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After the obligatory week was done I was allowed to speak again and we were preparing to continue our journey. During the week we had stayed a few of the people kept themselves busy by setting up an 'official' camp. This is a good start and stop point for the land bridge so a few lean-to's were built, most filled with firewood and positioned to hopefully keep everything dry. A piece of wood was tacked to each with Jessica's beautiful handwriting stating:

To any who need of this camp site welcome.

Please refill the used products for the next traveler.

While the stronger members of the party had filled it with firewood, Harriet had put in a decent supply of dried meats as well as dried wild foraged foods. A few tubers as well as a good deal of dried fruits. Our group had made good use of it's time here in replenishing our dried food supply, based on my calculations it should only take about ten to twenty days of travel. Twenty if we stopped at night and seeing as how I do not think we wished to travel at night it wouldn't be wise.

There were just to many unknowns out there to be safe to travel while half the people slept. We already had some members sleep in the wagon during the day so we can have night watch while camping. If we traveled all night we'd have to have half the mobile people sleeping all the time, and I wasn't even sure we could fit that many into the wagon.

While Jake and Brehea set up the wagon and carts for our traveling I looked in the lean-to's to see if I thought they needed anything else. Cheshire walks over to me and sits next to me looking inside the largest one. It contained the bulk of the food stuffs, we spread those out in case of disaster. You never know when a tree might fall on a building when you weren't around. I look down at Cheshire, "can you ask Brehea if we can spare a couple of fire starters as well as a couple of those sub zero sleeping bags?"

Cheshire nods his head and looks back to where the quartermaster was, the woman raised her head up suddenly. Then looks at me nodding her head and shouts a few words to one of the teenagers, who rummages through a few of the piles of supplies gathering a few things then rushes over to me. The young woman who seemed to be one of the few women who practices with the twins was quite happy when she brought me the supplies. "Here Hunter Gwen, the Quartermaster says you wanted these things." I indicate a good hiding place inside the lean-to, "over there should work. I want this camp site to be welcoming to those who might need it. I know I would find it annoying to not have a way to start a fire with all this fire wood and tinder here." The teen quickly tucked the items away making sure to place them behind the wood so they would be dryer than the wood if it got wet. The teen then ran off to help out.

I look at Cheshire again, "you might want to point that girl out to Tammy. She appears very capable, mention if the girl wants training that Shadow might have a few things to teach her." Shadow nodded behind me in agreement, and Cheshire looked back at the moving group of people for a moment. Cheshire chuckles then, "well Gwen. It seems Tammy has already been thinking about the girl as the young woman upon hearing she was one of the Co-captins marched up to her and demanded training." I laugh, "good we could use more like her. I like it when a young person knows they are suited to something and do what they can to be it."

Jake waves me over to the wagon, when I get to it he points inside it. "Mr. Camen is upset that he is not permitted to walk yet, being that he only gained enough strength to sit up so far." I look inside the wagon to see John Camen sitting up looking angrily at Atsuko. The young Dr looked very unhappy at the man's discomfort, he sees me and starts complaining. "What kind of man am I if I can even walk a few miles?" He says sounding slightly depressed, I tilt my head as if to tell Atsuko to get out of the wagon. When she left, the man relaxes some and I chuckle. After making sure Atsuko was busy elsewhere I talk to the man, "so trying to impress the Dr?" John looked surprised, I continue. "It's obvious you are trying to, listen she's a doctor. She is concerned more about your health than whether you can walk mileage or not right now. Did you not see she was upset that you wouldn't listen to her? If you are not capable of walking to a campfire how do you expect to walk to our new home? I know you are a smart man seeing as how you were up on the space station, try to act like it alright?" The man looks at me surprised and then slowly nods his head.

Then he lowers his head into his hands and starts crying, "I don't know why I started acting like that. Maybe it's the stress from watching so many people die and then to be stuck in a body that is temporarily useless." I look at him a moment thinking, "well; do you know anything about teaching?" I indicate the young children being placed inside the wagon, "you could help out by giving the children lessons while we are traveling." The man looked to the children a moment, himself thinking.

He nods his head slowly as a smile creeps onto his face, "you know I always had wanted to be a teacher but it wasn't really doable when I was younger. I do know a little about English literature as well as my knowledge of science. I heard that the teen, Jessica is her name? Knows a lot of history from things she's read, so I could have her help me." I pat his shoulder, "see it works out you can be helpful and the children will learn something." I look over to Jake a moment, "that reminds me; when we camp tonight I need to have a meeting you might want to address whomever is following us to inform her majesty of this." Jake nods his head, and goes about finishing his preparation.

Starburst waves me over to him with a wing, and I walk over to where my largest guardian was waiting. "Gwen, seeing as how I could fly to your new home within the day; I think it best if I scout an area to camp tonight. Maybe make sure it is clear while also occasionally returning to check on you and everyone." I nod in agreement, "I was wondering what you would be doing while we slowly moved towards our goal." He chuckles and takes off flying towards the direction we plan on going.

