The Brunt Expedition (Sitka World Contest)

A few days ago a read a Post. by @jfuji which tells of a few competitions being held which is a great opportunity for writers. I decided to get involved in some of them, this one is for The Sitka Saga, which is about writing characters, who may turn up in the story. Sitka World Whitepaper. Here is a link to The Discord Channel. Also, here is a link to the Sitka World Writing Post, for more details. I have been reading up on this project to get more of a feel for the world and you should too if you're looking to enter, as it sounds cool.

I focus mainly on writing Science Fiction, but, decided why not try my hand at more Fantasy based stories for this one, so here goes.

Source

Arthur Brunt stepped down from his wagon, after the driver brought it to a halt in the small River village of Salmon Slows, within the region of Forest Hollow. The prize was the local Inn, in the center of town. Behind him rode many horses and wagons, only some of which were full. They had come into some difficulty on their journey, but, none of the wagons were lost or damaged while crossing through the rolling hills of the South or the Lake and River lands leading to the North.

"Gragg, where are you?" Arthur smacked the soft roof of the wagon he had been sitting on until he heard a stir from within. "Yes Mr. Brunt, I'll be right out." He heard his helper call. "Come on boy, hurry up, we haven't got all day," Arthur replies, while taking off his gloves. Arthur was impatient, no older than 50, but he knew that he didn't have all the time in the world to sit idle. He was here with one thing on his mind, business.

Gragg Aramas tripped and stumbled exiting the back of the wagon, to the amusement of some of their company. He didn't dwell on the floor too long, as Arthur heard the crash and turned around, Gragg was already on his feet, dusting himself off. The boy is clumsy, but, at least he's not a fool. Arthur thought to himself. Hiring Gragg to help in this endeavor was one of the only ways to ensure funding from one of his connections back in the South. The Aramas family were well-liked, respected, and had a keen eye for investment opportunities. Arthurs's plan almost had them drooling, the condition to receive financial support was to take the boy, the 2nd cousin of someone on the outskirts of the main family line. But, no less an Aramas. He was shorter than average in height, had a dark mop of hair, brown eyes, and a small build. What he lacked in strength he made up for in grey matter.

"Do you want me to take your coat, Mr. Brunt?" "What and make me look like royalty in front of the village folk?" Arthur thought for a moment. "Yes, actually that wouldn't be a bad idea." Gragg moved to remove Arthur's jacket. But, Arthur shirked away. "No, not here. Wait until we're inside and there are a few more eyes present. Come on." Arthur lead the way to the Inn, followed closely by the shuffling and off-beat steps of Gragg.

Arthur opened the door with purpose and didn't waste any time stepping inside. The light was dim, the temperature was warm, and the locals were filthy and drunk. All of their eyes were on Arthur as he made his way inside. Everything went silent, other than the odd slurred mumble.

"Greetings, to you, the fine people of the village of Salmon Slows." No one made an effort to greet Arthur, instead, they just stared at him in bewilderment. Arthur lowered his voice. "The jacket. Gragg!" He exclaimed under his breath. Rolling his eyes as he felt the jacket tug and come off. "I come here with a proposition. I am Arthur Brunt. A man born of the North, with the strength and determination that my blood and family name brings. But, I moved to the South with my parents when I was young. For a Northerner to be schooled in the South, is not an easy feat. Let me tell you." Some of the crowd laughed lightly.

"But, overcoming hardships, is made easy for people like us. Wouldn't you agree?" Arthur was about to continue when a drunkard stood up. "People like us? What do you mean by that?" The man exclaimed, with each word he would sway a little more, resting a hand on the table for balance after.

"Northerners of course." The man scoffed. "We're not South or North. We're Mid, just about Mid as you can get." "My mistake. I didn't mean to offend my Midland hosts. We who are the perfect balance between the two regions that get so much attention in the grand scheme of the world." The drunkard nods to himself and sits back down.

