“It would appear that Lord Marak has high hopes for our Marshal,” smiled Rejji. “He said he would step up shipments when he got back home.”
“Step them up?” echoed Riktor. “I have never seen so much food in my entire life. We could feed an army with what is in the warehouse now.”
“We have many armies to feed, Riktor,” smiled Rejji as he waved Plesy over to the conversation. “The problem is that the city is not large enough for them. Six thousand men joined yesterday alone and I do not think we have seen the end of it. I was going to have a lot of supplies emptied out of the warehouse today for our new arrivals. Why don’t we have them take it directly off the ships? That will free your men up to help Plesy with the clearing and lumber hauling.”
“We don’t need any more help,” Plesy interjected. “The new location for the wasooki and clova herds was cleared this morning. The animals are being moved as we speak.”
“So we can start building in the old fields then?” queried Rejji.
“As soon as the animals are all moved,” nodded Plesy. “Bakhai is handling that. He certainly has a way with animals.”
“That he does,” smiled Rejji. “There is your answer Riktor. Have your men start building the new homes that we had planned for the old grazing fields.”
“Can we start construction of the second warehouse too?” Riktor asked. “The new men may take care of what is on the next two ships, but if more arrive we have no place to put it.”
“We have the lumber,” interjected Plesy. “At least the raw logs anyway. I have never seen a forest come down so quickly. There were so many men chopping trees that they were getting in each other’s way.”
“That is a problem,” frowned Rejji. “We are growing so fast that I can not keep track of what we are doing. I don’t know how to handle this.”
“You are taking too much upon yourself,” advised Plesy. “You need to have more people managing things and then report to you. That will give you time to look more long term at things. Right now you are just reacting to each person’s request.”
“I am willing to consider anything that will bring some sense of organization to this,” stated Rejji. “What do you suggest?”
“Put Riktor in charge of supplies,” began Plesy. “Let him handle all of the unloading and distribution of food and tools. If he needs more people, he can ask you for them.”
“Done,” nodded Rejji. “What else?”
“Let Copi handle the lumber portion,” continued Plesy. “That includes felling the trees, transporting them and shaving them. He will also need to handle the distribution to people needing supplies to build.”
“Copi can handle that,” Rejji nodded. “I am beginning to like this already. What about construction?”
“I will handle that,” declared Plesy. “I have a thought regarding that already. I think each tribe that arrives should build their own homes. When their homes are complete, their men can enter the labor pool for other jobs. The men that arrived yesterday don’t know what to do, so they are standing around doing nothing. If we put them to work on their own homes, we will have time to plan what they will work on next.”
“Where does the new warehouse fit into this?” asked Riktor as people started to gather around to hear what was going on.
“Half of the men I used for clearing the forest today will work on it,” answered Plesy. “If we can get the logs shaved, that warehouse will go up in two days. With the number of people Ghala has now, I think we should build a third as well.”
“And put it where?” asked Rejji. “We are running out of room to build.”
“I have thoughts on that,” replied Lakado. “I have been wanting to talk you about it.”
“Any thoughts are welcome, Lakado,” Rejji said. “What are they?”
“I don’t think you should be putting houses in the old wasooki fields,” began Lakado. “That is an excellent area for the warehouses. The city should be expanding towards the mountains along the river.”
“There is not much room between our current houses and the stockade,” Rejji pointed out. “I don’t think you realize how many people are moving into Ghala each day.”
“Oh, but I do,” smiled Lakado as he drew a map in the dirt. “The stockade has to come down or be abandoned. Where it is now should be the city center. We should reserve a large section there for community buildings like stores, and inns. Maybe even a marketplace. Then in this area outside the stockade, we start the new houses.”
“We can’t have buildings outside the stockade,” Rejji said. “They would be too vulnerable to attack.”
“I know,” nodded Lakado. “That is why we will build a new wall way out here, but this one will be stone. There are two benefits to this plan. The first is that we will expand the city enough to house tens of thousands of people. The second is that the approach to the city can be a narrow path through the forest. It will be very hard for a large army to amass in front of the wall. It should increase our safety a great deal.”
“Clearing the land would be a lot easier,” nodded Plesy. “The forest outside the stockade is sparse, but still enough trees to supply the lumber we will need. And we won’t have to haul it either. “
“And there is enough room in the old wasooki fields for at least six warehouses,” smiled Lakado.
“I am not sure we need that much land for the city though,” responded Rejji. “That is a lot of houses.”
“There is more to a city than houses,” interjected Lakado. “Right now we get everything we need from Khadora, but that must change. We need shops, inns for travelers, schools, butchers, healers, and bakeries. I have been to Khadora and seen large cities. Trust me, the room will be needed.”
Rejji’s mind flashed back to his days in Khadoratung and he nodded. “I agree,” he said finally. “Leave room for parks too and a temple. Ghala need not resemble a lumberyard forever. It should be a place that is pleasing to travel to. Lakado, draw me a map that I can keep of what you think the city should look like. You will be in charge of determining where things will be built. The first area you need to layout is where we are going to house all these people.”
