Taking a breath Hank realised he really needed to scout the valley’s surrounds. From a strategic point of view, the gap at The Sister was a perfect choke point. The dark rich soil of the valley floor would be excellent for farming. There was the Tabor nearby for water. Perfect for a village. However, something niggled away in the back of Hank’s mind. “Why grassland? There were no trees or bushes. Why?.” Hank paused his monolog. “Heavy grazing for migratory herd animals maybe. No that’s not it. Well, maybe it is.” But his gut said that there was something else, too.

“What?” Sabine asked in answer to his reflective mumblings.

Hank waved her off, thoughts turning to the military aspects of the valley. The valley was uniformly open and flat. Consequently, any force that passed The Sister had a straight run at any village. “Not wonderful for layered defences.” He muttered this time unheard by all. Secondly, mines, notoriously, dumped all sorts of waste into local rivers. A problem Miylan was only just starting to understand with Londinium’s mines. Any village food source would need to be upstream from the mine. Hank wasn’t certain what was up stream. But he mine was close to the valley end. The wrong valley end as it would be upstream of any settlement in the valley.

If he had learnt anything from reading those boring books on water, sewage and settlement by the Miylanese water board amongst others, it was that contaminated water sources lead to bad things. That all said if they moved the village out of the valley and into the GNF, Gruffly would be truly grumpy being forced to walk for more than two hours every morning and evening to the mine and back. He would need to think about it.

He caught up to Sabine again. “Sabine, I understand it’s not quite a mine yet. What do we need to do to convert it into a proper mine?”

“That’s a complicated question. In short, build the required infrastructure.” She responded.

“What’s compile aged about that?” Hank asked.

“Well Gruffly is a master miner so he can get us started but he hasn’t any experience with gem mines. Experience counts.” Sabine said.

“What do you mean?” Hank asked

“Well there are a few steps common to all mines. First, dig out the overburden, the stuff between you and the mineral source. Then remove the mineral source. Then depending on the source; crush, grind and wash or some combination of this. Gems are easy, only requiring sorting after all that. Other minerals require chemical treatment, smelting, furnaces, cupellation and so on. So whilst Gruffly can help with the more general steps. We will need an expert on gem mining to help with the detail”

“Huh. So, your people will be able to find this person so you can complete all these steps” Hank’s comment was really just vocalising his thinking.

“Actually no. Our agreement says that we agree to mine, which is the first two of those stages.” Sabine smirked as she continued. “The processing steps are for your account. It’s why we didn’t force the issue of mine ownership.”

The Tsuki dropped, Hank realised they had duped him. “There is no way those latter stages are only worth 10% of the gem value at sale.” Realisation gave way to anger. “You think this is a fair and reasonable way to conduct business. This this will build relationship?”

“It’s what you agreed to.” Sabine was matter of fact.

Anger crept into Hank’s tone as he responded. “No. What I agreed too was that I would help Gruffly and his people, you, with a village and refuge whilst you all mine. In my mine, I note. And whilst we are talking about agreements. Where is my map? We had an agreement fighting those bandits. Perhaps you have forgotten, let me remind you. I agreed to your authority as long as you dealt honourably. Specifically you were to hand over certain items. So where is my portion? Where’s my map?” Hank’s voice had risen as he had gotten more angry.

Everyone had stopped to look. Sabine tried to push past, her face red. Hank grabbed her arm. “No you’re not going anywhere. Where is that map?”

Fritz fingered his hammer.

“No, you don’t,” Jamie’s voice sounded unnaturally calm. He placed his hand on Fritz’z shoulder. “He’s within his rights. Your fiancé has not kept faith in a bargain I saw struck. You were there, you saw.”

Fritz turned, mouthing off angrily in Compidg. For the millionth time, Hank reminded himself he needed to learn that language.

