The week has been very busy, though I feel I've accomplished less than usual, having spent so much time in training. I met with my friend's king to discuss membership. I was given to speak directly with the king; intimidating enough on its own to be presented to such a highly regarded figure, I was immediately called to convince this man and his court of my worthiness to act among his ranks. At a loss in my humility, my friend stepped in to advise them of my good deeds and stake his name for my sake.
The acceptance ceremony was short and mostly consisted of laying down the law. While their rules are few and expected, the punishments are swift and severe. Before leaving the castle to tour the kingdom land, I met many of the prominent members of higher rank. They taught me about the typical goings on and explained some of the various courtesies and chores expected of me, as well as the duties of ranked officials. It seems fortification of the monarchy's structures is an unending and ubiquitous venture; even the king himself dabbles in gathering resources to thicken the brick walls of his homeland.
I spent much of the remaining daylight traveling among the many towers overseeing and protecting the kingdom's land and borders. I learned that, as preparation for the potential of invasion, the serfs of the countryside who live within range of these towers are trained to man them with bow and arrow, in hopes of holding back opposing forces long enough for the militia to mount a proper defense. Many kingdom members store a number of their war machines near the castle to always be ready, and it was suggested I do the same when able.
In the evening, I dined with my friend and a few of his. They each boasted of their day's haul in their affairs with figures I found surprising and impressive. This lead to discussion of the sea creatures some hunt while not otherwise gathering land resources. There is apparently quite some profit in the sport; I had not heard of such before, and I realized I'd not faced any significant body of water before. I asked to join my new brethren on their next breach of the waves that I might taste the ocean air and learn the trade. It seems I'll need a water craft of my own, as none of them would have room to spare for taking on more crew.
I later returned to the city to settle in for the night. As a passed the city center, I thought again on my previous pondering over my relationship with the city versus that with the kingdom. I seems the city is my livelihood, while the kingdom is (or will be) my family. I then sensed the question of which is my home becoming a gray area; should incursion commence on both fronts, to which is my allegiance more valued? To whom do I owe higher regard? These questions trouble me and I must seek counsel. I hope that my friend can procure some enlightenment, or perhaps there is some other common interest or acquaintance between kingdom and city I can seek for insight.
Other thoughts since last entry:
Monsters are still getting stronger; my worry over the pinnacle of this advancing threat looms darker in my mind with each hunting trip.
I've found numerous formerly unkempt mines near the city that are now branded with my or another resident's signage. Avoiding the previously outlandish tolls has been quite satisfying.
Some smiths have set up at the trade post with some unique equipment and other adornments. They are accepting food donations like the refinery, rather than selling them; I'm yet to find out what charity these donations will benefit. Scalpers are already seemingly trying to create scarcity and make some fast coin, but there must be at least a couple weeks supply at the rate these items are leaving the post, so I'm not sure how well they will do. I must keep an eye for opportunity of my own.
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