Chapter 17 - "Retreat, rebuild, recover"

Chapter 16 < Chapter 17 > Chapter 18

Chapter 17 - "Retreat, rebuild, recover"

   When I woke up, it was already somewhere in the middle of the next day. It's still cloudy outside, but the mild wind is gently blowing the bad weather away, together with the bad mood. The sun is also slowly breaking through. The big puddles on the ground are all that remains of the storm last night.

The Ashrani haven't left their underground home during my rest, so the only creatures I see during my checkup are some birds. [... Birds ... Where's that Harpa from yesterday?!] I look around the place, but it's nowhere to be seen. [Blown away by the wind, maybe?] That's unlikely! Well, it was useless to me anyway, so I don't really care.

There are a lot of remains from the dead soldiers around the area and inside the caves. I should make a room to store all that loot, or else it would soon get in the way. But considering that the Dark Elves want me to take in more people, I would have some digging to do anyway, so I'll wait with my reconstruction 'till then.

Continuing my inspection, I turn to the tower. Because of the damage done by last nights battle the gate is beyond repair, sadly. I would need to replace it completely. The banners, which where hanging on the walls for probably hundreds of years, are now lying on the wet and dirty floor. Rags and pieces of broken furniture are all around the place ... [My "home" is in no condition to take in guests, it's in dire need of some cleaning first!]

When I go up, intending to check on the spider, I'm presented with a surprise: In a corner of the second floor, there's a big bag-like "thing", covered in feathers and spider-web. [Is that the missing Harpa?] It certainly seems to be. I look over to the broken stairway, where the culprit is still hiding. [Hey, Archeon ... how did you get "that" up here?] With the slender lags, the critter does not look like he should be able to carry around a creature several times bigger then himself, or even lift it up here. [You are sure stronger then you look!] I would have loved to see how he did that.

After taking another look around, I go back inside and remove the dirty lump from my dungeon-heart to symbolize that I'm awake and go look for Orsha. She is busy treating the injured, placing some kind of paste on a wound of a female hunter. The mood is not as cheerful as one would expect after winning a battle. Maybe It's because they can't leave here right now. Or it's the worries about their tribesman who stayed in the camp.

I open a connection to Orsha, still thinking about how to begin a conversation. She raises her head and looks at the ceiling. Did she notice?

Me: [You noticed our connection? You have good perception.]

Orsha: [... It tingles in Orshas head, when the gate of spirits opens.]

Well, that's good to know ... that aside, I can tell that her mood is pretty bad by the way she speaks.

Me: [Is everything alright?]

Orsha: [... Yes ... The Ashrani are alright ...]

They are certainly not! Something's amiss here ...

Me: [Everyone seems quite down here ...]

Orsha: [... Not all of the wounded lived through the night.]

Me: [Oh ...]

I look around in reflex to search for the corpses. But obviously, there wouldn't be any, because my dungeon-heart would swallow them. There are two piles of carefully placed equipment, though. That leaves a bad aftertaste ... we are now officially at 4 victims, not counting the missing and wounded ones.

Me: [I'm sorry to hear that ... how are the others doing?]

Orsha: [Other warriors do not have deep wounds. They will live.]

And then I remember something ... [Ahhr, why didn't I think earlier about it?!]

Orsha looks up in surprise.

Me: [The dead Soldiers, they probably carried some healing potions, like the others back then!]

I was really tired last night and couldn't think straight. And now, some lives ware lost because of that.

Me: [A great protector I am ... not even thinking about an obvious thing like that.]

Orsha: [The wounds did not look so bad at first. Kalifos should not feel regret.]

Her look suddenly turns concerned. She's right about that, before going to sleep I cheeked if everyone is fine, and it didn't look serious at that time. Then how could this have happened? Internal injuries maybe? Anyway, if I grief and question my own actions too much, they may loose their trust in me.

Me: [You are right, everyone seemed fine back then ... I'm sorry about your loss. We will be better prepared next time, that's a promise!]

Orsha: [Yes, the Ashrani are thankful for Kalifos's protection.]

Me: [Anyway, it's not necessary for your people to stay inside any longer. I'll disable the traps.]

They may need fresh water and food. Maybe it will give a slight boost in morale too.

Me: [Say, Orsha ... can I ask something of your people?]

Orsha: [Yes, Orsha listens!]

