John had spent the previous night talking with the newest arrivals, specifically Linda and Wallace, the de facto leaders of their group. The final count of people worried him, 53 adults and 14 children, along with 12 guards. In just a couple days, the number of people in the village had doubled. The total of people in the town now stood at almost 225 adults and children. The influx of guards was helpful though.

He found out that Wallace had actually been the leader, the “mayor,” of the small town they came from. They weren’t all family but may as well be considered as one as they’d been a community for years. They’d left before the Orcs could attack, and because they had, they were much better prepared than other groups that had entered the plateau. They recounted countless parties they had passed that were visibly malnourished and barely hanging on. They’d done what they could, sharing food and supplies, but they worried it was only going to get worse.

John informed them about the Ogres and about how they traded with Goblins. This surprised the couple, but when John told them about how they’d entered the battle and turned it in favor of the village, they were impressed. It wasn’t often, really ever, that one heard about friendly Goblins. He also told them there was going to be a feast in their honor the day after, and if any in their group didn’t feel comfortable, they didn’t need to go. But John stressed the importance of acceptance. The village owed them greatly.

They said they would pass on the news, but that really, the large group just wanted a safe place to grow. They understood and recognized the danger of being at the fringe of civilization, but they also knew that the possibilities out here would be endless. They had quite a few skilled crafters and hunters unlike the previous groups that had mostly been farmers. John was excited about the prospects.

But he was also worried, quite so. He sat with Bethany, Drew, Gramps, Inara, and Gert who he had appointed the council. The village was already running into problems with people not wanting to work yet expecting to still eat and be housed.

Where Meg and her family had meshed well with the previous villagers, several in the next bunch did not. The group had mainly consisted of farmers, with the odd person having various labor intensive jobs like lumberjack and miner.

John sighed, “To be frank guys, they’re lazy. I get that they’re tired, scared, maybe even on their last leg after having lost everything, but I won’t have that here. Everyone needs to contribute something and sitting by the lake or on the wall is not helping.”

Gramps grumbled. “No kidding. They’re just sitting on my dock not even fishing, just dangling their legs in the water. At least hold a damn pole!”

Gert shook her head in obvious disgust. She knocked on the table. “Now hold on. They’ve already lost everything. They’ve only been here a couple days. We need to give them a little time to get used to it out here. What we are doing isn’t common. Really, it’s never been tried before. There’s bound to be some pushback.”

Bethany was doodling on her paper. She looked up and responded to the two who had disagreed. “Look. I see both sides, but John just informed us we have doubled in number in just a few days. If people don’t start helping, then we’ll run out of food in no time. Look what’s happening in Innsbruck. I don’t want that here. By my estimations, before this latest group arrived, we had about six months of food stockpiled. So, cut that in half. That’s what we have now. Of course, we’re constantly adding to the stockpile, but if something were to go wrong, a bad crop, our hunters being injured, we’d just barely make it through the winter.”

John cleared his throat and addressed Bethany. “Do you have a list of everyone's jobs, before this last group? I mean, is there a reason they aren’t working? Maybe we don’t have one for them? If that’s the case, we can assign them somewhere. Maybe they just don’t know what to do?”

Bethany flipped to a different page. “I do. The majority are farmers, and there’s plenty of farming to be done. If I had to guess, they don’t want to farm the land because it’s not theirs. So maybe we need to change that. Offer a plot of land to them that they have to buy, perhaps south of town like you’d planned. Then they can sell their crops to the town to pay off their debt. We can still provide food and clothing, but at least then they’ll be contributing. And honestly, we can do the same with each.”

Gramps wrinkled his nose and grumbled again. He spoke as he stroked his patchy gray beard. “I don’t like it. I like what we had going. But we knew this day would come eventually. I just didn’t think it would come so soon. Damn Orcs.”

Bethany nodded in agreement. “So we come up with a system, one that allows them to buy the land to have their own. They could even build a home there if they wanted, but I think they’d have to pay for it then. Their crops will go towards paying off the debt, then once it's paid, the village will buy it.” She tapped her paper. “But then we run into the problem of those not getting paid for their work. What do we do then when they get angry?”

Drew sat back in his chair and folded his hands behind his head. “I think we need to revamp our whole thinking out here. Things were working great, but as more and more people arrive, it just won’t work. Everything being free isn’t feasible. People don’t like to work for nothing.” Gert made to speak, but Drew continued. “I know what you’re going to say, Gert. But people like to feel like they’re accomplishing something, and when they’re not being paid for their time, even if we are giving them food and housing, work will suffer. Idle hands and all that.”

