Monty left after hugging his family. Annie and Erik stood crying with Ivan’s wife and children.

“He’ll be fine Annie. Don’t you worry.” Ivan squeezed her shoulders.

“I know. But after what just happened, I have every right to be worried.” She wiped away a tear. “I need to do something. To busy my mind.” She squeezed Erik tighter. “We’ll work in the field today how ‘bout that. Me and you?” She put on a reassuring smile

“And us,” replied Marie. “You ain’t gettin’ rid of us.” She hugged Annie, who smiled, tears welling in her eyes. Together the women and children went together to clear the field of weeds that Monty had just planted.

“Ugh. Rough.” Ivan rubbed his face. “This would be a great time for some ale. Blech.” He perked up, thinking. “I’ll probably get just as much satisfaction beating that man senseless.” He rolled his shoulders and headed to the wagon Logan was tied to.

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

Nearly everyone else worked on the wall, women, kids, even Stanley and Steven. An eight foot barrier now circled from the southeastern part of the hill around the western point stopping in the northeast. It was decided that once the entire wall was finished, it would be increased to ten feet and another tower like what John had built would be created by the western wall.

Vin, Dragi, Lenz, and Drew worked on the sawmill. They made steady progress. It would hopefully be completed in a couple days. Then they could finally finish the apartments.

Before going to see Logan, Ivan stopped in to check on John. He peeked into the tent. “Morning buddy. How ya doin’?” He stepped inside.

“I’m ok. Gert said the wounds are looking ok. No redness or swelling. Still gonna be a day before I can really get moving. She’s scared I’ll rip the stitches. She threatened to tie me down when I tried to sit up,” John said, smiling.

“Better do as the woman says lest she make you stay here longer!” Ivan laughed. "I’m going to check on our newest friend. Any suggestions? Or things you want asked?” Ivan stood, waiting patiently.

“Probably nothing you haven’t thought of. What are we going to do with him afterward? We obviously can’t let him go.” John thought for a moment. “Ivan, I don’t believe in slaves. You know that. And I know you don’t like them either. But if he survives, well, let’s see what he says ok? He can chop trees, farm, and mine the rest of his life for all I care.” John closed his eyes, pained.

“Will do. I’ll get it out of him. Gently.” Ivan’s face showed no nonsense. “I have Mani and Yara searching the horses and items from the two others. They’ll let us know what they find. But, I personally found the letter to the Baron and sent it with Monty. I think he’ll get the idea of how important it is now.”

John opened an eye. “Thanks Ivan. I need to rest. Let me know what happens with Logan.” He closed his eye again to sleep.

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

“I hope he doesn’t hurt my hands too much. I want to get that tower finished. I doubt it would hold me.” Ivan stroked his long beard. He had stopped to look at the tower while heading to the wagon with Logan inside. He looked at it making vague recommendations to himself on improvements and then went to the wagon. Before reaching it, he was stopped by Yara who handed him a small pouch. He glanced inside and became angry. He knew full well what the contents were.

Willis stood guard. He leaned against the wheel. Seeing Ivan approach, he stood up. “All yours Ivan.” He nodded his head and walked away.

Ivan climbed onto the wagon. He stood across from Logan who was strapped to the inside. He sat wide-eyed as the giant of a man watched him. His face was pale.

“You and me now boy.” He cracked his knuckles. “You have two choices. Answer everyone of my questions, or I beat the shit out of you. You have ten seconds to choose.” Logan squirmed against the ropes saying nothing. “Wrong choice.” Ivan balled his fist, pulling back to punch him in the face.

“I’ll talk. I. I’ll talk,” Logan looked at the floor.

“Good choice. I have work to do today, and I’m going to need these. I would have been even madder if you made me hurt them on your face.” Ivan rubbed his hands. Logan squirmed some more. “So, Logan. Were they even your brothers?” He nodded no. “Speak up.”

“N-no. That’s just what we called ourselves.” Logan shook. “There used to be five of us, but the other two disagreed with Guthrey, so he killed them one night in their sleep. I was just a follower.” He kept his eyes on the floor. “I promise I never hurt anyone! It was all them! Please, I beg you! I’ll do whatever you want!” Logan pleaded with Ivan.

