Normality has returned to Forest Glen. I was kind of amazed at how fast city life returned to normal. But then again, the citizens of Forest Glen were used to a yearly Monster Wave. Even if they normally weren’t as tough as the current one had been.
People were out in the streets. Yesterday’s celebratory mood had carried over to today. People were smiling and laughing. Relief was evident in their happiness.
I walked along the streets observing the people that I had fought to protect yesterday. It made my heart light, seeing them enjoying the day. I eventually made my way over to Eldro’s Magic shop.
Eldro was sitting on the stairs of his shop. This was the first time I had ever seen Eldro outside of his shop. I came over and said hi. He gestured for me to sit, so I did.
“It’s good to see the people out today. I was afraid that the unscheduled Monster Wave would cause them too much concern.”
“People are pretty resilient” I said. “They recover from surprise and move on. Mostly.”
“That is true, mostly. I think that some will be moving along from Forest Glen after the latest Wave. They will have taken the second monster wave as a sign of ill omen. Tomorrow, or next week, you’re likely to see caravans leaving for Toverville or beyond. The amazing thing is that none of the nobles will leave. Even those that are not beholden to the Earl will stay. I have never been in any other country where the nobles are as diligent in their duty as here in Decharte.”
“Why is that do you think?”
“For the Earl and those nobles beholden to him, holding the line against monsters is their duty. It was the reason his family was raised to the Earlship, and it is the reason he stays an Earl. Earls in general are expected to fight for the kingdom. Either in defending it from monsters or in wars with invaders. Every Earl in this country is highly trained in the martial arts. Strategy, tactics, combat, weapons, magic, all areas. None of them are under level 30. All the outer counties are controlled by Earls because of this. The kingdom relies on them, but the King doesn’t want them too close either. The other Forest Glen nobles know that if they were to leave, their bravery would be suspect and they could lose their titles, and losing their nobility is worse than death to them. So, they stay. The best they can hope for is either the Earl sends them to Toverville or the King summons them to Decharte City.”
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“What about the merchants? They don’t seem to be very patriotic.”
“True, most of the merchants come from outside of Forest Glen. They stay a year or two, make their profits and leave. Most seek a safer environment to run their business. However, since the startup costs are much less here. Many start their business here then move after making enough gold. I expect a larger than normal number of them will leave in the next week because of the surprise Monster Wave.”
This gave me an idea. Gabriel’s former boss was a bankrupt merchant. However, prior to a run of bad luck with bandits targeting his caravans, he had been successful for over ten years. Now, with my backing, he may be able to buy a few businesses on the cheap. I would be a silent partner. Okay, silent-ish.
“Will you be staying around?” I asked.
“Of course. Being in the frontier of the kingdom is the right spot for me. New treasures abound. Adventurers to buy and sell with, what where else would I get that. Besides, my family has been here for generations. So, after my rebellious youth and wandering around the world, I returned home.”
After my conversation with Eldro, I headed back to Covern House. I wanted to discuss my idea with Gabriel about backing his former employer. When I arrived at Covern House I asked Gabriel to meet with me in my office.
“Have you kept in contact with your former employer, Mr. Morisa?” I asked.
“Not on a daily basis, but in general yes. He has managed to clear his debts, mainly because you took us on as your staff. That reduced his payroll enough to allow him to slowly pay off his debts. Luckily his debt holders were more interested in getting their gold than punishing him.”
“I hear quite a few merchants have become disenchanted with Forest Glen after the recent Monster Wave. Do you think Mr. Morisa would be interested in buying out some of the merchants that will be leaving?”
“If he had the funds, then probably, but he is not in a financial position to purchase another merchant’s property.”
“What if I were to back him? I could put the gold up front and he would be responsible for managing the business. Do you think he would be interested in that?”
“I do not know, but I can inquire.”
“Can you do that this afternoon? I think the window of opportunity will be short, and the quicker we move, the better. If so, then arrange a meeting. I will be here for the rest of the day.”
“Yes sir. I should probably leave now, if you don’t mind.”
“That would be appreciated. Give him my regards either way.”
Gabriel left to go talk to his former employer.
I worked on my puzzle box until it was time for lunch.