Drew continued, “So here’s what I think we do. We don’t offer them to buy the land and work off debt. No, I think instead we pay everyone a set wage, the guards, the farmers, crafters, everyone. Then we set prices on things such as food, clothing, and wares. We keep it affordable, but then people will think they are earning something and work for it. Housing can still be free for all I care. Having somewhere to sleep is a good motivator. But what do we do with those who continue not to do anything? It doesn’t feel right to me making them leave. Not after what they’ve been through.”

No one said anything for a while.

John mulled over the prospects in his head. He too worried about the future. He broke the silence. “So I think we have three choices, none of them great and definitely not like what I had planned. But I’m a bigger person to admit what we are doing just won’t work. I never thought we’d grow this fast or this big quite honestly.”

He sighed and continued. “One. We sell land to those who aren’t working or to anyone who wants to own it, that includes farmers and people already rooted here. But it will be outside the walls. They work off their debt, and then we buy whatever product it is they have. But we run into problems down the line with people who choose not to buy land yet complain about others, which is their fault really, but that’s not how they’ll see it.”

“Two. We pay everyone a wage, we own all the products and wares, and we sell them back at fixed prices. That way, as long as you work, you’ll be able to afford whatever we have. We aren’t going to gouge them, but like Drew said, they’d be working for something.”

“And three. Nothing is free. People buy or barter all items they need. If you want to eat, you trade for a different ware you created. Want clothing, buy it because you sold some pelts or produce. It’ll be an open system. I just worry that people will try to take advantage of the needs of those who are arriving with nothing.”

John looked at his fellow villagers trying to read their expressions. He valued their input.

Gert finally replied. “If I can be honest John,” she said, smiling, “I commend you for what you tried to do out here. But it’s something that no one knows. In a perfect world, it would be wonderful, everyone contributing, no one wanting. But usually, and I say this with much experience, the higher ups are greedy. You and the Baron have been different. You constantly try to give back, to help those who need it. But that isn’t the norm. I think we need a system that the people know. And that system is barter and trade. People will always take advantage of generosity sadly. There will always be those who want something for nothing. So we weed those out.”

Inara, who had been quiet, spoke up. “I agree. It will take time, and there will be failures no doubt, but if we implement a system that allows for bartering and buying items, I think we’ll be better off. We can even come up with set prices for items so that your worry about inflated pricing won’t come about. It’s not going to be perfect; nothing ever is, but we can try.”

Drew pursed his lips. “There will be pushback, especially from those who have been here from the beginning. People are used to having free food, free clothing. How can we change that now? It’s expected.”

Gert chuckled and patted his arm. “Oh Drew. It’s expected but not necessary. I don’t know where you came from, but people aren’t used to getting stuff for free. In no time at all, people will adapt. You’ll see.”

Drew replied, “That may well be, but what about those who come here and have nothing? What do we do with those? I don’t think we have a one system-fits-all situation out here.”

Bethany tapped on the table again drawing attention to her. “Then we do two things. Newcomers can work, and the village pays them for their services and items. The blacksmith is the perfect example. We need weapons, nails, arrow tips. We pay people to do it for us. We need lumber for homes, so we pay people. We need furs and pelts for armor and clothing, so we buy them. Eventually, people will have enough coins to go on their own. We don’t give up on them; we help them. And in doing so help ourselves,” she added.

“If people want to work for the town, we let them. It’s no different than paying someone like you, Drew, to run the town, or me as a secretary,” Bethany continued. “We give options. Technically, all the land here is John’s, so it’s ultimately his decision.” She paused and looked at John. “This is another thing that’s unheard of, actually listening to what the people want. And personally, I thank you for that John. It takes a better man to ask for help, to find out what’s best for the people and not just what you think is best.”

John blushed slightly. “Th-thank you Bethany. I appreciate that.” John sighed and steepled his hands. “It’s going to be tough, that ain’t no lie,” he chuckled. “I think our best option is an open market, but we also offer the option to work for the village, to be paid by the village. But then the question arises, where do we get the coin? Right now we are trading ore and skins for items. We are going to have to change that to coinage if we are going to pay people.” He paused, letting the others think about it.

“On a related note, Gert is right. As much as it pains me, let’s give the new people a few days to acclimate. Maybe they just need some time to unwind; they did lose everything coming here after all.” John paused but then smiled, resigned to what they had to do. “Let’s adjourn for the day and meet again tomorrow morning. Come up with some ideas about pay, pricing, things of those nature. Then we’ll brainstorm and come to a decision in a day or two. I know we’re doing the right thing. I just wish what I had planned would work. Oh well.”