“Oh stop. You’re making yourself look silly. Like I’d believe that, after he murdered your two partners, yet you stayed.” Ivan gave him an indignant look. “Really? You think me a fool?” he stood up. "And all the items we found in bags on your horses? Rings, trinkets. What were they, items you guys kept as tokens from your kills?” He threw the bag at Logan causing the contents to spill to the floor. Logan looked worried.

“I had to try.” Logan shifted personalities, forming a sly grin. “What can I say? It usually goes way better than this.” He laughed. Ivan looked disturbed at the sudden change.

“That’s all it took? All I had to do was give you a look and you crumble? I expected more frankly.” Ivan walked over to him, crouching down to be face to face. “I really, really didn’t like that answer though.” He punched him directly where the arrow had entered his shoulder. Fresh blood began to seep from the wound. Logan grimaced. “Look what you made me do. I apologize.” Ivan stepped back. “So where were we? Ah yes. Tell me what you did with the two guards. Tell me why I should bother keeping you alive. You obviously have no morals. You obviously don’t care about others. So why?”

Logan fought through the pain to answer through gritted teeth. “We met them on the road west of Innsbruck. We stopped, traded pleasantries.” He smiled a creepy grin. “We asked them about the settlement. They played dumb, saying they were just on a patrol. We knew better. So when James circled them, distracting them, we attacked. It was a joke. Like your leader fighting earlier.” He laughed. “Do what you want, old man. You let me go? I’ll kill you. Then everyone else here.” Ivan walked over, punching him in the mouth. Logan smiled. His teeth were bloody. “That all you got asshole?” Ivan drew his sword. Logan smiled wider. “Now we’re talking. Do it! Do it, you coward! Kill me when I can’t defend myself!” He spit blood at Ivan.

Ivan cocked his head. “What in the hell happened to you to make you this way.” He put up his hand. “I don’t rightly care.” He pointed the sword at Logan’s chest. “I’m not going to kill you either. It’d be too easy. No. For now, you’re going to stay here tied to the wall. I think that’s a worse punishment for you than me killing you.” Ivan turned, hopping off the wagon. He could hear Logan screaming obscenities at him, cursing him. “What a poor soul.” He looked at his hands. “At least he didn’t make me hurt you guys.” He saw Willis nearby. “All finished. Keep him alive will ya?” He left to finish the tower.

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

Ivan looked at the tower. “I need to clear my mind after that. Fixing the tower will do just that.” He walked around the tower. “Not sure what he was going for here.” He pushed against the poles. “Solid foundation. Supports don’t look too bad. Needs a few more cross beams. Even I can see that.” He kicked the post. “Gonna be a pain in the ass to saw the boards by hand. And take forever.” He went to a get horse, attached a log to John’s contraption, and began.

Ivan created more cross beams for support as well as more vertical beams to hold the platform. He spent the majority of his day sawing two meter log boards. “Ack. Too thin.” He threw it in the ever-growing pile of mistakes. “I only need eight more, but at this rate it’s going to take me two more damn trees!” He yelled in frustration.

Another tree later, he broke yet another board of his knee. “Damn son of a. And you shut up. You could help you know.” Nathan stood laughing at him from his nearby perch consisting of stacked crates.

“Can’t sorry. Gotta watch the farmers and the bridge.” Nathan picked his fingernails with his dagger.

Ivan glared at him. “Fine, fine. But careful, because my next mistake might be headed your way.” Nathan laughed nervously.

One more tree, and a few more mistakes later, he finally had enough wood to finish the platform. He used several of the mistakes to make a ladder up the side. “Here goes nothing.” He blew out a breath and began to climb the ladder. He got to the top. He took a breath and held it, stepping onto the platform.

“I can’t believe it held,” Nathan said from his post.

“Honestly. I can’t either.” Ivan laughed and then yelled. “Hey! Up here! It held. HaHa!” He nearly stumbled. “Whoa shit. I gotta make a railing for sure. Put boards in front to stop arrows. I can’t believe it held! John will be ecstatic! Now to get down.” He eyed the rickety ladder, slowly climbing down. He sighed a deep breath when he touched the ground and wiped the sweat off his bald head. He went to John’s tent.