Me: [Our attackers left a lot of equipment behind. Would you mind asking a few people to collect it? Some of it could proof useful, like the potions.]

Orsha: [Yes, Orsha will tell.]

Me: [Thank you!]

I cancel the spiritual link to her and move over to the entrance to deactivate the traps. While doing so, I reflect on the eventful day we had yesterday: I dug out a place for the Ashranie to live, discovered a lot of new menus and options, the first waves of Lizard-Man migrated, then the battle with the humans, and last but not least, the negotiation with the Dark-Elves ... [A really eventful day!] No wonder it tire me out so much.



   The first thing Orsha did when I opened the passage, was sending someone to check on their camp. To everyone's disappointment, the camp turned out to be abandoned, and mostly destroyed. They counted five additional bodies of dead Ashranie hunters, mostly old ones. About 10 people are still missing, the majority of which are children. Sari is part of that group too. Some hunters are still looking for them, but we can not afford to send everyone, because of the safety of this place.

The next hours were spend with reparations and cleaning. The first thing I did was replacing the broken gate, with a little help from the Ashrani. For this, we had to completely remove the last one first, the remains of which are now lying beside the tower.

Meanwhile, the Ashrani collected the bits and pieces of the equipment the humans left behind. I asked them to place it all in the big room where the barricades are. I would sort everything later. They where very thorough in their effort, I haven't seen them leave behind even a single coin or ring.

After finishing with the gate, I turn my attention back to the spider. When the Ashrani guards went on the second floor to keep watch, they where disturbed by the webbed Harpa. They can't keep an effective watch when they need to keep an eye on "Archeon". They are just making each other nervous. The answer is easy; the spider needs to go. Of course, they could just kill it, but I asked Orsha not to. It's somehow nice to have it around and I also got used to its company. If possible, I want to keep it. Off course if it starts to make trouble, we would need to dispose of it.

After thinking about it for a while, I decide to try something out. If I can make the spider go to a specific place, I would create an underground dwelling for it. I would need to redesign the Underground area anyway, because the Ashrani home turned out a bit smaller then initially planned. After acquiring a good amount of DP from the last battle, I am easily able to do so. Also, while I'm at it, I could add the equipment store-rooms for all the loot, that I was thinking about earlier. And on top of that, the Dark-Elves want me to take in some people. I would need to plan for that too. Adding a secluded section for my little friend here shouldn't be too difficult ... I guess I'll wait after my conversation with our new friends to see what they are expecting and adjust the layout of my dungeon to that.

["My dungeon" ... It really is mine, isn't it?] The amount of recent events distracted me from complicated thoughts, but now that I think about it, it still feels surreal. [My own dungeon ...] I feel like I'm lacking the understanding of how meaningful that fact is. Like I don't value it enough ... But how could I, if I never experienced anything else? At least not that I remember ...

Thoughts about origin and purpose sneak their way back into my mind. Why, or how did I come into existence. What is my reason to exist? ... [No ...] I clear my mind again. [I have chosen to decide my own reason to live!] And my first decision was to help the Ashrani. If the requests of the Dark-Elves will be reasonable, I'll help them too. I came into existence in a world that is clearly dangerous, so having friends will be important. They also agreed on providing me with information if I aid them. This will hopefully clarify some of the mysteries and questions that piled up in the back of my mind.



   After about an hour, the Ashrani collected everything they could find and tidied the place up a bit by disposing some of the broken furniture and other rubble. They are minding their own business now. I also hung the banners back on the wall, simply because the room feels friendlier that way. They are not my banners though - I don't have a banner to follow. [Maybe one day I'll have my own banner ...] But shouldn't there be some kind of state, or country first for a banner to be needed? ["Kalifos country - the land of the desperate and abandoned!" ... ] I chuckle on the thought. Not because of the joke itself, but mere because; if future events will follow the current scheme, it could easily turn out that way.

Being captivated by the wish to tidy up my home, I also cleared most of of the rubble left in the tower. That is, until some commotion draw my attention. As I take a look, there's a group of people leaving the forest ... They are Lizard-Man. [Thank goodness!] The group is accompanied by the hunters who went to look for the missing tribesman. The dark-hooded guys from yesterday are following them too. I'm quite relived to see Sari among them, and curious about the story they will tell.

