Running at top speed, Thaddeus finally returned to Woodhaerst. He slowed down as he noticed a line of migrants. There were hundreds of them. Thaddeus surmised they fled to Woodhaerst after the deadly winter weather subsided. Most likely they migrated here to live in a 'safer' territory.
Thaddeus saw Captain Joseph and his men, controlling the influx of migrants into the town. A temporary barricade made of wood had been put in place, deterring people from entering the town without permission.
"Sir, we've been waiting here for more than a day already," said one of the migrants. "How long do we have to stay here, before the town's entrance?" asked another.
Captain Joseph's sword hung on his waist. With a firm resolve, he explained, "Please understand. There are a lot of migrants this time. We can't decide until the lord returns."
'Good work, Captain Joseph,' Thaddeus whispered to himself.
As the town grew, Thaddeus was worried Joseph might not be fit for the task of Guard Captain. But now, looking at how he was handling things, it seemed those were pointless worries.
Using the hidden gate entrance near his grove, Thaddeus ran straight to the mansion. Once inside, he called the first servant he saw and said, "Tell Sabrina I'm home."
The servant was surprised to see Thaddeus. "Master your back! For the past two months, we worried you may not return." Then he remembered Thaddeus's words. "Ah, right away! I'll inform the mistress at once!"
Thaddeus went to his room to bathe and change clothes. Even in his human halfling form, he could smell the earth and sweet on his skin. After scrubbing the outdoor smell from his body, he put on a clean set of clothes for the first time in two weeks.
No sooner had he finished dressing than his heavy wooden doors swung open, and Sabrina entered the room. Her eyes widened in surprise and relief at seeing Thaddeus standing there. She rushed to his side and embraced him tightly.
"Thaddeus, you're finally back!" Sabrina exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of joy and worry. "Two months never felt so long. It was so boring with you. I guess, I'm used to being around you now, so the separation was really hard. But you got home just in time. The winter storm lifted a couple of days ago and brought with it a line of migrants. Captain Joseph, is waiting for you to make a decision."
After catching up, they went downstairs to the study to greet their guest.
"Sir. Captain Joseph, Mayor Brand, and Priestess Thera have arrived to see you," said the butler interrupting their reunion.
"Greetings, Baron and Baroness," they bowed.
"Good to see you too. It seems Woodhaerst is much livelier now that the snow has stopped," Thaddeus said contently.
"Baron Brown, I regret to inform you Jameson died during the winter. He lived a long life and I'm sure he was happy to pass surrounded by family," Brand announced remorsefully.
At once Thaddeus' happy mood disappeared. Jameson was already elderly when he moved to Woodhaerst. Yet, he never sat still. Every morning, he'd fish until afternoon, when his wife brought his lunch. In the afternoon, he'd sell his fish to Brand then walk around the city to check on the locals. Each night, he'd eat with the other town elders at the tavern. If ever anyone was sick, he'd go with Priestess Thera to visit them. He was wise and gregarious. Everyone was a friend to him.
"Did he go peacefully?" Thaddeus asked. Even though Thaddeus knew Jameson was nothing but an AI construct, he was still sad to know he died.
"Yes, but he wasn't the only one. We had three other deaths in the town. Some kids ran out of their house on a prank and died of cold. We already consoled their families and buried the bodies," Brand added.
"How terrible? I'm sure their mother is distraught. I'll go over with a gift basket later," Sabrina said wiping away tears.
"Sire. There is a large line of migrants at the front gate requesting refuge. Despite your best efforts to sell firewood to Petty Lords, it seems several towns suffered badly during the winter. According to the migrants, MyCity502 has fallen and turned into a dungeon. What are your commands?" Captain Joseph saluted.
"After our expansion, we have plenty of houses available. Let them in, but make sure you census their names, ages, occupations, and assigned apartments. Also, make sure you tell them about rent, taxes, and our laws. If anyone has a problem, remove them at once from town. We don't need troublemakers here," Thaddeus asserted.
"Yes, sir!" Captain Joseph saluted and left with Brand.
"I should have you clear that dungeon for practice," Brax said walking into the room, munching on a roasted turkey leg.
"While I appreciate your Bearkin Warrior training, Thaddeus remember you're not just a warrior, you're also a druid," Priestess Thera advised.
"Oh? Dhruvah didn't tell me you're a druid. What spells can you cast?" Brax asked curiously.
"I can cast Rock Wall, Erosion, Arrowhead, and Rock Dome," Thaddeus responded.
