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  “No, but not far into the wild lands there is a large river. The well water is only for drinking. We lost three widows when we overused the well and had to venture beyond the village limits for water. Be a man, she is a good woman and her offer won't last long.” She sighed and marched back toward the working children and berries.

  The redhead still waited for me. This place was weird but it was my first real test and no way was I going to back down. I gathered my courage and walked to her. I lifted my kilt, grabbed my semi hard cock, and stroked it to fullness. I spit on my middle and index finger until they were nicely wet. With my left hand, I lifted her skirt higher and with my right hand, swiped her slit to wet it. I didn't need to, between the moon flow and her desire she was dripping. I tilted my head to the sky in frustration about doing this out here in the open and... To avoid the smell. If I had to guess it was the way things were done, privacy didn't exist, making babies took place in the open.

  I slid my large stiff cock into her slowly. Her tight lips squeezed my girth with desire. I was halfway in when I found out she was a loud one.

  “So tight... ahhhhhh... so what is your name?”

  “Lyna, now shut up and fuck me. It has been over six months since I have got to feel the pleasure of a man. Don't spoil it with small talk.” Lyna ordered as she gazed at me with lust in her bright blue eyes. This made me feel it was less a test and more a setup for sex with the new handsome single man.

  I was not in the mood for having public sex or for being ordered around by a half starved filthy woman. So I did what any man would, I stopped being nice and gave it to her rough. I went from a gentle half deep stroke to smacking her ass cheeks one hit per each cheek. I then began feeding her my entire cock as rough and as hard as I could.

  “So huge... Oh yes... Oh yes... I am cumming...” She screamed for the world to know as I joined her in climax. I didn't moan or cry out. Sure I enjoyed her tight pussy pumping my cum out but this wasn't a lovemaking session. When I was done filling her with my seed I pulled out and watched as blood mixed with sperm dripped to the ground. I was done and hopefully, now I could help these people without fear of me being a predator to the children. I straightened out my kilt and eyed the berry field. Based on the looks the women gave with flushed faces and rosy checks I was desired by more than Lyna.

  I pulled out my map and studied it as I walked the trail toward Velia. The river was not far into the western wild lands and the map showed at one point it had been diverted with a spillway to the village.

  “Hey Velia, is there a pick and a shovel I can use? Oh, and maybe a small axe? I am going to the wild lands to try to reroute the river back into the village protection area. That way we can at least bathe.”

  She looked at me as if she wanted to argue but nodded and proceeded to a collapsed shed. She shifted some wood covering a pile and reached into it. A few moments later she had the tools I requested.

  “Do not lose these. Tools are very hard to replace. Look, I know what happened with Lyna probably wasn't normal where you are from, but these people are everything to me. Please be good to us, and we will do the same. Now if you encounter anything out there that is big and scary, run. The river is only about a ten minute hike. Know that some creatures of the Horde blocked our spillway to make a trap. That was how the three widows died about two months ago. Since then no one goes to the river and if I had to guess they abandoned their ambush due to lack of prey showing up. If you do kill something, bring it back. We need meat and certain parts fetch good money by the mages and alchemists in the big cities. Cern will gladly buy eyes, hearts, and tongues for spells or potions and such.” She said handing me the tools. “Oh and good luck. I would love a bath but I really want a roof over my head.” With that said she rested a hand on my large bicep and smiled with a twinkle in her eye.

  I was only slightly shocked this time. The reality of Vin was sinking in. I turned and followed the map route to the river when I felt a hand slap my ass with a loud smack as I walked by. I thought it was Velia but couldn't be certain.

  “Ladies rule!” was shouted.

  “I will get whoever that was back later,” I said with a tease as I got further into the farm fields and away from the group.

  A quiet fell over the area. For the first time since coming to Vin, I was alone. It was peaceful. The farm fields were neatly organized, and the crops swayed gently in the breeze. I scanned the skyline for birds but found it empty. A dark set of clouds rolled away in the distant north. I checked the dirt in the fields for tracks of prey but found none. I knew these people were starving and doubted many animals like wild bunnies would survive long around the villagers.

