Over the next couple days, John spent a couple hours each morning training, but he used the majority of the time helping build homes. They’d been able to fill the need for the new families, but John wasn’t satisfied. He suspected more people would be arriving in the coming days. The guards with families were also given homes, while anyone who was single was forced to share. Eventually, the barracks would be used to house them along with the weapons. A small fenced in area was already built adjacent to it.

Virgil created the foundations for several larger buildings near the blacksmith. They would be used for crafting. There would be specified areas for each craft, such as leatherworking, tailoring, and so on. The foundation was laid for another warehouse near the southern entrance that would be used to store wagons and goods that would be traded with future caravans.

John designated a large area near the commonhall that would be used for an open air market. Each vendor or merchant would be designated a stall where they could sell and/or barter their items.

Drew used the time to practice his nature magic. After two days, he was finally able to create a cube of soil. He knew that wouldn’t be enough to satisfy Virgil, so he continued to work trying to create other shapes like pyramids and cylinders. He also made sure to make time for Katelyn. They spent every day at lunch chatting. He was smitten.

Groups hauled the piles of stone to the bridge as well as to the eastern wall of the village. Although Saul and Virgil could create the wall easily, the over-abundance of rocks would be put to use. The new plan was to extend the southern wall farther east then move north and back west to the northern part of the wall creating a walled-in area that would include the garden and flour mill and nearly doubling the area inside. The town was quickly filling up.

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

Drew, John, and Saul, along with several others, were at the bridge as the sun came up the next morning. They planned to start building a tower on the northern side of the water. Like the village, wagons would need to travel underneath it to enter the River’s End area, so it would need to be quite tall.

The framework would be wood, but the walls would be stone. Saul admitted that creating walls with stone and filling in the gaps with mud was much easier on him because all he’d have to do is harden the dirt that filled in the cracks. That’s how most walls were actually built. That Virgil had agreed to build the walls from scratch had surprised him, but they got it done.

As the day progressed, the framework went up relatively easily. Three large posts were placed on each side. It would be a similar set up to the villager towers, just on a bigger scale. A deck was created five meters off the ground. It would be used as a look out. Below the deck was the entryway where eventually two large doors would be created that would swing underneath to allow entry.

On the western side, a small room was being built that could house a few guards. A wall would also extend a dozen or so meters each direction creating a three sided square about 15 feet high. Everything would be built from stone.

While the others stacked the large stones against the frame, John, Drew, and Saul talked while looking at the river. Occasionally Saul would turn and harden a section of the wall so more stones could be placed higher up.

John peered into the water. “This tower and wall is nice and all, but what can we do to keep people from simply going through the river? It’s not very fast and not very deep.”

Saul rubbed his chin. “Well. We could remove the stones, but that may actually make it easier to pass. I could make it deeper, but that would take a lot of work. I don’t know if there’s anything we could actually do.”

Drew pondered it. “Unfortunately, I think Saul is right. It’s just not big or deep enough to be a deterrent.” He motioned behind him. “Seeing this tower and wall will help, but I think we need to focus more on defenses back at the village. Extend our walls, make them higher. Having this tower here should give us plenty of warning.”

John sighed. “Yea. Unfortunate.” John turned to look at the northwest. “We haven’t had one sighting of the Ogres, but I have an idea for another tower on that outcropping of rocks that juts into the area. In time, I think we should build another tower there. It’ll give us another early warning.”

He turned back to the group. “I know people are worried about the Goblins, but I’m not. So I think if we focus on the west and south, we’ll be good.”

Drew wasn’t as positive, but agreed. “Then that’s the plan. We continue extending the wall, making it higher. Eventually we build another outpost on the outcropping for more advantage. And we take whatever is thrown at us.” He smiled eliciting a smile from John.

They continued to work until nightfall and used the fires from the village to guide their way back. They had finished the bottom portion of the tower as well as part of the additional room. The wall and top part of the tower would hopefully be finished in a day or so.

Back in the village, John took a quick stroll around to see what had been accomplished while they’d been away. Another apartment was finished and some beams were now visible on one of the craftsman halls. John smiled with delight.

He entered the commonhall. He had asked Bethany to gather everyone inside for the evening meal. When she saw him, she quickly walked over to greet him.

“They’re all here. I gave Drew the list of names yesterday, so he was able to add them all to the town page. Still plan on inviting them?” she asked, excited.

“I do, yes. If we’re going to show them we mean business, then I have to show that we also trust them to be a part of us. And this is the best way we can do it.” John smiled. “City Status.”