Gert stood and walked over to John. She smiled and patted him on the head. “You’ve done a fine job so far. It was bound to happen. But we’ll all get through it too. It’ll just take time.”

John looked around the room at his friends. They all, except Gramps, had smiles on their faces. He truly appreciated each. “Thank you all for your ideas and input. Now that we have a plan, or the beginnings of one, I have much to do about our feast tonight with the Goblins. If any of you want to help with that, be my guest. I have a feeling there’s going to be a few people who aren’t excited about them coming, so I want to make sure they don’t interfere. We owe them a lot.”

John stood; the others followed suit. He bid them goodbye as each exited the room leaving him by himself. He had a lot to do and not much time to do it. He had made a checklist of what needed to be done, moving tables, posting guards, getting the food done, and so on. He walked out of the office and headed to the kitchen, but Karmen and the other cooks were already toiling away. She saw him enter, grunted, and waved him away making John chuckle. I have other stuff to do anyway. Better not interrupt the chef! He thought to himself.

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

The day flew by quickly. Dusk approached. Preparations had been completed as well as they could have been. There were extra tables and chairs outside the commonhall as there was no way everyone would fit inside, not anymore.

Wallace, the leader of the latest group of people, told John that there were a dozen or so who didn’t feel comfortable with the Goblins, so they’d chosen to stay away. While disappointed, John understood that being friendly with Goblins wasn’t exactly a popular opinion. So he’d just have to change their minds one person at a time.

He walked to the eastern gate. He had guards stationed along the short route from the gate to the commonhall just in case anyone tried to mess with the Goblins once they’d entered. He wanted them to feel welcome. He wanted them to know that he appreciated what they’d done, and he wasn’t going to take the chance of someone ruining what they had accomplished.

Drew was already there waiting for him. John smirked and slapped him on the shoulder drawing him out of his daze.

He nearly fell over and grumbled at John. “You could have just said, ‘Hey!’ you know.” John chuckled at the look of annoyance from Drew.

“This was funnier though. I could tell you were in la-la land again, like old times.”

“Just thinking, that’s all. We’ve come so far, but things are changing. When we first got here, our rag-tag group of people, well, we had no problems. Not sure how to say it, but things are going to get tough. We’ve had no crime. No one going hungry. But who’s to say what kind of people have come since? Who’s to say who will come soon? I like what we had here, and I worry about what we’ll become.” Drew looked John in the eyes. He had a grave look, one John hadn’t seen since they’d first met.

John sighed, blowing out a deep breath. “Yea. I get it. We had a good group of people come with us, and I hate to say it, but I worry all these new people will ruin what we’ve made. Is that selfish of me? Does it make me a bad person? We did this, Drew. And now all these people are coming, eating our food, living in the homes we created. Is it wrong of me, that I don’t really want them here?”

Drew shrugged his shoulders. “Selfish? Maybe, but that’s not to say I don’t agree. More people means more problems. And I don’t want that either. But they won’t stop coming so it’s not like we can just push it under the rug and ignore it. I think it’s better if we plan for what may happen, even the bad. At least then we’ll be prepared, and that’s all we can do right now. Prepare. We don’t know what will happen. We could be completely wrong and everything be hunky-dory.”

John laughed. “Hunky-dory? Really?” he asked, drawing another shrug from Drew. “I haven’t heard that in years. I’ll have to add that to the things I miss from home, odd sayings.”

They stood in silence as the sun finally disappeared in the horizon. It wasn’t long before one horn blew from the north indicating that the Goblins approached.

His palms began to sweat. Please just let it be three or four and not three or four hundred, John pleaded to himself. Not sure what we’ll do if they all come.

He breathed a sigh of relief as the stout Goblin and his five followers came into view. They walked up to John and Drew. Vrichik glanced around noticing more than one guard around them and on the walls. He sneered.

John smiled, trying to show reassurance. “They’re only here for your safety. We’ve had quite a few people arrive lately because of the Orcs out east. You are a friend of me and the village. They’re not here to hurt you, they’re here for you,” he stressed.

The cautious look on Vrichik’s face didn’t leave, but he stepped forward to stand in front of John. “Okay,” he replied simply. “Food. We eat,” he added, his smile wide and toothy.

John relaxed a little. If his smile wasn’t so vicious looking, they’d almost be cute. “Okay then. Follow me and Drew. Food and ale awaits.” He motioned for the six Goblins to follow him into the village.

