“She’s a Troll,” Eric shouted, peeking over the cart.
“Yes. Yes, she is.” Eli replied, shaking his head.
After the group settled in, placing their cart near the temple, Eli assigned the family two rooms on the second floor of the structure. When he did, Ellius declined the offer of the second room, insisting that they would all share for the time being. With their accommodations in order, Kata and the kids got to work unloading the cart, while Eli’s clone started exploring the surrounding area.
“So, that guy looks exactly like you.” Michelle asked when they were alone, “What’s the deal?”
Eli waved the question away, “I’ll explain later. Where’s Don, and the rest of the group?”
Michelle shrugged, “Dunno, he left before you did. Hasn’t come back since. He’s still alive, and I can tell he’s getting closer, but other than that, I have no idea.”
Remembering that he had a charge on his communication item, Eli reached out with his mind, contacting William. A few moments went by with no answer. As there was no connection made, the charge was not used. He tried again, only to receive the same response. As a sense of dread grew, he tired one final time.
“Hello? What is it? You better be dying or have more books,” William's voice called out, filling the space around Eli’s ears. Irritation hung on the man’s every word, “Do you know how hard it is to find privacy with five hundred people nearby?”
The grumpy scholar's voice put Eli at ease, but raised new questions, “Wait, five hundred? You said three to four.”
“God’s damn it, man, is that what you’re calling me for? I was peeing. You do remember that I am traveling with a large group of people, don’t you? Do you have any idea how hard it is to pee with close to five hundred people around, especially at my age?” William responded before a splashing sound echoed in the background, as William opened up his connection to his surroundings, “That’s better. What was it you wanted?”
“Is Don with you?” Eli asked, trying to keep a mental picture from forming in his mind.
“Not right now, no. I’m going pee. Didn’t you hear me?”
Eli sighed, the wizard's lack of awareness frustrating, “No, not right now. Was he able to find you, and lead you guys back?”
“Oh, yes. He’s at the front of the pack with Alyssa and a few of the adventurers. We should be there in a few hours. Moving many people is difficult. Especially when the Dawnport scouts try to arrest you, for what they are calling property abandonment, back taxes, and treason.”
Eli stood in silence, pondering the man's words, “Wait, what adventurers, and what happened with the scouts?”
“Don’t worry, my boy. We will be there soon, and we will figure everything out. I hope you have tea; I could use a warm drink and a nice book.”
As William closed the connection, Eli stomped his foot. Not knowing exactly what was going on infuriated him. If the Dawnport guard were attempting to arrest the people leaving, it would make trade relations with them difficult. There was no way Eli could support a population of nearly five hundred, without trade. While thinking of a plan, he remembered the scholar's mention of adventurers.
Since he had an adventurer's guild, he could offer quests. As the owner of a stronghold, he could hire NPCs to work for him. What he needed was a castellan, someone who could govern his city effectively and keep track of what everyone needed. His immediate thought was to place Alyssa in that role but pushed that aside quickly. She would be far more useful in a medical role. Keeping people healthy was necessary, but so was finding food. Realizing that impatience was getting the best of him, Eli found Ellius, his clone.
“What do you think?” Eli asked, hoping to convince him to stay with his family.
“It’s okay. Lots of room to grow, there're resources everywhere you look, and it’s peaceful. But, I wouldn’t want to be in charge of rebuilding the place. It’s in ruins.”
Knowing exactly what the man was talking about, Eli sighed, “Yeah, I didn’t exactly sign up for this. But someone has to do it.” Speaking to the man was somehow calming, and having someone around who knew him so well had grown on him, “Have you seen the rooms? I think they change to fit your needs.”
“Yeah, it was nice. Our single room split into two smaller rooms separated by a partition. One had bunk beds, and the other was just a bed, two chests, and a full-length mirror. It was perfect. What I don’t understand is where everyone else is. You said you have a city. What you have is a magical temple with a weird name and a bunch of ruins.”
Turning away, Eli let out a long breath, “Yeah, about that. There are about five hundred citizens and adventurers on their way here now. They should arrive within the next few hours. I was hoping you and your family could help us get ready for them.”
For the next three hours, Eli, Michelle, and the small family spent their time clearing two large staging areas big enough to receive a massive amount of people. Kata had come up with an idea to streamline the process as much as possible. As people arrived, they would first settle on the far side of the southwestern river before being added as a citizen, resident, or guest. They would then get a location to set up whatever camp they could. Not everyone would fit inside the temple, and he did not want to make it a habit to house people in what would become his guild house.
While in the middle of clearing out space, Eli heard what sounded like an approaching army near the hill. Stopping what he was doing, he turned to see Don waving his arms. At his side was a thin blue-skinned Elf wearing midnight black leather armor, two hand crossbows, and a bow on her back. Behind them both, was a throng of over five hundred people.
Chapter 42
With the massive group inching their way down the hill at the edge of the clearing, Eli saw several people being carried on stretchers. Others had familiar enchanted manacles around their wrists. Alyssa directed the people holding stretchers, while William and Kelly guided the prisoners. Michelle and Kata did their best to direct the crowd, ushering the sick and wounded into a clearing they had sectioned off for that purpose.