  There was a worn trail that headed straight for the river. I followed it as the fields gave way to the sporadic pines and then pine tree forest with thick underbrush. Not sure where this barrier started so I proceeded slowly. About a hundred feet left of me was the dried out creek bed from where the water used to flow into the settlement. It was at least five feet deep and cut into the farm fields of the village then continued back towards the wild lands to rejoin the river. If I got this creek filled again the villagers could be safe while cleaning and bathing. Clean hygiene was vital, that had been drilled into me from a young age and I figured a flowing water source would help more than a roof. Plus my nose would burn less from the smell that wafted off the villagers. That in itself was a big plus and incentive. Especially since I believed all I needed to do was get a portion of the river to spill into this lower elevation creek. It was dug deep enough on a gentle slope that it should work fine without flooding the fields. Based on the bed of the waterway a lot of humans had spent a lot of time digging this canal out.

  I made the decision to follow the dried up creek bed instead of the trail. I was worried about traps the Horde could have laid. This also was around the area where the ogre had been spotted so I hoped the lower terrain would help hide my profile. I pulled a javelin out of the quiver type case and feeling somewhat prepared I stepped into the unknown.

  A very slight shiver tingled through my body. I would have to see if I felt the same thing around the same place on the way back. If so the village protection extended a good distance into the pines and would make acquiring wood much easier than I anticipated. I had worried I would be chopping down trees in hostile territory.

  The trip was quiet and somewhat spooky. There was little in the way of noise besides the sound of swaying plant life from the light breeze. I was on the constant lookout for tracks. I did see a few giant flat footprints about halfway there. That had to be the tracks of an ogre. There were a few signs of other humanoid creatures off the beaten path but not many and nothing that looked fresh.

  The sound of fast moving water told me I was close to the river. I continued in the dry creek bed until I found a dam. I had to give credit to whoever had designed the blockage. There was a row of condensed trees planted deep into the ground. In front of the tightly packed log wall was a large pile of rocks. They then tossed large amounts of mud, twigs, and anything else they could into the rocks and tree fence. This sealed the dam up nicely. I had hoped to have faced a much easier task than this at getting the water to flow again.

  I took a minute to study my surroundings. Up and down the river, trees blocked out most of the sunlight as they hung over the waterway. A few trails to the water were prevalent but no life moved. I patiently waited to see if anything or anyone would reveal itself. When I was fairly confident I was alone I stripped my clothes off until I was naked. I noticed my birthmark on my thigh and gave a silent chuckle at seeing it. Realism at its finest.

  With the pickaxe in hand, I slid into the calm part of the river where the dam was built. I knew I had a few options here. I could smash the wood support fence from the bottom and probably break the dam with the power of the river. Without the support, the rocks would wash downstream and the water would flow again. That would not only be loud but it would clearly show that someone had been h
ere. I instead chose to spring a big leak. That would look more natural, happen faster, and cause much less noise.

  Naked, and in chest high water I pried the pick behind a large rock up high in the middle of the dam. With it firmly wedged behind the rock I planted my feet for leverage and pulled on the pickaxe. The large rock shifted violently and rolled in between my legs towards the main river. That was close to smashing a leg or worse my nuts. My brain screamed at me to proceed with caution. I found the next rock and as soon as I got good leverage on it, it too came free and went safely past me into deeper water. With the two main rocks gone I picked and pulled out the twigs. I scooped pebbles and clay mud by hand and flung it over my shoulder into the river. I saw the wall of wood start to bow a little as the river started to push against it. I cleared some small rocks wedged between the wood wall pieces until water trickled on the other side.

