Another week passed. More refugees arrived and with them more problems, the first crime, or at least the first reported crime. And for the first time, they were eating more than they produced. At least until the first harvest of grains in a couple weeks. John was thankful that crops grew more quickly here.

The crime was nothing major. The person had stolen food from the warehouse, several fish. Why he stole confused John. It’s not like they would refuse someone food. Still, they had to decide his punishment. They had laws, rules really, but hadn’t decided what punishments to enact. So the council met and after weighing all the facts, decided on one week of cleaning hides at the tannery, a smelly and nasty job.

It wasn’t the harshest punishment, but they decided to be lenient. From what they had gathered, the group he had arrived with had come with nothing. They’d scraped by just to make it here. John worried that it would become the norm as more and more came.

When Drew had returned from his talk with Vrichik, he informed John about what he learned, practically nothing. John wasn’t as excited about what Drew had seen from the cliff as he thought he’d be. Too many things on his mind for sure. He was at least relieved that Drew didn’t see anything that stuck out and that Vrichik was sending more scouts out.

More homes were completed and the wall extended further. There was now a tent city in the south that housed about a hundred refugees for which they didn’t have a home built yet.

Another caravan had arrived early on the day before. It was laden with goods they’d requested. William wasn’t along this time, so Melissa, his daughter, took charge. The village was owed quite a bit of goods yet for the amount of iron they had been shipping. She guaranteed the balance would be made up in coins the following caravan. John was relieved to see quite a bit of livestock this time. He wondered how Innsbruck was managing to feed everyone.

With the arrival of the caravan came more news from Innsbruck. Baron Danielson was replacing the wall, or as what Drew had said would barely pass as a wall, with stone. He was also building another ring around the town. John was glad his friend was thinking ahead and preparing for what may come. Innsbruck was after all River’s End’s first line of defense.

The initial fury over the new economic plan had subsided mostly. People were content being paid a fair wage for their work. John noticed that some people were actually working harder.

But still, there were those who refused to do anything. That’s now where John was, sitting with a decently large group of people who weren’t contributing, either because they couldn’t or didn’t want to. He was determined to figure out why.

John stood with his hands on his hips flanked by two guards. Nearly twenty people stood in front of him, some old, some young. These people weren’t from the latest groups to arrive. They had been here a while and still done nothing.

He folded his arms and addressed them. “I just don’t get it. We have offered you housing and food, yet you do nothing. Why? I understand if you aren’t able to do hard work like in the fields or logging, but there are other things we need done that you can help with like mending clothes or making rope. And we will pay you to do it. There’s a lot to be done here. So why?” He waited, arms crossed, no one saying anything.

Finally after a couple minutes of silence, an older man stepped forward. “Because I’m an old man. I’ve done my time. I lost everything I’d built up back home. I have nothing here. I can’t start over.”

John pursed his lips, “So what did you do before? You don’t seem that old, and you don’t seem ill of health. So what did you do back home?”

The old man stiffened. “I was a farmer like most who are coming. What would you have me do, hmm? I have no plow. I have no animals. This is all yours, is it not? So why should I bother.”

John grunted and glared at the man. “Because eventually you’ll be able to afford a horse and plow of your own. We will pay you for your time.” He looked at the rest. “All of you. You’ll earn enough to buy food, clothing, whatever you need. We’ve set prices on items so that no one can weasel you for all your money. Eventually, and this is truly my hope, you’ll all be well provided for. Maybe some of you will be fortunate enough to open your own stores or farm your own ground. The possibilities out here are endless. But like I said, we can’t do this without you. Without everyone.”

The old man tilted his head again, thinking. “And when we are too old to work? Then what? We get thrown out? No one can work forever. These hands are tired.”

John stepped forward, his frustration showing a little. “I would never force someone to leave just because they’re old,” he said forcefully. “I’m done with this. You can either work for us and we pay you for your time, or you work for yourself if you’re one of the more fortunate ones. I won’t let you starve, but you won’t be allowed to enter the village either. Talk with the guards here when you’re ready to do something, until then,” he looked at the guards, “none are allowed within the walls. Got it?”

The guards nodded their understanding. The people behind him grumbled, some of acceptance and some of defiance. He’d deal with the few who remained again later.

Frustrated, he made his way into the village and found Drew standing near the entrance with two saddled and packed horses. He walked up to him, curiosity showing on his face.