“Dude, sorry it took so long. The group kept getting attacked by wolves, mountain lions, and other mobs,” Don said, finding Eli in the crowd. “As we passed by the clutches, there were even some Kobolds, but we made it. Oh, and those scouts, they started capturing stragglers. So we caught them and locked them up. We need to make one of those free rooms into a dungeon or something.” The monk said, his words rushing out as he caught his breath.
“I’m just glad everyone made it safe. For now, can you help keep everyone in line? Get people set up and organized? I’m assuming they brought tents, and some stuff to sleep on?” Eli responded as people gathered around him, shouting questions.
“We had an idea. We need to build a few temporary pack-houses, using what we could grab out from the slums. Tarps and tents and stuff. The only problem is that everyone is tired and sick, so it might take a few days.” Don shouted, his words barely audible over the swarm of people looking for direction. “Sweet bridge, by the way. Gives the place a real Keebler Elf vibe. I like it.”
Speaking before thinking, Eli shouted his response, “Whoever we can’t get situated, can either sleep outside or on the first floor of the temple, for now.” With a nod, Don got to work directing traffic, while making his way towards Michelle to help her organize the mess that was quickly unfolding.
Doing his best to placate the mob at his doorstep, Eli decided that he needed to do something. After fighting through waves of moving bodies, he made his way to the bridge. He had blocked it off with a wall made from roots earlier, not wanting anyone to cross until everything was under control. Using his shape nature spell, he created himself a small tower atop the wall giving him visibility over the entire crowd.
Raising his palms to the sky, he fired arcane missiles, “Quiet!” His words carried but went unnoticed.
Noticing what Eli was attempting to do, Michelle made her way to the base of her friend’s makes
hift stage, and shouted, “Listen up fuckers, if you want to get settled, you need to settle down!” As bolts of arcane power exploded in the sky, people quieted down, wanting to see what was happening.
Noticing that he had an opening, Eli fired off one last shot and started speaking as loudly as he could, “Quiet down, everyone! My name is Eli Miller; you may have heard about my friends and me capturing the beautiful temple you see behind us. It’s true.” Seeing faces turn his way, he paused, “I know why you’ve all come here. You’re sick of being stuck out in the cold, refused entry to a heavily guarded city, and you’re afraid of the blight. You’re here for a fair shot at survival.” More people turned their attention his way, and several people noded in agreement, he continued, “You’re here because Dawnport wouldn’t allow you to defend yourself. Yet, they expected you to build up their fortifications. Meanwhile, they hide behind their city walls and charge you taxes.”
As Eli paused, to watch for reactions, a thin Kaitzen man stepped forward, his voice raspy and dry “You don’t even have walls, there’s just an island, with a big temple. How can you protect us? Where will we sleep? Have you ever governed a settlement before?”
Eli nodded in agreement, acknowledging the man’s concerns, “You’re right. I don’t have walls,” he shouted, “At least not yet. And I don’t offer you protection. My friends and I can’t protect you all.” He started as groups of people began murmuring. Staring at Don, who was looking around in confusion, Eli continued. “What I can offer you is the chance to protect yourselves. I can offer everyone a path to citizenship. Not just residency, in some beat-up slum.” He pointed to Don and Michelle, “We can offer you a place to call your own, to build from the ground up. A new beginning, where everyone is equal. I don’t plan on turning this place into a kingdom. This will be a community. One that thrives when we all work together to support each other.”
A stout, ragged-looking dwarf appeared in the front lines of the crowd, echoing the sentiments of the tall, slender, cat person, “'Tis all well and good. We can all live in harmony, but how are we ta' stop the blight? There ar' several of us who are sick and wounded. How can we protect em’ without weapons? Who’s going to prevent them from turning?”
Eli stared at the man with a smile on his face, “I’m glad you asked, my friend.” Waving his hands over the crowd, he continued, “When my friends and I captured this place, we collected enough weapons to outfit every able-bodied person who stands in this field. They are yours, free of charge.” At this, the eyes of nearly every member of the large group turned to him. He had their attention. “To get one of these weapons, you need to become a citizen of Blight’s End, and agree to the terms that come with it.”
“Great, so we have to sell ourselves into servitude for a stick to protect ourselves?” A young, nimble-looking human woman called as she made herself visible. “Let me guess, the men work twelve-hour shifts building you a palace and sixteen hours in your harem for the women?” She scoffed, looking disgusted. “Are you trying to make yourself a king, by exploiting the misfortune of others?”
Taking a small step back at the accusation, Eli analyzed the woman. Noticing that she was level five, and obviously well-fed, he countered, “I have no intention of making myself king or working anyone to death. And I’m definitely not interested in your advances.” He laughed, “You can go back to your masters in Dawnport, and tell them that a free city is being built on their doorstep. One that offers full hunting, fishing, and merchant rights to all citizens regardless of their race or social status. As long as you are willing to become a citizen, pay taxes, and earn your privileges, you are welcome. The forests are yours to hunt, the rivers are yours to fish, and the land is yours to harvest. All that I ask is that you follow our laws, respect your fellow citizens, and help your community.”
