Two weeks after landing, the settlement had transformed from a collection of canvas shelters into something resembling a proper camp. Wooden structures replaced most tents, a sturdy palisade wall surrounded the perimeter, and organized work crews tackled different projects daily.
But with growth came problems.
"We have our first major dispute," Mira announced, entering Elion's newly constructed office—a small building that served as command center and meeting place. "Two families are arguing over land allocation. The Brennans claim they were promised the plot near the stream, but the Hendersons say they arrived first and have already started building."
Elion rubbed his temples. He'd fought monsters, survived storms, and negotiated with ancient magical beings. Somehow, property disputes felt more exhausting.
"What does our land coordinator say?"
"That's part of the problem. We don't technically have one yet. You said people could claim plots on a first-come basis, but you didn't establish a formal system for documenting claims or resolving disputes."
"So this is my fault."
"It's a learning experience," Mira said diplomatically. "Every new settlement goes through this. The question is how you handle it."
Elion stood. "Call both families to meet here in an hour. And find Magnus—the dwarf who offered to help with legal systems. It's time we actually formalized some of this."
The meeting was tense. The Brennan family—husband, wife, and three young children—insisted they'd been verbally promised the waterfront plot by one of the early scouts. The Henderson family—an older couple and their adult son—argued that verbal promises meant nothing compared to actual occupation and construction.
"Both of you have valid points," Elion said after hearing them out. "The Brennans were told something that led them to believe they had a claim. The Hendersons acted in good faith based on available land and started building. This is exactly why we need formal systems."
He turned to Magnus, the dwarf legal expert who'd been taking notes. "Your recommendation?"
Magnus stroked his braided beard thoughtfully. "In my homeland, we'd rule in favor of occupation—those who work the land earn the right to it. But that creates incentive for land rushing, which breeds more conflict. Perhaps a compromise? The Hendersons keep the plot they're building on, but the Brennans get first choice of the next equivalent plot near the stream. And moving forward, all land claims must be documented and approved through a central authority."
It wasn't perfect, but both families grudgingly accepted. As they left, Elion turned to Magnus.
"I need you to create a complete land allocation system. Maps, documentation, approval process, dispute resolution procedures. Can you do that?"
"Aye, I can. Though I'll need assistants and materials."
"Take whoever and whatever you need. This won't be our last dispute, and I'd rather have systems in place before the next one."
The land dispute was just the first of many growing pains. Over the following days, Elion dealt with:
A theft accusation between neighbors that turned out to be a simple misunderstanding about shared tools.
A religious dispute when two different faiths wanted to use the same gathering space for services.
Arguments about work assignments—some people felt they were doing harder labor than others for the same food rations.
Complaints about the shadow soldiers—despite weeks of coexistence, some people remained uncomfortable with their constant presence.
"Welcome to actual governance," Garrick said with dark amusement, watching Elion navigate the sixth dispute of the day. "Fighting monsters is easy. Getting people to cooperate is the real challenge."
"Nobody told me leadership was ninety percent mediating arguments and ten percent heroic action."
"That's because the songs only focus on the heroic parts. The boring parts don't make good stories."
Despite the challenges, progress continued. The settlement—now officially named Shadowhaven after their lead ship—expanded daily. Population remained stable at two hundred and forty-six, but the infrastructure grew:
Thirty permanent wooden buildings constructed
Complete palisade wall with four watchtowers
Central meeting hall for assemblies and disputes
Designated market area for trade and commerce
School building with Helena teaching basic education
Medical clinic with supplies from the ships
Fishing docks extending into the harbor
Cleared farmland with initial crops planted
"We're starting to look like a real town," Kael observed, surveying the progress from one of the watchtowers. "Rough around the edges, but real."
"How are the perimeter patrols going?" Elion asked, joining him.
"Shadow scouts report normal jungle activity. A few big cats that watch from a distance but don't approach. Some large lizards that avoid the settlement. Nothing threatening yet." Kael's expression was cautious. "But I keep thinking about what the Guardian said. Her power is fading. When it's gone completely, will more dangerous things move in?"
"Probably. Which is why we're building defenses now." Elion gestured at the wall. "It's not much, but it's a start. And we're training militia—thirty people now who can handle basic combat. Between them and the shadow army, we should be able to handle most threats."
"Should is a dangerous word."
"It's all we've got."
That evening brought unexpected visitors. Thalor surfaced in the harbor with a dozen mer-folk warriors, their expressions urgent.
"Elion!" the mer-captain called. "We need to speak. There's been a development."
They gathered in the meeting hall—Elion, his inner circle, and the mer-folk delegation. Thalor wasted no time.
"Word of your settlement has spread," he began. "Other powers in the region are taking notice. Most are merely curious, but some are concerned. A settlement of surface dwellers backed by shadow magic, blessed by an ancient guardian, growing rapidly—it raises questions."
"What kind of questions?" Mira asked.
"Whether you intend to expand. Whether you'll honor territorial boundaries. Whether you're a threat or potential ally." Thalor's expression was serious. "The Deepcurrent Clan supports you—you've proven yourselves to us. But there are other factions. The Storm Shark Tribe sees any new power as competition. The Coral Court views surface dwellers with suspicion. And there are rumors that the Empire has sent scouts to investigate what happened to their wayward baron."
Elion felt his stomach tighten. "The Empire is looking for us?"
"Not actively hunting yet. But they're asking questions, following rumors. Eventually, they'll find you. When they do..." Thalor left the implication hanging.
"When they do, we'll deal with it," Elion said with more confidence than he felt. "We're not going back. We're not surrendering. And we're not going to let them destroy what we're building."
"Brave words. You'll need to back them up." Thalor stood. "My advice? Make more allies. Fast. The Storm Shark Tribe can be reasoned with if you approach them right. The Coral Court values trade and mutual benefit. Build relationships now, before you need them desperately."
"Will you help with introductions?"
"I can arrange meetings. But you'll have to do the negotiating yourself. We can vouch for you, but you must prove your worth to each faction." Thalor moved toward the door. "I'll return in three days with details. In the meantime, prepare. Not just your settlement, but yourselves. You're about to step onto a much bigger stage."
After the mer-folk left, the inner circle sat in heavy silence.
"He's right," Mira said finally. "We've been so focused on immediate survival and settlement building that we haven't thought strategically about regional politics. We need allies if we're going to last."
"And we need to prepare for eventual Imperial contact," Kael added. "They won't just let a baron defect with Imperial citizens. Even if we're beyond their easy reach, they'll make an example of us if they can."
"Then we make ourselves too valuable to destroy and too difficult to conquer," Elion said. "We build this settlement into something that matters. Something that other powers want to preserve, not eliminate."
"That's a tall order," Helena said.
"So was escaping the Empire. So was crossing the ocean. So was claiming this island." Elion stood. "We've done impossible things before. We'll do them again."
As the meeting broke up and people headed to their quarters, Elion remained behind, staring at the rough map of the archipelago on the wall. Their island was a small dot among many, surrounded by waters controlled by various factions, with the distant Empire looming like a storm cloud on the horizon.
They'd found their new home. Now came the hard part—keeping it.