Alberich then finds me letting me know it was time to start heading out, Atsuko rides in the wagon with John. The trip was uneventful to the first camping spot we needed, Starburst had found a good clear spot and had even spent a little time digging out a fire pit for us to use. Jake having warned everyone that I wished to talk that evening had arranged to have a good many crates left near the edge of the fire area. Starbrust had also dug out and dried a section of dirt for the merwoman to use as a pool to keep her fluke damp while she communicated with us. Starburst brought her over from the ocean's edge to the camp site once we finished setting up. After he gently places her in the pool she comments, "nicely done Dragon. I should have you dig more relaxing pools for my people, you have a knack for it."

Starburst turns slightly redder at the compliment, as the people settle on the crates while some of the other people prepared the evening meal. Gilorndir as per usual seemingly appears out of no where and settles in next to Harriet. Jake turns to me and asks, "alright Hunter Gwen. The council has been assembled, what did you want to speak of?" I look everyone over a moment before speaking, "now I hadn't thought of this previously; because it never occurred to me something needed saying. However, I think we need to make some kind of statement on education and children. With how the world is I know that to a degree children will probably need to do some working to help everyone out. Especially in the farming areas, maybe we can have the whole city help with plantings and harvests till we have enough workers for those. I think we need to make a blanket choice on how much children should have."

The humans all appeared surprised at my statements though the non humans did not, Gilorndir spoke up. "Ah good idea Hunter, in the older ages many humans were very illiterate and it was happening even recently. Making at least a basic literacy requirement until a specific age would be a good idea." I nodded my head, "my thought was children starting at age three until at least their thirteenth year must attend schooling sanctioned by the city. When they reach this age they have to pass a test showing they at least have a basic grasp of writing, reading, and math. Past that learning is up to their own discretion."

The assembled people nod in agreement Azure speaks then, "an addition to that. I would like to require all children take swimming lessons from a chosen member of my people." Alberich speaks quickly after, "also riding lessons from me as well as arms training once the Arms master arrives." Everyone again nods in agreement, "alright those are good ideas as well." I say adding to what the two suggested, "we should set up a rotation with our new teacher for what the children should learn on what days. Also remembering we should give them a day off in there somewhere, they are children after all; they need a chance to explore things on their own." Everyone nods in agreement, and I continue. "Alright, seeing as how John is going to be our first of I hope many teachers; I think their should be a council spot for them as well. Part of their responsibilities will be to inform us of how the students are progressing." Starburst chuckles, "I have a feeling that one day our council will be rather large"

Everyone laughs in response, I was just trying to ensure that everyone had an equal voice. "We will also need to decide on an official meeting date, maybe once a moon cycle. Also one day every seven to hold court, probably a couple hours after sunrise to just before sunset or we run out of cases." Everyone talks amoungst themselves a few minutes, then Atsuko speaks. "what about every day three out of seven? With the full moon being the day we hold the general meetings?" Everyone agrees and I turn to Jake, "very good. Make sure everyone is aware of the policies," I turn to the people. "I don't think we'll need to have a meeting again till we reach the city location, I thank you for coming to my request."

Everyone then gets up and goes about their business Starburst returning Azure to the ocean. I head to my tent exhausted, I hope that the remainder of the trek would be as uneventful.

The remainder of the trip to the next shoreline was uneventful till we reached the shore facing the former island of Britain. I wondered if we'd keep the name, however there was two things that had caught my attention as I approached the shoreline ahead of the group.

The first and most impressive was a large stone bridge, big enough to let three of my wagons travel down it abreast. In front of that was a group of weary looking humans, some of which had children. Alberich slowed as we approached Starburst lands behind me looking menacingly, and Cheshire climbs onto my shoulder without piercing my skin.

I slowly dismount from Alberich and step in front of him, "greetings travelers. Can I aid you in some way?" A very gruff looking man steps forward and look me up and down as if judging every detail of my person. "I heard word that someone who can kill dragons was heading this way, I would like you to introduce me to them." I turn my head back to Starburst, "hey scaly one. You ever seen one of those Dragon hunter types?" I wink at him, and he rumbles a response, "hmm a Hunter of Dragons you say." He leans towards me so his head is next to my body and blows some steam at the man, "what do you want with one of those Hunter types human?"

Alberich spoke in my mind, I guess you are looking for information from this one before you tell him? I let him know that yes that's what I was doing. Alberich steps up to my other side and half lowers his horn, "yes; human. What do you want with one of the Hunters?" The man blanches at a Dragon and unicorn questioning him, a child squeals as she sees Alberich. "But momma it's a unicorn only virgins see those!"

I break out laughing at the comment, {laughing isn't going to help with the front you were trying to put up Gwen}. I get control of myself and look at the child, "yes a unicorn child. However no, they aren't only for virgins. That was a story created centuries ago due to one very foolish unicorn." The man upon seeing me talk to the child stands taller, "we're looking for protection from those evil creatures."