He waved at the horses. “What’s all this? Going on a trip?” John asked.

Drew smiled, “We are going on a trip.” He mounted one of the horses and motioned to the other. “Get on. It’s time we get away for a couple days. I can tell you’re getting annoyed a little with all that’s happening. So let’s go. Show me that pond you found. I could use a little relaxation myself. I’ve been so busy I haven’t gotten to play much with the town menu yet either. This’ll give me some peace and quiet to do so.”

John hesitantly took the reins and mounted the other horse. He eyed Drew. “Who really put you up to this? Was it Ivan?” Drew only smiled. “Doesn’t matter I guess,” he sighed. “It’s been nonstop for weeks now. A little vacation would be nice,” he said, relenting to his friend. “Alright. Let’s get this over with,” he added, cracking a smile.

They headed south. On the way, John saw more than one of the arrivals he’d just talked to arguing with the guards, but the number who remained was already less. I’ll let them deal with it for a couple days. They’ll come around. Or am I being too harsh by forcing them to work? Does that make me a tyrant? And what of the old people? I can’t kick them out. Ugh! John’s thoughts rolled as they continued towards the outpost at the river.

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

They made good time toward John’s fishing spot. They stopped once to eat. John guided them in the direction of the small grotto of trees, and soon, in the distance, they popped into view.

The pair dismounted the horses and walked them through the trees to the hidden pond. The path that John had walked the previous time was still somewhat visible. As they went further in, they did their best to clear it better. At last, the small pond came into view. John pointed to the small shelter he’d built on the other side of it just within the trees.

Drew wrinkled his nose at the sight. “I don’t think I would have said that’s a cabin, John. I think it barely passes as livable.”

John glared at Drew. “It’s fine for what I need, for what we need.” John closed his eyes and took in a deep breath of the moss smelling air. “I missed this place. Thanks for making me come,” said John, with a slight smile.

Drew smiled in return. “Well I couldn’t let you horde the place to yourself could I? Alrighty. Let’s get the horses tied and do some fishing!” He pulled the reins of the horse and tied it loosely near the shelter. They unpacked all the gear and stored it within, all except the fishing poles.

Without waiting for Drew, John went to the lake, dug up some worms, cast the line, and disappeared.

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

John was already asleep on the ground near the lake, fishing pole in hand. Drew pulled up the city status, particularly the taxes/revenue portion.

Taxes and Revenue

Add Tax: Options

Revenue: 0

The menu was simple, but he was unsure what the options would be. “Expand Add Tax: Options.”

Add Sales Tax: Options

Add Housing Tax: Options

Add Excise Tax: Options

Add Trade Tax: Options

Add Income Tax: Options

Add Manufacturing Tax: Options

Other: Options

Well, who knew there would be so many choices here. Looks like just from these few options pretty much everything can be taxed. Not yet though, he thought to himself.

“Add Sales Tax: Options:”

Choose Fixed Rate

Choose Fixed Amount

He chose fixed rate and options came up to adjust a percentage rate to be added to the sale of each item. He wasn’t sure yet if he could choose different rates for different items; he didn’t want to add one yet because they weren’t sure exactly when the taxes would take effect.

Then he chose fixed amount and by doing so he was able to choose a fixed tax amount to add to items. He had the same issues as with fixed rate, unsure if he could amend the amount for each item.

At least the option is there. I don’t see any reason we couldn’t start it now, or at least when we get back and announce it. I wonder if we have to appoint someone to collect the taxes. No one likes a tax collector haha!

He studied the menu, adding and removing different amounts, but never finalizing anything. When John woke up, he’d tell him about what he’d learned. He was curious about what Revenue would state once they implemented the taxes. They really did need some coin coming in now that they were going to start paying people.

After a while he got bored with the multitude of menus. He closed them and took a walk through the trees. He could see why John liked it here. It was serene. And private. He walked north and stopped when he got to the tree line. Drew knew the lake was to the north but couldn’t see it. He wondered how many people were walking near the shore toward the village right now.

“Probably too many,” he muttered to himself. He shook off the thought and went back to the lake.

John was awake and cooking some fish he’d caught before his nap. He smiled when he saw Drew approaching.

“Be done in a minute. It’s just fish this meal, and some bread I saw in a bag. It’ll do.”

