Butcher of Gadobrah Chapter 174 Rough Draft (Patreon)

To the north and west of the village of Sedgewick was a small forest of Ironwood Hickories. Long under siege by the mighty army of the oaks, they now dwelt in peace, guarded in part by their new allies in the village. It's easy to find their once hidden glade. Just follow the trail oak stumps.

Further from the village, and again North and to the West, dwelled the dryads of the Apples. More numerous, but not nearly as powerful as the Ironwoods, they fell under the dominance of the oaks, forced to send bushels of apples as tribute to the squirrel allies of the oaks. They too were now freed of the shackles of the tyrant trees and had agreements with both Ironwood and Humans.

Between the two glades were miles of once-oak, the mighty trees either fled, (slowly, even a mile a day is a fast pace for a treant and a flock of trees, or died where they stood. Victims of a war with strong humans and Princes of the Ironwoods armed with fell axes and saws. Nature was now conducting its harsh race to see what would fill in the area. Small saplings hoped to outgrow the bushes before their light was devoured. The grasses were doing their best to attract grazing animals who would mow down bush and saplings alike, giving the grasses the chance to create a meadow.

Bets were placed by all sorts of animals, the crows taking the bets to the stoats who ran the betting. It was 2-1 odds on the trees taking over in the long run, with the meadow not far behind. The bushes were the longshot at 10-1. Side bets were made on things like Pepper Farms, City Expansion, and Undead Rabbits. The stoats took bets from anyone, no matter how odd, even the silly hound that barked loudly and tossed a muddy coin pouch he'd found in the road, placing a bet of 1 gold, 4 silver, 9 copper, and perfectly round pebble into the pool with the outcome of "Hungry Unicorns". The stoats gladly took his money and entered the hounds bet into the pool at odds of 567-1.

A group of contract workers, done with the daily chores having labored from sunrise to sunset were traveling through Gadobhra to do even more work. The road from the gates to the ACME building was brightly lit with oil lamps. The group waved at a fellow worker who was refilling the lamps, while another pulled along a small wagon with barrels of oil. The lamps were a symbol of progress and man's unwillingness to let the dark and the monsters invade each night. They also ate up a lot of oil each day.

As the group passed the ACME building, they smelled the distinct aroma of the cheap cigars favored by the baron. A figure stepped from the shadows and greeted them. "You folks just never quit, do you? Probably the best investment I made was letting Ozzy talk me into hiring you all." Baron William had a smile on his face, and compliments in his mouth, which immediately put the workers on edge, at least inwardly.

"That's nice of you to say so, sir. And we do like to work hard. Ozzy is taking us down to help him keep your dungeon happy." Rolly was all smiles and Squirmie had a goofy look on her face similar to a child's toy.

Billy continued. "Humor me though, and explain to me how in hell you earned 6600 building points...no... that’s wrong. 8800 building points, and you generously sent me 2200 points to spend in the city. Don't get me wrong, 2200 points is nothing I'll turn my nose up at, and when Vern sees my report tomorrow, he'll be shitting a brick."

"Which is why tonight I'd like to learn: How the hell did you do it?"
Layla appeared at his elbow. "How do you want to do this, darlings? I’m ready to wear my fingers out taking notes."

Un-noticed by anyone at all, Runt took three steps towards the shadows and disappeared. He had horned rabbits to butcher and wasn't getting involved with boss stuff. That was smartass Ozzy's job, as far as he was concerned.

Said butcher stepped forward and crossed his arms. "You're mad that we earned you points?"

Billy shook his head. "Not in the least bit." Then he walked up to Ozzy and handed him a cigar, lighting it for the butcher with a fancy Dwarvish lighter. Looking questioning at Ben, Rolly, and Suzette only Ben accepted a cigar as well.

"I'm jealous and impressed is what I am. And I want to know how I can duplicate your methods. I've earned a few here in the city myself, but nowhere near that many. So rather than sit in my tower and gnash my teeth, I figured I'd come talk to the smart people who are getting stronger and building up their little village."

Suzette seemed to thinking and then moved closer to Layla. "So, you want to know our secrets? It's so much better if we show you? It's like a secret training method we do some nights. Great for your arm muscles and very slimming all around. Gets rid of a lot of stress too." Layla stared at the barmaid, trying to see passed the perfectly innocent smile on her lips and in her eyes.

"I'm going to regret this, I know it, but sure. I could use some stress relief."

Suzette looked over at Ozzy. "You already finished all your quests. How about you talk some to Billy, and Layla can fill in for you?" Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed the two cleavers out of Ozzy's apron and tossed them to Layla who caught both in mid-air and took a few practice swings with them.

Ozzy watched the two women walk off and glanced at Billy. The Baron nodded in the direction Layla was walking. "Won't be her first time swinging around a bloody cleaver. Let's head into the lobby, and I'll get a bottle of wine and you can enlighten me some."