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Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: First Foundations

The news spread quickly through the three ships. By noon, everyone knew they had found a suitable island—blessed by an ancient guardian, no less.

"An ancient magical construct gave us permission?" one refugee asked skeptically. "And we're just accepting that?"

"Given that she's been guarding this island for three thousand years and could have killed us all if she wanted to," Elion replied calmly, "yes, I think accepting her blessing is the smart move."

The first formal landing began that afternoon. Elion organized it carefully—scouts and builders first, twenty people whose job was to establish a safe perimeter and identify the best location for construction.

"We'll start at the beach near the harbor," Elion explained. "Flat ground, close to water, easy to defend. Once we have basic shelters, we'll expand inland gradually."

Garrick took charge of construction teams. Despite his age, the old soldier threw himself into work with enthusiasm. "Finally," he muttered, directing people to clear brush. "Something productive instead of sailing in circles."

The shadow soldiers proved invaluable for heavy labor. They could work without rest, didn't need food or water, and possessed supernatural strength. What would have taken fifty people a week, the shadows accomplished in two days—clearing land, moving stones, cutting timber from the jungle edge.

"This is incredible," Helena said, watching shadow soldiers effortlessly haul logs that would have required a dozen men and complex pulleys. "We'll have a functional camp before the week is out."

"That's the plan," Mira confirmed, consulting her notes. "Temporary shelters first, then we assess resources and plan the permanent town. We'll need to survey the entire island—find all freshwater sources, identify good farmland, locate any dangers."

"I can help with that," Lyssa offered. "The jungle is dense but not hostile. There are predators, but normal ones—big cats, large reptiles, nothing supernatural. The Guardian's presence kept away truly dangerous creatures."

"For three thousand years," Kael added. "But she said her power is fading. Once she's gone, what comes back?"

"We'll need strong defenses," Elion said. "Walls, watchtowers, organized patrols. The shadow army can handle most threats, but we can't rely on them exclusively."

That evening, as the sun set over their nascent settlement, Elion took stock. They had:

Twenty temporary shelters from canvas and wood

A designated cooking area

Freshwater access from a nearby stream

Cleared ground for one hundred more shelters

Shadow soldiers patrolling fifty yards into jungle

Two hundred and forty-six people, all healthy

It wasn't much, but it was a start. More importantly, it was theirs.

"You should be proud," Mira said, joining him. Her silver fur was matted with dirt and sweat, but her eyes were bright. "In two weeks, you've led these people from a crumbling barony to a new home."

"We're not safe yet. We have months of work before this place is truly secure."

"True. But for tonight, let people celebrate. We've earned it."

Elion agreed. Someone produced instruments—a fiddle, a drum, a flute. Music filled the air, and people danced on the beach under impossibly bright stars.

Helena grabbed Elion's hand and spun him into a dance, laughing at his awkward attempts.

"You're terrible at this," she announced cheerfully.

"I'm aware. Noble education included swordplay and etiquette, not dancing."

"Well, you need to learn. Can't be a proper leader if you can't dance at celebrations."

As the celebration wound down, Elion gathered his inner circle for planning.

"Tomorrow, we start the real work," he said, spreading out a rough map Lyssa had drawn. "We need to survey everything—resources, terrain, potential dangers. I want to know this island completely before we commit to permanent construction."

"I'll lead western exploration," Kael volunteered. "Take twenty shadows and some volunteers."

"I'll take the northern region," Lyssa added. "The jungle is thickest there, but my magic will help navigate."

"Garrick, continue construction here. Helena, organize food gathering and preparation—hunting, fishing, foraging. We need to stretch remaining supplies while establishing sustainable sources."

"And you?" Mira asked.

"I'm going to the island's center. To the ruins the Guardian mentioned. I want to understand what we're protecting."

"That seems risky," Garrick frowned. "She specifically said not to disturb them."

"I'm not planning to disturb anything. Just observe from a distance." Elion met the old soldier's eyes. "We need to know what's forbidden territory so we don't accidentally violate our agreement."

"I'm coming with you," Mira stated flatly.

"Me too," Kael added. "If there's ancient cursed ruins, you need someone watching your back."

Lyssa nodded. "The spirits say the center is heavy. Weighted with old magic. You shouldn't go alone."

Elion wanted to protest, but they were right. "Fine. We go as a group. But we observe only—no touching, no investigating too closely, no heroic stupidity."

"Says the man who charges at kraken," Kael muttered, but he was smiling.

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