Chapter 39

[Author's notes: You raised some valid points and I accept I didn't do a good job of portraying Flint's thought process in this scenario. I've made a few tweaks and chapter 40 will expand on it. The intention was to show Mr Mayor as a massive dick and Flint holding his tongue for political reasons.]

When Ed woke Flint up the following morning, Flint couldn’t help but feel an inkling of guilt. Of the sixty-something new residents in the Woodson fort, forty were human. A little over a third of them were children, and the Heartstone didn’t react to them yet. The elderly were a dozen on the other end of the spectrum, and everyone in between was a teenager or a young adult. Flint had treated the middle group fairly but not the older folk.

The slavers had collected close to three dozen first-tier skill stones. It was a small fortune. Then they had dropped fifteen after death, and half of those were higher-tiered stones. While he stored the latter for the future, he’d freely handed out stones to the younger people. He’d ensured they had at least two if not three nodes filled.

Meanwhile, only the older people who agreed to train younger people got a stone. He didn’t trust the others to live up to their promise and contribute, so he had passed on them. Flint was sure there were people in the settlement furious with him, but he reasoned it was inevitable. He didn’t want to invest in people who couldn’t or wouldn’t contribute.

“The hunting party got back at first light, Mr Flint,” Ed said, handing him his clothes. The young man was already dressed and had a short spear slung across his shoulder.

Flint wanted to fill out the boy’s skill stones, but Ed had only accepted the second-tier skill stone [Spearplay]. It now sat in his [Control Node] while [Aura] and [Power] remained empty. Ed wanted more time to think about how he wanted to progress. Flint had suggested he place [Shield Arts] in one of the other two nodes, but Ed rejected the idea. He wanted one hand free to use [Earth Moulding] on the fly. Ed planned on working in the guard, learn the ropes with the hunting party as well as help Flint help build.

Following a demonstration by Ed, three teenagers had claimed the [Building] skill stones they had gained. The two boys had placed them in the [Power Node] while the girl wanted to mimic Ed and placed it in the [Mind Node]. Flint was happy to have helping hands and people to teach, so he didn’t mind Ed taking a stepping back.

“It’s time they and the watch get their Cores then,” Flint said. He handed Ed a list of names and the Cores they’d be getting. “I want all of them with three filled nodes. Perhaps we should let that information out. Anyone willing to join the defensive or hunting forces are guaranteed to have three nodes filled.”

“That might annoy the others, Mr Flint.”

“So be it. The guard, human or fae, will be risking their lives to protect us. They deserve more.” Flint sat up, yawning. “When you decide on how you’d like to fill your remaining nodes, let me know. Alright, Ed?”

“Yes, Mr Flint.” He looked at Flint’s prepared box of skill stones hesitantly. “You’re not going to give it to them yourself, Mr Flint?”

“No. People see you as my apprentice now, Ed. It should be fine for you to deal with the matter. If there’s trouble, then you can come and get me. Otherwise, you’re my link to whatever is going on up front.”

“What about the hounds?” Ed asked. Flint looked at the boy, confused. “They’ve been whining about the gate since after the first night. Apparently, Bjorn tried to lure them away yesterday, but they didn’t budge.”

Flint sighed. “You’re still in charge of talking to them. I’ll visit them after lunch. Adam and I need to meet regarding the inner gate first.”

“Yes, Mr Flint.”

The hounds were outside the stone hut as Flint expected. He’d been so preoccupied with everything going on that he had forgotten about giving the new hounds time. The day ahead was going to be another hectic one, but he hoped to find the time to deal with them. It pleased him that Bjorn was making an effort with them, though. While Maya followed Flint on his heel, the snow dog had disappeared for most of the previous day.

Flint was glad to see that only a few fired remained around his end of the slope. There were no old folk around, just a couple of groups of teenager. He recognised one pair as the ones in charge of tending to the horses. After Flint’s gifts, they had [Animal Handling], [Butchery], [Skinning], and [Tanning] between them. Flint hoped that with time, they’d fulfil multiple purposes. Taking apart the creatures the hunting party brought back and using every part of the beast sounded great.

The rest were other builders and a pair of herbalists charged with finding valuable mushrooms and herbs from around the Verdant Plain’s edge.