"Ha-ha, those cantrips are terrible. I thought you could breathe fire, run like the wind, or make the ground quake. I thought you at least had a good spell like Iron Armor or Rock Spike. What are you, a construction worker? Ha-ha," he laughed.
"So, what if he is? He built this settlement with his bare hands and recused another from a horde of kobolds. He sheltered thousands of people fleeing for safety. He's defended this settlement from a beast wave and war. What have you done?" Sabrina spat back vehemently.
Standing up angry, Brax snarled, "What have I done? I've cleared hundreds of dungeons and goblin infestations. I fought proudly for the Ursa Kingdom for hundreds of years. And I earned my way from nothing to Marshall Warrior. I've lived a life of honor, priestess!"
"Then what's more honorable than protecting a settlement of your people from invaders?" Sabrina questioned.
"I guess you have a point. I admit, this human town is slightly impressive, but it pales in comparison to the Ursa Kingdom," Brax said offering a backhanded compliment.
"Thaddues, just remember you're not half-Bearkin or half-human, but 100% you. Don't conform to others' standards. Be true to yourself," Priestess Thera advised, leaning up on her toes to pat Thaddeus on the head.
"Hmph," Brax mumbled watching the old priestess leave. Before leaving he added, "I'll leave you and your mate alone. Let's craft your armor this afternoon."
"Now that's just the two of us again, what do you want to do?" Sabrina asked happily.
But before Thaddues could answer, his stomach did.
"I'll tell the cook to make us lunch," Sabrina said chucking at Thaddeus' growling stomach.
Sitting down in the cozy dining room for a leisurely mid-morning brunch, Thaddeus and Sabrina watch the servants bring out fresh fruits, pastries, and a steaming pot of coffee. Thaddeus noticed the room was bathed in warm sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a comforting glow on the polished wooden table set for three.
Although, the room felt almost too comfortable and luxurious. For the past two months, he slept, ate, and defecated in the woods. He'd grown used to hearing crickets chirp and birds' calls. Now, everything felt too quiet, and the silence unnerved him.
Yet he said nothing of his discomfort because Sabrina's eyes sparkled with the joy of their reunion. Instead, he smiled as she discussed her alchemical progress and chemistry students.
However, their reunion proved short-lived again when Sebus barreled into the dining room. Sebus, Thaddeus' best friend and roommate in real life, sat himself down and started eating before the servants could bring him a plate and silverware.
"Why didn't you tell me you were back? I had to find out from one of the townsfolk. I thought we were closer," Sebus said grabbing a third bagel and stuffing it in his mouth.
"Good to see you too," Thaddeus chuckled. "How's the shoemaking life?"
Sebus frowned, "If I'd known it get this cold. I would've stayed an adventurer. The pay sucks, but the experience points are good." Then he said proudly, "I've already leveled one from cobbling. And now I'm a Journeyman Rank cobbler."
"Congrats," Thaddeus and Sabrina praised.
"Get this during the New Year's break in winter, I had an adventure come in for new boots. I should've known something was up when he came into the shop limping. When this guy sat down and took off his shoes the smell almost knocked me out. It smelled like an old gym towel. I had to cover my nose with the top of my shirt.
If that wasn't bad enough, I gagged when I saw his foot. This guy had the ugliest feet I'd ever seen. When I say ugly, I mean his feet were green with boils. Turns out, not only were his feet ugly, but he also had gout.
When I went to measure his feet, he winced and cried in pain. Even the gentlest touch sent him into pain. The man was so tenderfoot, I tried to politely ask if he wanted to come back later, but he demanded new shoes. So, when I went to model his foot, the man was in so much pain he cursed.
So, then I cursed him back. And then he hit me. He literary hit me. So, I smacked him. I hit him right back in his fat face. Which is probably not the best thing to do with a customer. So, we ended up fighting in the store. But I got the final hit. I stepped on that motherfucker's foot. The man screamed and ran out of the store barefoot in winter," he finished with a mischievous grin.
"…"
Thaddeus and Sabrina looked at each other curiously.
Seeing them not respond, Sebus said greedily, "I hear a bunch of new people arrived at Woodhaerst. Are you excited? I am. I mean more people equals more money."
"What if one of the migrants is another shoemaker?" Sabrina teased.
"…"
Sebus' face turned blank before it turned to worry.
"Thad, brother, you have to appoint me the town cobbler. Grant me a monopoly. Come on, I need the money!" Sebus said desperately.
