Saltmarsh village thrived with activities, the market was a place to behold. The village was progressing smoothly. It burst with activities as new buildings rose on the newly cleared plots, and the market was packed with people from all walks of life.
All sorts of delicious scents wafted in the atmosphere, and children ran and cackled in the streets and on the beach.
In the small meeting room of the chief Kamal Khan, a small meeting was arranged to discuss the new developments regarding the trade with Brookside Town.
"We are thankful to you Elder Abdul for the merits you have accomplished so far, especially on the Brookside matter," Elder Majid complimented on Elder Abdul's accomplishments, "especially the recent one with the Brookside town."
"It was my duty, ELder Majid. It is nothing compared to what you have done for me," Elder Abdul responded with gratitude. " I am glad that I am helping." He gave a smile before looking over to Chief Kamal Khan.
"We appreciate your help. Thank you very much, Elder." Chief Kamal Khan appreciated Elder Abdul.
After a moment of silence, Elder Amina asked, "So what is our net course of action?"
"Well, it is not yet decided what our next step has to be, which is why we are here," responded Elder Majid. "There are two ways for us to expand our trading activities. First, we make our own trading guild, and second, we partner with an already established guild." He took a pause only to add later, "So what do you guys think, how should we progress on this matter?"
There was a silence for a moment until ELder Amina broke it. "Looking at the situation, my calculations tell me that it would be a lot cheaper to partner with an established trading guild." She looked at the elders and continued, "Besides, I don't see that our village, even if we can make more by establishing an independent guild, can afford one on its own."
"Well, that may be true, but I don't think that we need to establish one on par with those that have been in the region for decades. But, one that suits us will, and it won't be that expensive to maintain, right?" Elder Jeremiah.
"That is true as well," added Elder Majid.
"What are your thoughts, Elder Abdul," Chief Kamal Khan asked for advice.
" Both Elder Amina and Elder Jeremiah are right in their judgments," Elder Abdul paused, once he saw everyone nodding, " We should tread carefully by first carrying the trade on our own, if it proves taxing, we can always switch."
"Very well said, Elder." complimented Elder Majid.
"I also agree with Elder Abdul," added Chief Kamal.
Everyone nodded in affirmation. "So it is decided then. Prepare for over transaction with the town." The meeting continued until an officer came to report something to the Chief.
Danish, Leila, Kaito, Turan, Malik, and Elder Ravi treaded slowly in the village observing all the new developments that were made during their two-week absence.
"This transition!" Turan was ecstatic seeing the prosperity of the village.
"Our chief is remarkable, isn't he?" Elder Ravi added proudly.
A large block stood tall to their right, bursting with all sorts of activities. "That is not our new marketplace, is it?" Danish mumbled to himself.
"It does not look so," responded Leila.
"Let's go and see what it is," Kaito suggested, "if you are that interested in it."
"yeah, let's go." They all went to check the commotion.
The Commerce Directorate was recently relocated to a new location that was very close to the market. The block consisted of multiple buildings, each one for separate use, five in total. The front building, the larger one, hosted different missions, activities, and information on all sorts of things.
The interior was devoid of any furniture or decorations, many large boards displayed missions, prices, services, exchange rates, salaries, diverse workshops and skills, and pieces of training. A few attendants sat at the reception attending to people as people stood in queue, waiting for their turn.
The exchange board displayed a long list of possible transactions:
~A Silver for a week's labor at all construction sites.
~A Silver for the required herbs at the Healing cottage.
~Three Silvers for healers per week.
~A Silver for woodcutters.
The list was a long one, covering every activity.
The attendants provided slips and money to those in line. Despite such a huge traffic, the place operated smoothly.
"It looks clean and organized," complimented Malik.
"This is how our Elder Amina is, she is good at managing such a mess. I am impressed." Elder Ravi added from the side. "look there."
It was a huge board displaying a single statement.
~Guard required. Five Silver per trip.
"That's a lot of money. Who is asking for the guards?" Turan asked with some interest.
"If you had eyes. It is written on the top who requires the services." Kaito answered wearing an expressionless face.
"You are finally back." Chief Kamal Khan interjected from behind the group. "How is everyone doing? It the trip go well?"
"Father!" Danished stepped forward and hugged his father.
Elder Ravi also came forward and greeted Kamal Khan. "It was very good, though we came across a few complications. But, they outperformed in all aspects."
"Let's go and talk at my home." Kamal Khan was glad to hear such high praises from the stingy Elder Ravi.
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Huge waves roared in the sea, rising several meters in height, sweeping on the shore. The breeze, full of water vapor, blew strongly on the faces of Captain Darius' small fleet. Their clothes drenched by the sea water dripped as they loaded large harpoons on the ships. These were the new weapons Captain Darius had ordered to deal with the Kraken.
"Captain, the new ships will arrive by tomorrow." A soldier reported. The soldier watched Captain Darius after delivering the report.
"What?" Captain inquired, "Is there something else too?"
"No, sir. I...," the soldier was hesitant at first then added quickly, "the harpoons won't be enough to take the Kraken down."
"I know. But the new ships will be." With a smile the soldier was dismissed.