Drew plopped on the ground, put his arms behind his head, and laid back. “While you were passed out, I went through the taxation menu. It’s pretty straight forward if not complicated. But if it’ll help keep track of everything, we’ll have no choice but to make use of it. I figure once we get back, we can start it after we inform everyone.”

He continued, explaining the nuances and choices while John continued to cook the fish over the fire. John nodded his head every once in a while, Drew hoped in understanding and not boredom. Finally, he finished recounting what all he’d learned.

“Sounds good,” replied John to the explanation. “I say we appoint someone, maybe that new guy who had been a mayor. I don’t really know him, but he’s done really well organizing people. Can’t hurt to ask.” He took the fish out of the pan and placed them on two plates.

“I wasn’t really sleeping by the way. I was thinking about everything that’s happened lately,” John added as he dug into the meal. “I know I’ve been stressed. Just so much going on you know?”

Drew finished his mouthful before replying. “I do. But that’s why we’re all here. To help. I know you still feel bad about losing the few villagers, but you’ve got to move on. Treating all the people who arrive like you have been, most of whom lost everything by the way, it’s going to bite us in the ass. So please, try to take that into consideration alright? We’ll reward those who work, and those who don’t, well, they just won’t have some of the luxuries of living in the town like having a roof over their head. They’ll come around eventually.”

John pulled some fish off the bones and held it. “I know,” he said quietly. “It’s just disappointing. And a memory of home that I didn’t like. People always wanting something for nothing. I’ll do better. Coming here has already helped. No one interrupting every little thing I do to ask me a question or advice. Thanks for making me come.” He threw the piece of fish in his mouth.

“Well, to be honest, it was either that or Ivan was going to give you a good thrashing,” chuckled Drew. “He said to me, ‘I think John’s forgotten that when he came he had nothin’ either. If it wasn’t for Monty, he probably wouldn't have survived.’ So yea, he’s right. Remember that and maybe, just maybe, it’ll help you focus on the goal of why you came out here and not worry always about everyone who is coming. Do you remember why you came out here?”

John huffed. “For adventure and for a home. I have a home now, and we’ve had a couple, doubt I’d call them adventures, but definitely some excitement.”

Drew laughed. “That we have, for sure. Adventures will come. We are next to the Unknown after all. But right now, we have to make sure people are safe, and if that means not always getting what we want, so be it.” Drew looked at John. “Whenever I see you stressing out, becoming agitated or frustrated, I’m going to remind you where you came from. Not to put you down, but so that you remember.”

John smiled, “I’d appreciate that.” He threw the last piece of bread into his mouth. “I’ll do my best so that you won’t have to. Whaddya say we fix up this cabin eh? Still lots of daylight left. Let’s make it a little more livable. It’ll make a good outpost in the future.” John stood and dusted himself off. He reached his hand out for Drew to take. He did so, and he pulled him and hugged him. “Thanks Drew, for everything,” he said quietly. “You’re a good friend.”

“Pshh. Don’t get all mopey on me,” Drew replied, pushing John away. “And yea, let’s fix this piece of shit up.”

They spent the rest of the night fixing up the cabin and then spent the night under the stars.

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

The next morning the duo was up early. They were going to explore the area around the grotto of trees going as far south as the Verdant Forest. They hoped to find some evidence of the people who had previously been here.

They made their way east and then south to the Forest. And while they came across quite a few animals and tracks, there was nothing of note found thus far.

They stayed a couple hundred meters away from the Forest as they headed back westward just in case the Ogres had traveled that far. They weren’t about to be ambushed.

The tall grass swayed as they rode through. Boulders and rock outcroppings dotted the sea of green. When they saw one, they made their way to it. If they were going to find anything, pottery, pictures, remains of buildings, they figured those spots would be their best bet.

Each formation they went to revealed nothing however, just rocks and animal droppings. The time wasn’t wasted on them though. John and Drew chatted about home, their real home. They talked about some of the people who had arrived, specifically Katelyn. She had moved in with Drew now as they were officially a couple. John was proud of Drew and happy for him, even a little jealous.

They rode farther west and then north where the tops of a group of trees could be seen over a hill. They thought it odd that they could only see the tops even though the hill didn’t appear very tall.

As they approached, they noted that it was more like a ravine, as it wasn’t very wide but was very deep. It looked as though something had carved it out of the side of the large hill; it stood in stark contrast to the hilly and grassy surroundings.

