30 A new home
967 Words
Janus didn't have time to celebrate as people started exiting the Great Hall. His thoughts went directly to his plans, and he wanted to speak to the managers who were here to attend.
To his surprise, Marcus and Anders stopped by to talk to him.
Everyone immediately gave them space, not wanting to intervene or eavesdrop on a prominent Knight and an outstanding mage.
"Looks like you got out of it. Although I'm quite curious about your choice of location." Marcus said.
"Is this another suicide plot?" Anders said. "If it is, leave Yvaine out of it or I will come for you myself."
"Don't be daft Anders, I wouldn't get through all of that trouble just to get her killed. Something the both of you failed miserably at."
"Oh my, you're growing too much nerve for someone about to get exiled. We'll then I promise I wouldn't bother you once I become King." Marcus said before leaving them both.
"You got lucky, remember that." Anders said before leaving.
All in all, it turned out well for the young Prince. He was free from all of the obligations to the throne aside from a few tax payments. He was free from the Holy See apart from a young pastor (who could either be a spy or an exile himself -- he wasn't sure yet), and now he can take his men away to a new start life with him.
He didn't force anybody to come with him of course, but after all of the work that was taken away from Gracewood, Janus sensed that his people were feeling demoralized by the crown. Janus gave them an offer that would helpfully ease them into the changes ahead.
Everyone who accompanied him will have their own share of land. Provided of course that they work towards the basic needs of the settlement. Once they got all the basics going, they would be free to choose for themselves -- with the discretion from Janus and the Stewards -- a piece of land that they can finally call their own. In essence, they would practically be Lords instead of servants for a King.
They would enjoy all of the amenities and facilities provided by Gracewood. A small community that looks out for its own, with all the advances and technologies that Janus has access to.
It will be a difficult start in an unfamiliar land. There will be challenges ahead, but hopefully, all of the research and homework that Janus had done will lead them to success.
Twenty Caravans were given by the King to Janus and his people. They were enough for the supplies and some of the livestock. But they had to hire an additional ten with some workers traveling by horseback or by donkeys and cattle.
Basic supplies were provided. Janus made it a priority to stock up on lots of salt for preserved foods and ale and wine for a supply of drink that would last them through the next season.
The trek would be a long and arduous seven-day journey and they would have to stop for rest and camp by the roads by night. After that, they will arrive at the end of the official roads of Galedon and they would have to camp out in the wilderness. The guards and the goblins were tasked to hack away the thick bushes and scout ahead for a safe passageway for their caravans.
Janus kept busy at that time. When they were resting he divided the men and gave them tasks and obligations so that they can start immediately when they get there.
First, there would be a band of farmers, half of them will be tasked for foraging and half of them will be planting plots for faster-growing vegetables to make use of the remaining months of autumn.
Then there would be fishermen, if the maps of the area were accurate, There were brooks and streams along the way. The fish that they would catch would be smoked and preserved for food during the winter.
Hunters and trappers were also assigned in bands and parties. The most suited for these is Hakkar and his band, as well as half of the guards with the assistance of Sir Arthan if he was inclined.
Then there would be the builders and woodcutters. For now, they would be forced to build log cabins, they needed to make shared dormitories as a temporary solution before they could gather stone. Enough to help keep them over the winter.
Yvaine would send out pamphlets to households and small settlements along the way, informing them of their journey and letting them know that they were free to join in or free to trade their goods.
There were also traveling mercenary bands that they may pass by along the way. Janus' plan was to make use of them to hunt high-level monsters for reward, those that they couldn't handle on their own.
Master Ringo would still be in charge of bookkeeping and managing of the workers. While Janus would take up essentially the role of a city planner. He would be dictating the improvements and infrastructures to be built in the new settlement just as he had in the old manor.
By the seventh day the dirt road ended, and the journey along the wilderness opened up to them. Janus spotted deer and several birds of prey on the treetops. In front of them was the rolling mountains with Brimstone in its center.
If his maps were correct, a patch of fertile land with a huge clearing would be found after this area of vegetation. Somewhere with even ground and a steady supply of water. Something that could be a good starting ground for them.
Janus needed a name for this land, for his new community. They were the downtrodden, the ones left for dead, the ones who were neglected by those in power.
He called it the "The Wayward Home."
- Writer
