Eyebrows raised, "Wages? What are you planning to pay them with?"
"Ideally both fortifications will have at least a few full time men at arms. Oleg's has a seargant an 3 warriors. Reformed bandits then, for there wages shall be atonements fer tha sins."
With an exasperated sigh, "While you are deciding about your new professional military, figure out how you are going to pay them. They cannot eat atonement. How trustworthy are former thieves going to be? Can we trust them to look after the good of the community?"
"I am more comfortable with establishing a militia, determining what men and women we could muster in the event of need and working to train them. Monsters are not the only concern - when the dry season hits, wildfires are a real concern. We will need people that recognize authority and work as a team when that comes to pass."
"Are we going to sit here and talk all night? There are things that we can be doing. Nathan and I need to discuss the ground he suggested for the new arrivals as well as the maps of the territory. Also, we need to organize the settlers for the trip south. And that's just the things weighing on my mind as immediate needs. Cleaning up the sty that the arrivals' camp has turned into will have to follow their departure."
The magician barely suppressed a chuckle as he listened to Rhasa. A militia is good to get things going, but we will still have need of professional soldiers. The two are not mutually exclusive and having an army will be in all our best interests. There's only so much that we as Wardens can do should one of the other nations decide invade. Plus we can't always rely on the Rostlanders to supply us with aid. Nor should we. The protection of our fledgling nation lies squarely on us and if we don't take the necessary steps to protect it, then we are only setting ourselves up for future failure.
The Vudran speaks truth. A militia of dirt kickers can work for a lil bit, but we need some 'ardened fighters 'ventually. I knows a few fellers would come...but only for coin. Nilus says, breaking his characteristic silence.
"Lothar and Nilus both have good points I believe. As they have said, we can start with local militia's made up of those settlers that would like to volunteer. Then in time we could start building a professional fighting force and the militia would then supplement the professional fighters. I think if we do it in this way it will be more feasible."
"Eventually we will have need to pay all those who serve in positions of leadership and provide community services, so eventually we will need a source of income as a community to pay for such things as soldiers and those that serve, such as Nathan here who has volunteered to help build this new land of ours. So we need to give this some thought as well."
"Rhasadilara is also right, we have many immediate needs as well. How long do you think would be required to organize the settlers here to move South? Can the settlers themselves help clean up the area as they prepare to leave?"
"Nathan, what kind of assistance are you going to need to prepare and then run the new settler gathering area?"
"We can certainly lead this group south, but what about future groups, can they be organized and given enough information to lead themselves, or will we need to provide guides for them?"
"Also, remember that we were given this oppotunity so that one day we could lend support to Rostland if they are ever in need, and so that must be our ultimate goal."
Calinder falls silent for a moment awaiting replies from the others, particularly Rhasa and Nathan who his questions were directed at, but welcoming information from any gathered at the table.
Rhasadilara stands and paces, the movement helping her concentrate.
"We can call a meeting of the settlers, at least a representative from each family or traveling group. That way we can tell them what the plan is."
"As for the plan, I think it would be good to have them clean up the area as they take their leave, but that will only go so far. There will be cleaning to do after they are gone - perhaps the men-at-arms from the trading post or volunteers can deal with that. It falls on Oleg's newly-defined reservation, so it should be done as he wishes."
"We will have groups that can travel at various speeds, but I think we can split the whole into two groups - those traveling with livestock will follow those with a horse or wagon that can travel faster. We will lead the faster group and leave signs for the slower group to follow, possibly leaving a rider to aid them where necessary."
Ticking off items to herself on her left hand, she adds, "I believe, ready as they likely are to travel, the lot of them can probably be on the road within two days. That should allow Nathan and I time to work some things out. If someone of the Wardens, perhaps Calindar, can circulate among the travelers to introduce himself and see if they have additional questions and concerns, as well as seek out militia volunteers, while the travelers prepare to move out, we should be able to address what I'm sure I have overlooked."
Send yer volunteers to me. I'll look em over. Nilus says, his tone indicating that he is prepared to be unimpressed.
"Aye then let us clear tha lands around Oleg's to a respectable distance, and decide on which settlers need to settle round here, an which need tah head further in."
Rhasadilara stares at the witch for a moment, pushes back from the table, and says, "I will be looking around some more. Nathan, which direction is your proposed staging area?"
