A few days passed, and Ben found himself by the campfire again. He overlooked the workshop dwellings where their roofs had just been completed.

  Initially, the builders wanted to make clay tiles, but baking them without a suitable kiln would have taken too long. So, they utilized the dead plant matter surrounding the mine in small patches around the foot of the cliffs. According to them, the thatch would be perfect during winter, when the blistering mountain cold would freeze the homes solid.

  The three families had moved in, along with their belongings, to their new abodes. They mostly consisted of the tools and equipment needed to conduct their work. Once they had settled in, a few complaints had been made to Ben due to the lack of a heating solution for their homes. Thus, Ben called the main people and the heads of the families to the campfire for a village meeting.

  Before clearing his throat, Ben glanced around everyone’s faces to ensure no one was missing. “With fast winter approaching, a few complaints have been made about the lack of heating. I want to assure you that this will be resolved.” Ben turned to the builder, “I know you’re behind schedule, but we can't have people freezing to death out here.”

  “I’ll speak with my men to see the individual families about how they want them. It will take us a couple of days, but we can do the forges simultaneously and build the chimneys in a way that is connected to one shaft. It’s the new way they build them in the towns and cities.” The builder replied.

  Smythson raised a hand as if he wanted to speak. When Ben nodded, he spoke, “Sergeant Bailey, we appreciate your prompt action. We would like to know how much rent we would be required to pay and how the supplies would be allocated. Then there is the food situation.”

  Ben nodded. “I won’t charge you rent while you set up your shops. We will discuss this later once you begin to profit. But please understand that things will be run differently around here in a way you might not have seen before. I hope this settlement is successful.”

  Smythson looked at the heads of the other two families as if surprised by that answer.

  Once what he said had been acknowledged, Ben continued, “The next order of business is the food situation. We have a contract with Hauxwell’s farm, but it will be some time before their crops are ready. We must look elsewhere until they provide us enough supplies for self-sufficiency.” He turned to Har, “I know you’ll be heading out in another two days with ore to sell. It makes sense that you bring supplies on your return journey.”

  Har nodded. “I will take the caravan to Wesport before hitting Feruswich. I’ll try to buy foodstuffs which will last the winter. But you can’t expect me to start buying things without knowing exactly how many people we have here.”

  Ben stroked his chin, “That’s a good idea.” He turned to Finn, “Can you take a tally of everyone here, including the children? It’s better to have an excess if things get hairy.”

  Without hesitation, Finn shot up. He removed a scrap piece of vellum and a small stick that looked like charcoal before bouncing around the campfire and gathering the numbers.

  Ben returned his gaze to Smythson. “Till they finish the forges and hearth, please try to manage. Build a small fire if necessary, but be careful not to burn anything down. We have ample coal in the mine, so you can use as much as you’d like.”

  The artisans looked at each other before agreeing with a bob. They looked thankful, and Ben could even see their frustration shift to a lighter mood.

  “How many do we have?” Har interrupted just as Finn completed his task.

  “Twenty-seven people, including the children,” Finn replied.

  Har looked at Smythson and said, “With more artisans coming here, we’ll also have to consider their numbers. How many more can we expect?”

  Smythson shrugged before turning to Maxwell for an answer. “We weren’t given the details. This thing is all Hollow Moon led.”

  “My previous commander had said that there would be three more families. You’re probably looking at around fifteen more people.” Maxwell replied.

  Har took a moment to count in his head. “That means we’re looking at around forty-two people, not including the builders. With the mine operational again, the word will start to spread, and people will be looking to make money. Undoubtedly, you may have more additions in the coming months. We should be prepared.”

  “Alright. This time, bring enough supplies for fifty people. The caravans will continue regularly, and if the situation changes, we can always adapt and buy more if the need arises.” Ben suggested.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Har nodded. “I think that will be the best way.”

  “I think that covers everything in today's meeting. I will try to call another one when the need arises. If you have any questions, please speak with Corporal Maxwell, who will bring the matter to my attention.” Ben explained but stopped when Finn stepped forward as if he wanted to say something. “Yes, Finn.”

  “Master Ben, we’ve been working hard on the second level of the mine to gather the ore, but the veins there are starting to produce lower-quality ore. I think it’s time we start moving the miners down to the third level, where the veins are plentiful.” Finn described.

  Ben nodded. “I can't let anyone down there without fully clearing that cave system. I was hoping the second level would provide enough till winter was over.” Ben looked over to Jerry, who grinned. “What do you say we go down there?”

  “My expertise isn’t exactly in close-quarters combat, but it’s been rather boring sitting around not doing much. I can have the supplies ready within a couple of days.” Jerry replied, clicking his knuckles.