  Tossing the pick on the ground I emerged from the river to see how much was getting through. It was a steady flow but not nearly enough. I went to my pile of gear and took out my dagger. With the sharp tool in my hand, I went to the backside of the log wall. I went to work where the water seeped into the now muddy creek bed. I shaved, pried, and cut until a small jet of water shot from the damn and into the village creek. Satisfied with my work I went back to my gear.

  A noise startled me. I quickly geared myself and dove into a large bush. There... that noise came again. It sounded like someone shaking a tree limb. I crept forward and watched the shore. This time I saw it. I noticed a branch across the river shaking furiously. A string was being jerked to and fro in the water. It dawned on me. That must be a fishing line set by the Horde. I quickly stripped down again and grabbed a single javelin.

  The river was moving at a steady pace but I was a great swimmer. I would be fine, unless it was freezing cold or I was dragged down by someone. I dove head first into the deep water and raced for the opposite side where the fish line was. My brain told my fear there was no giant crazy monster about to grab me and yank me to the depths. I made it to the other side and pulled myself on the shore using a tree root for leverage. I hurried as quietly as I could to the shaking tree limb. My plan at this point was if someone stumbled upon me to jump back into the river and swim across to my armor. I waited a moment to ensure I was alone and then grabbed the line. I pulled in two large fish, I did not know the species but they were heavy, at least five pounds each. They had long whiskers and a single sharp spiky dorsal fin. They flopped noisily on the shore which forced me to kill them swiftly with a stab to the brain. I then hooked each of them through the gills to the mouth on the javelin for travel.

  Another branch a few trees over started shaking. I saw a clear trail from this tree to the new shaking tree. I followed it with my eyes and searched for more fish lines. Now that I knew what to look for there were over a dozen trees on this side of the river baited up. I should have been afraid but I was oddly calm. I went down the shore and proceeded to strip every fish I could find. With over a dozen fish on my javelin, I dove back into the water and swam towards the other shore.

  It was much harder to swim across the current using only my legs but I managed it. I was tired, soaking wet, but successful. The sun had reached its peak for the day. Only a few hours into this world and I fixed the village’s water problem and would be returning with a lot of food. I got dressed, tossed the weighted fish over my back, and made my way alongside the ever filling creek. It was tougher going this time. The extra weight and the lack of a clear, clean path meant slower progress.

  When I left the woods and entered the farm fields I felt a faint sensation. That must be the safe zone line. I felt it more clearly this time. Yup, it was right around the same place. Phew, that would make getting timber so much less stressful. I wondered what that barrier felt like to the Horde members. Did it cause them to burst into flames, or bend over in gut wrenching pain? It was definitely worth asking about.

  Now that I was safe, I smiled in a huge grin. I joyfully made my way down the path that divided the farm fields and noticed the widows and children excitedly waving at me. Lily dashed from her work and raced up to me.

  “Mr. Gryff! The water flows again. It is so pretty to see. It is not rising all the way though. Debbi said you didn't fix it right if that is all the water there is. I called her a bison and told her some water is better than none.”

  I took the rack of fish off my back so I could get a free hand. Which I promptly ruffled her hair with.

  “Ewww... Mr. Gryff don't mess up my hair with your smelly fish hands. Wait... how did you catch all these fish?” Lily asked with a tilted head. By this time the full group of orphans, children, and widows had gathered around.

  “Yeah, how did you catch all these ratfish?” Velia asked providing insight into the name of the fish.

  The first thing I did was grab the three tools she gave me earlier and returned them to her. It was hot out and my metal armor with a leather chest piece was causing me to overheat. I removed it and placed it beside the dead fish. An 'oh my' escaped one of the women at my exposed chiseled upper body. I smirked at this, I had worked tirelessly to achieve this body. I was extremely fit, more so than anyone else I had seen here by a large margin. She quickly received an elbow to be quiet and blushed deeply.

  “Lady Velia I present these...” I was interrupted by a group of kids in full roaring laughter at me calling Velia a lady. A few boxed ears later and the background noise died down. “Ratfish for us to eat. I was making a nice sized hole in the damn when I found a fish line. One fish line lead to more, and I ended up with this pile you see before you. Of course, they were heavy to carry but I was up to the task so everyone could have a good meal on my first day here.” I said with a great big smile on my face.

