"This investment is fool proof for you, Lord." the man boomed. He was a barrel chested individual of noble line, his overpowering voice seemed all but incapable of a whisper. "The mine will be extremely valuable to your city, not having to trade for copper would make your city the center of metal work this side of the kingdom!" Arius chuckled at his unreasonable claims inwardly without breaking his composure. "I understand you have been successful as a merchant but of where does this confidence for beginning an outpost spring, Juton?" Aruis wondered. The middle aged man beamed as he answered. "I've raised a family and that's what an outpost is at its heart, it's a family that needs a strong father to give it a few knocks to ready it for adulthood."
Weighing risks and benefits in his mind Arius came to a realization. ‘The new colony would be small and vulnerable, fair game for outlaws to take advantage of them. Even if the outlaw raiders could completely destroy the colony but it would be in their best interest to preserve it until they could fully utilize the labor it symbolized to them. This is exactly the type of prolonged suffering my god bleeds for.' Arius thought. "You are a capable, trust worthy soul and I believe were I to support you with my wealth you would lead this colony with manifold devotion. I grant you the privilege to undertake this endeavor, greatness befall you.” Juton returned the traditional well wish in kind with his obnoxiously loud disposition. He left the throne room after his good byes all the while making unreasonable claims for which he had no logical proof.
The seasons began changing, the roads had been largely completed, the outlaws had embraced their new life style slowly but progress was being made, the mining colony was in construction. Arius had visited it a couple times, the population of the camp consisted of stout men and their wives. Rough shelters had been built up quickly while the more permanent structures had yet to be completed. The labor was exhausting but the people generally seemed in high spirits. The situation in the east had gone from hatred to minor skirmishes though reports of this were months old and distanced from each other. Some said conflict was inevitable while many exclaimed the unorganized savages would be foolish to start a war against an advanced country with a king. Arius’ money was in small supply due to the new expansions, this was not worrying as the farms had been producing steadily.
Arius continued practicing the forbidden teachings of his god, he didn’t have much time for this. His mentor Fost seemed confidant in his merit and told him he would be able to attempt his first summoning before the next year if circumstances allowed it. His fellows had not grown in number apart from small fluctuations but they had collectively become more apt and determined. Guards were always searching for what they called “the insane cult” but Arius’ people had managed to avoid them by following the leading of their priest and keeping the amount of their murders as low as could be had.
