Ben had spent a few days helping the village folk move their mining operation down to the third level. There were a few issues with the lack of torches and wall mounts, but that was soon fixed as one of the artisan families had managed to create some simple ones that could be easily hammered into the rocky surfaces.
Before that, Ben had spoken with Quicksilver, who didn’t want to be stuck in the mine during his time there. Instead, he wanted to go around the various workshops to determine the products available to trade with his people and what other resources were available around the mine area.
With the days passing, someone had called for Ben as Har’s caravan had returned. He tidied himself up and returned the torch to Finn before leaving for the surface.
Har was following his usual routine of shouting orders to his team to get things where they belonged. When he noticed Ben waiting for him, he hurried over. “It’s good to see you in great health. We’ve got a few more contracts for ore. At this rate, we’ll need more horsecarts and drivers.”
Ben glanced at the carts and noticed a few were full of foodstuffs. “Looks like you’ve managed to get some winter supplies too.”
Har sighed, “Well, it’s a start. With winter looming, people are not too keen to give up their food. I managed to speak to a few farmers I know who’ve provided us with hay for the horses, eggs, meat, vegetables, and grain. It was hard, but I grabbed a few chickens for Hauxwell.”
Ben scratched his head as the people here didn’t have fridge freezers. “Wouldn’t some of that stuff go off after a week or two?”
Har nodded, “Aye, it will. That’s why you should instruct those builders to start on the food storage building. Without it, we won’t be able to preserve and organize the food for winter.”
“Preserve? Do you mean pickling?” Ben asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Aye. Around these parts, we usually either salt the meat or pickle the eggs, vegetables, and fish caught from the river.” Pointing at one of the carts filled with sacks and barrels, he continued, “I’ve bought some salt, vinegar, and a variety of glass jars. We’ll need those for the preservation. We can build a smoker for the fish to keep our costs low.”
Ben shrugged, “That explains that, but honestly, I don't know how any of that works.”
Har patted Ben on the shoulder, “Don’t worry about that. It’s a common occurrence every year before winter, and everyone is familiar with it.”
Ben stroked his chin. “That’s great. After this, I will speak with the builders about their payment and mention the food storage. They're making fast progress, so I don’t think it’ll take that long before it’s done.”
Har tapped his gold pouch. “Speaking of payments. More checks are in there for you and whatever gold was left from buying the resources.” He passed it over to Ben.
Ben opened the pouch and passed Har his share to run the caravan. Afterward, he went to the foreman's office and left the remainder of the gold with Finn to pay the wages before returning to the surface to find the builder.
“You’re making great progress.” Ben complimented as he walked closer to the builder, almost stumbling over some rocks that littered the ground.”
“Likewise. The mines have been busy these last few days, and your man Har is always on the road.” The builder stated, glancing towards the carts.
“Oh, he likes to keep busy. Anyway, he asked if you could start working on that food storage building as we need to start preserving and organizing the food for winter. Oh, and how much money do I owe you?”
The builder crossed his arms before looking around at his completed work. “We’ve completed six workshop dwellings, including three forges. They usually cost around twenty gold pounds each, but since you provided many raw materials, I’ll give you a discount and drop the price to fifteen. So, that’ll set you back ninety in total.”
Happy with the price, Ben transferred the amount over via the system.
[The Bailey Mine: -90 Gold Pounds.]
“The payment is much appreciated. Once the other buildings are done, I’ll charge you for them. Now, where do you want us to build the food storage?” the builder asked.
Ben looked at the various spots where the storage could be placed. He thought that once the remaining six workshop dwellings were completed, the builders would start working on housing for the mine workers, which would be built where the temporary camp had been erected. Ben pointed to a central location: “Over there. That should protect it from unwanted thieves while giving everyone in the village access. We could use the remaining space around it for things like a marketplace and villager shops.”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“You’ve got a good eye for planning things. I’ll get a few of my men to start work on it while the rest of us continue to finish the workshops.” The builder waved Ben goodbye before getting back to work.
With Ben’s business account almost bone dry, he thought it would be a good time to journey to the Feruswich bank and cash the collection of checks he had gathered.
Around a week had passed. Ben had traveled to the bank and returned with his business account looking healthier.
[The Bailey Mine: +180 Gold Pounds.]
By the time Ben had returned, it was time for Har to set off for another delivery run. While work continued on the food storage, Ben helped out at the mine and used his free time to practice something he had learned from the battle with the sporemancer: connecting with a Mirium ore vein so he could perpetually regenerate while in battle.
While deep in concentration, Ben felt a group of new energies moving closer to him. Zooming in on them, he realized they must have belonged to the next batch of artisans almost at the end of the trail leading to the mine. Ben got up, quickly making himself look more presentable, before heading out to meet them.
Another three families and a small group of Hollow Moon soldiers had joined the village. As the families settled in, Ben instructed the soldiers to speak with the corporal who would give them their assignments.
Ben almost returned to his van to continue his meditation when a notification filled his vision, showing a new quest had been added.
