Ben took a seat on a stool in the inn's backroom.

  Arthel passed him a tankard of ale. “It’s good to see you back here. As you can see, this place is ram-packed full of customers now.”

  Ben peered through the doorway and saw an unfamiliar sea of soldiers and knights. “Aye, I bet business is booming for you, too. Where did the rest of the villagers go?”

  “With ample protection from the Hollow Moon, they made their homes fit for habitation and moved back in. Even the folk from Dimmiwood could settle in the unused ones. Since then, most have had little marketplace to sell goods to the soldiers and their logistics staff. Mostly food, clothing, and whatever else they can scavenge.” Alfred explained, taking a seat opposite Ben. “That’s enough about us. What brought you back? I thought you’d be busy with the mine.”

  “I hope things stay well for the village. The mines are running again, and we’re making regular deliveries across the Hollow Lands—mainly Feruswich, Wesport, and the smaller settlements surrounding them. As for why I’m here, we received our first production order from Le’Vieux for the military outpost here.” Ben explained and took a sip. “There’s word the enemy might be launching an attack soon. With all these soldiers about in your fine establishment, have you heard anything?”

  Arthel moved his stool forward before nodding and whispering. “While cleaning up the tables just after we had closed, the high-ranked officers wanted to meet here away from the men. I pretended to work and listened in on their conversation.”

  “Go on, tell me what they said. You’re killing me with the suspense.” Ben muttered.

  “Just don’t tell anyone you heard it from me,” Arthel said with a frown, continuing only after receiving a nod. “One of the scout units spotted a large buildup, numbering in the thousands, of those twisted creatures: ordinary people, former soldiers, and knights of Meso—all gathering at the chateau one that appeared to be as large as a building. The officers thought they would launch an attack within the next few weeks.”

  “That explains why the quest came through so abruptly before the second batch of artisans even had a chance to settle in. It looks like the fighting will start soon. Ensure you care for your family and the village folk when things go down. They’ll seek someone to confine their emotions with and lead them.” Ben explained and finished his ale.

  Arthel was about to grab the tankard. “I’ll get you a refill.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I must deliver that order to the military commander.” Ben stood up and patted Arthel on the shoulder, “If you need any supplies such as food or whatever, you’re more than welcome to come by the mine.”

  Arthel nodded, “Likewise, good friend. I hope to see you soon. Come through the side door next time you come by here. You’re like family to us.”

  Ben waved goodbye and got back to his van. He revered out onto the main path and drove towards where the soldiers and knights were living.

  Ben sat at the war table after thudding the crate of horseshoes down beside it.

  The knight commander, an older man in his fifties, marched into the tent and towards the table as if he were still in his youth. At various points, he had battle scars across his face, and one of his eyes seemed slightly slanted. He stared at Ben judgementally before breaking the silence with his deep, growly voice. “Ben, the one Le’Vieux seems to talk about much.”

  “Aye, that’s me,” Ben replied before pointing at the crate. “Your order is ready.”

  “I’m going to be honest with you. You don't look like much to me. Even your presence is minute, but the stories of your deeds have met my ears, and they beg to differ. They all say that you’re a capable man who can get things done.” The knight commander stated. He leaned over, removed the crate's cover, and inspected the contents. Picking up one of the horseshoes, he slammed it on the ground a few times before wiping away the dirt. “The quality of iron is excellent. My smiths here won't have any issue adjusting these to fit the horses.” He then closed the crate and took a seat across the table. “Le’Vieux will hear of your exceptional products and timely delivery.” He paused momentarily to do some system stuff before a notification appeared.

  [Quest Local War Production Complete: +240XP, +24 Gold Pounds.]

  Ben gave the commander a thumbs up. “Thanks for that. Now, I’m not stupid. I know we’re close to war with the enemy. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have needed this order so abruptly before my people even had the chance to settle in. So, What’s going on?”

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  The knight commander scoffed before leaning back on his seat and shaking his head. It was like no one had spoken to him like that. “Le’Vieux did say you had a pair of steel bollocks when talking to superiors. I didn’t think it would have been frank like this. But aye, you’re correct to think the enemy is upon us. They are building up a large force at The Trident Fort, and from the looks of things, they will begin their march in a fortnight. Nightfall is coming quicker with winter approaching, and I suspect they want to use the darkness to their advantage as it multiplies their power.”

  Ben nodded in agreement. “Aye, it does, and when they are in large groups, they can blanket the sky with thick, smoky clouds that make even the day look like night.”

  “From what I’ve heard, you have experienced defeating them. Tell me, what’s best for my men to prepare?” The commander asked.