Rather than crest the hill, they rounded it and headed to what looked to be the entrance of the small ravine-like place. It was narrower than it looked, barely ten meters across. It was hard to tell how far back it went from their viewpoint.

They tied the horses to a nearby tree, unsheathed their swords, and ventured in. They hacked and cut their way through the thick foliage. The canopy was so full that little light seeped to the ground below. John cast the spell to let him see better. Drew held onto his shoulder as they continued deeper in.

They made it what John guessed another dozen or so meters before John spoke. “I see something. Very faint.” He pointed, but doubted Drew was able to see what he saw. “Just hold on. I’m going to take us there. We may have to go back and get some torches.”

John proceeded to turn slightly north. He continued to hack away at the undergrowth. After another few meters, he stopped.

In front of him was a cave, small, barely two meters tall, but a cave nevertheless. “Can you see it Drew? It’s a cave. Did you bring torches in those bags I hope?”

Drew, still holding onto his shoulder, replied. “I did, but only two. I didn’t think we’d be going spelunking on this trip. Sorry.”

John chuckled. “It’s fine. Let’s go get them. I want to see if there’s anything here. Hold on.”

They followed the path they had cut and made much better time back to the horses. John pocketed the flint and steel and something Drew couldn’t tell what it was. They each grabbed a torch and went back into the trees.

When they got back to the entrance, John lit one of the torches and got out the unknown item. “Only one for now. You take this.” He handed him something white. “It’s chalk. Mark the wall periodically so we can find the way out. When this torch is about gone, we’ll light the other and return. Stay close,” he said quietly. Drew nodded and tried to smile, but his nervousness took over.

As they entered and walked down the narrow tunnel, Drew couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you even a little nervous about what we’ll find? I mean. Hello. Basilisk.” Even though there was only one path so far, Drew couldn’t help but look over his shoulder into the darkness that swallowed their path.

John chuckled and answered quietly, “Not really. No. Nothing has gone in and out of there in a long time, nothing big anyway. There could always be spiders though. They’re big here. Like dog-sized big.” Drew saw John shudder.

“Great. Nothing like exploring some dark, creepy hole to take your mind off of something.” Drew mumbled to himself causing John to laugh again.

They walked for an hour finding nothing, not even animal tracks or droppings. John could tell they had descended quite a ways but had no clue what direction they now faced. The tunnel twisted and turned every which direction, but thankfully had no branches as of yet. The light from the first torch was beginning to wane, so their journey would be ending soon.

As they came around a bend, the tunnel opened up into a cavern. It was small enough that the light from the torch reached the other side. The constant drip of water echoed through the chamber. There was a small pool to the one side; stalagmites and stalactites were everywhere.

“We’ll take a quick peak around the cavern then head back. There’s two tunnels. There and there,” he said, pointing in their direction. “I want to come back. Maybe bring Stanley and them. Might be some good mining here.” John walked around the room.

Drew shrugged. “That’s fine. This is more your thing anyway.” He walked over to the small pond created by the dripping water. He kneeled and scooped up some water into his hands and splashed some on his face. It was cold and tasted of metal.

Drew squinted into the water. “John. Come over here. I think I see something in the pool. Just faintly though.”

John walked over and held the torch over the pool. A couple feet into and sitting below the surface was a small object. John waded in and retrieved it. He held it up in the light. “It’s a dagger, rusted, but a dagger nevertheless,” he said. “This is awesome!” he added, giddy at the find. “Now I definitely want to come back.”

Drew smiled at his friend. “You may just get your adventure sooner rather than later. Light this torch and let’s go. We can go back to the village tonight if you want so you can come back tomorrow with others. I don’t mind. My whole goal was for you to take your mind off the village for a day or two, and this will do it.”

John shoved the dagger into his bag and lit the other torch. “Yes! Definitely! We’ll ride back right away. With everyone we have there, I’m sure there will be quite a few who would like to come here.”

Drew motioned for John to hand him the torch. “I’ll lead the way this time, and you bring up the rear. You know, because spiders,” he chuckled. “Hope you don’t find any on your return.”

Drew headed back to the surface, and John followed. They made good time and were beneath the canopy in no time. They cleared a better path back out of the small ravine, mounted their horses, and went back to River’s End.