  “Lady... You honor me, good sir. So who did the fish lines belong to? Whose fish did you take?” “If I had to guess, orcs or goblins. The trail leading to each line was far too narrow to belong to the ogre. I only saw his prints a few times. Can they attack the safe zone if I steal from them?” I asked curiously, wanting to make sure I had not done something horribly wrong.

  “No, we are fine, this is a mighty haul and the water is fantastic to see again. It will take a few hours for it to run this far without being thick with mud but when it does we can finally... finally... All bathe!” She said with excitement and spirit I hadn't seen from any of the villagers yet. All around me I saw expressions of joy. It was a wonder what the promise of a full belly and clean body could do to the vitality of the downtrodden.

  A rush of side chatter grew into a chorus until Velia stuck two fingers into her mouth and let out a loud whistle. “Break for today. Sandra, Felina, Micka, Launa, and Betti you are on fish cleaning detail. Take your kids and half the orphans and teach them how it is done. Lily, take the other half of the orphans and go collect fallen logs and twigs for a fire. Stay inside the safe zone, if you feel the tingle turn around. Lily! Where do you stay?”

  “Inside the safe zone mam,” Lily said as she hustled up some kids and took off to the edge of the fields where some trees were still inside the village border.

  “The rest of us we need to hurry with the last of the berries and then prepare some side food. We are having a feast tonight. Donnie, I need you to go run to Elan and tell him we are hosting a dinner party on the western fields an hour before sundown.” Velia ordered.

  The oldest boy in the entire group, probably around fifteen or sixteen took off at a sprint toward the town center.

  “Lady Velia what about me?” I said sarcastically as if I was offended to have been forgotten. She saw right through my smirk and had her reply ready to go.

  “You, Sir Gryff, defiler of wholesome ladies over a well. You will go forth and fell as many trees as you can before the feast. You have close to five hours until then. Drag them this way so we can get started preparing the logs to build us a house you promised.” With that said, she tossed the wood axe back at me in a gentle arch that I eas
ily caught.

  I let out a roaring laugh. “I guess that is more than fair. Until the feast then. I will be doing manly things over by the trees.”

  ∞∞∞

  I had been chopping down trees for hours. Something was off, either the trees were super soft or I was stronger than before. My arms were in great shape with well-toned bulging muscles. Yet, I was cutting these trees down easily. I felled the ones closest to the creek and rolled them into the water. Donnie had been tasked to stop the logs as they drifted further into the village. The young man had taken to asking me for tasks. My thought was that Velia had assigned him to me and I could definitely use the help. It must have been close to thirty trees down by the time I took a break. The fish being prepared for the feast had wafted in my direction for a while now. The delicious smell made my stomach rumble. I was starving and decided to snack on the travel ration I had saved from earlier. First, bite in and I knew I wouldn't even feed this food to a dog. I guess that ruled out buying more rations from Marga or Stov.

  “Albggga, Magdrs... Dnsucka!”

  I was startled by a goblin in a screaming rage at the boundary of the safe zone. He was only a few dozen feet away from me. He screamed more incoherent goblin speak and charged at me. When he reached the barrier it solidified and knocked him on his ass. I chuckled and went over to my gear. I put my chest armor on, slid my shield firmly on my left arm and grabbed a javelin. I should have figured a bunch of empty fish lines and then a wafting smell of cooked fish would bring us trouble. Elan did warn me they could smell amazingly well.

  I lined up the angry goblin and pulled back my javelin for a mighty throw.

  “Noooooooooo... Wait!!!” Lyna screamed at me. She had heard the goblin shouting and raced to warn me.

  I paused my throw and inserted the javelin back into its container as I waited for her to finish running to reach me. Others trailed behind her, trying to get to me as fast as possible.