  Ben sighed before explaining. “Well, fire seems to be the only thing that can burn through them. But you have to make sure every inch of them is burned. Arm your men with those vials of that fire liquid, maybe even some of those firebombs. Jerry is crafting arrows that will be sent to the fairies to be endowed with fire enchantments. Your archers will be useless without them.”

  The knight commander raised an eyebrow before asking, “Did you just say fairy?”

  Ben explained the entire situation with the fairies, including their desire to help the humans during the battle with the enemy.

  The knight commander held his head like someone had died. “This goes against everything I believe, but if what you say is right, then I believe working with them will benefit us. It would be a shame if they turned coat and tried to kill us after the battle.”

  Ben shook his head. “They won’t. Their people have been through much similar to the people of Meso. They want peace and prosperity, too. Alfred and Jerry were there and believed they were speaking the truth. Besides, we will have heavy hitters of our own on the battlefield if things turn sour.”

  “For all our sakes, I hope you’re right.” The knight commander took a deep breath, full of frustration, continuing, “We did an inventory of everything we had in this outpost last week. I don’t think we have enough fire-based military equipment here. Our caravans from that direction have been suffering from logistical issues related to horse feed. If we’re going to defeat the enemy, we need those supplies no matter what.” The knight commander explained.

  “I understand what you mean. We still have some time, and I don’t mind helping you out by picking up the supplies from where they are located. But you’ll have to issue them through the system and reward me with experience or, preferably, a skill point if you have one spare. There’s a couple of skills I’ll be needing before that battle.” Ben offered.

  The knight commander stroked his chin. “The skill point won’t be an issue, so I’ll take you up on that offer.” He paused again to do something on his system before a new quest popped up in Ben’s vision.

  New Quest Added: Supply Run.

  The Knight-Commander of the Robynhill military outpost has instructed you to collect supplies from the Hollow Keep. Speak with Grand Marshall Le’Vieux for further details. Once the supplies have been delivered, the quest will be marked as complete.

  Rewards: +1 Skill Point.

  After saying goodbye to the commander, Ben climbed into the van and set off for the Hollow Keep.

  Ben drove for a few hours before arriving at the city and climbing the steep incline to the keep's gates. Getting there had been different than before, as a few new checkpoints had been set up close to the city, but after seeing his quest log, the soldiers there had let him through without issue.

  Once inside the keep, Ben went to Le’Vieux’s office, where he was warmly greeted.

  “Ben!” Le’Vieux exclaimed, getting up from his seat. “It’s good to see you back here.”

  “Aye, likewise. How are things going here with you?” Ben asked.

  “Same stuff, different day. I’ve heard things at your mine have been going well, and you delivered your first order on time. Keep up the good work; your name will weigh the entire kingdom. Now, I know why you’ve come all this way. I have already instructed my staff to ready the order to be loaded into your caravan at first light. It’ll also give me some time to gather my equipment.” Le’Vieux explained.

  “Your equipment? Are you going somewhere?” Ben asked, raising his brow.

  “Do you think I was going to sit around here while the rest of you have all the fun knocking those infected creatures to the afterlife? Besides, after hearing about Hauxwell returning to good health, I decided to change my routine.”

  “Is that right?” Ben asked.

  Le’Vieux nodded, “Without fail, I woke earlier than usual to beat the rust out of my skills and abilities like a blacksmith would his metal work. I can confidently tell you that what you saw me do at the proving grounds was only a grain of sand in a great desert of what I’m capable of now.” Le’Vieux explained.

  “Don’t tell me you and Hauxwell are going to be at each other throats during the heat of battle?” Ben muttered, crossing his arms and giving Le’Vieux the ‘not impressed’ stare.

  “No, It’s not like that. We’ve both fought wars and battles together for decades without issue. Anyone can tell you that. Many people don’t understand that our competition formed such a strong bond resembling brotherhood. With him being a decade older than myself, his power withered once he got old and frail. Mine continued to grow as I reached my prime. Now, by some miracle, he has regained his youth, and I’m curious to see where the two of us stand.” Le’Vieux explained as his eyes glossed over with a nostalgia-filled mist.

  “Well, so you know, he can regenerate his mana without guzzling potions like a drunkard and will most likely beat you if you don’t have something up your sleeve.” Ben gestured toward Le’Vieux, who looked like he had been stabbed in the back.

  Le’Vieux crossed his arms. “Taking potions and connecting with random energy are not the only ways to regenerate mana. You’ll see what I’m talking about when the time is right. My knight commander tells me you came into contact with some fairies. I need the details now!”