“Best, Light, Raven, Numba, Yeeticus, Inq, Raven, Peener and Muffle.”

Bob said while writing all of them down on a piece of parchment. Looks at it proudly then hangs it by the window by the kitchen. 3 of the names have a red mark on them, making them stand out from the rest. After another observation he removes it and places it outside by the porch, right next to the stairs.

He looks to his right and see the field being cultivated Bailey along with the creatures that arrived a week before. Dunging, weeding and digging around the crops as well as the trees. The field is twice as big and there are more rooms for expansion.

Beyond the field is another log house but because of its size and design with 2 windows on every wall and a large doorway it looks more like a shed. Inside it are dried leaves that serves as bed for the creatures. Outside their lodging is a giant pit for cooking large amounts of food. A place for Bundy to work at beyond the kitchen.

Trudging towards the house is the ogre, carrying a log on both shoulders and placing it right by the entrance. He notices Bob staring from the distance so he makes a small bow of salutation before heading back again to the forest.

Bob then went to the shed where Jack was talking to one of the creatures.

“I see. Then I’ll leave you to it.” Jack said kindly while leaning over to the creature.

The conversation is gibberish to Bob, but Jack is able to understand them. The creature pass by Bob but not before giving a bow facing him until he is far enough to run again.

“What’s it about?”

“They were asking permission to hunt by the cave. They are really deprived back in the mainland because of the adventurers”

A rather sad expression covers Bob’s face as he looks back to the creature running towards a group carrying its wooden spear. He doesn’t know what they’re saying but he can see the enthusiasm from their green faces.

“What brings you here today sire?”

As if lost in thought he forgot what he’s about to say.

“Is it about the formalities? Fret not it will be discussed tonight at the gathering.”

“Thank you” He sighs. “Then I’ll return at sundown, you’ll know where to find me.”

Bob whistles and Agta emerges from his shadows. Bob rides the great wolf towards the direction of the cave.

Jack continues to list the materials on the shelf before hanging the wood on the entrance. It’s already noon but everyone is still hard at work. Bailey and Bundy don’t need to eat and because of the feast that’s happening almost every night the creatures didn’t have to stop for sustenance.

At the porch he saw the poster like letter that Bob created. He releases a small chuckle before entering the house where the table is cluttered with parchment and sharpened coal along with the adventurer’s handbook.

After cleaning it up he places an incomplete map on the table. The standard symbols are there. A portion on the upper left corner to place a compass as well as the legends. He traces his finger on thick red line with the label ‘Off road route’.

“14 days. We’ll need to speed up the progress.” He mumbles before placing a map of the peninsula on top of it.

The markings on this map is different as it is more like a sketch with various symbols all over it.

“A hundred man power.”

He picks up the sharpened coal and starts circling different parts of the map.

At sundown, Bailey had finished skinning 3 deer and marinated the meat with salt obtained from the cave. A sizzling sound comes from each meat that he tosses to the rock being heated with firewood. The creatures are trying really hard not to drool as they sit in a circle watching Bailey cook the food.

It didn’t take long for the rest of the group to gather. Except for Bob who needed to be picked up by Jack.

The feast begins and the creatures immediately devours their share while Bob enjoys his slice of meat along with a bowl stew.

“It is our lord’s desire for everyone here to know of everything that is happening for now.”

Jack started with the issue of addressing Bob, that in a public setting showing reverence should be avoided. From there the discussion turns to what might happen in days and weeks ahead.

He divides everyone into 4 groups, builders, hunters, cultivators and patrol who are mostly made up of the new golems created.

“As you all know, Krieger informs us of an instrument that the adventurers use to travel called a waypoint. The nearest one as far as we know is in Rootwing, northwest of Hanwood. Within the week we might expect the same adventurers that attacked you to come here so we must be prepared.”

The atmosphere becomes heavy as they recall their experience. They were by no means inferior to the adventurers in terms of combat as they even have the numerical advantage. But they were tired that time and the image of their companions being slaughtered in front of them is engraved in their minds.

The feast concludes and everyone receives their assignment. The builders started early while the rest are given till midnight to do their tasks.

Jack went to his usual spot by the cliff behind the house where he waits for the sun to rise. He hangs his feet by the edge while hugging the small post next to him to make sure he doesn’t fall from any burst of wind. He then hums the same tune every time and gently swings his head to it.

“It’s as you said, it’ll be faster if you’re the one who makes the golem while I handle the affairs. It’s been a long time so I’m a little rusty.” Bob crept at Jack and sat right next to him while holding to the post.

Jack replied nothing aside from the small nod he gives in agreement.

“You look like you have something to say.” Bob inquires without looking at him.

“Teocali… is probably experiencing the same thing.”

Bob becomes silent when Jack mentions the place.

“I know”

Both of them stares into the vast horizon while the wind howls in the background.

“…Do you miss them?” Jack tilts his head to glance at Bob

Another patch of silence fills their conversation for a moment while Bob struggle to speak. Tears begins to swell up in his eyes.

“You know I do.” He replies while wiping the tears from is eyes. “She would always wake up early to watch the sun rise and said that she loves how this world has the sun rising in the west”.