Previously on Swordthunder...
It seems the planter had everything he needed. It took him a few days to finish it up.
“Let me guess... You don’t remember making this?”
The planter started to stutter but found his composure. “Not a whit, Overseer, not a whit.”
“It’s not worth as much as the coffin, but it has decent value, nonetheless. We could definitely trade it.” Erica stroked her chin thoughtfully.
“Not a bad idea. Next caravan will see this on their wagon. You are dismissed, Planter, return to your duty without further delay”
The planter nodded abruptly and left.
“It’s the end of Galena, Cousac. Your reign is more than half over.”
“Yea, and I’m looking forward to the Spring. Unfortunately, I can’t go back to my cowardly ways. I will find my place, worry not.”
“Oh, I’m not worried. Once a pain the ass, always a pain the ass.”
“Shouldn’t talk about yourself that way,” I stifled a chuckle.
“Oh, good one. I’ll have to remember that one.”
“Well, short and stout, we must embark now. Pleasure doing business with ya.”
“Likewise, Tall and hairless, see you again next year?”
“Certainly will. See you anon.” The human trader walked off while one of his compatriot whipped a mule into motion.
“Think they’ll live?”
“Yea, Erica, they will. There hadn’t been ANY sign of goblins. Frankly, I’m worried.”
“So keep on Kaolinite Alert?”
“For now.”
“I hope it’s nothing.”
“Me, too. Me, too.”
I’ve received report that there were no migrants forthcoming. Damn that McRunaka. No help for it now. Maybe the next overseer will have better luck bringing them in.
“Overseer?”
“Yes, Captain?”
She fidgeted a bit before responding. “This shield... It’s mine now, and only mine. Make sure no one else claims it.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Uh, certainly, Captain. No one else would dare to touch your shield. I will see to it personally.”
She beamed a frighteningly ecstatic smile at me. “Thank you, Overseer! I knew I could count on you!” She saluted then marched away. It is a good thing she is competent, otherwise I’d have her committed. It’s mid-Autumn, yet Spring seems so achingly far away.