“And, how do you plan to enforce these laws with three people,” The lanky Kaitzen asked.
“To gain entry, you must sign a contract. One that says you will follow a set of laws and will not intentionally harm this city, its citizens, or its occupants. Everyone who becomes a citizen will need to sign a contract. We will have laws, and rules, just like any other city, but in return for your promise to help build this place, you will be free to do what you wish, we will provide weapons, and we will give you jobs. As for how I plan to stop anyone from taking this place,” Eli paused before letting out a short whistle. Behind him appeared a large dog, breathing fire. “The temple has certain defenses, which are under the control of my guild. We will protect ourselves, the citizens of this city. But we will force no one to join. That is your decision.”
“Okay, that’s cool. I’m down. But, what’s in it for adventurers? I helped protect this fucking caravan and wasn’t even offered a reward. I was told, this would be an adventurer’s guild.” A beefy tan-skinned human in chainmail armor said, “I’m not doing shit for free.”
“Well, that’s easy. We are an adventurer’s guild. We offer quests to gather food, build shelters, hunt monsters, and keep this place safe. They are the same as any other quest. Non-adventurers, the citizens of Eternia, will choose from a job board for all city projects. Upon completion of the job, or quest, we will pay you. No one works for free. We will provide resources for all buildings owned by the guild, and pay for labor costs. Once we have places for people to live, we will accept labor as payment for rent. There are plans to set up Pack-houses and Longhouses as soon as possible. For now, all citizens can find shelter on the first floor of the temple. After that, the temple is for guild business and prayer only. You stay, or you go, that is your choice.” Questions erupted as Eli hopped down from his small tower.
As he stood guard over the bridge, Eli tuned out the grumbling and whispers from the crowd of people. Ten minutes later, the elderly wolffen shopkeeper appeared at Eli’s side. He barely noticed the man approaching. After being tapped on the shoulder, his attention had shifted to the grizzled merchant.
“Are you really offering the right to do business to all citizens, my lord?” The elderly Wolffen merchant asked, tugging on his sleeve.
“Why, yes. Yes, I am. Is that not a good idea?” He responded, “And, don’t call me, Lord. My name is Eli, and I am not your king. I’m just a guy with a temple. The city is yours to build and govern as you see fit. I plan to turn it into a democratic city-state, with the guild only acting if necessary.”
“And, what are the stipulations of trade? What about taxation?” The man continued, his eyes glinting.
Not having thought of taxation, or permitting, he just made up a number, and rules on the spot, “Taxes are, uh, ten percent of all goods and revenues. And, to sell in town, you need a permit. Every citizen can purchase a permit for, let’s say, twenty silver per month. You must sign a contract to get the permit.”
The man’s eyes widened, as he flashed a toothy canine grin, “Where do I sign?”
“You realize that the taxes in Dawnport are twenty-five percent and permits start at one gold per month, right? And, that they only give out seller’s permits to merchants’ guilds, their members, or whoever can pay off a clerk.” Aida chimed in, mind to mind.
Yeah, so what? Fuck them and their stupid economic slavery. Eli responded.
“I’m starting to hate saying this. You’re an idiot. Once the Dawnport city council finds out you have absorbed five hundred and thirteen of their people, have undercut their tax rates, and are offering sellers permits to everyone, they will think you’ve started a trade war.” She scolded, as Eli drafted a citizenship contract, and added the Wolffen man to the roster.
And? Like I said, fuck that place. It’s a rogue state, anyway. Their entire military force is in their guards, and the Altean’s aren’t sending support anytime soon. Eli shrugged as he lowered his root gate and allowed the man to pull his hand cart over the bridge.
Behind the man, Alyssa was waiting, a sour look on her face, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“To be honest, I have no idea what I’
m doing. I just know that I would feel better if you were all here and able to defend yourselves. After that, we can figure it out as we go.”
Her stare pierced him, as if she were his mother, “Well, you better not mess this up. We want to join. If what you are saying about weapons and allowing us to hunt freely is true.”
“It is,” Eli replied with a smile. “I’m not afraid of a little change or competition.”
“Where do I sign?”
“Who’s we?” Eli asked, looking over the large gathering of Wolffen behind her.
“The Shadowstalker pack. All of us, well, all that made it.” She said, handing him a roll of parchment. “All of them have formed a pact with me, as their interim leader. If I sign, I sign for all of us.”
After unrolling the piece of thick paper, he saw a list. The parchment was full of names, ages, genders, occupations, and marital statuses. Every name was in alphabetical order, with families listed under a single family, or pack, name. While each person was a member of the Shadowstalker pack, they classified each family unit as its own smaller pack. The structure was confusing but made the list easy to follow.
Aida, a little help here? Eli begged, not wanting to add every person individually.
A moment later, a string of chimes rang out in his mind, as his notification icon repeatedly flashed, “Done, two hundred forty-seven people added as citizens.”
Seeing his population explode was somewhat gratifying. Watching his BP count rise as they immediately got to work made him ecstatic. If he gave every non-disabled person a job, he would have the shrine constructed by the end of the day. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work like that.
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