18 Everdawn 2 (1/2)

As the weeks rolled by, the southern settlement was taking shape.

Masons and builder mages can be seen, busying themselves day and night, working in shifts.

Roads were paved and lines of homesteads sprang up just as various villagers from the far-flung areas of Everdawn province moved in.

Soon, markets stalls were being erected and various performing troupes set up shop in the various corners of the settlement.

Streams of people meandered in and out the southern settlement as the sun crested the horizon.

People lined the streets and cries rang across the air in the market squares.

Aureus was nodding his head as he went around the settlement in a hood with Johan.

Stopping beside a food stall overlooking the settlement, Aureus sat with Johan.

While waiting for the buns and tea to arrive, Aureus commented that Tarin did an exceptional job. Beyond the layout being military in nature, Tarin has been ahead of schedule in every other aspect without any slip in quality.

”High… Sir, Tarin is a man of many talents. I venture that had he been a military officer, he would have done very well as a civil official too.” Johan replied as his breath misted in the cool morning air.

”Indeed, he could have made Praetor had he been interested.”Aureus said while taking out a note.

”That would require him to break away from the Triem army. The likelihood of that happening in the past is close to zero.” Johan laughed as he said.

”How goes the militia initiative?”

Johan reported that everything was proceeding apace. Archery has taken priority in training resources followed by stamina building.

”In the event enemy troops close in, we can guarantee a large percentage of the militia should be able to outrun armored foes.”Johan reported with a grin.

”Yes, always a good ability to have. Being able to escape from a superior foe,” Aureus's mouth curled as he continued. ”Then coming back and finishing your enemy off with reinforcements where possible.”

The buns arrived along with the a kettle of tea. The waiter accepted the note and just as he was fiddling for change, Aureus waved him off with a smile. The waiter bowed and mentioned that should they need more drinks, all they had to do was flag him down.

Johan continued as the waiter left with the report. The amount of new populace streaming in is becoming a concern as it would be soon before the guilds run out of capacity to accept new apprentices. The good news being the militia receiving a boost in recruitment.

”Yes, we will have more people than jobs soon. It is a good thing that the army is recruiting and the ancillary industries are increasing output to match.” Aureus replied while blowing the steam off his tea. ”It is fortunate that Edward has improved our homestead designs, our potential population capacity for the settlement has doubled at least.

Aureus turned and cast his gaze over the settlement while sipping his tea.

Johan's posture did not slip in the slightest while a peace held between the two men for several moments.

”Johan, how much do you know of the Iron Range?” Aureus voice carried clear across the bustle around them.

Johan frowned but did not hesitate in replying that every military officer of note has studied the industrial capabilities of the Iron range. Many has concluded that it was the main factor that propelled the Eastern Coalition's military standing to being the clear number two among the superpowers.

”Humor me, what are the Iron Range strengths?” Aureus's eyes had a twinkle as he conversed with Johan.

Johan rubbed his chin as he began narrating. He listed that industrial capability as a key strength of the Iron range. Holding one-fifth of the Coalition's land area but responsible for upwards of 60% of the Coalition's industrial output. This capability has put plenty of war machines in the field while keeping the troops well-supplied.

The capital of Iron range, Manus plays a key part as the heart of logistical arrangements. In addition to being a buyer's market, the Iron range is full of resource mining enterprises. Resulting in a strong base for output.

Johan's brows was scrunching as he tried to describe how the alliance forged between the underground tribes and Iron range has presented a technological edge to their production quality.

As Johan struggled through explaining the last part, Aureus listened with a serene air and refilled his cup with the kettle.

”I am glad that other than studying the arts of war, you have paid attention to other subjects,” Aureus nodded as he replied.”Yes, in essence, you have captured all the salient points. Though I would add that the Alanor Industries and the Gryphonheart Corporation also played a leading role in Iron Range's current prosperity.”

”Tell me, Johan, do you see a potential Iron Range in this settlement?”

Johan's expression said everything as he panned around his surroundings.

”No sir, I do not.”

Aureus smiled, ”Are you interested in Brandon and Tarin's answer?”