The World Dragon's Heir - Chapter 556: Early Refugees

Chapter 556: Early Refugees

That thought proved prophetic, Dominic decided. From the next wedding through the twentieth of the morning, they all had the groom wait next to the priest for his bride.

It cut the total time nearly in half, but more importantly, the brides looked really excited about the change.

But Dominic noted that there was one more small difference.

All the brides were either wearing fancy white flats, or walking barefoot on the soft gold carpet. There were no tall and uncomfortable heels today.

That trend was definitely one that was going to catch on.

“I take it that we’re not enforcing any of the traditions?” Alexis whispered as she came up to trade places with Dominic.

“They’re so happy barefoot. Plus, the gentlemen seem to enjoy watching them walk down the aisle.” Dominic replied with a shrug.

Alexis winked at him. “If they’re not going to roar at her, this is probably better.”

Dominic smiled at her, and let the Princess take over, as the next man came up to take his place. The crowd still cheered for his arrival, even without the long walk, and that was the cue for the bride to come out.

Technically, the music was the cue, but Dominic couldn’t tell if they could even hear it over the enthusiasm of their new friends and neighbours.

Once Dominic was out of the main hall, Julio and the staff from the airship hangars were on him with reports.

“My Lord, we have fast-moving refugee groups incoming. They seem to have broken away from the groups on foot, hoping to get here ahead of them and perhaps get the first claim at either housing or jobs.

There are four heavily overloaded buses.

And I do mean heavily overloaded. From airship reports, they have people hanging off the sides, and luggage strapped to the roof.”

Dominic frowned. “That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. They are on this side of the river, right?”

“They are. They’re following the old field roads toward the city, and not moving particularly fast, but faster than refugees on foot are going to chase them for more than a few hundred metres.”

“Alright, that we can work with. As long as they’re not directly endangering the people hanging off the sides of the bus for speed, I say we let them come.

I just switched, so Alexis will be fine for a while. Why don’t I take Dave and go greet our new guests?

If we explain the situation in advance, it should help them understand where they are and what is going on. They’ve likely got questions about the storms and everything else as well.”

“Take the Sheriff and some of the lads too.

It will help if they see human faces. You don’t want them to panic and try to do something stupid, thinking that they’re under attack by trolls.”

Dominic chuckled, remembering what had happened to the last armed group that had come from Dagos controlled territory.

They hadn’t even made it past the villagers in the Trollish town a day’s walk away.

“Alright, I will grab some of the town guards and bring a bunch of trolls. That should get the point across, and still put a friendly human face on things. Though, if they’re not prepared to deal with the less than human, it’s likely better to keep moving.”

The Castellan laughed. “They’re likely from Kinewen. All their old Nobles were nonhuman anyhow. It’s not like they’re actual Dagos refugees.”

“Fair. Alright, I will get going. We can’t have them reaching the outlying farms, or even Baron Keith’s place, while he’s not there. Letting his wife bear the brunt of their questions isn’t fair to her.”

Dominic headed outside and whistled for Dave to join him before going to find his new Warhorse.

Dave could run for hours on end, and he wouldn’t complain as long as he knew that there was soup at the end of the day. Working in the Manor compound, that was basically guaranteed. So, Dave didn’t really complain at all.

The stable hand saw him coming and brought the mechanical horse out, saddle cleaned and ready to go. Very ready to go, Dominic noted.

It had been painted, with panels displaying various scenic views around Wistover instead of the old Dagos Livery. It was a bit informal, by usual standards, but Dominic liked it.

The horse was dedicated to Wistover.

“Alright, Dave. We’re going to greet new people. We just need to gather some of the soldiers or town guards to go with us, so we don’t scare the humans.”

Dave laughed. “Go to Pop’s place. There was a tractor there this morning, and it can keep up with Dave.”

That was a good call.

“Guardsmen! Fall in on me. We’re going to go greet the first refugee buses. Borrow a tractor or carriage unless you can keep up with Dave’s jogging speed.”

“Got it. We will borrow the prototype bus. It’s set up for going to the Baronies, and the first one just left, so they won’t need this one for a while.”

There was a second vehicle sitting in front of the Manor, and it looked more refined than the one sitting between Pop’s place and the old Carriage works.

It was much smaller than a merchant caravan tractor, or most of the ones that they used around town.

It was based on a light transport, intended for no more than ten people plus a driver. That was enough for the town guard team that was coming with them, and they left Dominic to explain the situation to Pops while they loaded.

“I will bring it right back. We’re just going to meet some refugees that are getting too close to town. The new Barons haven’t had time to settle in yet.” He called.

“Go ahead. I’ve got some of the mages here today, they can go inform the others to come to the city first, and then you can sort out the mess.”

“Thanks, Pops.”