Chapter 8: Looming Problem

Draven approached Elderius with a furrowed brow, his mind filled with questions that had been nagging at him for days. The village chief, Elderius, stood at the center of the village, overseeing the daily activities and ensuring the well-being of his people.

"Elderius," Draven began, his voice laced with curiosity, "I've been wondering, why haven't we seen any signs of the kingdom's troops? It's been weeks since I arrived in this Village, and yet there seems to be no presence or communication from the kingdom's forces."

Elderius, met Draven's gaze with a mixture of understanding and concern. He leaned against his staff, his eyes scanning the horizon before turning back to Draven.

"You raise an important question, Draven," Elderius replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Our village, located on the very outskirts of the kingdom and has always relied on the kingdom's troops for protection and support. But as of late, we have received no word or assistance from them."

Draven's brow furrowed deeper, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is there a reason behind their absence? Have they encountered any difficulties or faced threats that have kept them from reaching our village?"

Elderius sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "The truth is, Draven, there have been whispers and rumors that trouble has befallen the kingdom. It is said that internal conflicts and political unrest have led to the disarray of the kingdom's forces. The army's absence is a reflection of the tumultuous times we find ourselves in."

Draven's eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of Elderius' words. The absence of the kingdom's army meant that the villagers were left vulnerable to potential threats, such as marauders or other hostile forces that may seize the opportunity.

"In light of these circumstances," Draven spoke with determination, "we cannot rely solely on the kingdom's army for the village defence. We must take matters into our own hands and fortify our village against any possible dangers."

Elderius nodded in agreement, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You speak wise words, Draven. Our village has always been resilient, but it is time for us to become even stronger. We must gather our resources, fortify our defenses, and rely on the unity and resourcefulness of our people."

Draven's, drawing upon his knowledge of advanced technologies and strategic thinking. He envisioned a village equipped with ingenious traps, watchtowers, and a network of communication to ensure the safety and protection of the villagers.

"We will train our own guards and establish a vigilant watch," Draven declared, his voice filled with determination. "We already built a sturdy walls using roman bricks, and we will implement an early warning system to detect any approaching threats. We will become a formidable force, capable of safeguarding our village from any adversaries."

Draven, He had been observing the village and realized the importance of understanding the capabilities and resources they had at their disposal. It was time to assess the village's strength and determine how many individuals could participate in military training.

"Chief, I would like to discuss the census of our village," Draven began respectfully. "Understanding the number of families and individuals in our community will help us better prepare for our defense and allocate resources effectively."

The village chief nodded, acknowledging the significance of the request. "You're right, Draven. It's crucial to have an accurate count. We have approximately 15 families residing in our village, which translates to around 80 individuals."

Draven took note of the numbers, calculating the potential manpower they had at their disposal. "Thank you, Elderius. Now, I would like to discuss the individuals who are capable of participating in military training. How many villagers do we have who possess the physical ability and willingness to undergo such training?"

Elderius pondered for a moment before responding, "We have about 15 to 20 individuals who are fit and willing to undertake military training. They are determined to protect our village and have expressed their readiness to contribute."

Draven considered the numbers, visualizing the potential strength they could harness through training and discipline. "Excellent. These individuals will be the backbone of our defense. We must ensure they receive proper training, equipping them with the necessary skills to safeguard our village."

The chief agreed wholeheartedly. "Yes, Draven. We must prioritize their training and prepare them for any potential threats that may arise."

With the census and the number of potential trainees established, Draven's mind brimmed with ideas on how to maximize the village's defensive capabilities. He knew that unity and coordination would be key to their success.

"I propose that we organize regular training sessions for these individuals," Draven suggested. "We will focus on physical fitness, weapon proficiency, and tactical strategies. By honing their skills and fostering a sense of teamwork, we can enhance our village's defense and ensure the safety of our community."

Elderius nodded in agreement. "Your suggestions align with our shared goal, Draven. I will gather the willing participants and inform them of the training program we will implement. We must utilize their potential and provide them with the necessary resources to excel."

Draven smiled, pleased with the chief's response. "Thank you, we will fortify our village and create a united front against any potential threats. Let us work hand in hand to protect our families and preserve the peace within our community."

As they concluded their discussion, Draven and the village chief exchanged a firm handshake, solidifying their commitment to the village's defense. The path to creating a capable and resilient force had begun, and they were determined to see it through.

Over the course of the next day, the Elderius gathered the individuals identified for military training, sharing the plan devised by Draven. The willing participants expressed their eagerness and commitment to protect their loved ones and their home.

And so, the village embarked on a journey of training and preparation. Draven took on the role of instructor, guiding the trainees through physical exercises, teaching them combat techniques, and instilling in them the importance of discipline and unity.

With each passing day, the village grew stronger. The trainees showed remarkable progress, their skills improving under Draven's tutelage. The villagers witnessed the transformation, proud of their community's dedication and resilience.

The training sessions not only fostered physical strength but also created a bond among the trainees. They developed a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, knowing that their efforts would contribute to the safety and well being of the village.