Meanwhile back at Amber Village. Mercenaries and hired workers started showing up shortly after the scouting party left. They came a few at a time and Thor was busy assigning every new batch with tasks.
Since the dwarves had yet to arrive, the first priority was to gather materials for the ballistas that Noctera was designing. There were multiple different designs and they were all quite intricate and required a lot of quality materials.
A couple mercenaries presented themselves to Thor. "Hello commander Thor. I am Krug and this is my brother Crag. We are experienced mercenary soldiers usually tasked with defending something. We can also help with some easier fortifications."
"Welcome Krug and Crag. We do not know when the enemy will come and we have enough sentries for now. For now, I need you to gather materials. You can talk to the merchant over there to get further instructions.", Thor answers and points to a man a short distance away.
A small group of workers soon approached Thor.
"Are you Elder Thor? We are experienced craftsmen sent from Harborton."
"Yes, I am Thor. Welcome to our village. You can report to Noctera. The woman over there. She will evaluate and instruct you.", Thor says and points to a dark woman who looks otherworldly.
This flow of workers and mercenaries continues throughout the day.
Noctera has given the merchant a long list of materials to gather, but the progress is still quite fast with all the help coming in. Some of the mercenaries are even sent back to Harborton to retrieve materials from there.
Noctera has already started the construction of the first ballista and she had plenty of skilled help. They will soon start the testing phase of the first design.
Tom is busy training the villagers who will be joining the fight.
Amelia is back at the temple and is preparing holy artifacts to use in the defense. One of which is a glass orb that can be filled with a holy orb. It can then be used by anyone without expending any energy to send forth that stored holy orb.
...
A few days later, a small army of dwarves appear outside the wooden gates. They immediately start talking among each other. It would seem that they are reacting to the horrible lack of stone fortifications.
"Humans, we have been sent to aid Lord Chris. Is the Lord here?"
"The Lord is away on a mission, but we have been told to expect you. I am Thor and I am in charge while the Lord is away."
The gates are soon opened and Thor comes out to greet the dwarves.
"Welcome honored allies. We are happy that you have come to our aid on this time of need.", Thor says to the decorated dwarf standing at the front.
"Hello Thor, I am commander Stonebeard. This is my legion of stone. We are called that since we are experts at stone fortifications and the enemy usually crashes into our sturdy stone."
"We are happy to come to the aid of the dragon slayer!", he adds and all the dwarves cheer loudly behind him.
"Thank you Stonebeard. Can you help us build stone towers and walls?", Thor answers.
"Of course, that is why we are here! We have brought a large amount of stone too, but we will send for more after seeing your dire situation.", Stonebeard answers.
"I have yet to see a single stone. Why is everything in wood? This is far too weak in battle.", he adds with confusion written all over his face.
"Our village used to be peaceful and even these wooden walls are new.", Thor answers with a hint of sorrow.
"Don't worry my new friend. We will sort this out and you will soon have enough stone that even a dwarf would be proud.
Now show me the village and tell me, do you have any requirements we should know about?", Stonebeard says.
While Thor brings Stonebeard on a tour of the village, the dwarven legion starts setting up a camp outside.
"We need as many towers with weapon platforms as possible. This is because we have reason to think that the ancient dragon from your mountain will join the attack on us and we are building ballistas to use against it.", Thor explains as they walk around the village.
"Oh is that so. An ancient dragon huh? We shall need to build thick walls. However, it will take time to build thick, strong walls and tall towers. Maybe we should do it in layers so that we have something if the enemy comes soon.", Stonebeard answers while deep in thought.
"Yes, please consider the time and do as much as you can as fast as you can.", Thor answers seriously.
Thor and Stonebeard finishes their tour of the village and the dwarves immediately start working on the foundation for a dozen stone towers.