  A few days passed, and Ben took the time to practice his mana control further for the cave expedition. He could now regenerate in small amounts without being in a deep concentration. However, Ben still had to meditate for a short while for it to work. He figured he was on the cusp of making and using a breakthrough like Hauxwell did during combat.

  Around midday, Ben detected a familiar energy approaching from the north pasture. It hummed like Alfreds had done when he and Hauxwell were going at it. When the energy was a few minutes away, Ben finished his meditation and stood leaning at the van’s side.

  Alfred approached alongside Joachim, who pulled another cart.

  Ben rushed ahead and helped the farmhand to bring the supplies near the mine entrance. Once they were done, Ben said, “It’s great to see you two again.”

  Alfred looked around the new structures. “Likewise, Ben. It sure looks like you’ve been hard at work here with all these new dwellings. It looks much better than the last time I saw it. At this rate, you’ll have an entire town here.”

  “Aye, but we still have a long way to go before that.” Ben looked into the cart and noticed it was full of cheese, bread, and beef. “Like last time, we appreciate the supplies. The two of you should take a rest by the campfire. We’ve got some salted fish you are welcome to eat. Har is expected back anytime now, and he’s coming with winter supplies. Don’t think I’m letting you return to Hauxwell’s farm without taking some with you.”

  Alfred grinned before giving Joachim a funny glance. When he turned back to Ben, he said, “I think Joachim here will have to make his way back alone. I’ve taken much thought and wanted to come here to help you with what you’ve got going on here.”

  “You need not worry. I’m familiar with the route and will return the cart alone.” Joachim interuppted with a thumbs up.

  “Joachims is a warrior in his own right,” Alfred added, with a bob of the head.

  “That he is. But what’s with your change of heart? Did Hauxwell’s training regiment get to you?” Ben asked with a chuckle.

  “There’s no change of heart. It had always been my plan to come here. But I was broken after the loss of my arm. I needed some time to myself. In my solitude, Hauxwell approached me before blabbering on about his mana techniques. I’ve learned what I can for now and need to keep practicing. I still have a long way to go before I return to where I was.”

  Ben smiled. “That’s understandable. With practice and time, you’ll even surpass where you were. Anyway, this place could use your famous leadership skills. But before that, I have something in mind that could put your new skills to the test.”

  Alfred leaned forward, “You’ve caught my attention. What is it?”

  “The mine's third level is currently off-limits due to the uncharted cave system. When I defeated the mine-roach queen, I noticed there was more there than what met the eye. I have reason to believe another exit may lead somewhere else. Before the rich veins down there can be mined, Jerry and I are considering going on a little expedition to ensure it’s safe.” Ben explained.

  Alfred grinned. “That sounds like it’ll be fun. I’ve been itching to test my new combat method out on real enemies for some time now. When do we start?”

  Ben glanced towards the campfire where Jerry had finished gathering the supplies. “We can get to it the moment Har arrives.”

  Later, Har arrived with the caravan. The incoming supplies included grain, pickled vegetables, smoked and salted fish, and other bits and bobs. Ben personally packed a cart for Joachim and sent it to him on his way as Har passed over the remainder of the gold and a small bundle of checks.

  [+13 Gold Pounds.]

  Ben made a mental note to visit the bank in Feruswich after the cave exploration to pay the mine wages and even the builders for their hard work. But the real reason was to see how much he had left and use it to upgrade the van, which had been on his mind for some time. He felt excited about what the next level of upgrades would grant him.

  Ben had entered the mine without further ado, with Alfred and Jerry wearing their gear.

  “Is that it?” Jerry asked, looking through a gap in the stones.

  “Aye,” Ben said. “What can you see with your eye thing?”

  “A giant corpse that reminds me of the enemies we fought deep in the Feruslands. That blue stuff is glowing like fireflies. Those cave walls are also uneven and shaped like this, going on for quite some distance. Walls like that make it difficult for this skill to detect signs of life.” Jerry explained.

  Alfred cleared his throat and added. “Your skills lie in ranged attacks, so you should stay behind and watch things. Me and Ben will lead the way, that way I can teach Ben a few things about close quarters combat. Does that sound good?”

  “If things get bad, I am proficient in using short swords. But that’s good with me.” Jerry added.

  “I’m probably just going to whack anything that looks like it wants to kill us.” Ben chuckled, raising the hammer.

  Alfred shook his head. “Where the hell did you even get that thing from?”

  Ben glanced at Jerry with a nod. "Yours truly."

  Alfred faced Jerry with an unimpressed gaze. “You could have given him something better.”

  Jerry shrugged. “Well, it’s not like you trained him how you use something better.”