B2-Chapter 8: Hostile Growth II.

B2-Chapter 8: Hostile Growth II.

I was nearly at the field when it dawned on me that leaving the farm might have, indeed, been a stupid idea. What if the creatures suddenly returned and the master was not home to defend his property? Instead of hurrying back, plagued by worry, I pressed on and explored another potential solution.

Sean seemed unfazed as I stomped up to him, standing with a few other lads that seemed strapping enough for what I had in mind.

How would you like to be paid to stand around and practice your intimidation? I spoke with all the subtlety of a brick to the face.

Glances being exchanged back and forth showed there was some immediate interest.

Enticing as that sounds, well need some more details. The human spoke cautiously. Several others voiced their agreement.

In brief summary, I explained my problem, exemplifying the need for speedy security around the farm in case of renewed interest from the various monsters. There was much less indecision then I expected. In hindsight, it should have been obvious that those with a farmhand background would be used to the constant presence of danger in these lands.

Once I had finished, I found myself with a mixed crowd of humans and beastfolk, all eager to take my coin in exchange for lounging around my farm and looking big. While that seemed splendid, there was the small matter that I did not yet wholly trust them. Ishila shared these sentiments, standing further back and away from any of the eager volunteers.

Seems a bit foolish to just send strangers to the farm with no supervision. I agreed with her reasoning once we had separated from the rest. Thats why Im sending you.

This pleased her. What pleased her even more was me announcing to the gathered muscle that all command would be deferred to Ishila when I was not present. Might as well get them used to that early. I wiped sweat off my forehead and approached Sean once more. We had thankfully drifted towards the shade before any real work began, but even here the heat was scorching. The soil was mercifully cool, plant life and overgrowth working to combat the heat.

My offer. I take youve given it consideration? I grunted. I was tired, but even so I made the attempt at courtesy and civility.

Indeed. He nodded. And I find it most appealing. When do I start?

This was one thing that did lighten my load.

Right this instant, was his answer. With Ishila headed back to the farmstead, I would need him to supervise a second team of workers here. Even with some of the bigger fellow and beastfolk leaving to be hired muscle, this field would be cleared by days end and ready to be seeded, I reckoned. In the meantime, I could continue my watchful gaze to determine who made the hire and who got cut.

Zheli, the would-be cook, I found and sent along with Ishila. Instead of bringing all the necessary tools out to the fields, I had done the obvious and instead sent her to them. The sensible thing to do, in my reckoning.

I was, in fact, tired. Aware enough to know I was not paying as much attention to detail as the day before. Yet not inspired to do anything about it.

It beggared the question: Who or what had I disturbed now? Something, someone was displeased with me.

On some level, I had expected this. The newfound attention being gifted to me would not all be positive. Far from it. This might not have been something I accounted for, but apart to it I would. The Gods Above loved to feed their subjects constant adversity, I had found. This was simply another obstacle to overcome.

For now, I shifted my attention back to the workers. The potential hirelings I would soon trust to help me grow the farm to new heights. Now that he was fully hired, Sean took on the role with gusto to spare. He was in a constant flow of orders issued and tasks completed. The field was cleared before my eyes, even as my lack of sleep made the hours drag on.

Particular attention was paid to the swarthy human who I had rejected yesterday. He had chosen to return and try again, yet I was distinctly unimpressed by his performance. Several times, I caught him watching me, only for his eyes to quickly avert.

I was being followed, even here. Not by mortal men, but animals. The dull brown crow sat perched atop a tree on the fields opposite side, staring at me. This creature was linked to whatever had happened last night. I had seen it everywhere in recent memory, constantly following me around. Watching and laughing. The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

I ignored the mans pleas and looked around, seeing that was indeed true. There was very little pity for this fellow among the crowd, even from his fellow city-folk. Nobody liked a thief, and fewer liked a fool. I could have this man hanged right here and now and be well within my rights, both morally and lawfully. This was my property, and he had tried to make off with my goods.

Therell be no mob justice today. I rumbled after a while. Tie him well and take him to Hullbretch.

You. I pointed to a young, nervous lad. A farmboy, by the cut of clothes and rough hands. Run to the farm, explain what happened to the orc girl and fetch the wagon and horses. Can you do that?

I can ride. He nodded.

Off you go, then. He bolted across the field.

Theyll take my hand! The man sobbed, kneeling and held in place by two large beastmen.

Then you should have entertained that thought before you did a fool thing like this. I snapped back. Or would you rather end your days swinging from a tree?

I snarled the words, no pity for the fool found in my heart.

You. I pointed a finger at the man who had tripped him up. He could pass for a human, I thought, if it werent for the ivory horns and dense, black hair that covered his exposed forearms. You have my thanks.

Can your thanks be made to equal a job? The man saw an opportunity and seized it. Given your name and your intentions to grow, this will not be the first time such a thing happens. I will be of service in the future, I wager.

Bold. But he was not wrong.

Pursuer. He answered with a flourishing bow that looked strange on a man of his bulk. A variant of Manhunter that speciliazes in capturing lawbreakers.

One would think, with such a class, you would have plentiful work in the cities. I mentioned, arms folded.

They..disliked my methods.

I do not. You are hired. I received a firm handshake and a name from the man. Magrin.

It was then that I realized something. While I siphoned through these people based on their work, I knew none of their classes. And with such a varied selection, I was a fool not to have considered that. I turned away from the restrained thief and towards the gathered throng of people who had come to offer me their services.

If anyone gathered here has a Class or Skills they feel would lend itself well to my farm, I invite you to step forward and make your case. One and all are welcome. i rumbled.

And just like that, the dam was broken. I soon found myself seated once more, interviewing person after person as I pored over the details of their classes and skills. Ishila came, collected the thief, showed Magrin and the lad the cart, then headed back to the farm once the duo departed, bound thief in tow.

It was nearly evening once I rose, and exhaustive list of potential in my mind. I felt like an idiot for not having looked into this sooner, yet the experience made me all the wiser. Promises to return tomorrow secured and a select few individuals in tow, I set off for the farm. I had gone from dreading this to almost gleeful anticipation within the span of a few hours.

Good.