Name: River’s End

Status: Village

Residents: 52 Pending: 37

Treasury: 0

Administration:

Options

Add Resident: Options

Buildings: Expand

Options

Residents: Expand

Judiciary: Expand

Options

Taxes/Revenue: None Options

Stores: Expand

Trade: Expand

Defenses: Expand

Not Available

“Awesome. Time to announce to them then. I know some of them may want to go home at some point, but at least they’ll know they have a home now that accepts them willingly.” Bethany patted his arm and went to find a seat.

John walked to the front of the room, grabbed a chair, and stood on it. “Everyone, can I have your attention? Especially the new arrivals.” Everyone quieted down and turned his way. “Thank you. It’s been a busy week, I know. And I thank you for putting in your all. While I know you are here because of a terrible situation, I want you to know that you are more than welcome to remain here safely away from the Orcs that are ravaging to the east. So, as Mayor of River’s End, I invite you to become citizens. I am fully aware that you may want to return to your homes in the future, but I want to at least give you an option. So please, if you are willing, and you want to be a part of something bigger, open your menus and accept my invitation at this time. I will not force you, and you are free to leave at any time. But I think we are creating something wonderful here, and I’d like you to join us.”

He waited several minutes before opening the city menu. To his astonishment, they’d all accepted. River’s End now had 89 official citizens.

“Thank you. Thank you for joining us. All of you. I will work hard to protect you, to help you grow.” He pointed to Drew. “My friend Drew will do the same.” Then he pointed to Vee. “My friend Vee will help you if you wish to learn to fight. If you need anything, you need simply ask and we’ll do our best to aid you.”

He raised his hands. “Now for the adults, break open the ale!” Several people clapped while a few light cheers were heard. “And for the kids, get that cake out here Karmen! Let’s celebrate!”

The next several hours were a blur as John met with each person individually, thanking them for accepting and joining.

He planted himself next to Drew and Katelyn. “What a night. We are growing so damn fast! And it’s only going to get more exciting as more arrive!”

Drew laughed. “I’m glad to see some life back in you. But yea, it’s exciting. With all the people we have now, we’ll be able to build quickly. I hope though that everyone continues to get along and problems don't arise.” John nodded his agreement.

Stanley was walking by at that moment, and Drew motioned for him to join them.

“Stanley, just the person I wanted to talk to. Tomorrow is the trade with the Goblins. I think it would be best for you to go along with John and help facilitate an agreement with them so you can mine. Possibly even hire them. What do you think?” asked Drew.

Stanley’s eyes were big. “I, well. Yes. I’ll agree to that. I’m not quite comfortable yet with them, but perhaps meeting them will quell my fears. I will travel with you tomorrow. Good night.” He rushed away without waiting for a reply.

All three laughed. “Nervous man. Good thinking though Drew. He’ll know what’s needed.” John turned to Katelyn. “How are you doing here? I know it’s a little rustic, but it’s ours, ya know?”

Katelyn smiled. “Oh it’s fine. It’s actually better than where I came from. Not many lived in the town I'm from because we lived near the Orc lands. We were some of the first to feel their wrath. It was a long, long journey here, but it’s been worth it.” She smiled again and grabbed Drew’s hand causing him to blush.

“Ahem, yea. I’m glad she made it here,” added Drew, flustered.

John laughed. “I’ll leave you two to it then. Good luck on the tower tomorrow while we’re away with the Goblins.” He slapped Drew’s shoulder and walked away.

He looked over his shoulder at the pair who were talking and giggling. I’m glad he found someone. It was really hard getting by sometimes. I hope she’s able to take his mind off of home. John went to the bar and sat. He smiled as he watched the villagers enjoy themselves.

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

The morning came early. Drew and his crew had already left for the bridge. John was going to spend his day training and building. In the evening, they’d need to pack all the goods that would be used for trading with the Goblins.

He was approached by several new villagers, teenagers as he could tell, as he made his way to the apartments.

“John right?” asked the tallest one.

“Yes I am. How can I help you?” he responded.

“We want to go hunting, but we were told the Forest to the west is off limits for the time being. Why?” added the dark-haired girl.

“Well, we fought Ogres there a couple weeks ago. We don’t know if there’s more. Best if you go to the south across the bridge and hunt there. I go there sometimes, and I found numerous animal tracks,” replied John.

At the mention of Ogres, the trio seemed to lose interest in going west. “Well then, we’ll go south to hunt. I understand it that we won’t be paid for anything we bring back?” said the first one who had spoken. There was a tone in his voice.