Information "in hand," she will make her exit.
Shaking his head, Lothar arose from the table as well. I will accompany you, Golden Arm. After all, two sets of eyes are better than one.
She pauses, "They are, at that."
"Rhasadilara, thank you for working with Nathan to get him the information he needs and for scouting out the new gathering area. If there is anything that you encounter, or that you , Nathan, or Lothar feel that is needed, or must be discussed further, then let us do so."
"I will go inquire amongst the settlers for any further needs or concerns, and see if any are interested in becoming part of the militia that is to be formed. Those that are interested, I will send any who are interested to speak with Nilus."
"Barnabus, would you like to assist me with gather information among the settlers in the morning? For now I could do with a little rest."
"If there is nothing else, I say we bring this discussion to an end and enjoy the rest of the day."
"Oh, by the way, did we get Samlor's wife settled in somewhere to rest until we are ready to leave?"
The evening before.....
Barnabus smiles at Cal "Of course! Rest well deserved."
The next day
Barnabus feels some sense of satisfaction at finding the men who will form an initial defense in time of troubles, but at the same time he sees few prospects for passing on his own training....
"Indeed Nathan, but also Nilus for initial drills. We should see about investment in armor and weaponry fer tha militia, but certainly pitch-forks will do in a pinch."
"Some work will be necessary to protect the spring from being fouled by so many in proximity. Perhaps its flow can be directed into a small reservoir."
"Animals should be kept back - too many of them in the same area will ruin the grass. It won't be useful for grazing and it won't hold the soil. Those with livestock should be on the perimeter, I think."
"Each settler's space should be sufficient, but not large enough that they want to stay long-term. It's just a temporary respite in their journey while they determine their destination."
"Based on the areas we feel are relatively safe at this time, I think the farms and ranches will need to be located between Oleg's and the settlement . Sufficient space needs to be allocated for roads that can handle the herding of livestock - we don't want the farmers' hard work destroyed by those that come after them. My preference is that the farmers would be closer to Oleg's or closer to the fort while the ranchers settle in the middle for the time being."
"Be sure to share with any timber interests that clear-cutting will not be tolerated. There were woods when we arrived, they will remain. If they wish to harvest lumber, they can stake a claim and harvest every third tree. And they need to plant replacements in order to have a sustainable crop, just as the farmers do."
She looks at Lothar, "These are not law, of course, merely my thoughts to be shared with the other Wardens."
"There are places that have been set aside to remain wild. Those wishing to harvest lumber especially will need to get their approval from the Wardens or expect to be removed from the land. I don't want you to have to decide, Nathan - leave that to us for now while we hammer out the details."
After Calinder and Barnabus get more information on the needs of the settlers, and inform Nilus about the potential recruits. Calinder says to Barnabus, "Thank you for your help this day, I feel that we are making progress, small progress, but progress none the less."
When Rhasa gives her report on the area that Nathan suggested, he says, "I agree that we should do all we can to preserve this area as much as possible."
Calinder will continue talking with the settlers and doing all he can to help them prepare for the next part of their journey.
Nilus sitting astride Bess inspects the 6 arranged men. He shouts at them Stand in a line! as they trip over each other and finally form a ragged line he shouts again You dirt kickers are what they send me! You don't know which end of a spear is pointy! Nilus spits and curses seeing if any of them flinch or do anything besides stare straight ahead.
I said form a gods damned line! Don't think my fancy words are gonna kill ya are they! No!
After some time of this beratement and abuse, Nilus will hand them some staves and have them practice at standing shoulder to shoulder and forming a spear wall.
This place is doomed.
Barnabus smiles at Cal
"Indeed tis life abundant."
Notices Nilus drilling the recruits....
"Tis like tha young foals first wobbly steps, an yet even all o us did begin as such."
upon hearing the recruit on the proper use of spears...
"Perchane we should stay near here in case one o them sticks himself or his fellow wit tha sharp end?"
"Dare you go and remind Nilus that he was once such as they are now." Calinder says to Barnabus with a chuckle as they walk by the recruits as they train. "He'll likely say that he was never that way, and not very nicely I'm sure. But I think you are right that we should stay close in case there is an incident."
In perfect seriousness Barnabus turns to Cal.
"Perhaps we should take Sir Nilus aside afore he loses or looses his temper upon them?"