Jamie didn’t translate he only replied. “No, it doesn’t matter what culture your meagre band of diminutive outlaws cling’s too. I am a Wanderer. Perhaps you have become overly familiar and forgotten what that means. It’s simple. The reason for my people’s freedom is that we ensure contracts, any we witness, are judged correctly.”

Jamie glanced around the group as he continued. “When we talk to rulers of towns, provinces, people or kingdoms, our word is above question. So if I say that you are oath breakers, from here to the southern ends of Periyaterki from the West coast to the East, your people will be foresworn. Nobody will do business with you.” There was a strange discord between his calm, measured tone and the startlingly brutal nature of his conversation.

There was a stunned silence for a few moment before it was broken by an angry comment from Gruffly.

Once again nobody translated before Jamie replied. “I have been lenient thus far because Hank has not pushed his claim. Our preference is only to step in when requested. I do so now because your side of the bargain has already tried to usurp the agreement. There should not have been a vote over the mine ownership. By agreement it was his already and doubly so because, for better or worse, he found it. You are acting in bad faith Gruffly. Consider this a warning.”

Jamie took a breath before continuing. “I have pointed out to Hank that he shouldn’t allow untrustworthy people residence in his village, but it is his call. However, my reputation depends on my word. If it’s found that personal considerations affect my people’s reliability as truth sayers, we will lose our ability to work. So rest assured, if I leave this place and your promises remain unfulfilled, my clan will have no choice but to name you all foresworn.”

Gruffly’s face turned red. Everyone knew where that was headed. His temper was getting the best of him. His hand dropped to his hammer, and seeing this, Sabine and Fritz’s hands copied. Hank started to look around. Perhaps it would be him and Jamie against the Wee people. They would loose for sure. He had no doubt that Jamie could account for Fritz or Gruffly. But Sabine was no joke. She could take them both without trouble.

Jamie wasn’t finished though. “You think that Wanderers don’t like to fight? You would be correct. But don’t mistakenly believe this makes us weak. The weapons of our warfare are not always physical but mighty in the pulling down of kingdoms. We fight with truth. If you are foresworn not only will no other Wanderer talk to you, but anyone else who does will also be foresworn. So ask yourself if a kingdom that requires our services for trade and diplomatic negotiations will listen to your 120 people or to me and mine. My people who not only number in the tens of thousands but also dictate the outcome of wars. Perhaps you think you can kill me here making my threat toothless. Foresworn permanently affects your reputation. So try me.”

Gruffly went off.

For a minute spit flew as he shouted at Hank, Jamie and Sabine variously.

Jamies’s eyes flashed, without a change volume Jamie replied in a tone that conveyed both contempt and anger. “I am a Wanderer, I learnt your bastard language before I could walk. If you ever speak to me again in such a fashion, I will remove your ability to speak. Secondly, I will always call out a lack of morals no matter what you say about me being racist, heightist, ageist or chauvinistic.”

Here he took a breath. “Now I have spoken to Hank about his sulking and morose nature. It will affect him for the worse in the long run. It’s not a threat. It’s a comment on the way this world works. The things vomited out of your mouth are seed, just as sweetness and light. What you say, will be yours, for you make it so.”

Regaining a measure of clam Jamie continued. "Therefore, a word for the wise. If you continue with your present attitude, you will cripple your people and lead them astray. Now Hank has endeavoured to meet all your requirements, and your bitterness is making you unreasonable and untrustworthy. You either address this soon or as sure as the sun rises you will be at war with more than just some corrupt mine owners down in Londinium.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Again, Hank couldn’t follow Gruffly’s bitter comments.

“No, I am not threatening you. I don’t have to, your bitterness is poisoning everything you touch. You have a choice. Deal with it or face the consequences. I’m just reminding you, the consequences of your attitude and temper will be broader reaching than you think. Hank warned Sabine, now I warn you. Everyone will judge your people based on you. Call it heightist if you want. To many you all look alike, so in their minds you must be alike. One short person is a thief, therefor all short people steal. One commits murder, all are murderers. It’s not fair, it’s reality. I am a wanderer. The same situation is true for my people, given our appearance.” Jamie waived addressed the group.