John and Drew led and were followed by the Goblins. Two guards brought up the rear. He paused and waited for Vrichik to catch up to him. He watched as the Goblins eyes shifted around taking in everything. They quietly talked, he assumed, in their guttural language to each other. He tried to listen, but he couldn’t make any sense of the grunts and hisses.

As they neared the commonhall, Drew tapped on John’s shoulder and drew his attention to a nearby building. There, hidden behind a wall, were several people watching the procession. John slowly put his hand on the hilt of his sword causing Drew to tense. The Goblins didn’t notice his action, but John was sure they’d noticed the hidden people.

The group continued on. They saw several other people watching from the shadows, but either they were scared or just curious, because nothing happened. They simply watched. John couldn’t blame them, but he also couldn’t take any chances.

When they got to the commonhall, everyone who sat outside became quiet. Vee waited for them at the bottom of the steps at the entrance.

“John. Drew,” she greeted, nodding to them. She stepped toward the big Goblin. She stood straight, almost rigid, trying to act like a proper guard. But then she smiled wide and relaxed, being more like herself. “Vrichik. Thank you for coming.” She put out her hand in greeting. He shook it. She motioned to the entrance of the large building. “Come on in. Everyone’s waiting. We have lots of bread and fish just for you. Oh, and ale. Have you ever had ale? It’s wonderful!”

“No. Drink?” he asked.

“Oh yes. It’ll wet your whistle. Follow them in, and I’ll pour your first drink myself,” she replied.

Vrichik didn’t wait for John and Drew. He grunted and went inside leaving everyone behind. The ruckus inside immediately stopped when he entered. All eyes turned to see the gray Goblin standing at the entrance.

No one moved, no one said a word. The other Goblins had entered behind him along with John, Drew, Vee, and the other guards. The tension was so thick in the air it could be cut with a sword.

But then, from the front of the room, clapping. Loud, deep clapping. Ivan, of course. He stood with his wife and kids who all joined him. More joined in. Monty and Annie. Gert and her husband. Soon the clapping was so loud it hurt John’s ears. It frightened the Goblins who put their hands up and folded down their floppy ears.

John put up his hands to quell the loud noise, succeeding somewhat as the volume decreased.

He waved his hands, trying to draw the people’s attention, to get them to sit. Eventually, everyone calmed. They all watched as John guided Vrichik and the others to a table in the front.

It was piled high with fish, fried, boiled, and grilled. Loaves of bread were piled high along with vegetables and fruits. John smiled at the looks the Goblins had for all the food.

He sat them down at the table and remained standing to address his villagers.

“Friends! I greet you tonight, proudly, with allies by my side!” He looked at the big Goblin. “All of you know by now about Vrichik and his Goblins’ heroics in the battle. How they turned the tide in our favor.”

“Whoop whoop!” interrupted Ivan, causing John to glare at him. “What! They deserve a whoop whoop!” Several laughed at the big man’s antics.

John smiled and shook his head and continued. “They do deserve it; you’re right. This night is for them, for coming to our aid when we needed it.” John’s look turned somber and his shoulders drooped slightly. “But we also can’t forget those we lost. Those that gave their lives so that others would live.” He poured himself a glass of wine and raised it. “Let us toast in remembrance of those who aren’t here with us any longer: Sara, Alan, and James.” He raised his glass high. The Goblins, while confused, mimicked John.

John saw more than one person crying out in the crowd. He looked at Alan’s wife who gave him a brief smile and nod. He waited a minute, in respect, before starting again. He cleared his throat. “We will never forget them,” he said, as he stood up straighter.

“That brings us back to our Goblin friends. Who, without their sacrifice, more would have been lost. Vrichik, would you like to say something? This is your day after all.”

Vrichik looked surprised and unsure what to do. He turned to the other Goblins, speaking quickly, then turned back to the people and stood.

He spoke in his rough gravelly voice. “Humans. Goblins. Are friends. Erm. Much food. Thanks.” He sat back down and looked at John for help, to save him.

John chuckled. “You’re right Vrichik. Humans and Goblins are friends here and always will be. So if you take anything from this meal, know that he who sits beside me is a friend. Always. Please, raise your glasses again as we toast the Goblins for their sacrifice and aid! Here here!” John shouted.

Slowly, others raised their glasses, joining John.

“Here here!” yelled Vee. “To the Goblins!”

Shouts rang out as people drank and feasted.