As long as someone kept watch and they had a couple of guards watching their back, all would be fine. Their role wasn’t a permanent one anyway. Once Twylip found everything she wanted, they wouldn’t have to head out anymore.

Flint thought about finding time to talking to his fellow council members—mostly Twylip and Winona—about their individual roles. Twylip’s was set, but he wasn’t sure where Winona stood. She had made several promises regarding teaching a new generation of mages and protecting the base. Unfortunately, they hadn’t found the time to converse privately since the new guests arrived. Flint would’ve liked to put her in charge of defence and to direct the hunting parties. However, helping the fae settle in and adapt was taking up all of her time.

Bjorn followed Ed downhill, leaving Flint to wonder what was going on with the bloodhounds. He wondered whether their handler was one of the crushed Vikings. Dogs just want to love. Even if their master flips from caring to abusive frequently, they love the person that befriends and takes care of them. They appeared almost healthy after spending time around the totems, but the bloodhounds were probably mourning their lost friend. If it weren’t for Bjorn, Flint believed it would be a lot worse than them mourning.

After instructing the new builders to clear the rubble by the guard’s quarters for stables, Flint started his journey uphill. The slope was mostly deserted until he crossed the bridge. The structures were still in varying stages of disrepair, but the new residents were making themselves home. Flint would’ve preferred they stay in the fort. It was much safer, after all. However, he couldn’t force them. They were uphill from the moat, and that would have to suffice for the time being.

Flint recognised a couple of faces. They were among the group that had expressed a particular distaste for the fae and had managed to rally a few youngsters into their camp. It amused him watching them shoot death glares at their new neighbours—pucks and brownies who had similar concerns regarding humans. If an enemy force got through the outer wall, they wouldn’t have far to go before finding safety.

As Flint got closer to the inner walls, his jaw dropped. Twylip had started working on the soft soil as soon as Adam and Bjorn cleared the area. However, when Flint checked it the day before, it looked like nothing more than dirt. Now, he didn’t just see sprouts but knee-high bushes. A couple of young trees had sprouted just within the outer walls too.

Adam was already on-site with a variety of tools Flint had never seen before. A crate of metal gears and belts sat next to him too. However, it was his company that got Flint’s attention. Miss Lya, Mr Mayor, Jerome and a couple of others stood around talking at him. Twylip was present too. The redness marking her neck and clenched jaw gave away her displeasure.

“We expected you to have the decency to call a meeting,” Mr Mayor said.

“I’m sorry,” Flint replied. “I was hoping to get everyone settled in first.” He looked at Miss Lya apologetically, and she flashed him a sweet smile. “This isn’t how to do things, but I couldn’t just turn enslaved people away. I know that you’re not happy having fae as your neighbours.”

“Of course, you couldn’t turn these people away!” Mr Mayor exclaimed. He glanced at the early rises pausing to watch and listen. He lowered his volume before continuing. “We might not like having new neighbours, but you did the right thing helping these people. Slavery hasn’t existed in these parts since Lea made the village her home. The village would think less of you for turning them away.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Flint looked at his friends, hoping they’d alleviate his confusion.

“You had over half a day to let us know that there were slavers at the gates and didn’t think to let us know or ask for help.” Mr Mayor’s brow furrowed as he spoke. “You didn’t just risk Adam’s life but ours too. What would happen if this plan of yours failed and they targeted the village next?”

“Twylip had instructions to destroy the bridge—”

“And how long would that have lasted? Don’t you get it, Flint? I wanted you gone because you’d bring war, death, and destruction to these lands. Now that all three are here, the least you could do is let us know! We could’ve sent people to help you.” Mr Mayor glanced at Jerome as he fidgeted. “Maybe not him, but we have hunters, trappers, and pikemen. They could’ve bolstered your ranks and improved your odds. I was willing to tolerate you, Flint, but coexistence will be a challenge if you don’t communicate with us!”

“Instead, Twylip informed us hours before your battle,” Miss Lya said. “We managed to get a militia together and could’ve maybe held the fort if you failed, but you put us in danger, Flint. We pulled our guard patrols back so as not to interfere with your life quest, but it feels like that was a mistake.”