When he arrived, he saw Gert had pulled back the canvas so that John could see outside. He saw Ivan approaching and waved.

“Well?” John asked hesitantly.

“He talked. Didn’t say much. I don’t think he’s right in the head.” Ivan sat next to him. “He had no regret for what they did here. He said if we released him he’d kill us all.” John looked disgusted. “I had the same reaction. He wanted me to kill him right there, so I thought the best punishment would be to let him live. But no way are we letting him free. We will regret it. Of that I am sure.”

“I just thought maybe. Maybe deep down he was remorseful. I have to quit assuming things of people I guess.” John steeled himself. “When I am able to get up, we will take him to the Forest and kill him.” John didn’t blink.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Aye. That’s your choice. But for now, we let him stew.” They sat together, quiet, for a long time, letting the realization sink in.

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

After John fell asleep, Ivan joined his family in the field. They spent a solemn evening together weeding Monty’s plot of potatoes and wheat. At supper, Monty’s family retired to their home.

“They know he’ll be fine right? Monty’s one tough son of a gun.” Ivan spoke while eating the stew.

“Yes dear. They’re just scared is all. Annie knows he can take care of himself.” Marie patted him on the knee. “I know you’re worried too for your friend. You just don’t show it.” Marie smiled.

“Aye, I gotta be strong for John though and everyone else here. At least ‘til he’s back on his feet.” He drank some water. “We didn’t talk much, but I finished the tower. I was going to start on the other one tomorrow, but I think it’s time we started training some folks to fight. Willis said he’d help.” Marie gave him a grim look. “Self-defense only. John got his butt whooped because he let his anger cloud him. We need to teach the people here to be confident. Who knows what we’re going to have to deal with. Who knows what’s to our west.” He looked at her with concern in his eyes. “Even you love. It wouldn’t be bad to learn a few skills. Hardly anyone here has any combat classes. No experience. It’s time that changed.”

“Ok dear. Whatever you say.” Marie gave him a polite smile. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. But I think others will be resistant.”

“Maybe. Maybe not, not after yesterday anyway.” Ivan yawned and stretched his arms out, putting one around his wife. “Whaddaya say we go to bed?” He winked, and she laughed. She grabbed his hand and together they went to their home.

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

John raised up off his bed, his back and legs stiff. It was just after sunrise the next morning. “That crap she’s putting on my back feels like it’s hardening like cement.” He rolled onto his side. “Ah, much better.”

“What do you think you’re done young man? You know better. You’ll rip your stitches.” Gert’s brow was furrowed as she entered the tent.

“I’m sorry. I just needed to move. I’ve been laying there for almost two days. Please, I just want to walk around a bit. I promise not to do any work.” Gert shook her head.

“Fine, but if you tear them out, I won’t be so nice this time when I replace them.” She snickered and helped roll, then kneel, and finally stand up.

“Oh my god. That feels so good.” He started to stretch his arms causing Gert to hit him. He looked at her.

“Nuh uh. That’ll stretch your back.” She tapped her head. “Use common sense would you? Be careful. I expect you back here soon. No lifting, nothing. Walk. That’s it. You hear me?”

John nodded his head profusely, smiled, and walked around the camp.

He didn’t tell me last night that he finished it! John thought as he approached the tower. Just needs a wall around the platform. And maybe a better ladder. John glanced at the wagon where today Sara was stationed. He nodded to her and scowled. I better avoid that for now. He continued on.

He walked northeast to where people were working on the wall, passing the cooking area where he waved to people and caught several surprised looks. He grabbed a sandwich of cold meat and day old bread and continued on. They had made quite a bit of progress yesterday, he noticed. The wall now extended across the north part of the hill, the steepest part.

“Good morning Virgil.” John patted him on the shoulder, trying not to startle him.

