The people of Starch took pride in their independence from any opposing military. They simply wanted peace and prosperity, without the pain of war or controlling forces. What was at one point a vacant field of dead trees and some living, Dusty and his surviving crew members decided the boating life was no longer an option for an ideal living. With the war shifting and the militaries growing stronger, it was time they created a home to lay low from enemies and focus on removing themselves from a pitiful society.
It took approximately ten years for Dusty and his crew of five men to flatten a section of the secluded forest. He knew that Lake Celia was nearby so obtaining water was no issue within the future, and all the trees they had just chopped down proved useful for building their new homes. It started with just five little houses, Dusty's house eventually became what is known as Dusty's Hammerhead, a blacksmithing store he started. For years they lived in the forest alone, they were showing no progression, just surviving amongst one another. This gave Dusty an idea which would change his life and those surrounding him forever.
He would set out to Fairstad and Forgeville to try to find civilians to join him in creating this small town. His focus was to find people who were uninterested in the new age political views, knowing they were tired of the racism and power trip that King Artos possessed. The disgust that many humans had for him was more evident than you would think. However, the people he converted to his beliefs is exceedingly worrisome. It would be safe to say that no more than one quarter of the humans dislike him, you look at the odds and they're outnumbered. Dusty, however, didn't care about numbers, he knew if he took out a portion of the people who were uninterested in politics, that he would benefit both parties. It would make space in those towns to replace the residents with people who would join King Artos' cause. Then for Dusty, it gave him an extra set of hands to have a town of their own with no leader and little to no disturbance from the military.
These plans that Dusty would go through with, would lead Starch to have the population and the success that they have. He wasn't the leader but he inadvertently became one to the people. Dusty even went as far as to even sign a peace treaty with King Artos in his castle in Fairstad to ensure the safety of Starch and to keep the quaint village free of any attempts of corruption by the Artos military or propaganda.
In the heart of the quaint village of Starch, beneath the dappled shade of towering oak trees, a crowd of townsfolk gathered eagerly, their faces alight with anticipation. At the forefront stood their esteemed leader, Dusty, his weathered features illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. With conviction and passion, he will be delivering a stirring speech, his words resonating with the spirit of unity and resilience that defined their community. There was a chest that was next to the podium and it seemed that Dusty would have something in his hand behind him. The crowd was murmuring and the volume of the voices gradually became less and less until it came to a sudden stop when the right fist of Dusty crossed his chest, to his heart his fist was held.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
His eyes were closed, all eyes were on Dusty when he would start speaking a stern tone, "My dearest friends, family, and associates of Starch, today is the one day per year that we gather together as one. Though everyday we are always together, I wish to truly experience a night of excitement, great food, outstanding music, and most of all, time with this town. Our people and our community have undergone the wrath of orcs, King Artos’ military spitting on the people of Starch or Dockton, and so much more. But we will continue to prevail!"
The people began roaring in happiness, trumpets and drums were being played as if a hero was giving a speech to change the world. As Dusty spoke of the trials they had faced and the triumphs they had achieved together, a swell of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, a resounding chorus of support and admiration for their beloved leader. In that moment, amidst the camaraderie and solidarity of their shared purpose, the people of Starch stood united, bound by the bonds of friendship and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
"Tomorrow, we will be waving goodbye to two of the most valiant friends that I have now known for many years. Ariah, Elias, I owe you two a large thank you, for assisting me and our lovely folk here. Without the defensive guidance you two had to offer, I wouldn't feel too safe around here with how the world has been changing. I knew at some point you two had to move on, but I have a strong gut feeling you will change the world forever. If you guys would please, welcome Starch's amazing and powerful twins, Ariah and Elias Silver!" Dusty yelled.
The clanging of weapons on metal shields, trumpets, drums, yelling, chanting and the overall sounds gave the two twins more love than they had felt ever. Ariah would walk up to the podium first with Elias at her side.
"Comrades of Starch, you all seem to amaze me! Given the extraordinary hardships, you all held your heads high. A lot of you trained very hard. A lot of you built the beautiful new homes that you can now live in safely. A lot of you are now a part of Starch and her memories. By the two moons, I was happy I could guide you all and assist in any way that I could. Thank you for your grace. Now, if you could, please give some cheers for my brother Elias, he has something amazing planned for someone special." Ariah said proudly.
Again, the sounds were severely loud, you could tell that with these few hundred humans, there was an army of peaceful and loving people.
"How amazing is this, we trained together, built together, and ate together. Ariah and I must say our goodbyes under circumstances that can and will change the world. With that being said, after a particular event that was hosted between my rogues last night, we decided we needed a commanding leader who could strategize and utilize what you folks have to the best efficiency. I am going to call up to the stand the winner of Ariah's clone chase, if you could, I'd like a warm applause for Starch's new commander, Charles of Dockton!" yelled Elias.