"Why, are you desperate?"
"So…I kinda lost all my money at the casino and now I'm broke. I don't even have enough money to pay our rent IRL. Can you float me to the end of the month? Please?"
Thaddeus chuckled watching Sebus beg. Since they moved in together, Sebus never paid half of the rent. Instead, he asked Thaddeus to lend him money for girls, clothes, or food.
"Sorry, I don't have much money now. All my money's gone into improving my settlements," Thaddeus lied.
"Come on man, what about all the mana stones and firewood you sold over winter?"
"I had to pay my annual settlements' tax to the Akkadian Kingdom. Besides that, there are monthly expenses for the settlements' general upkeep and wages. But I'll talk to the casino manager and see if I can get your debt canceled."
Sebus stopped groveling and showed his appreciation by slurping down his coffee.
Seeing their friend's change of attitude, Thaddeus and Sabrina laughed.
As they enjoyed their brunch, the dining room echoed with laughter. The servants bustled around, replenishing the table with fresh fruits, pastries, and hot beverages. They shared stories and jokes, catching up on their virtual and real lives.
Sebus, now content with his filled belly, leaned back in his chair, his earlier worries forgotten. "You know, it's good to hang out with you guys. Whether it's virtual or real, the world can be tough, but it's always worth it when we're together."
Thaddeus grinned, "It's nice but you need to find a life outside ours. Get a job, go back to school, or find a partner. I'm sure Sabrina could introduce you to some teachers.'
Sabrina groaned in agreement, "Fine introduce you to some friends and coworkers. I know several divorced teachers."
Sebus' eyebrows raised in intrigue, "Definitely, share my number with them!"
Hearing Sebus' reply, they all laughed again. They continued to share and laugh until the afternoon when it was time for Jameson's funeral.
The walk to the cathedral was somber. Townsfolk dressed in mourning attire, paying their respects to the elderly councilman and children who died during the blizzard. Thaddeus, Sabrina, and Sebus joined the procession, their thoughts filled with memories of the wise and gregarious man who had been a part of their virtual world for so long.
As they approached the cathedral, the air grew heavy with a sense of loss. The grand stone building with its towering spires stood as a symbol of reverence and solemnity. The townsfolk gathered inside, and the mournful notes of a melancholic melody played by the cathedral's choir filled the air.
Thaddeus, Sabrina, and Sebus took their seats among the assembled mourners. The priestess, Thera, who had accompanied them to the funeral, led the service. She spoke of Jameson's kindness, wisdom, and dedication to the people of Woodhaerst. Tears welled up in the eyes of many as they remembered the old man's warm smile and friendly presence.
In a whisper, Sebus told Thaddeus, "I'll miss that old man. He always had a story to tell and a joke to share. Since I moved to town, he never failed to check in on me."
To his other side, Thaddeus saw Sabrina wipe away a tear. Learning her head on his shoulder, Sabrina sighed deeply and said, "His presence made Woodhaerst feel like a real community. I'll miss his visits to my alchemical lab and his words of encouragement."
The funeral service concluded with a eulogy from Mayor Brand, who spoke of Jameson's contributions to the town and how he had touched the lives of so many. Then, the townsfolk paid their final respects as they filed past Jameson's casket to offer their condolences to his family.
Thaddeus saw Cassian, his friend, and general store owner, supporting his wife, Rosalind, Jameson's daughter. Thaddeus offered Cassian a quick word and handshake, before moving on to console the families who lost their children.
After the burial, Thaddeus greeted his people. From his brief discussions, he knew the memory of Jameson would live on in their heavy hearts. As he watched everyone leave, he stood next to Priestess Thera.
"It was a nice service," Thaddeus complimented.
"Yes, it was. To lose the young and old reminds people of life left to live," she preached. Then added, "Don't you have somewhere to go? I thought you were going to meet Brax before you head off to Ironwood."
"I am. But I stopped by to ask you about the migrants. Have they settled in? Was there any trouble? Now, that the council is missing a person. I wanted to make sure everything was okay," Thaddeus explained.
"The migrants moved in safely. Sawyer and the dwarven brothers have already started recruiting the migrants. Before they could even unpack, they already had jobs," Priestess Thera said amused.
"Well, I'm glad to hear everything went smoothly. When I return, I want the council to give me ten names to fill Jameson's council position. I plan on appointing six more council members."
"Alright, now we'll see you when you get back," Priestess Thera waved as Thaddeus ran to get Brax.