Flint didn’t know what to say. After their initial meetings and the cloak and dagger regarding Lea’s artifact, he thought their relationship would forever be one of animosity. It’s how Flint saw humans in most positions of authority. He had told Twylip to warn them, but he didn’t think of asking them for help.

“I’m sorry,” Flint said, noticing a stark difference between how he felt when addressing a group of humans versus one containing fae. Reading the emotions in the room, made it easier for him to get his thoughts across. He knew very well that Mr Mayor was talking out of his arse, but he had made a mistake as well. However, the fort needed Lea’s Slumber more than ever and he couldn’t afford to lash out. “After our last meeting, Mr Mayor, I thought you wouldn’t want to help.”

“Our lives were on the line, Flint!” Mr Mayor’s voice rose in pitch and volume. “We might not like you for bringing trouble here, but you’re now holding our primary defence against the outside world!”

Flint felt like a little boy being scolded by his elders. He diverted his eyes to the floor and had to will Maya back. Her urge to bare her fangs at Mr Mayor and growl bubbled through the empathic link. Flint knew that he was in the wrong and didn’t want Maya to think otherwise.

“There’s not a lot I can do to excuse my actions and lack of foresight.” Flint sighed. “ With all due respect, though, you weren’t exactly hospitable how neighbours should be. I thought you wouldn’t want to lift a finger to help me.” Mr Mayor’s face reddened and he looked like he was about to explode. Flint recognised it as a power play, however, he wasn’t sure how to deal with the matter. “Thinking so little of you was my mistake, and I don’t know how to make up for it. Does that mean you’d be willing to join us?”

“No.” Mr Mayor’s tone was short and final. “Honestly, I’m not sure whether we can trust you or not. Your judgement has shaken us, and we as a village would rather keep ourselves separate.” Mr Mayor looked at the others for support. Only Jerome appeared to respond to his words.

“However, we recognise that there is a lack of work and opportunities in Lea’s Slumber. If anyone wants to join you, we won’t stop them.” Miss Lya’s smile didn’t waver. She took Twylip’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I understand you’re looking to trade with us too.”

“I certainly hope you’ll let me make up for my mistake with an exchange of goods and services. We’ll start off by starting off our dealings in your favour.” Flint looked up from the flower and did his best to put on a smile. “We’re still setting up a source of meat. Our primary requirements are lumber, dairy and grains. It would be great if we could come to agreements on the matter. Besides Twylip’s alchemical creations, we’re working on other products for barter.”

“I’ll put in a good word—”

“We will also take control of a part of the fort.” Percy stepped forward from behind the huddle, interrupting Miss Lya mid-sentence. Flint hadn’t seen him hiding in the wall’s shadow. “The rear half of the ground floor and the path to the village will be under my—and Mr Mayor’s control.”

“I don’t see that happening,” Flint replied. “As soon as I complete my current stage of the life quest, the fort will be exclusively under my control.”

“Ha!” Percy smirked. “Don’t let that life quest go to your head, Flint. You have no ownership over the fort or control over it. I’ve seen your abilities, and they aren’t good enough to command a structure of this size.”

Adam cleared his throat before Flint could bite back with a snarky reply. All eyes darted to him. The big, bearded man nodded at the gate mechanism.

“Is it ready?” Flint asked, ignoring Percy’s reddening face. The man had no issue interrupting others but appeared to hate it when others did the same. While he was willing to stroke Mr Mayor’s ego, he refused to do the same for Percy.

Adam nodded.

“Just speak you, big bear!” Miss Lya exclaimed. Everyone knows that the tongue in your mouth works.

“I’ve got all the parts,” Adam said in a voice much too high-pitched for someone his size. “You just have to move the stone so I can sort it out.”

“You can do your building later.” Percy spat as he spoke. Besides Mr Mayor, everyone looked at him with annoyed expressions on their face.

“It will only take a few minutes—”

“What do you know about gate mechanisms, Adam Anvil?” Percy interrupted him once again. “You’re just smith whose strange contraptions got him kicked out of his father’s workshop.”

Adam grinned. “You’ll find that I’m a tinker now, Percy Greystone.” Even though his voice sounded out of place, Adam’s dimensions and full-faced beard still made for a terrifying visage. Flint doubted anyone would ridicule him for it. “Now stand aside and let us do our jobs.”