“Ah. Good morning John. You’re looking well, black eyes and all. I’m surprised Gert has let you out. She was adamant that no one bother you for several days.” Virgil smiled, motioning for John to sit, then realizing his mistake when John shook his head. “Ah yes. Don’t want to add further injury.” He waved with his hand. “As you can see, the wall itself is only four feet tall at a minimum like we planned. But with the excavated ground, in some places, it's nearly eleven feet total. It was quite steep in spots.” Virgil was visibly proud of his work. “I believe that we will be finished tomorrow at this rate.” He had his hands clasped in thanks. “Then a break for me and back to work!” He chuckled then sighed. “But not today! Still much to be done. Have a good walk.” He turned and outstretched his arms and began mumbling, ground moving around him to form a wall.

“Amazing,” John said, drawing a small nod from Virgil who continued to mumble. “I’ll see you later, hopefully.” John headed west past the wall.

It was early afternoon now. The sawmill in the distance looked quite tall. It needed to be to house the mechanics to turn the saw blade. John stood in the distance watching the workers crawl around the building like ants. Six large trees were used as posts on each side. The walls were open but were criss-crossed with supports to hold the roof. The walls themselves were nearly five meters tall. It had a small addition next to it with what looked like a large horizontal wheel, a vertical drive train sticking up from it, and gears connecting to a horizontal shaft that led to the actual sawmill. That looks extremely complicated. He saw someone waving from the roof, so he walked towards it.

It was Drew. He climbed down a ladder and headed towards John. “Good morning!” He shouted as he approached. “I could use a break anyway. Super hard work let me tell ya.” He drank from a huge flask. “So, what do you think?” He thumbed over his shoulder.

“It’s. It looks great. How does it work? It looks really complicated, all the gears, and that shaft running from the smaller addition.” John handed him the rest of his sandwich. Drew gladly took it.

“So when I looked at the blueprints, I thought to myself no way could this work. But it’s actually pretty simple.” Drew talked quieter for a minute. “Personally John, I think wherever we are has dumbed down some things. As it is, it’ll work, no problem. It just seems too easy with as many moving parts as there are.” He continued in his normal voice. “This addition is where the horses will turn the wheel causing the vertical shaft to spin. It’s connected to the horizontal shaft with gears, causing it to spin.” They walked into the sawmill. He pointed up. “ The shaft comes in, connecting to another vertical shaft, then another horizontal that is connected to the sawblade. Lots of shafts and gears.” He laughed. “Really the only thing that matters are the gear ratios. Which is where Vin came in.” He put his hand next to his mouth to whisper. “And the science of this world.” He continued. “From what he told me, every full rotation of the horses will cause the blade to spin plenty fast to cut the logs. Don’t even ask me how he knows that.” Drew shrugged.

“If it works, who cares. I doubt he’d do it if he wasn’t positive. I’m sure these are used all over. All they have here are simple machines.” John walked around, touching the beams. He looked at the table where the logs would be sawed on.

“Obviously we can’t move such large trees, so a horse will be used to pull the log down the large table. That’s why the sawmill is so long. For this table. We’re going to do a test run tomorrow. Be glad we have a lot of horses, because this thing will take at least four to run.” Drew finished the sandwich. “My biggest concern is that we have a lot of points where friction can cause problems. I think in the future we should try some type of chain or belt. Maybe even a rope.” He pointed up to where the wood rested on concave pieces of wood. “And all the cogs and gears are wooden. We need metal ones once we get a blacksmith. We’ll oil the wood and gears frequently, but it’s bound to cause issues. We’ll deal with them as they come though. At least they’re easy to replace.”

“Awesome. I hope it works. We’ve been lucky that we’ve only had a few morning showers. We need to get those homes finished. I’d actually like to do two more for anyone who may be joining us.” John stopped, worried. “I hope Monty is ok.”

“He’ll be fine John. Don’t let it worry you.” They heard a whistle drawing their attention to the mill. Dragi stood up top with his hands in the air. “Guess that’s my signal that breaks over,” Drew said laughing. “See ya John.” He waved and jogged to the ladder.