The Dark-Elves stayed behind at some distance, like they are awaiting an extra invitation and watch the Lizard-Man happily embrace each other. They are out of my reach, though, so I can't invite them without enlarging my area. I will ask Orsha to do so, but right now she seems to have trouble letting go of her sister. I thought about greeting Sari myself, but considering her shy nature and the fact that we didn't spoke directly before, plus the amount of stress they all had last night ... I didn't want to cause her more discomfort. While they welcome each other, I quickly create some benches and a table inside the shag, where my core previously was. This will be our temporary conference room.

Orsha finally manged to let go of Sari and gave everyone else also a hug, but before she leads them to their new home, I ask her to invite our guests to the prepared room. They gladly accept it. I leave the connection with Orsha open as I wait for them to go inside and sit down.

Me: [Orsha, it's a bit dim here without the core, could you bring a "fire-to-carry" and maybe something to drink and eat for our guests? They seem, like they could use a refreshment.]

Orsha: [Yes, Orsha will take care of it!]

Me: [Also, I would like you to be here during the conversation, because you are the representative for your tribe. And please ask your sister if she wants to attend too, since she seems to know them already.]

Orsha: [Yes, Orsha will do.]

It doesn't take long for all of them to gather around the table, and share a simple meal (more as a formal, friendly act than out of hunger). No one says a word, but communication still seems to work through simple gestures. It's as good a moment as any to begin our talk, so I open the connection to everyone in the room.

Me: [I'm happy to see all of you here today - Especially you Sari. We had a rough night and painful losses, I'm quite happy you are not one of them.]

She twitches when I say her name and looks nervous but doesn't answer, which disappoints me a bit.

Me: [I also welcome our guests at my table and look forward to our discussion. I'm confident that we will find an agreement today.]

Dark-Elf: [So are we! We are happy to have this chance.]

Their leaders answer is short but determined. He bows his had to support his words.

Me: [Before we begin, I would like to hear what circumstances brought you and Sari's group together?]

I look at Sari with anticipation, but she stays silent again. Instead, the Dark-Elf leader responds once more.

Marsif

Dark-Elf: [It would be a pleasure to tell you about our meeting, but allow me to introduce myself properly first ...]

He stands up and places a hand on his chest while continuing:

Dark-Elf: [My name is "Marsif", of the house "Lor-Shemad". I am the second sword of the resistance group "Dark Hope".]

I decide to return the gesture, and introduce myself as formally as I can, which is difficult since I don't know much about the customs around here. Next, Orsha introduces herself and her sister.

Me: [You said you are a "second sword" and something about "resistance" and "Dark Hope", would you mind to explain the meaning of that?]

Marsif explains that his position as the "Second Sword" means, that he is the second of five coordinators (something like sub-Leaders or generals) in their organisation. The "Dark Hope" is a considerably small group, consisting of only a few hundred total members including healers, cleaners and cooks with just a few dozens experienced fighters. But their number is growing. Their primary ambition is to fight the empires oppression against groups and races they see as inferior to themselves.

Marsif's branch is mostly tasked with covert affairs, like spying and gathering or spreading information. But that does't mean they are unconfident about their fighting abilities, as they showed in last nights battle. Sari's, and the others lives would be lost if not for them.

Marsif: [Our main focus lies on the slavers and everything connected to them. In the past, we became sufficient in hindering their business and rescued a good amount of slaves. That's why we decided to step out of the shadows in your last clash with the empire. If they advance further to the west, we would need to abandon our bases, which became our homes. Since you forged an alliance with the Lizard-Man, we thought of you as a potential ally.]

I just learned something about my enemies. It doesn't seem like I would get along with the humans, even if I try to encounter them diplomatically.

Me: [So my enemy is a whole human empire? That's not very encouraging ...]

Marsif: [In this region, yes! But they have tight bounds with the Elven and Dwarfen countries. Going against one of them, means going against ALL of them.]

Me: [You are not asking me to start a war against an empire, do you?!]

Marsif: [Not at all! If I want to imply something, then it's the complete opposite of that. Drawing too much attention could bring a much bigger force to your doorstep. And than you would have to deal with not only soldiers, but mages, diviners and tamed beasts.]

Mages? So there IS Magic in this world. I've seen traces and hints of it, like the potions, but now it's clear. But ...

Me: [... What are diviners?]

Marsif: [A diviner is someone who committed his whole existence to serve a divine being. Most divine beings are called "Deity's" but a few are referred to as "Gods".]

So there is something like that too ...

