Ali'Creed

Chapter 56 - A New Quest (Part 2)

Added 2025-02-25 21:30:03 +0000 UTC

With only a week to complete the quest, Ben felt a weight of frustration upon his shoulders. He hurried over to the Corporal and instructed him to gather everyone at the campfire for a meeting.

When that was done, Ben stood on a log to be seen and heard. “I apologize for calling everyone here on such abrupt notice, as there has been a new development. Grand Marshall Le’Vieux has just sent the village's first production order, due in one week. However, before I share the details, we should create a process whereby we don’t have to call a meeting like this whenever we receive an order.”

Looking around, Ben waited for either a nod or verbal confirmation before motioning. “Alfred has been given the job of overseeing everything here in the village. He is my second in command, and I expect everyone to listen to his word as if it were mine. Whenever an order comes through, I will give him the details and he will convene with all the right people to get production started. If you have any issues you must let him know so things can get back on track. Currently the artisans are without a leader. I would suggest either do it by the one who is the most experienced or it to a vote.”

After chatting and bickering for almost half an hour, Smythson had been chosen to lead. According to the others, he held the highest rank with the smithing guild and the most years of experience which would be vital for keeping things organized.

Ben read the order out word for word. When he was done, he glanced at Smythson before asking, “Is that something we can delivery within the given timeframe?”

Smythson stepped forward. “There are six families here, some with more experience than others. I think it will be better if we split the order equally between the families to twenty each. The ones who complete their batches first will then help the others. That way, we should be able to meet the deadline while sharing knowledge and techniques to better our craft.” He paused as if he had remmebered something, “However, there may be another issue. With most of your smelted iron being taken away to be sold, we may not have enough to meet the demands of the order.”

Ben nodded and turned to Finn. “Ensure that we don’t run out of iron ingots while the order is being processed.”

Finn nodded before raising his hand. “Master Ben, I will take two people off mining duties and place them with the smelting group which should be enough. I think that will put a dent in the mining operation and we will have to dig more into the store. I think now is a good time to hire more people.”

Before Ben could reply Alfred stood forward and spoke. “Leave that with me. I will travel with Har on his next delivery run to Feruswich. We can either speak to the people who went there as refugees when things went to crap around here or a few people I know who may be interested. I estimate that we can convince around a dozen to come back with us.”

Har nodded. “That’s actually a good idea. The last time I was there, I met a few familiar faces who were asking about the mine.”

“That settles it then.” Ben stated before turning back to Smythson, “I will stay here on the surface and help move things around to ensure this order goes smoothly. Let’s get it done!”

***

Just like that, the week had flashed before Ben’s eyes. He placed the final horseshoe in the delivery crate and reinforced his strength before moving it to the back of the van. With Har and Alfred alread out on the road, he had to deliver it himself.

With the nostalgia of his old life kicking in, Ben felt good to be on a delivery again. He soon arrived at the end of the trail when his mouth nearly dropped in his lap.

“What on Eatth have they done with the place?” He muttered steering towards the high palisades where a group of soldiers stood guard. There were even large watchtowers, and some turrets where bunches of archers stood at the ready.

After being cleared for entry, Ben was able to drive through the reinforced gate where he saw the place no longer resembled a desolate settlement filled with a rag tag bunch of people who had seen better days. There must have been hundreds if not thousands of troops going about their buisness.

Before heading directly to deliver the order, Ben steered towards Arthels inn and parked on the same grassy clearing he had done when he first arrived. He locked the van, making his way towards the inn door when a familiar voice from the side caught him off guard.

“What’s that thing doing on my lawn?” Arthel shouted.

Ben turned to see a wide grin planted on the innkeepers face before shouting back. “I know how to use fire magic now, you know.”

Arthel raised his hands before motioning Ben to go the side of the inn. “Take it easy, I was jesting. It’s too busy in there, you’ll have to come in from the side door.”

***

Name: Benjamin Bailey

Titles: Owner of the Bailey Mine

Level: 8 (380/900XP)

Skill points: 3

HP: 50/50

SP: 50/50

MP: 150/150

Currency:

Copper Penny: 10/12

Silver Shilling: 15/20

Gold Pound: 92