"Nevertheless, I'm here on business. I'm looking for able bodies and strong minds. I come with a merry band of 46 men." "43 Mr. Brunt," Gragg interjected quietly. Brunt taken off guard turns to him. "43? I had a count of 46, I'm sure of it." He whispered.

"No, there were 46, but, Frasis was eaten by wolves. Bandard, succumbed to some bad berries. That other fellow, Vic, was lost to a landslide." "Did he die? What of his wagon?" "Yes sir, we couldn't find him. Don't worry though, the pack wagon was saved." Arthur nodded after their quick conversation.

"My assistant here informed me that 3 of our men figured they weren't cut out for the task and they left for home only 2 days past. But, you fine people I can imagine are more than able. I have 250 picks, shovels, bedrolls, and more than enough tents, food, and essential supplies like ale. I am on my way North, to establish a mining empire, the likes of which have never been seen before. I am hiring anyone willing to make the journey with us and who is willing to work hard for the riches they seek to make." The people stirred slightly, but, didn't make too much noise.

"But, look at me. All this talking has gotten me thirsty. Gragg, get me a drink. While you're at it, get one for everyone here too!" The crowd erupted with joy, the musicians quickly burst into song and the tone of the Inn turned from a business meeting to a shin-dig.

Arthur had made his way around the Inn multiple times, talking and seeking out people willing to go. After he had spoken to everyone, he stood at the bar finishing his drink and waiting for Gragg to return his jacket. A woman stood beside him, her hands were hard and her eyes were dark, with an expression that warned off anyone who would approach.

"After selling my family farm I was left with nothing but a bag of coins, which soon turned to regret. I thought it would help my grieving, but, no, it just gave me more to mourn. I think I might join you and your company. A life outside of this village may be what I need most." She says, not looking at Arthur. "Oh, that's great, the more hands the better." "Mr. Brunt," Gragg said. Arthur didn't even notice him standing behind him. "Excuse me a moment, while a confer with my assistant.

"What is it, Gragg? Do I have to constantly remind you not to interrupt me while in conversation?" "She can't come with us, Mr. Brunt." "Why not?" "Well, sir, she's a woman." Gragg nervously announced in a low mumble.

"I hadn't noticed. What defines a woman? Because if it's the ability to work, she's clearly more of a man than you are Gragg. Notice those Calluses on her hands, they're harder than your pampered palms. She is no stranger to hard graft. I'd wager she could break rocks just as good as half of our company. Besides, if she can't work down the mines, she can always work wash pots. There'll be plenty of bellies to fill at the end of each day." Arthur speaks impatiently with Gragg, under his breath. Then leaves to walk back to the woman.

"I would be more than happy to welcome you aboard our expedition. Gather what belongings you need and we'll move out. Miss?" Arthur asks, extending a hand to shake. "Havana Greene, as for belongings. I have none." "Even better, it's never a bad thing to pack light on a long journey. The wagons are outside, choose one and tuck yourself in, we have a long way to go."

Havana puts her cup down and walks to the door, Arthur bends his arms back for Gragg to put his coat on him. "We better stock up on winter clothes, I can feel the Northern chill grow stronger with each step," Arthur complains while straightening out his jacket. "Come along Gragg, we're moving out." He continues and then walks for the door.

End Notes

Arthur Brunt - Is the kind of man who finds it easy to talk people into just about anything, he has a mind for business and big ideas with a way of convincing people it's real enough to invest. But, he may come into hardships during his current adventure. People mean little to him. No matter how much he loses he knows he can cut his losses and run, but, he could end up with a trail of angry people coming after him. Think, snake oil salesmen.

Gragg Aramas - Well schooled and has no ego, making him the best man to be an assistant. His aspiration is to return to the South Lands as a success, to win the respect of his family, and earn his place among them.

Havana Greene - A tough woman with a tragic past, she is closed off and unwilling to dwell too much on her own history. Unless she can trust those around her.