“Now you can choose, to rail against the wind, or you can choose to be the bigger better person. It’s not fair but that’s life. What choice will you make. If you keep behaving as you have, the nations of Indlu will reject you, then your people will be treated as you fear. Bitterness and unforgiveness never brings fairness, they only increase pain and rejection. Forgiveness rarely affects the forgiven only for the forgiver. Now I suggest we get back to the camp. You four wee people should have a sincere heart to heart over the next few days. You have to choose, soon, what you will be as individuals and as a people.” He turned, walking away.

Ninyette and Ruadh, who had been watching, turned to follow him.

Hank, changed the subject, acutely aware he would have to renegotiate his deal with Gruffly, turned back to Sabine. “So, getting back to it. To establish a mine, we need to clear away the rubbish to reach the gem stuff. Then start mining and that’s it?”

Sabine seemed grateful for the olive branch. Not that she was backing down. “No. There is an amount of planning. We will need to sort out the dumps and associated works. You will also need to sort out the processing steps.”

Hank was still feeling a bit grumpy when his train of thought was interrupted with a notification that a quest had changed. He opened it reflexively.

Quest : Convert mine to type “New"

Part :

Summary

Description :

Complete all actions required to convert “Hank’s mine” to a “New” type mine. The following is a preliminary list of sub tasks. These may be split into separate quest parts at your discretion.

Remove Overburden

Asses and shore mine as appropriate

Set out processing area(s)

Determine grinding and crushing requirements

Build washing facility

Build sorting facility

Status :

Open

Reward :

A gem mine, hello.

Failure :

No mine, obviously

He was just about to continue his conversation when his mine icon started to flash. A click and he was greeted with a new menu labelled “Hank’s Mine” with three sub menus; status, mining and processing. Hank chose the first one. Nothing had changed from the first time he reviewed the mine’s status.

Choosing the mining icon next, he was greeted with a more informative screen.

Mine Mineral Status : Hank’s Mine

Overburden :

Needs to be removed

Level(s) :

None

Access :

None, required

It wasn’t helpful, he reflected opening the last.

Mine Processing Status : Hank’s Mine

Crushing :

None, possibly required

Grinding :

None, possibly required

Washing :

None, required

Sorting :

None, required

Notes :

All steps mentioned above will affect both the costs and sale price associated with all gems mined

Hank mentally scowled at the list. “It should say; work, work, work and more work.” He grumbled to himself. He continued more loudly, “Sabine. How long to remove the overburden?”

“Not sure, lots of factors make guessing unreliable.” Sabine said.

“I guess we had better move the camp closer to the mine then.” Hank sighed.

“I was going to suggest that myself.” Sabine said.

“Perfect, tomorrow’s job.” Hank resolved.

“Where are you thinking?” She asked.

“Close to the Tabor’s southern tributary. Slightly east of the gulch, the mine’s in. I think that’s the best spot.” He hadn’t thought until she asked, but it made sense on reflection.

“Have you walked the terrain there?” She was interested.

“Nope. But I am one hundred percent sure I don’t want to drink water that’s used to process mine ores.” He said.

“Fair point,” she acknowledged.

It was a subdued affair around the campfire that night. The Ore Cane usually played around everyone adding merriment to the evening’s chores, but even they seemed to sense the day’s arguments remained unresolved.

Everyone spent the following day moving camp. The heaviest work fell to the horses, leaving Hank wondering why he hadn’t ridden the previous day. Being honest, he just didn’t picture himself as a rider. Approaching the falls, Hank realised they couldn’t make camp where he envisioned. The damp from falls spray drifted across the site. All that mould would not be healthy he reflected. They settled further back, closer to the mine, pleasing Gruffly.