The Goblins, still unsure what to do, mimicked the humans in eating, trying to use a fork and knife as they did. Eventually, they gave up and tore into the food. All of them except Vrichik who had no problems using the utensils much to John’s surprise. John watched as he delicately ate and chewed, contrary to what John thought a Goblin would do. He also sipped the ale whereas the others gulped it.

Odd, John thought to himself as he watched. Oh well, maybe he’s just more refined.

As the meal came to an end, John spoke quietly to Vrichik. “I’d like to speak to you for a moment, away from others, if you’re willing.”

Vrichik, who was finishing his fifth whole fish, nodded. He wiped off his face with a towel, stood, and walked with John to Bethany’s office. The other Goblins quickly arose, but Vrichik waved them away much to their chagrin.

John closed the door and invited Vrichik to have a seat. He studied the Goblin, unsure now what to think of him.

He shrugged the thoughts away. “So, Vrichik, are you still willing to show Stanley, that’s the guy who would like to mine, where he could begin?”

Vrichik smiled. “Yes. I will. He can mine past big cave, where lights are.” He took a sip of ale from the glass he’d brought with him.

John raised his eyebrow. “Um, Vrichik, you just used a mostly complete sentence?”

The Goblin laughed. “I say to you before I not dumb. But around Goblin I am dumber. Know what I mean? All leader of clan learn from old leader how to talk Human. I also read little,” he said, smiling slyly.

“Seriously? My god this will make it so much easier. I never thought you were dumb by the way, but I thought language was going to be a huge obstacle for us.” John sat back in his chair, relieved. “You’re full of surprises.”

“Yes. I am. So what you want? More hard rock? With fight against Ogres, and now you say Orcs, much needed.” He again smiled, and John felt he was about to be taken for a ride.

“Yes and no. Truthfully, I’d like to be allies with you. We help you and you help us. Hopefully it will never be needed, but we never know what will be thrown at us. I’d still like to invite you to increased trade, but I understand if you’re still skeptical of us. I know there are a few of us who are skeptical of you.”

Vrichik grunted. “I think about trade some more. Other Goblins not want to. Allies? Goblins will help when needed.”

John leaned forward. “What’s your price? I don’t expect you to help for nothing. What can we do? More food? Unfortunately, as you see, more people arrive every day. Food will be tough.”

Vrichik waved the offer away. “No food. Weapons. Goblins forget how make weapon. Teach us. Or give us. You choose.”

John sat back again and thought about the offer. “I will have to talk to the others. I don’t see a problem with it, but they might. People aren’t used to having Goblins around. And while I know you are a friend, giving you weapons might give the others pause. I will have to see what they say. Agreed?”

Vrichik squinted his eyes at him. “Okay. We both talk others then make deal.” Vrichik quickly stood to leave. John rushed after him. “It time us go. Get man who wants to mine. We take him now.”

“Okay. Wait with Vee, the lady who poured your ale. She is going to go with you. I’ll find Stanley. We also have a surprise for you,” John said, smiling. Vrichik looked at John sideways.

John ran to where Stanley sat. “Vrichik is ready to take you,” he blurted out, causing Stanley to choke on whatever was in his mouth. “Get the others and get to the eastern gate. Vee and two guards will accompany you. Hurry. They’re already headed out the door.”

Stanley stood and waved down the others who quickly finished and joined him. John waved at Drew and gave him the thumbs up. Drew knew what to do as he too ran out the door.

The group of miners followed John as he quickly went out the door. Vee and the Goblins were almost to the gate. He heard a familiar nose coming from the south. He saw Drew on a wagon that was draped over. The surprise.

All the groups arrived about the same time. Vrichik was standing with the others looking at the wagon.

“The surprise. A gift from us to you.” John nodded to Drew who then pulled off the tarp revealing a wagon piled high with fish, bread, and other food. Pelts and skins of animals were also neatly stacked.

The Goblins quickly climbed over it, picking up the food, even trying some. They rubbed the animal furs on their faces.

“Drew will join you as well. He’d like to learn a little from you on the trip, if you don’t mind,” John said, interrupting the Goblins activities.

“Yes. Come,” replied Vrichik in his now short Goblin-human speak. He smiled to John, grunted at the Goblins, and climbed the wagon himself to inspect the goods.

Drew chuckled. “I guess that means we’re ready to go. See ya later John.” He turned to the others. “Anyone else wanna ride? No? Okay then. Hyah!” he shouted at the horse and off they went. John couldn’t wait to hear from Drew and Vee when they returned.