John continued south toward the fields. He stood on the small hill that looked over them and the lake in the distance. “Ugh. I can’t do this much longer. Barely two days and I’m bored out of my mind!” Marek and his family, Monty’s family, and Ivan’s kids all worked the fields. “It’s so peaceful here. If I could sit, I’d stay for a bit longer.” He sighed and headed back to the village.

When John got close, he heard grunting and shouting. He picked up his pace. When he arrived he saw several people sparring: Ivan and Marie and Mani and Yara. They were all practicing with short swords while Willis instructed them. Hmm I guess they were serious. Not just about me, but others. Willis saw John and waved him over but kept instructing the others on footwork while he did.

“Joining us so soon?” Willis said with a smile. “I kid. I kid. Watching can be just as effective sometimes. So please, join us. Watch and listen.” John did as he was told. He watched Willis correcting their footing, showing them how to move their blade to cause the perfect glance of a weapon, and showing them different ways to hold the sword. The way he showed them was almost like choreography. John clapped, drawing their attention.

“Wonderful. I can’t wait to join you in a few days. A week. Whenever Gert let’s me.” John smiled. “I’m more tired than I thought I would be. I’m going to lay down. Good job. All of you. And good luck getting the others to join you.” John chuckled and went back to his tent. Gert was there waiting for him.

“About time. I thought I was going to have to come looking for you.” She helped him lay down. “Feel good though stretching those muscles?” She began cleaning his back wound. Then she applied the herbal mixture. “Your face is looking better. Still ugly. But the herbs have reduced some of the swelling. You’ll still be sore a few days. Your back looks good too. I’m making some broth for you that I’d like to drink at supper. It’s got lots of garlic in it. And something like ginger that we found in the woods. It’ll help with inflammation. You can imagine what it tastes like. I’ll be back.” She smiled and left. John quickly passed out.

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

John joined everyone for supper as the sun began to set over the Forest. He held his nose while he drank Gert’s herbal soup causing many of the children to laugh.

“Glad you joined us tonight. It’s good for everyone to see you up. It’ll raise their spirits.” Ivan stood next to him leaning on the barrel he ate at.

“Thanks. I’m feeling better. It really helped to move around for sure.” John continued sipping. He was about to continue talking when he was interrupted by Lenz who had just joined them.

“Um. We have a visitor.” Lenz stepped to the side revealing a Goblin.

Everyone stopped, shocked. Ivan balled his fists. John put his arm on him to calm him.

The small Goblin stepped forward and spoke. “Bread. One moon.” It pointed up into the sky. It turned and took off towards the woods.

No one said a word at first, then John began to hear quiet comments. “That was a Goblin.” “It wanted bread.” “Should we be worried?” Those were a few of them.

John stepped forward to speak. “I, um. I’m sorry everyone. I think it was just reminding us that the trade is tomorrow which I had totally forgotten. I can’t believe it has been ten moons already. Or will be after tonight.” Everyone was quiet. “I know after our last scare you have cause to worry. But it obviously seeked someone out. It didn’t just come into camp. Is that right Lenz?” John asked, hoping he was right.

“Yea, yea. Sure it scared me. But it just stood there, wearing that moss. It held out its hands and had a small piece of iron and bread. Then I remembered we had to trade so I brought it here. That’s all.” Lenz was still nervous.

“See? It had no ill intentions. It simply wanted to remind us about the trade. Which is tomorrow! Oh my god.” John said in a panic. “We have to make bread! I said we’d have 40 loaves of bread by tomorrow! Do we have anywhere near that? Can we even do it?”

Karmen stood. “Not even close. We have the flour to make it sure, but it’ll leave us low. But assuming Monty succeeds.” She stopped to count. “It could be eight to ten days before we get more. If everyone can go without bread, then yea, it can be done. I’ll need help though. And we will have to start really early.” A couple people grumbled.

“We can’t use the ore right now. I know that. But we can trade it. We’ll be able to trade to other towns and get everything we need from here on out.” He turned to Karmen. “I’ll be there to help where I can.” John turned back to the others. “Who will help?” He waited. Then Karmen’s husband raised her hand, as well as several others. “Good. Good. Tomorrow will bring us good fortune. I am sure of it!”