“I will have it done within the hour,” grinned Lakado.
“The animals are all moved,” reported Bakhai. “Is this a meeting?”
“Sort of,” nodded Rejji. “Do you want to be in charge of the animals?”
“I think Pfifer would enjoy that,” answered Bakhai. “He has already been caring for them everyday. He will need people to help him though. The herd is getting large.”
“Done,” agreed Rejji. “I think Jheron is a good person to be in charge of trades. He is pretty much doing that already.”
“I concur,” Plesy said. “He has organized it well so far.”
“Rejji,” called Mistake as she ran towards the group. “There is a large army approaching the stockade.”
“Join me, Bakhai,” Rejji said as he turned and ran towards the stockade.
The trio race to the wooden stockade and Rejji raced up the ladder to the platform. Several hundred paces out sat a tribal leader and his army was still riding in from the distance. Rejji had seen this sight several times over the last week, but he still trembled each time. There was little way to determine if this was a tribe that Wyant had sent, or one preparing to attack Ghala.
“Can you hear anything?” Rejji asked Mistake.
“Nothing,” she frowned. “They aren’t talking.”
“Okay,” frowned Rejji. “I am going out.”
“Bakhai and I are right behind you,” assured Mistake.
Rejji nodded to the men at the gates and they lifted the bar for the trio to exit the city. They walked out until Rejji stood in front of the tribal leader.
“Welcome to Ghala,” smiled Rejji. “I am Rejji.”
The tribal leader dismounted and walked up to Rejji.
“I am Adger, leader of the Mutang,” the leader said. “Our mutual friend, Marshal, sent me. He said w
e would be welcome here. I have twenty-five hundred men and their families. Are we welcome in Ghala?”
“The Mutang are welcome in Ghala,” Rejji smiled. “There is food for your people and soon there will be housing. We will supply the materials and tools needed and show you where your houses may be built. Did Marshal explain the rules to you?”
“He did and they are acceptable,” nodded Adger as he gazed at the stockade. “This may be a fool’s mission to stand up to the Jiadin, but the Mutang will do so. You will have no trouble from my men. I would like to see some fortifications stronger than what you have here though.”
“We were just discussing a stone wall,” responded Rejji. “Do your men have skills with stone work?”
“Many do,” nodded Adger. “The Mutang are one of the few tribes to inhabit the mountains and build stone fortresses. Another is the Extala and they are behind us. They should be here within the hour. Between the two of us, we will build your stonewall. Where should my men go?”
“There is little room within the stockade right now,” answered Rejji. “The wall we speak of will be built behind you, where the forest thickens. Perhaps you should camp near the river for now. As soon as you are settled, bring your people inside. I will have food prepared and you can eat while we discuss your permanent location.”
“We will get camped,” nodded Adger. “Then we will wait for Blaka and his Extala to arrive before coming in. We will be working together on the fortifications so we should discuss it together.”
“That is wise,” responded Rejji. “How many people does Blaka have, so I may make sure enough food is prepared?”
“The Extala are a little larger than the Mutang,” replied Adger. “I would guess around nine thousand mouths in all. Marshal said you had plenty of food. Is that a problem?”
“Only the manpower to prepare it,” Rejji stated. “Let me get it started so that you do not have to wait for a hot meal. Later today, we will deliver sacks of grain to your people so you may prepare your own meals, but it is our custom to prepare the meal at your arrival.”
“Our women would be honored to help with the preparation of the food,” Adger stated. “I am not naive about the problems of preparing for so many new arrivals. We will not be a burden on the other people already here. Where should they go?”
“That is very understanding of you,” smiled Rejji. “There is a large field between the houses and the river. It is lined with tables. The fire pits are there.”
Adger signaled to his men, who had been listening to the greeting, and they began to move towards the river to set up camp. Adger stared at Rejji for a few moments before speaking.
“I was hesitant to come here,” admitted Adger, “because Ghala is led by one so young and inexperienced. I would not be honest to say otherwise, but Marshal has great confidence in you and my people are starving. Yet you have shown a flexibility normally reserved for those with more years under their belt. Is it true that you killed Diakles?”
“It is,” nodded Rejji. “It was not a great feat. I was only defending myself. As far as Ghala goes, we welcome your input and everyone else’s. We need to all stand together to defeat the Jiadin.”
“Do you really think we can stand against his armies?” frowned Adger. “Look at my people. Their muscle wastes away, and with it, their will to fight. I think Ghala will become a graveyard for many, but the Mutang are committed to making it a valiant stand.”
“It is because of leaders like you,” smiled Rejji, “that we will succeed. You are here because you care for your people more than your pride. Ghala is more than just a last stand for the free tribes. It is a new start for Fakara. It is not only the place that Grulak will see his death, but a place where the tribes will learn that life is more than just pillaging. This used to be a great country and it will be once again.”
“You have optimism and courage,” grinned Adger. “Those are the makings of a fine leader. We shall see where your dreams lead though. Allow this old man to carry your pessimism. I will point out the failings in your plans as I find them.”
“Then we shall work well together,” chuckled Rejji. “I will show you the plans for the city after you have eaten.”