After the evening meal, as everyone sat around the fire, Hank announced he would found the village where they camped. Which occasioned cheering until he announced everyone would be required to assist building the village.

Gruffly objected. Hank was sure that Sabine watered down the wording of Gruffly’s strident assertions. His statement boiled down to Hanks responsibility concerning the town included no rights to wee people labour.

Jamie refused to get involved believing he had said his piece. Ninyette, Ruadh and the Ore Cane children stayed out of it as well.

In other circumstances Hank might have tried placating Sabine and Fritz. Gruffly less so, but Marko was present and vocal. Nobody translated for Hank, however the venomous tone and angry gestures left little doubt as to his feelings. Being excluded from the mineral rights vote had clearly further soured his attitude towards Hank.

Looking around the fire, Hank realised that he either fought now for his rights or they would all be gone. He hatted confrontation but realised that rolling over at every pass wasn’t resulting in a quid pro quo arrangement. It seemed to be that the Wee people seemed to operate from the “given an inch take a mile” philosophy. It was all well and good to look for win win but if the other side wanted it all then perhaps a change of tack was required. He had learned lawyering long before he entered the game. If Gruffly argued using their agreement, he would likewise.

Clearing his voice he affected a tone he decided to dub “irrepressible wanderer”. Mimicking Jamie’s tone and calmness form the previous day he pointed out that neither lodging nor food were covered in the agreement. He further pointed out that the agreement clearly stated all rights for the village’s surrounding environs were his.”

Gruffly or Marko, Hank wasn’t sure who, argued Hank was obligated to provide lodging. Hank rebutted, pointing out supplying a village doesn’t guarantee entry, use of its facilities or any other service. Gruffly rebutted that he had his own tent. Hank reminded him his tent belonged to Hank and was on lone. Further he pointed out that environs included the grounds, consequently Hank would be well within his rights to charge occupancy, fishing and hunting rights.

Sabine blushed as she attempted to translate Gruffly’s response. The invective laden diatribe contained several overt violent threats. Having seen the wee people fight, especially Sabine, Hank concluded that violence could only lead to his loss. It was a bucket of cold water to his rising temper. He changed tack instead, focusing on Sabine’s efforts at negotiation, not Gruffly’s comments, though he refused to give territory easily.

Gruffly got angrier and angrier as Hank refused to respond to his comments only addressing comments and arguments that seemed to come from Sabine. Marko tried to but in a few times Hank ignored him too. When Sabine asked why he refused to deal with Gruffly or Marko, Hank dodged the question knowing any response would just provoke the two. Instead he left it at “You’re translating. I don’t know what they are saying, it’s logical I reply to you.”

Eventually Sabine negotiated a truce. Even if she was reduced to threatening Gruffly, Marko and Hank with an intimate conversation with her hammer at various times. Most importantly, Sabine reluctantly realised that she herself would have to be more than just liaison between the wee people and everyone else. Everyone else withdrew to corners amongst grumbling. In spite of her efforts, it was still clearly an uncomfortable situation.

Jamie translated most of the discussion for the Ore Cane as it occurred though once the Wee people went to bed for the night Ninyette approached Hank to privately negotiate on behalf of the Ore Cane. A much more cordial discussion, even though neither had a clue what the other said instead relying on Jamie for translation. Hank would always wonder, in later years, just how much Jamie manipulated their conversation.

Hank suspected that the Wanderers did a lot more than translate. Thinking back on the conversation with Ninyette, he realised that when it came to politics it would be wise to remain on the right side of the negotiators. They never broke their promises and were scrupulously honest. However, he realised, compliance and honesty was a far cry from someone actively in your corner, someone dropping hints and leading the conversation with tone, expression, timing even intimation. It was a master class, he realised, put on for reasons he didn’t understand, clearly displayed before him, like a trickster showing you how the trick was done.

Jamie obviously had an agenda. Hank just didn’t know what it was.