Chapter 10

“Remi what made you think I wanted the River Lords head?”

“Because you won”

“Well from now on just tell me you killed the person I asked you to and since there will be dozens of people around when it happens proof is not needed. This will be called directed personal growth and let that be the end of it since we are at his former town”

Remi walked away from Jakes and made his way back to the now out in the open Phantom squad that was near the front of the marching force that had been making its way through the former River Lords lands. After the battle had ended slightly over one hundred joined Jake and Sir Adam from his army and a force to match from the defeated foes wanting to go home that could walk.

Stepping into the town revealed to an even greater extent what was already seen when it first came into view. Everything was an even worse version of the former Kings lands with nearly all the people giving up resisting and willing gave in to almost slave like conditions. Homes seemed to be rotting away and the people only daring to look at this force that had entered their town hidden far away.

“It’s alright no harm will come to you men who were only doing what you were forced into. Rejoin your families, I would only ask that in a short time everyone who you can find meet me outside the meeting hall”

Jakes words caused many of the River men to drop right there while others dispersed. It was not until Jakes forces were separated from the others did women and children go over to those. At a glance he could tell that more families had shown up then there were men even counting the wounded outside the Keep.

Reaching the center of the town reminded him of his own expect smaller, a well in a circle area in front of a keep made but this one was smaller and made of wood. With an opening of the doors a welcome sight greeted him, Kara with dozens of his guards presented themselves in two rows to either side with Kara waiting in front of the doors.

“My Lord Jake I think I can speak for everyone here when I say we are very glad you and Sir Adams are alive and that you won a battle no one else could. As you can see the town is yours and the gathering Hall waits for you”

Kara’s appearance was that of someone where many things at once: some portions of guard armor, thick bandit gloves, and simple shoes. She beamed with pride and admiration of Jake who had given here such an important task so much he felt awkward and unsure of what to say.

“Well… thank you for the overflowing of such kind words. But it is I who should be grateful, even without Michael you rallied the people and it doing so saved the lives of others. What you have done I will make sure is known to all, I am proud of you”

The humble of words of Jake caused Kara to tear up but she did her best not to show it.

She’s a women in a normally only men’s world, given an important task most could not and completed it with word of praise from her Lord. With all that it mind it’s no surprise her reaction and she’s earned it

Trying not to embarrass Kara Jake decided not to comment on her reaction and just to hear more of her report and conditions of the town and outlining villages. Things inside the Gathering Hall were much nicer, no wood was rotted and some things even brand new and yet something seemed off to him.

“Kara did the people know what happened with the battle before we came?”

“Yes my Lord but as you can see no one has the strength anymore to do much of anything even with a freedom they have wanted for so long”

Jake had no idea it was this bad and only knew there ruler was similar to the one they dealt with. The first command he gave would set a tone for the rest of the things to follow and the people he would speak to outside would be the first to hear. One of the guardsmen that had been with Kara for her mission opened the doors and spoke to her softly.

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“It seems the people have gathered outside My Lord, even with those lost there is still quite a number. Also when you have time there are a number of odd things I found locked away in a chest in the former River Lords bedroom”

“Well it looks like its time, Sir Adam”

“Yes My Lord?”

“I believe you heard about the messenger that came from the ruler we now border, send a rider and relay the message that with the battle won I am much more open to some form of alliance between us but cannot think of that until my new subjects have the food and other supplies they need. That should give us food for a reduced price or even free”

Walking outside the doors came Jake in the center with Sir Adams ordering a rider to leave for the other kingdom and Michael to his right and Kara to his left. What stood in front of him was a sight he honestly thought was pathetic. Not one person in front of him looked like they were fed properly or clothed without holes.

“You all know how desperate things are and how you gave up on things getting better for which I don’t blame you but starting today, the long night is over. Many of you must be thinking that things will not change only the ruler would but I want to prove to you for those that believe so are wrong. Starting today food will be brought and for the harvest this season no taxes will be collected”

Looks from the crowds finally reminded him of when he first came to this new world: Hope. First it was seen in the children who were excited and some of the mothers were hard pressed not to join them showing a smile of their own.

“There we be other changes, a small standing force will be left here but not to force you into doing the things you have done before. The Bandit Lord escape the battle and is still out there but no protection money will be payed, so they will be here to protect against raids. That extra money will be spent on food and materials to rebuild your homes. We are all one people now so please let our town people become one”

It was slow at first but praises and cheers began from within the crowed until hundreds of people yelled. Some crying and other who gave up on such a day, even Kara along with the guards cheered as well. There were Plans Jake could now start now that he controlled both sides of the river making the lands double in size and population. The most pressing issue is the lack of a bridge that forced anyone to go Far East or West to cross over. Even the roads were just compacted dirt slowing the travel of carts or anything beyond a person.

“Kara and Michael I would like the both of you to oversee the rebuilding efforts on this side of the river. Michael your focus will be protection in case the bandits come back and overseeing while Kara you will go to the three other villages and send reports to Sir Adam about what is most needed. For the first thing needed out the word for stonemasons for a new, much large bridge and to talk about how things are now”

They both looked confused at Jakes last statement and it was no surprise to him since while they focused on problems of the moment he looked to solutions and plans for the future.

“With such a large battle the lands of much thinner of those that can fight well so spread the word of what happened: I now rule one of the largest lands by beating a force much greater then I had. Would not the average person wish to live in a land that has overthrown tyrants for the better while also having lower taxes and the mind to protect them?”

Kara’s eyes lit up at Jakes explanation while Michael nodded like he expected such a thing for him to say.

“One last thing Sir Adam, make the base we used to train for battle permanent and all those who wish to be soldiers now have a place to be. I want something called a Hi Shin unit and it’s alright you don’t know what that is since I will show you the comic later”

The plans were not set in all the things that could be done, the people were bloodied and tried so now it was time to rest. These next couple of months would begin the dream that grew ever larger inside Jakes mind.