At Last
1222 Words
"Here we are, folks. Welcome to Gracehaven with a growing population and a small bustling town filled with full amenities."
Old Jack traversed the wagon along the path and was greeted by two majestically looking bamboo watchtowers that lined the two sides of the main entrance of Gracehaven.
The wagon's wheels creaked under the weight of a dozen people as it passed along the two watchtowers and into the path lined with bamboo strips. From the new resident's point of view, it looked nothing much as the route that Old Jack took was through the residential lots first.
"Aye, this town is being hoarded up with bamboo structures as fences and open areas? There isn't many defences against marauders and rebels during this time?"
Someone voiced his opinion as the wagon passed through the two watchtowers and into the town where all they could see right now was rows of standard-sized thatched houses and an individual privvy alongside it.
There were no stone walls nor there were armed guards stationed on every 20 or 30 feet apart along the so-called bamboo barricades. The lack of proper defences brought such a disappointment on their faces which could be clearly seen.
"Tsk... Don't you all mind about the bamboo defences than you all can see right now. It looks rather flimsy but wait till you see the usefulness of these harmless-looking barricades. Not only it would stop marauders but it would stop stampede from wild beasts as well... "
Old Jack explained to the group of people he was ferrying on the wagon as it passed by several rows of houses. Those people could not help counting the rows of houses and they even asked how many citizens that reside within.
"We have close to 600 citizens right now and we have close to 200 more empty houses. Further, ahead we have plenty of crop fields that would be able to sustain us throughout the 4 seasons. This part of town consists of residential and crop fields while the other side of town would be our trade and commerce."
Old Jack explained and this delighted the people on the wagon he was ferrying. Little did they expect a trade and commercial area that constitutes the whole town.
"We have 3 entrances to this town and once we had filled about 75% of the population, we would be expanding our town's borders once again. Most likely there would be an outer cluster that makes up of another set of residential and commercial area."
"Hold on tight, everyone. We are now crossing the bridge and into the trade and commercial district where our leader resides."
The wagon jerked slightly as the wheels went over the rickety bamboo bridge across the river. The people on the wagon can't help but stared wide-eyed when they saw rows and rows of golden crop fields that lined along the river banks.
All before the residential lots they saw wheat and cornfields and true to what Old Jack had mentioned, these crops would be able to last them throughout the 4 seasons with ease.
The wagon Old Jack was handling crossed the bridge and parked itself right next to the riverbank that was lined with healthy banana and cane sugar plantations. Eagle's wagon arrived a few moments later and everyone disembarked from the wagons.
Their legs felt wobbly after they had not being used to be travelling on wagons for many years now and once they stood in solid ground, it took some time for them to stabilise themselves.
The new inductees looked like lost sheep as they stood close to one another, looking around them as they try to digest as much information as their eyes could see. Little did they expect a small town that they had heard all this while to be a bustling one instead.
The simple bamboo defences, the rows of thatched houses on stilts, individual privies, rows of more than 30 crop fields, a trade and commerce area and a wooden two-storey castle that looked like a governmental building?
Within the large courtyard that could accommodate about 3000 recipients, they could see several trade houses and great smelling food that emanates from it. The Gracehaven's Finest Bakery and Gracehaven's Greasy Spoon worked its charm pretty well.
Groups of women in brightly coloured garb were busying themselves in the courtyard and each tasked themselves to prepare a small reception to welcome the new inductees. It was our normal practise to extend the hospitality for incoming visitors.
Seeing the amazed looks on the faces of the new group of inductees, Old Jack can't help but exclaim to them to relax and make themselves feel at home. "We would be having some refreshments soon so leave your personal effects on the wagon and head right to the courtyard. Our Lord would be meeting us shortly right after our meals."
Old Jack and Eagle ushered the 14 senior citizens and the 8 invalids to the seating area at the front of the domain so after their meals, I would be addressing the new inductees. Besides, from the looks of it from the height of the balcony, I could deduce that they would be here for good as they brought little possessions with them that denotes of any high value.
Heather and I watched the new inductees from the balcony and waved at them before we head downstairs to welcome them. The new inductees were literally feasting their eyes on their surrounding and were surprised to find that there's Gracehaven's First Tailor and Loom, Gracehaven's General Store, a Blacksmith and 3 large buildings that were bustling with activities.
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"Hello... Hello... Welcome to Gracehaven, where there's nothing much of interest from the outside and its a hidden wealth from within. Thank you for coming over after much consideration and we sincerely hope you would be able to fit in within a few short days."
"Refreshments are being prepared right now. Just sit back and enjoy your meals before we start any questions and answers on whatever topics that you may have."
We welcomed the new inductees as they made their way warily as they observed the smiling faces of the citizens that were milling about their affairs. We wondered what was in their minds since they all looked rather sceptical at the way things were bring managed here in Gracehaven.
They sat down on the dining benches and tables set earlier near the domain as loaves of freshly toasted bread arrived with large bowls of steaming pottage.
"Please... Enjoy the meals before you. Don't mind us at all." I gestured to them as they slowly broke the bread and handed it among themselves as the ladies helped to serve the steaming pottage into individual bowls for the new inductees.
Soon everyone dug into the food before them and once there was silence, it turned into a merry affair as the hot food and welcoming atmosphere broke the ice. There were chatters and some of the ladies sat with the new inductees to answer a few general questions here and there.
About 20 minutes or so, and after several more helpings of bread and pottage, their meals ended with burps and looks of satisfaction on their faces. Once the table was cleared, Heather and I moved forward to address the inductees.
- Writer