"I have feeling that it would not improve the situation, and I also feel that it will be alright despite how it appears at the moment."
Lothar shrugged. As always, I defer to you in these matters, Golden Arm. Then all at once, his face settled into a more thoughtful expression. Though perhaps I should remedy that to some degree. Becoming more knowledgeable about nature, I mean. I sometimes think compared to you, Calinder, and Barnabus, what little I know on the matter could barely fit within a thimble. The magician turned to regard his companion, his partner, with the barest hint of a smile.
Still thinking, she stops short at the comment to focus on the Vudran. "If you wish, but I think you bring plenty of unique knowledge to our merry band."
The party hears Nilus continue his tirades into the evening.
You call THAT a stance! Might as well bend over and....
What did your momma call you when you was born! Cuz your name must be stupid!
YA DON'T SMILE ON THE BATTLE LINE!
Nilus finally exhausts himself screaming at the seven recruits, he feels some measure of pride because he is sure that at least one of them wet themselves.
He finds the knot of Wardens and says That lot you sent me...best start diggin graves for em if some enemy comes. Nilus shakes his head ruefully. Best we could hope for I guess...
"Aye Nilus, but let's not tell tha recruits thar diggin graves, perhaps defensive pits around Olegs."
Nilus snorts, and then guffaws in laughter at the odd man's joke. Defensive pits!
Calinder laughs along with Nilus even though he's not sure that Barnabus meant his statement too be funny.
"Nilus I'm sure that with additional training under your watchful eye and a measure of patience, that we will eventually have a proper fighting force to assist us in repelling any attacks that may come our way."
"Perhaps one day our fighters will even lend hand to the Swordlords who have sent us here."
Once the settlers were ready to travel, Calinder asks Rhasa, "Which route do you think will be best for moving these folks to the settlement?"
"We still got alot o unexplored area up here near Oleg's what say we get tha areas explored we ain't got explored an meet up with tha settlers when they arrive. I am guessin thar going tah go mighty slow."
"We are far from having established a regular route. I think we need to accompany our new countrymen and -women until we have some trained guides. I am more concerned about unexplored territories near our new city than I am areas so close to Rostland."
"Tally ho!"
Shouts Barnabus as he and the others ride away from Oleg's
"We are off like a herd o tortises...."
"Shall we scout ahead an around?...perhaps above?"
Barnabus breaks up the day in some incriments of his flight hex traveling to the front and to rear to make sure the caravan leads do not pull too far ahead, nor the tails fall to far behind....
@Nilus
"How many defensive pits were created near Oleg's?"
@Rasha
"Where do you prefer tah ride?"
@Cal
"And so tha community forms itself in tha journey o ten days."
@Lothar
"How goes tha apprentice trainin?"
Nilus snorts and responds to Barnabus Not enough....
"At least tis not a matter o revenge, best tah begin that task by diggin two graves."
Rhasa works with those riding separately, evaluating to see if any of them seem to her to be trustworthy to lead the group once she's given them a direction. Once she has established a pair of outriders to lead, she starts ranging around the group to scout and keep an eye out for stragglers.
"Nilus, if you can watch the left flank, I will observe the right. This area should not hold major threats, but we want to watch out for any that cannot keep up. I will see if we have anyone to help keep an eye on the herd, as well."
"Master Dairyman, there are some shallow valleys in the area near the settlement where a stream feeds into the river. Perhaps one of those will serve well for grazing your cattle. Are you of a mind to use fences to keep them in place? Also, the presence of such a herd may draw predators - we have addressed the larger creatures that were threats, but smaller natural predators such as wolves have their place. We will coexist with them, teach them that your cattle are not easy prey. That will require manpower or trained animals."
Lothar merely shrugged. Won't know for certain until I see him again, and even then it's not for me to say. However, Seth has a good head on his shoulders and an even better heart. That I have the opportunity to guide his development is more than I could have asked for. It is both an honor and a privilege.
The magician then gave the witch a slight smile. I think the real question is: when will you take on a student of your own, Barnabus?
Nilus nods at Rhasa Alright and urges Bess around to the left flank.
"Did we find a ford crost tha river where tha cattle may cross easily?"
"We should have no issue crossing the Thorn. If all else fails, we can return to the bandit's camp and cross there."