Homesteading in a fantasy world

My planning was interrupted by the chief as he extended his hand toward me. I took it and we shook on the deal that we made, it felt important.

They wanted to leave because they needed to go back as quick as possible, but I quickly explained that I needed their help as I can’t carry everything by myself. I will need to give every goblin here some things to carry back.

They accept quickly enough so I brought them back to the bridge and started to bring out my stock of arrows and weapons that I have here. Next, I went to the house to get more things and as I got there, I know I had to explain everything to my apprentices as well.

As I walked in, they were eating around the table and a place had been set for me. They know that I went to speak with the goblins but like myself, they didn’t know why they had come.

I sat down to eat as they looked at me expectantly. After a bit of time, I start to explain to them what had happened and what I will be doing. They were in disbelief at the words that I was speaking.

Arthur was the first one to speak and he wanted to come along to help me. I thought a bit about it and we spoke some more but he ended up staying here just in case something happened here so he could protect his siblings.

George wanted to know if I was leaving today but I explained to them that I will not be able to do that because I needed to teach them trapping tomorrow so they will be able to keep the animals and themselves fed. Although they could live on vegetables for a while, the wolves and Goose could not.

I was just worried about Goose because I’m quite certain Freya will be able to handle all the hunting for her and her children. But I knew that she would appreciate some help in that regard.

I asked them to help me bring over all the things I need to the bridge where the goblins are waiting. They were most helpful in bringing the bundles of arrows needed.

I myself brought a thick piece of rope so I could lower down the ballista. Some of the goblins couldn’t keep their eyes off their weapon and I learned that some of them had been marching towards the bridge in the big battle and this weapon left a big mark in their memory.

I had to take the limbs off making it possible to transport them separately. There were two bigger solder goblins, and I was able to leave the transport of the main part up to them. They were able to get it up to their shoulders and both combined were strong enough to make the journey back.

This was excellent, this way tomorrow I will not have to carry a large load and can make good time moving towards the encampment.

We help the goblins pack everything up. I had to give some leather straps to them so everything would fit, and they were soon on their way back. I asked why they wouldn’t stay for the evening because I believe that they would camp out in the forest, but I learned that they will not be camping but moving all night to get back.

Now while it was late, I still wanted to teach my apprentices how to make trap components to catch rabbits. Luckily that could be done inside the house where there was plenty of light thanks to the furnaces. I told them before bed that I will be waking them up early and to be ready for a long day of learning.

Thanks to my years of dealing with life-threatening pressure daily I was able to fall asleep with no problem and wake up refreshed the next day. I woke up my apprentices and started to teach them how to put together gear to go trapping into the forest.

It was a safe forest for us but not completely, so I did give them bows to use that I made and will be actually usable, unlike the bows they made. Everyone got a spear and Arthur also got one of the swords that I have looted.

The trip there was busy as I constantly had to monologue to give them as much information as possible. I had to teach them how to notice tracks and to keep an eye on their surrounding.

They didn’t understand the need to always listen especially for silence. So, I had to use my owners land to guide us to where one of the cat-like predators hunted so they could understand and notice how everything went silent when a predator is around and hunting.

My throat was quite tired by the time we started to head back. All of them had gotten at least one rabbit in one of their traps that they set up. So, it was time to get back and show them what they must do next.

I was quite pleased that they were not squeamish, but I guess they live in a society where this is normal unlike where I came from. When we had some free time from making the hides. I went to Freya and told her as well that I will be leaving for some time and to keep an eye out for any trouble.

I did the same with Frances. It looked like he understood at least somewhat because he led me to the road maker. Turns out he still wanted to pull things. I showed George how to deal with Frances's needs while I was gone.

Francis was able to do his job a lot quicker now and I am quite sure that he has a skill to help him, but animal inspection didn't bring it up.

As I was gearing up and getting ready to leave, I gave some last advice and some tasks that they might want to accomplish while I was gone.

“Now Arthur if you are adamant that you want to go into the dungeon know that you should never go to the second floor. Understand, it’s way too high level for you but if you can’t stop yourself then only stay on the first floor. Now, this isn’t me saying to enter the dungeon it is still a bad idea but I’m not stupid and who knows how long I will be gone and when your itch will get too strong.”

“As for the tasks you must do the obvious. You should take care of the animals and the farm. For training do what is best for you, but we do have a lot of material to make fabric out of so that might be a good thing to focus on.”

“The biggest task I want to give you is to look at how the current woodshed is constructed and try to make another one just like it, expanding our current one and yes for that you need to tear down the current chicken coop which you can do.”

“If you are able to learn how to make it and actually complete it then you can make a similar building that will be used for smithing. It would need to have a bit of a different design to accommodate forging but that would also be a good exercise to stretch your mind.”

When I finish packing the last things they send me to the bridge, I told them not to mess around too much and be safe. I gave them all a hug and a final goodbye. I crossed the bridge and then watched as they pulled up the bridge cutting my way back off.

Now I had tested owners land and I still had a connection with it even if I was no longer on my land so if some big trouble came, I could always rush back but they will still be in a lot more danger than when I was here.

Just in case I did one last check on everything I brought and waved goodbye to my apprentices, Freya and Frances as they looked at me leave for the forest. As I got into the forest, I stopped for a moment, breathed in and out and entered my war mindset.

I had not done this on purpose for a long time. I remembered the hard unyielding commander that I once was and brought him up again a person hardened by years of brutal war. My energy became sharper and circulated faster. All my senses brought me more and more information so I can keep myself alive and kill my enemy in the best ways possible.

As I opened my eyes my sight was constantly changing to always know what was around me. I didn’t start walking but running towards my destination. It was time to whip the goblins into shape and crush those that oppose us.

I pushed myself to the limit and reveled in my power. This terrain was as simple to run through as a nature trail. Testing my limits was exhilarating and I continued to look for my limits while still moving toward the encampment.