Day 50

The entire town spent yesterday checking and repairing buildings to support 'adventurous warriors' that passed by. What that meant was a bit of political nonsense about Taurajo being a trading town and not a warrior hub. Whatever works I suppose, though I could have done without having to smell the stables getting the muck cleaned out.

Taliaa also managed to shatter the pride of the few orcs and trolls in Camp Taurajo with arm wrestling. More than one cocky male slunk away with his tail between his legs but several decided to double down so we made a cool five gold a piece off the bets. Logmar even got in on the action with a knowing grin and walked away with four gold coins of his own and a deep laugh.

Interestingly enough a shipment of stone and lumber came in for a proper burrow on the Eastern edge of town, along with another watchtower to the Southeast on a hill. Jorn gave me a curious look but I told him firmly that while the hill wouldn't bug me, I'd much rather be doing something with myself. So of course he had to assign me to train the recruits and Scouts in combat drills.

I was merciless. Having them swing their weapons until they couldn't lift their arms before switching hands followed by so many squats most of them ended up kissing the ground. I could've done without knowing that one tauren was properly wearing a kilt even if Taliaa seemed very interested in that fact. More power to her I suppose, you go girl.

I gave them a break to cool down before forcing them to carry the stone for the construction. Sure, the peons could handle this, but I figured it was good for the muscles and I even joined in. The first poor bastard that complained about it was given the option between fifty squats or facing Taliaa in the training yard. Nobody wanted to do that after seeing the grins we gave them as we carried our loads past them with ease.

Say what you will about her, and be careful because my axe is always ready to defend a friend, but that woman takes her duties seriously. A Grimtotem by the name of Argan showed up while we were working on push-ups and started laughing before Taliaa beat him into the ground and practically conscripted him. Some of the words coming from his mouth had me threatening to write a letter to Magatha herself to let her know of his disgrace, though the giant snot backed down and got to it with the rest of us.

Today became far more exciting when I finally bought my own spyglass and even caught early sight of the Horde forces coming from the North. Several hundred warriors, I'd estimate around three or four, marched along the Gold Road past Taurajo and all the little ones came out to cheer at them. I must admit something Journal, adorable things are my absolute weakness (DON'T QUESTION IT, NYX IS THE BEST!) and the little tauren children nearly made me squeal when I saw their rough hide Horde banners. Not sure where they got the paint but it was very impressive. I was very impressed by the effort they put in since they tried so hard though the smell was a bit off.

Another item I picked up due to the fact that we currently have an influx of traders, and that I can't remember if I stuffed one in my bags let alone find one, is a horn. Yes, a warhorn. I can't really bring Nyx into battle for another month or two despite her very impressive growth rate, which I attribute to the breaking of the spells on the collar, but I gained several pleased nods when people saw it hanging from my belt.

I'm not sure where exactly that army is planning to set up but from what I remember the only real chokepoint that won't be flanked by quilboar, easily at least, is just South of the watchtower where the valley narrows slightly before flaring out into the Field of Giants. A proper garrison along the road would control all traffic through the area and be practically unbreachable if constructed properly. The two large kodo wagons gave me a bit of hope that they would take things seriously.

Well Journal, I need to get up and help give the recruits an evening training. I wonder if we have any logs to make them run with? Probably not but I suppose it couldn't hurt to check. Strong poles tied to rocks will make due in a pinch if I have to.

-Borgin