Mana Wells

There were a variety of wyvern abilities out there now. Layla's springs had some interesting properties with water and special manipulation. Rico's most potent reaction was Tiffany's well. And there were not many others that had a similar effect so far.

Having taken the day to fly around. Kurt felt more comfortable with Rico. Come back home through the canyon with a few of the others around, his last stop was at Sara's Dutchery. They were able to keep pushing up the pace a bit faster in parts.

Kurt felt that he wouldn't need the instructor for flying much longer. Taking care of it daily on the other hand. But being Lord has its advantages. The top of the pillar could easily have a place for him. Harvey had better behave himself around him.

The instructor agreed with the assessment and talked about loops and spins when they were a bit more comfortable than now. It was just going to take everyone a bit more practice. And suggested to basically run through the same things for the next week, and try to find where they will be staying.

This meant Kurt could take some of the trips they had planned. He had decided the refugees would be the best to start with because a few more days before everyone was ready for the attack.

They made their way to the largest refugee encampment the alliance had made. The war sent a lot of people packing. The trains only took people so far. Kurt was still getting used to flying and kept his harness. Jacob had said he would make a custom saddle for him in a few weeks as well. And took some measurements.

Layla was flying beside him.

"We don't really know any of these people," said Layla.

They could see the tents from a distance.

"Should we just make an entrance?"

"You mean just fly down to the center?"

"Yeah?"

"I guess we could."

Layla and Lurt didn't try to hide themselves and Rico screamed as people's heads started to turn upwards towards them. They landed at the center of the encampment.

The crowd surrounded them mostly fearful, and some had makeshift weapons.

"Fear not," shouted Kurt, "we are here to help." And he came down from the wyvern.

"Help? Are you going to give back my home? We've lost everything."

"We can not give you back the homes you lost, not today. And many of them are destroyed, you saw it with your own eyes," said Layla. "We come offering a new home, one you can live in peace. We need people, and money to pay for your skills. If you are angry and want to fight, we can arm you and bring you to the battlefield."

"And where is this magical place?"

"On Terra, in my kingdom," Layla's crown still mystically hovered above her head.

"Give us a moment," said Kurt, "and we can prove it to you."

The crowd murmured but Layla had gotten to work and a few moments later a large gate opened up in front of them.

"We have some shelter, and food for you. We will need your help to make it more proper for you. We offer an opportunity. If you choose to take it," said Kurt and he led the wyvern back through the gate and signalled it to return to its nest and it flew away.

"No one is forced to do this, all we ask is that you follow our laws," said Layla, "you will be held accountable for actions you commit against my people, and my people include goblins and Minotaurs."

"We have land, we require farmers, smiths, carpenters, and other skilled trades, including the railways."

"You're saying to just leave our homeland?" a voice shouted.

"It is a difficult decision," said Kurt. "But many of you are with your family, what is more important? When we win this war you may be able to go back, but I can't promise you that or that it will be anything like the home you remember."

"This opportunity will be here for you to make for the next two days," said Layla. "You are welcome to join us. We have medical supplies as well. We have a process that will translate the language and account for you."

"Or you can stay here," said Kurt. "No one will force you."

There wasn't much more to say. They had opened the gate near the housing they had set up. It wasn't much but it was better than some tents. They could construct more but they would need manpower and time.

There were some goblins there and they would have translation spells ready. Kurt stuck around for a while, answering some questions. And there was some movement to cross the gate. Many of the families had come first, they didn't care anymore as long as they were together.

And from there more came up. Kurt assumed that some wanted the others to test it out first before they would come.

After two days, the majority of the refugees had crossed over. The details of the arrangement were set more clearly. They would be disarmed unless they planned to join under Layla outright and swear an oath of loyalty, thus becoming citizens of Wellspring. Or if they were going out on a battle mission.

The housing structure was not big enough for all of the refugees, and the gnomes had begun working on making more of them at the goblin's instruction. It was crowded in their new place. Some of the tents had come with them unfortunately. But far fewer of them and not by the children anymore.

Kurt had gotten many of them the healing paste as well from several injuries they had.

Mr. Pearson was a de facto leader of the refugee encampment. He had led them during their time on the outskirts. It didn't take him very long to find some of them ready to become citizens, which would lead to better housing in some cases.

Sara had come through and spoken about the needs of the Dutchery as well.

The day after Betsy came by like normal but had a lot more than usual to say.

"I'm going to get an assistant."

"That's fine. Take a day off if you need."

"Yes, I have been working a lot."

"But are we finding jobs for a lot of people?"

"Yes sir, minors, carpenters, and a few farmers. And a few railway workers have come forward wanting to work."

"We should start seeing a bigger yield from many of our projects then."

"Yes sir," said Betsy. "We were limited on manpower before."

"So, there is this thing."

"And what's that?"

"You sort of have to do something?"

"And that is?"

"Learn to fly a wyvern."

"I don't think so," said Betsy, shaking her head.

"Why not? It's actually easier than it looks."

"Nope, it is too high off the ground for me."

"Listen, it's not for me it's for you."

"For me?"

"Yeah, you have to spend a little time with your fae guardian. You start low to the ground. I still wear the harness."

Betsy looked away thinking of something. "Then I want a few things."

"Okay."

"I want a personal guard," said Betsy.

"Sure," said Kurt, "pick em out."

"And a bigger place," said Betsy.

"You're the one who made the one you have attached to the office."

"I know I didn't want to be a bother then."

"Is that all?"

"And a proper title."

"Huh."

"Office manager no more."

"So what?"

"I was thinking, Baroness Betsy."

"I mean you want a whole ceremony?"

"Yes, with Layla."

"Not just me."

"You're not the Queen. She'll take it seriously."

"Deal."

"Deal what?"

"Deal, my lady."

"Better. But don't think I'll be flying around everywhere. I'll go with Tiffany though."

"You can build your place there if you want," said Kurt.

The next day Kurt had his morning ritual with a new person. That had a checklist of stuff to tell him more than a discussion. As Betsy started her lessons.