm. Yes. Perhaps. He’s got quite the list for me to do in the meantime. I will begin tomorrow. I just wanted to introduce myself to the Mayor of this, um, village.” He had a seedy grin.

“Well thank you. And again, we appreciate you coming here to help us.” They shook hands and parted ways. John watched Samuel leave.

I don’t like him. His eyes are so shifty and he has such a fake smile. I hope he’s just disappointed with the town and not up to something. John cut the walk short and decided to take a nap instead. He wanted to be ready for the celebration that evening.

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

Drew had met with the merchant earlier. He found out from her that she simply wanted to start over. There was too much supply and not much demand in Innsbruck. She wanted to provide a place where villagers could barter items with her being the middle woman so to speak, but eventually she wanted it to become an actual store with essentials for villagers and travelers alike. Drew gave her the thumbs up. Once the commonhall was built, a small area would be used to facilitate the trades. In the future, a shop would be built to accommodate her wares and business.

He had watched John and Samuel’s interaction earlier. He wanted to talk to John about the guy, but it could wait. He had a bad feeling about him. Drew thought he was smarmy.

After the conversation with Lilith, the Merchant, he had sought out Bethany. He wanted an updated list of all the villagers and job levels they had, especially the new ones, because Monty hadn’t gotten those details. She said she’d have it in a couple days.

They’ve had to have made progress in their jobs. Everyone has been working nonstop for weeks. He walked around checking on the progress of the various projects. Vin was installing the trusses for the roof. Dragi was nearly finished with the ‘gate.’ They just needed to work on the mechanism for raising and lowering it.

The children had brought back several cartloads of sticks and had begun to sharpen them. Some of the guards helped teach them how to create rope for the abatis from the fibrous parts of trees and plants.

Drew made a circle and ended up at the kitchen area to help prepare the feast of celebration. He had met each villager as they came in, but still didn’t know them well.

“After a week, I’ll offer them to be citizens. That’ll give us an idea of whether or not they fit in well here. I’m surprised that so many are already out working. I guess it’s the nature of the beast. Idle hands and all that.” Drew walked up to one of the tables and began dicing vegetables for Karmen. She gave him a sour look at first, but then accepted his help. She really doesn’t like people helping her, he chuckled to himself.

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

The celebration supper was a big hit. The villagers melded well with the newcomers. Ivan near shed a tear at the site of the tapped keg of ale. Only one person kept to himself. Samuel. And one person kept an eye on him. John.

His beady little eyes keep shifting from one person to another. I don’t think he’s talked to a single person tonight. I hope it’s just me being paranoid. I doubt the Baron would send someone to spy on us. It’s in his best interests if we succeed out here. John drank the ale that was handed to him by Drew.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Drew hit his mug to John’s.

“Keep an eye on that one. There’s something about him that is rubbing me wrong.” John sipped from his mug, never taking an eye off Samuel.

“Me either. I don’t think he’s dangerous, but I think he’s here for a purpose. Monty even said that he came out here with the Baron, that they’re friends. I think we just need to keep that in mind and be careful what we talk about around him.” Drew patted John on the shoulder. “Time you speak isn’t it?” He gave him a sly grin.

“Ugh. Yea. I hate this part.” John finished the last of the ale and stood. “Good evening everyone. Hello. Can I have your attention?” Everyone quieted down to listen to him. “I’m happy to welcome all the new arrivals. Thank you for joining us.” He clapped his hands. “Thank you Karmen for the wonderful meal like always.” He turned and clapped to her. “Please get acclimated as quickly as you can. As you know, our success here depends on you. We all work together to sustain the village. Please help where you can even if it’s not technically your job. It’s all greatly appreciated. In one week’s time, we will invite you to become official villagers to River’s End.” Drew walked over and filled his mug. “A toast. To our future villagers!” Cheers went up and people drank.

John continued. “As I’m sure you have heard from talking to others, two of our friends were attacked in the Forest to our west. They made it back yesterday, hurt, but okay.” He could hear a few murmurs. “In two days, several of us will go into the Forest to find out who these people are. Now that we have more guards, I am more confident that we are more prepared to handle anything thrown at us. Virgil is increasing the wall height, and Saul is making a moat. The children and guards are working on abatis and spears. Dragi and Drew are working on gates for the entrances. And many of our people are training with weapons. Not to attack, but to defend if necessary. I invite all of you to train with Willis and Vee.” He motioned to the two sitting at the side chatting.

“Please use the time wisely to build and train with us. We will do everything in our power to safeguard you. But I can’t promise we will always succeed.” People’s faces took on a more humble appearance at that. “I don’t mean to frighten you. I’m just a realist. We are on the edge out here. There’s a lot left to discover to our west.” He raised his mug one more time, and everyone joined him. “Tonight, let’s drink up! For there is always tomorrow!”