The sight of the colony that greeted them was much rougher than Kael had imagined, simple yet vibrant.
The settlement leaned against a dense forest and faced the bay.
A crude, sturdy wooden palisade enclosed the core area, within which were dozens of low log cabins and rammed earth houses, with thatched and wooden roofs to protect against wind and rain.
The tallest building within the palisade was a Tower of Radiant Flame, serving both as a defensive network of faith and a lighthouse for passing ships.
Outside the palisade were large newly cultivated farmlands, with green seedlings gently swaying in the sea breeze.
Further in the distance, teams were seen felling trees and expanding land.
Everything appeared so busy and rustic, yet full of hope for the future.
In a slightly more regular open space at the center of the settlement, a simple shrine built of stones stood.
The Obsidian's divine emblem was carved at the top of the shrine, and flames burned brightly within the niche, becoming the spiritual pillar of this nascent land.
Kael met the founder and Person in charge of the colony beside the shrine—a Blue Dragonkin named Kovak.
He enthusiastically came forward, patting Kael's shoulder with such force that he almost made the young Red Dragonkin fall over.
"Welcome! Welcome to New Voljin, Brother Kael!" Kovak's voice was loud and hearty, "Although I knew a reinforcement team would arrive soon, I didn't expect you, a brother with a special mission, to be among them!"
"Was your journey smooth?"
Kael quickly introduced himself and his team's situation.
Kovak nodded repeatedly, appearing very pleased: "Excellent! We are short-handed, especially with devout believers like you!"
"Tonight is perfect; we're having a small welcome party to celebrate the arrival of another group of compatriots and to welcome the new brothers. You must come!"
Kael initially wanted to decline, preferring to settle his team and organize their belongings first.
But feeling Kovak's undeniable enthusiasm and the expectant gazes of his team members around him, he simply couldn't refuse and had to agree with a nod.
As night fell, the bonfire in the center of the settlement was lit, and the party atmosphere was lively and rustic.
Large barrels of local pale ale were brought out, brewed by the colonists from frost-resistant barley and a slightly sweet root vegetable;
Sizzling on the grill were sea fish, venison, and some kind of large, tender-fleshed seabird;
Thick seafood chowder, also with root vegetables and bacon, simmered in earthenware pots.
The food might not have been refined, but it was plentiful, and always cooked to perfection.
Everyone gathered around the bonfire, drinking heartily and eating meat, celebrating the arrival of the newcomers.
Kael was also infected by this atmosphere, took out his lute, and performed several songs on the spot to thank them for their hospitality.
The party gradually dispersed late at night.
Kael arranged for his team members to rest in their temporarily assigned barracks, while he was pulled by Kovak to his small cabin—a slightly larger wooden house that also served as an office.
The two sat opposite each other, drinking pale ale by the light of an oil lamp.
"How is it, are you getting used to it?" Kovak asked with a smile.
"It's—harder than I imagined, but everyone is very motivated," Kael replied honestly.
Kovak nodded, his expression becoming a little more serious: "Yes, pioneering is never easy."
"However, compared to matters on the island, the situation on the mainland is more concerning."
He took out a rough, hand-drawn map, spread it on the table, and pointed to the central-northern region of the Eastern Kingdoms' northern continent.
"Here is the territory of the Amani Trolls."
Kovak's finger traced an area marked with forests and mountains, "They have largely unified the forest Troll tribes in that region, and their power is growing stronger."
"They constantly launch attacks on the Elven Kingdom of Quel'Thalas to the north, and also raid the scattered settlements of human tribes to the south."
He then pointed to several dots marked with the same symbol, "These are the main strongholds of those human tribes."
"They are still in internal conflict and unable to resist the harassment of the Amani Trolls."
Kovak paused, ensuring Kael was following his explanation.
"We have sent messengers to them," he pointed to the Amani Trolls and the dots representing human tribes, then tapped on the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, "Trolls, humans, and Elves."
"The main purpose is to understand their attitude towards us and whether they are willing to engage in trade with us."
"Of course, we also tentatively mentioned the possibility of spreading the faith of our Lord."
"However—" Kovak sighed, "Our own strength is limited, and the development of the island has just begun."
"We truly lack the ability and interest to intervene in their local power struggles and feuds."
"Our primary task is to establish a firm foothold."
He looked at Kael, his tone softening: "So, Kael, you and your people can settle down here for now."
"Familiarize yourselves with the environment, and you can also help with some construction."
"It won't be too late to decide which direction to carry out your missionary task after the messengers sent to various places bring back definite news and we see which side is more friendly—"
No sooner had Kovak finished speaking than—dong—dong—dong—
A low, urgent alarm bell suddenly rang from the direction of the Tower of Radiant Flame, instantly shattering the tranquility of the night!
Both their faces changed simultaneously, and they stood up abruptly.
Kovak grabbed the battle-axe leaning against the wall and said in a deep voice, "It's the highest alert! Something has happened!"
Just then, the wooden cabin door was suddenly pushed open violently, and a muddy Troll sailor stumbled in.
He was panting, his face pale, his eyes filled with terror and anger.
"Lord Kovak, a speedboat just landed on us!" he reported urgently.
The Blue Dragonkin was both startled and angry; he steadied the Troll and hastily asked, "Who are they? Why weren't they intercepted earlier?"
"They were flying our flag!" the Troll quickly explained, "But after they docked, we found out they were a group of green-skinned Trolls!"
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