Adger nodded and followed his men while the trio returned through the gates. Rejji stopped inside the gates and let his eye rove over the city that was springing up before his eyes.
“Another nine thousand people,” Rejji shook his head. “It is like all of Fakara will end up in one spot. Are we doing Grulak’s work for him by gathering the tribes together?”
“Brakas would think so,” answered Mistake. “He is so anxious to get out of Ghala and report to Grulak.”
“Where is he?” quizzed Rejji.
“At the healers again,” chuckled Mistake as she looked at Bakhai. “Seems his horse keeps throwing him whenever he gets on.”
“Make sure he doesn’t get too hurt,” cautioned Rejji. “At some point we will want him to escape. How is Karlo making out with the tyrik armor?”
“Great!” exclaimed Mistake. “Once the armor is coated, it is really hard to penetrate and still quite flexible. I haven’t been able to find a dye that adheres to it though, so it is all black like the carganite. I have him playing with designs for headgear so the head is protected in battle. Right now it looks like a sack on your head, but I think he can improve on that.”
“I don’t care much how it looks,” commented Rejji, “as long as it protects. It shouldn’t block your vision either. That could be dangerous. When we get a good pattern, let me know and I will have some made out of tyrik silk.”
“If anyone can design it, it will be Karlo,” added Mistake. “It is scary how his mind works. He just doesn’t think like most people.”
“That is what makes him so valuable,” responded Rejji. “There is something sticking in the back of my mind, but I can’t get it to come out. Something that Adger said. I feel like it is key to defeating Grulak.”
“You probably have too much on your mind,” reasoned Mistake. “It will come to you when you relax.”
“I guess so,” sighed Rejji. “How many ships are we expecting from Lord Marak?”
“He has every ship he owns on its way to us,” answered Mistake. “He has even started building new ships, but they will not help us much. It takes too long to build them.”
“I wonder if Khadora even has enough food to feed all of the people coming to Ghala,” frowned Rejji. “We must owe Lord Marak a fortune already.”
“Not really,” responded Mistake. “I gave him most of our gold and he is very interested in the armor we are making. He is willing to pay a great deal for it if we are willing to export it. As for the amount of food Khadora has, I wouldn’t worry about it. Just counting the fields at Fardale, they probably have more watula than the whole country of Fakara.”
“That’s it!” exclaimed Rejji. “Food. Where is Grulak getting the food to feed his huge army?”
“He is raiding all of the villages in western Fakara,” responded Bakhai.
“Yes, but he is also destroying the villages,” replied Rejji. “He can only destroy a village once and I am willing to wager that he is running out of villages.”
“So his army is starving as well?” questioned Mistake.
“Of course,” nodded Rejji. “According to his plan, he should already be attacking Khadora and food would not be a problem for him.”
“But the tribes didn’t join with him,” added Mistake. “He has wasted a lot of time trying to track them down.”
“That means he will definitely need to conquer Ghala,” frowned Bakhai. “The food here is as important to him as conquering the tribes. Why does this excite you? I should think it would make you more depressed.”
“Because it is the first weakness we have discovered,” answered Rejji. “He can’t afford to lay siege to us because we have food and he doesn’t. Plus all of the eastern villages between the mountains and us have been abandoned. Everyone has come here so he c
an’t feed off them while he tries to conquer us.”
“I don’t imagine with the size of his army, that he will have much trouble overpowering us,” responded Bakhai. “I still don’t see how any of this helps.”
“It is a long and hungry march from Vandegar Temple to Ghala,” explained Rejji, “especially if something slows you down along the way. Bakhai, I have a mission for you.”
***
Wyant was feeling good about the task that he had accomplished. For years he had felt that the tribal warfare so indicative of Fakara was destroying the country. For the first time in centuries, the tribes were banding together and he was being a catalyst for it. Every tribe he had spoken to had agreed to join the effort to stop the Jiadin, which was no small accomplishment. Even tribes that had long standing feuds had been willing to shove their disagreements aside. He was so euphoric about the results of his mission that he decided to ride through the night to get to Ghala and tell Rejji the news. The blow that knocked him off his horse came unexpectedly.
Wyant groaned and stared up at the forest canopy. His vision blurred and he berated himself for his laxness. Bad enough that he had been riding at night in unfamiliar territory, but he would have punished one of his men for whistling while he was doing it.
“What have we here?” snickered one of the men. “Look at the fancy green scarf.”
“I thought the Zaldoni had come over to us,” stated the other man.
“He would be wearing red then, wouldn’t he?” crowed the first man as he deftly removed Wyant’s sword. “Let’s drag him back to camp. Maybe Winus will give us something special for capturing him.”
“I can save you some effort,” groaned Wyant. “I can walk.”
“Then you better start doing it,” scowled the second man.
Wyant rose to his feet and one of the men pushed him towards a game trail. He walked along the trail while his two capturers followed. Within a few minutes he smelled the smoke of the campfires and another few minutes brought him to the edge of the camp. The two Jiadin soldiers prodded him towards a large tent and pushed him through the flap before following him in.
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