My head snaps in his direction and I speak in a dead sounding voice making the group wince, "Starburst did you know you were evil?" The Dragon lets out another puff of steam, "no I didn't; I wonder how that came about ?"

The man looked uncomfortable, and I spoke waving my hand in Starburst's direction. "Not every Dragon is bad, or 'evil'. This one happened to save my life over a month ago, so he has nothing to fear from my hand." The man went to speak then paused and blinks while thinking over what I said and he turns white. The man drops to his knees and starts begging, "please Hunter we need a safe place so the children will live. I meant no offense, we've seen so much death." I hear the group approach and I tap Alberich and walk back to the group and get Jake while Shadow still on top of Coal glares at the now cowering man.

I point at the group of people in front of the bridge, "so the man there tried bullying me into telling where the Hunter was. Telling me how they needed saving from evil creatures." Jake winces at the comment, "oh I hope you were easy on him." I nod my head frowning at Jake, "yes; he now knows I am the Hunter. Ergo why he is cowering over there, can you please inform him and his group of our rules. If they are all willing to accept them we will let them join us." Jake nods his head and heads over to talk to the man as I let everyone know to set up camp for the night. I thought it best we head out in the morning verses possibly needing to camp at the other end with no escape behind or needing to camp on the bridge itself. Both just seemed like poor ideas.

Jake waves me over to the group, "the people have some; disagreements with the rules." I stand my arms crossed and Cheshire lands on my shoulders, the children in awe over the cat. "Oh, and what would these be?" One of the women with a child steps forward, "these theft laws are horrible. What if my child stole something on a dare, then it's not his fault he did it!"

I walk over and slap the woman and glare at the crowd, "WRONG. If your child was dared to do something and he chose to do it, it is his fault. If you cannot teach a child to behave properly then we will show them what will happen if they do something wrong." The woman looks at me shocked, then turns to the man who first spoke, "you need to do something she can't do that to me!"

I turn to Jake, "alright; so obviously they don't want to join our group Jake. I trust you will impress they need to leave now then, or I might let Starburst know he had some target practice."

I then turn around and head into our camp when the first man's voice breaks out in a whine, "please no. We, we want to join; I can't keep these people safe." I turn around and the man walks over to the woman who objected and grabs her arm roughly and shakes her. "YOU, will APOLOGIZE to the Hunter. If you don't we will die out here alone most likely eaten by something not nice."

The woman blanches, and grumbles something under her breath. The man slaps her the same way I did and the woman falls to the ground. She cries for a few moments looking at me evilly the man repeats. "APOLOGIZE, now!" She slowly stands and lowers her head and says, "I am sorry for my harsh words." I wave my hand, "any other objections to the rules that were voted on?" The woman winces at the word vote, and I turn to Jake.

"They don't know that we have a ruling council yet do they?" Jake grins and shakes his head, "no as the woman was to angry with the law that she wasn't willing to hear anything till she confronted you. Not very smart on her part, as I guess she thought that you made all the choices for the laws." I shake my head and look at the woman again, "better learn to listen woman. We are quite willing to let everyone live their lives as they wish, within our laws. Maybe someday you will be a part of the council, provided you get voted in. Though with your attitude I doubt it." I turn around and head to my tent that Shadow had quickly set up while I dealt with the people.

As I approach he gives me a look, and I shake my head; "yeah I'm probably going to regret not gutting that one. Not like I can do that, funny how I can do a single slap thought." Shadow shrugs and wanders off to teach the youngsters assigned to him. {We both know that woman is going to be a problem later}, Cheshire said to me his mind voice colored with contentment. {Did you steal some of the extra cookies?} He feigned insult, {no Harriet kept some aside just for me}. I watched the group mingle with the our people, Calliope latching onto the woman who spoke against me. {Yes I am aware she's going to cause issue, especially since she and Calliope now seem best friends}. I wave as the woman in question looks at me and she quickly turns away talking animatedly to the newcomer.

Starburst comments, "good thing one of us is always near you; this might become an issue. I'll inform the gryphon twins to not leave their charges, we don't know if her offense is with you or Hunter's in general." I agreed with him heading into my tent, and sat on my sleeping bad and laid down hoping for a quiet evening.

The next morning with our additional people and a few arguments about placement, the offensive woman complaining about not being allowed to ride in the wagon with her son. She was informed by multiple people on the council that as long as she was healthy it was not going to happen. Then she complained that her son was required to be separate from her, and then again multiple people explained why it was required.

We head out on the bridge at a good pace and watch as merpeople keep pace with us as we travel on the bridge. Alberich, had us move to the front of the group; with me still wondering what was going on.

It took us another two days to get to where I was planning to build the city, when the whole group stopped and stared me sliding off of Alberich. In the space where I was planning on building this city I had been planning on building. There was a stone city