Marsif: [There are even a few dungeons in the world, that are considered by many people as "Deity's".]

Me: [Oooh? I would certainly want to hear more about that!]

Marsif: [Well, the one I know about is "Zanorkan". I heard, it's a huge dungeon in the form of a city, with large underground expansions. People say, the town is constantly growing and changing by itself, adjusting to the needs of it's inhabitants. It has its own cult, worshiping it. And then there is the one in the dwarfen territory, called "Dorgrad". It's said to spread through a whole mountain, and is a sacred place to the dwarfs. There are probably more, but this is something you should ask our archivist about.]

Finally, the outside world begins to take shape for me. I'm starting to get a feeling for where I currently am. If I could now also get my hands on some maps, I'd be happy!

Marsif: [So ... If you may allow, I would like to change the subject to the reason of our meeting. Did you have the chance to think about our offer?]

He is talking about taking in their refugees. Darn, I would like to hear more of his stories! But I can't be selfish now, or I may scare them away ...

Me: [Yes, I thought about it, and I have a few questions to ask, before I can agree.]

Marsif: [Of course, I assumed that much. Please, ask away!]

Me: [If I am to take in your refugees, I want to know more about who I'm dealing with. First, what kind of people are we talking about? I mean, are there children or elders among them? Are there sick or injured ones or some that need other kinds of treatment? Can they make themselves useful? Are they able to protect themselves?]

Marsif: [There are some elders and children among them, and some are recovering from bad wounds. But if this is a problem for you, we would refrain from bringing them here. Since they are all rescued slaves, they are used to hard work, but we didn't free them to put them to hard labor again. Most of them are not skilled with weapons, but some showed interest in learning it.]

Me: [I see. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for workers who I could drive to death. If they where to work, then only for their own benefit. Like growing their own food and keeping their place clean.]

Marsif: [I don't see a problem there.]

Me: [Glad to hear that. Then the second point would be: Are we talking about sheltering them for a short while, or are they in need of a permanent home?]

Marsif: [A bit of both ... Some of them lost everything they had, and have nothing to return to. Others showed interest in returning to their previous lives after they recovered a bit.]

Me: [I see. Next, you surly expect me to provide more then a simple hole in the ground. What kind of furniture or luxury are expected of their new home?]

Marsif: [For the start, a bed and a place to store their stuff should be enough. Also, if I got you right, you want to house them underground?]

Me: [Yes, certainly.]

Marsif: [Then, light sources, toilets, and a place to store water would be advisable.]

Me: [Then together with that, my fourth question would be: how many people are we talking about?]

Marsif: [Right now, there are about 70 people in our care, which does not mean that we intend to burden you with all of them. The more you can take off our hands, the more efficient we can operate. But there will certainly be more in the future.]

Me: [I understand. Than my last concern is: What about tools, food, medicine, and other consumable things?]

Marsif: [In the beginning, we can provide that. But on long term it should be in your hands.]

Me: [Hmm, I think that's all I wanted to ask for now. Then I want to hear about your part of our agreement. If my memory does not fail me, you offered to "feed" me, correct? How do you plan to do that exactly?]

Marsif: [Well, there are several options ... the easiest for us would be, to drop information in towns and cities about a treasure in a secluded place. than wannabee-adventurers would show up in your dungeon, which you could deal with as you like.]

Me: [Hmm, tricking someone into their death, just because they want some profit? I don't like this ... Also, if the Information spreads to fast, it could quickly get out of hand!]

Marsif: [Than we could lure slavers and other enemies to your border, and help killing them.]

Me: [Sounds dangerous. I don't want the Ashranie to get enslaved or killed ...]

Marsif: [We also could capture wild animals for you. But that would probably be the last efficient.]

Me: [I see.]

Marsif: [And the last option would be: To buy and bring livestock like cows and chicken. But our founds are limited, so, you shouldn't expect much from there. We ask you to choose one of these offers, since we lack the founds and people to provide you in more then one way.]

Me: [... A lot to consider.]

There's obviously no perfect solution here. Some offers are dangerous but could bring additional loot and give me a chance to test my defenses, while others are save but simply inefficient. But gladly, what ever I decide, it's not my main reason of interest in this agreement. Even if they wouldn't offer me any of that, I would still consider it because of the information they promised me. Right now, this is more worth then DP!

Chapter 16 < Chapter 17 > Chapter 18

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