“That’s correct. And because of that, you won’t have to worry about eating or finding clothing or paying for a home, so keep that in mind. We work together here. So while you’re not officially being paid, you’re still eating and living in a home for free.” John tried to smile politely, but was annoyed with the question.

“Hmmph. Ok then.” The young lady turned to her friends. “Let’s go. Maybe we’ll get lucky and get a deer.”

John watched their backs as they left. “Damn kids. Hope they know the danger,” he mumbled to himself.

He continued onto the training grounds. Later he would head to the apartments and help build. He also wanted to start on one of the crafting halls today.

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

That evening, John, Stanley, Vee, and several guards headed north from the village with two wagons loaded with bread and fish, but mostly fish. They also had several bags in case the Goblins didn’t have enough.

They made their way past the sawmill and the woods to the base of the moment. John saw the familiar stone in the distance. He pointed, and they made their way to the boulder.

For the first time, the Goblins were actually waiting for them. Several members of the guard became visibly nervous as they approached, so John tried to show them that it was okay by waving to the small beings.

John hopped off the wagon and strode up to the Goblins with no fear, still trying to assuage the guards reluctance. Vrichik was sitting on a rock waiting. Bags upon bags of ore sat around him.

“Hello Vrichik.” John put out his hand, and the Goblin quickly shook it.

“Hello friend.” Vrichik smiled his toothy grin. “Many?”

John held his hands up three times indicating 30.

Vrichik stuck his finger in his nose like he always did. “We have.” He turned and grunted to the Goblins who started pulling the bags to the wagons as the guards offloaded the bags of bread and fish.

“Empty the ore right onto the wagons. They will need the bags back. Add ours to the pile,” commanded John. He waved Stanley and Vee over to introduce them to the Goblin. “Friends,” he stated, again waving them forward.

Vrichik put out his hand. Vee didn’t hesitate to shake his hand, but Stanley did. Although visibly nervous, he eventually acquiesced and shook it.

“John friend. My friend,” answered Vrichik with his arms wide. Then he turned to leave.

“Wait!,” John shouted after him causing Vrichik to stop and walk back. “New deal. Friend Stanley.”

“Hmmp. No need.” The Goblin again stood with his finger in his nose.

John tried to think of how to ask the Goblin about allowing Stanley and others to mine. But he also didn’t want the Goblin to think they wouldn’t be needed anymore.

“Stanley. Hit hard rocks. Ask help Goblins,” stated John after a few minutes.

Vrichik squinted his beady eyes. “No need. Have much.” He put his hands up. John knew he was talking about the ore they trade.

“Yes. But Stanley hit too. And others. Our mine fall.” John brought his arms down. “Remember?”

“I not dumb. Remember.” Vrichik was getting annoyed.

“I know. But now can’t hit hard rocks. Hit hard rocks here? With you? Pay you?” John asked nervously.

“Wait," Vrichik replied. His ears had perked up at the mention of pay. Vrichik turned to talk to a group of Goblins who weren’t helping but were standing behind him.

He returned a few minutes later. “Yes. Not by home. We show. Hit hard rocks. We help.” Vrichik grinned through his teeth. “Much pay. Much food. Still trade.”

John shrugged at Stanley who looked worried.

Vrichik interrupted their thoughts. “Two moons. Here. We show. Hard rocks. Your mine. 15 moons. Trade.” He turned and left and was followed by the other group and all the little Goblins carrying empty sacks and sacks full of bread and fish.

Vee spoke, breaking the silence. “Well then. Looks like you got your deal Stanley, but it’s going to cost you food, much food, if you want their help,” she said, laughing.

John did too. “We’ll help with the food, because as you know, what you mine is mostly ours right now anyway. We won’t make you pay for it until later. Then we’ll buy it or trade for it. You know how it works. But you have Steven and at least two other miners. You may not need their help.”

Stanley was still in stunned silence. John hit him in the arm waking him up out of his stupor. “Yes. Yes of course. In two days I’ll meet with the uh, Goblins. If you don’t mind though, I’d like a guard or two to escort us, the first couple times at least.”

“Sure Stanley. We can do that.” John made a motion with his hand. Everyone loaded up and they headed back for the village to finish off the night.

When they arrived in the village, John saw the three teenagers who had talked to him earlier carrying some animals. Man I’m glad they’re back. I remember that feeling of invincibility when I first came here. How quickly things changed. He watched as they turned around the corner of the warehouse. I hope they keep that spirit, but I also hope they don’t pay for it out here.

They parked the wagons and decided to deal with the ore in the morning. John avoided the commonhall and instead went to his apartment to sleep. He had plans tomorrow.