***
Quest: Local War Production (First Order)
With the battle for Robynhill approaching, Grand Marshall Le’Vieux has instructed you to begin local production of goods needed for the war effort.
With a large number of horses arriving at Robynhil soon, the military outpost there will need the following items:
Blank Military Grade Horseshoes: 120
You have one week to complete this order and deliver the goods to the Robynhill outpost.
Rewards: 240XP. 24 Gold Pounds.
***
With only a week to complete the quest, Ben felt a weight of frustration upon his shoulders. He hurried over to the Corporal and instructed him to gather everyone at the campfire for a meeting.
When that was done, Ben stood on a log to be seen and heard. “I apologize for calling everyone here on such abrupt notice, as there has been a new development. Grand Marshall Le’Vieux has just sent the village's first production order, due in one week. However, before I share the details, we should create a process whereby we don’t have to call a meeting like this whenever we receive an order.”
Looking around, Ben waited for either a nod or verbal confirmation before motioning. “Alfred has been given the job of overseeing everything here in the village. He is my second in command, and I expect everyone to listen to his word as if it were mine. Whenever an order comes through, I will give him the details, and all the right people will contact him to get production started. If you have any issues, you must let him know so things can get back on track. Currently, the artisans are without a leader. I would suggest either do it by the one who is the most experienced or it to a vote.”
After chatting and bickering for almost half an hour, Smythson was chosen to lead. According to the others, he held the highest rank in the smithing guild and the most years of experience, which would be vital for keeping things organized.
Ben read the order out word for word. When he was done, he glanced at Smythson before asking, “Can we deliver within the given timeframe?”
Smythson stepped forward. “There are six families here, some with more experience than others. Let's split the order equally between the families to twenty each. The ones who complete their batches first will then help the others. That way, we should be able to meet the deadline while sharing knowledge and techniques to better our craft.” He paused as if he had remembered something, “However, there may be another issue. With most of your smelted iron being taken away to be sold, we may not have enough to meet the demands of the order.”
Ben nodded and turned to Finn. “Ensure that we don’t run out of iron ingots while the order is being processed.”
Finn nodded before raising his hand. “Master Ben, I will take two people off mining duties and place them with the smelting group, which should be enough. That will dent the mining operation, and we must dig more into the store. I think now is a good time to hire more people.”
Before Ben could reply, Alfred stood forward and spoke. “Leave that with me. I will travel with Har on his next delivery run to Feruswich. We can either speak to the people who went there as refugees when things went to crap around here or a few people I know who may be interested. I estimate we can convince around a dozen to return with us.”
Har nodded. “That’s a good idea. The last time I was there, I met a few familiar faces who were asking about the mine.”
“That settles it then.” Before turning back to Smythson, Ben stated, “I will stay here on the surface and help move things around to ensure this order goes smoothly. Let’s get it done!”
Just like that, the week had flashed before Ben’s eyes. He placed the final horseshoe in the delivery crate and reinforced his strength before moving it to the back of the van. With Har and Alfred already out on the road, he had to deliver it himself.
With the nostalgia of his old life kicking in, Ben felt good to be on a delivery again. He soon arrived at the trail's end when his mouth nearly dropped in his lap.
“What on Earth have they done with the place?” He muttered, steering towards the high palisades where a group of soldiers stood guard. There were even large watchtowers and some turrets where bunches of archers stood at the ready.
After being cleared for entry, Ben was able to drive through the reinforced gate. He saw that the place no longer resembled a desolate settlement filled with a ragtag bunch of people who had seen better days. There must have been hundreds, if not thousands, of troops going about their business.
Before heading directly to deliver the order, Ben steered towards Arthel Inn and parked on the same grassy clearing he had done when he arrived. He locked the van and made his way towards the inn door when a familiar voice from the side caught him off guard.
“What’s that thing doing on my lawn?” Arthel shouted.
Ben turned to see a wide grin on the innkeeper's face before shouting back. “I know how to use fire magic now, you know.”
Arthel raised his hands before motioning for Ben to go to the side of the inn. “Take it easy, I was jesting. It’s too busy there, and you’ll have to come in from the side door.”
Name: Benjamin Bailey
Titles: Owner of the Bailey Mine
Level: 8 (380/900XP)
Skill points: 3
HP: 50/50
SP: 50/50
MP: 150/150
Currency:
Copper Penny: 10/12
Silver Shilling: 15/20
Gold Pound: 92
The Bailey Mine: 250 GP (It was very dry, as stated. I need to fix that ;P)
Active Vehicle: Valkyrie, Level 1
Bull Bar Mk.1, Armor Plating Mk.1, Off-Road Tires, Fuel Efficiency Mk.1, Off-Road Drivetrain
Class: Mechanical Mage, Level 2
Class Skills: Repair Mk.1, Refuel Mk.1
Profession: None
Profession Skills: None
Faction: Order of the Hollow Moon
Faction Rank: Senior Sergeant
Faction Skills: Basic Training
Vehicle: Valkyrie, Level 2
Type: Camper
Condition: 100%
Fuel: 95%
Power: 140HP (Mechanical)
Mass: 1983KG
Armor Rating: 49
