31 Meeting interrupted
The sun was gently setting over Raven's Peak. The reflection of the sun on the nearby sea, that was gently moving with the waves as the tide came in, looked picturesque. Some of the new villagers were sat on the small pier that the old pirate owners had used.
One villager, with a clean shaven scalp was sat with a fishing rod, trying to catch some food for small celebration they were planning to have that evening. By his side was another villager who was tall and wide, who sat patiently with his friend.
The little village had grown alot whilst the Red Ribbons had been away. The bunkhouses no longer had leaks and the skeletons of other new buildings could he seen growing. The Blacksmith Workshop had the most progress, with the forging equipment purchased in Runetown going a long way.
The news of the village building had spread locally and some nearby townsfolk from Runetown had joined in the project, hoping for a new life and a fresh start. A villager was tucking his small child into bed in one of assigned bunkhouses, whilst his partner looked on smiling. They were freed slaves, grateful for the opportunity of a new life.
Mark sat behind one of the tables in the headquarters. He was excited for the time that he could turn the downstairs of the headquarters in to a bar and a social place for the other members of Ravens Peak when they had the available resource. In front if him sat the key Red Ribbons, Boudica, Sakura, Gan Ning, Little Tai, Tsubotai and Eduardo. They were also joined by the key Raven's Peak townsfolk, Sengo, Jorg, Simon and Ronald. Dian Wei was also there, stood behind Mark in his new role as body guard.
"Firstly, Congratulations to you all." Mark started. "Without your input we would not have been successful today. You all led the Red Ribbons well, and the military supplies provided by Sengo and Jorg placed our men a level above our enemy."
There were nods of approval from the group, with Little Tai hitting Gan Ning hard in the back with his palm. Gan Ning winced in pain, whilst Tsubotai who noticed the action giggled. They had fought alongside each other in a complete victory and that had built a solid comradeship between the group.
"We collected over 500 pieces of gold or equipment that can be traded for it. We also collected a reasonable amount of materials that can be collected tomorrow to help with the forts construction. Simon and Ronald, that is in your hands to control. The Gold will be split 50/50, I will take half for the Red Ribbons, the other half will be split between all of those involved in the fight." Mark continued.
This recieved a loud cheer from the group infront of him, especially the Red Ribbon leaders who where there. Eduardo's eyes shinned as he thought about what he could spend his share on.
"Are you sure?" Boudica asked loudly, causing the room to quieten. "Do you not think that is overly generous?"
"They've earned it." Mark replied, "Plus we will gain more gold in the future, so why not share it out!"
250 gold coins split between them was a reasonable amount of money, with 10 pieces each. 10 pieces of gold for most people was a figure they would dream of in a lump sum. When they found out, Mark expected the Red Ribbons to celebrate wildly, which would hopefully add to their loyalty.
Gan Ning and Little Tai roared in excitement at the news, grateful for the fairness shown by their boss. Mark raised his hand to continue, quieting the room.
"We also gained seventeen new recruits, the bandits that won freedom and a collection of captured merchants or guards that have requested to join. Sakura spoke with them on the way back and they'll be loyal to our cause." Mark continued. "I will task with you to speak with them tomorrow when the others have returned, we will then have our morning training session and split them across the force depending on their skills."
"Sounds like a plan boss!" Gan Ning said excitedly, "It would be great to increase our numbers in the Light Division!"
"The Heavy will be the best!" Little Tai challenged him back.
"I need people more!" Boudica replied seriously.
These additions had taken them to forty members, and Mark had recieved the notification earlier from Wilson. He had spoken with Wilson about if the numbers would allow for deception, but Wilson had explained that the system could not be tricked and all those that had joined were serious about their decision.
"Bertrand has headed with Wu Song to collect the Mount Tai Cave Bandits who will be joining our ranks, they are not deplorable and I feel will enhance our force." Mark added. "Rollo and Leif have escorted Dwayne from the cave bandits further down the forest towards the Hunters Camp, and will hopefully have some success in persuading then to join."
"That should be over twenty new recruits!" Eduardo exclaimed. "It will take us to over sixty members."
"That's the plan!" Mark replied, "We need to grow fast do we not?"
"What are we going to do about the doctor and Little John?" Eduardo asked.
"We shall chat with the doctor later, Little John on the other hand, I'm unsure. We keep him here until after we have fought the Wolfheads." Mark replied.
"And then what?" Eduardo questioned.
"I say we just kill him." Gan Ning added. There were some nods of approval from the small crowd, whilst Sakura shook her head.
"I think we need to think hard about what we do?" Sakura questioned.
"How long do we have Sakura?" Mark asked, trying to change the conversation. "Before the Wolfheads arrive?"
"I have sent some men across the mountains, we should find out within a few days what our situation is. I would expect with the timings in the letter that we have another ten days." Sakura replied.
"That's great news. Jorg and Sengo, How is the workshop coming along?" Mark asked.
"Great, we should be up and running to start building new weapons and armour in the next few days. We need to work on irrigation and ways of powering the forge efficiently. I have some ideas and I'll let you know how it goes." Jorg replied.
Sengo nodded along in agreement. "How were the weapons?" he asked.
"Better than I could have dreamt off." Mark replied honestly. Without the weapons and armour provided by Jorg and Sengo, Mark suspected that the win would not have been without casualty.
"I have some swords designed in my mind I shall create, they will be demons that will instill fear into those that see them." Sengo started.
Jorg placed his hand upon his shoulder. "Let's get ourselves up and running first."
Mark smiled in Jorg's direction, he knew about Sengo's demonic side and was nervous about seeing it.
"The Fort is coming along nicely." Mark said, directing his comment towards Simon and Ronald, who were sat a bit further back from the rest of the group.
"Thank you." They replied together.
"How has progress been, and what can I do to help?" Mark asked.
"Positive!" Simon replied, "Bunkhouses are now useable until better lodgings are made, the warehouse now has no leaks and we have started created some of the other buildings that have been requested."
"A simple shelter has been built for the livestock and we have drawn out the plans for the farmland." Ronald added.
"We should be in a strong position to call this fort a village in a few more days." Simon continued. "More manpower and materials would definitely help us grow the place faster. But as you may have noticed, more people have joined us from RuneTown today. So manpower is coming in it's own."
Mark nodded in approval. "You have worked hard, thank you. Ok group, our next plan is to.
The headquarters door suddenly burst open, the last bit of red daylight created a black silhouette at the door. The silhouetted figures shoulders slumped as they walked through the doorway, before collapsing to the floor with a large crash.
Behind them a couple of Red Ribbons appeared, quickly aiding the fallen person and trying to lift them up. Dian Wei had already stepped forwards at this point, placing his towering frame between Mark and the person at the door.
Gan Ning, Eduardo and Little Tai quickly ran towards the figure and the Red Ribbons who were helping them up.
"Get help quick!" Gan Ning shouted as he got there. "Its Rollo!"
"Get the doctor!""Eduardo ordered quickly.
Sakura responded and quickly grabbed Simon and Ronald, dragging them towards the basement to assist her in retrieving the doctor.
Mark ran over to Rollo, who was lay on the floor, an arrow protruding from his shoulder. His clothes were bloodied and he was breathing heavily.
"What happened?" Mark demanded.
Rollo looked up towards Mark, a stern look on his face.
"Ambush." he replied, before passing out.
