Side Story 5.3: New Roles to Fill
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The Following Morning
After sufficient rest had been achieved, the Thirteen Stooges were awakened by August's daily routines, something they had learned from him during his stay at the Fernando estate years before. They had maintained these practices religiously even though no one had told them to continue after August left.
With the rhythm of the morning, the thirteen of them joined everyone else in the pre-dawn ritual. They had actually been redoing this type of regimen since deciding to come to Maya Village, understanding just how strict August was about such discipline. The constant consistency required was harder than any single heroic effort. Taking one step forward was easy. Maintaining that forward progress every single day without exception was what separated those who achieved their goals from those who merely dreamed about them.
During their journey here over the past month, they had joined the wagon guards and caravan personnel in these morning exercises, preparing themselves for the days ahead exactly like this one.
What they had not expected was that August literally woke before dawn. The sun had not even begun to show itself on the horizon, yet August was already outside, preparing himself for the day's training. He was the embodiment of consistency, doing something that most people found difficult when they first woke. The Thirteen did not know if such routines were even a disadvantage to August, because he seemed to find peace and even joy in the practice.
Small groans escaped their mouths as they followed him outside after warming up. They could see that it was not only August who maintained this discipline. Almost everyone in the village was also engaged in their own morning training. Nobody had ordered them to do so, but when they saw their leaders practicing these routines, it created a domino effect throughout the population.
Everyone should be at least this physically fit, especially in a forest settlement which is littered with every danger you could think of that was only possible in the legends. Such morning regimens not only trained the body but actually prepared you for the entire day ahead. Training both mind and body to work as one, building endurance and stamina throughout daily activities, improving not only health but overall capability in all tasks.
The more people realized this cultural concept underlying why the village practiced these routines, especially those still new to Maya, the more they too were pulled into doing so themselves.
It was not mandatory for everyone, of course. Old people, those with disabilities, and pregnant women who could no longer perform such tasks were never required to participate. In fact, no one was strictly required, but everyone fit enough was expected to work at their own pace. Emergencies could occur when least expected, so it was better to be prepared, especially for those in the militia, the security force, and even the support groups who might need to evacuate or assist during crises.
The Thirteen had their own paces in completing the exercises, understanding that not everyone possessed the same strengths. After significant sweat had been produced and the sun finally began breaking over the mountain ridge, August called them to the training grounds.
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Testing Their Growth
He wanted to assess their growth or identify how stagnant they had become in their combat development. August had taught them the basics years ago, but he had heard that some of them had taken jobs related to combat, so he was quite excited to see their progress.
Loyd Yu, Edgar Filtt, Henrich Maus, Amanda Bloues, and Juan Tamad—these young people showed particular potential. Amanda would make an excellent apprentice to Master Ben, if she chose that path.
The training session left most of them on the ground, heavily panting. They were healed of their injuries through Theressa's assistance afterward, but they were thoroughly exhausted after that morning session. Even the village guards who had been observing flinched at what they witnessed. August had not even used much of his strength, barely a fraction of a percentage of his true capability.
"I see," August said, surveying the exhausted group. "Aside from those with combat experience, the rest will need significant new instruction. I applaud your forms, though. It seems you did not waste your time in Gremory. Youmaintained the foundations I taught you."
He paused, making eye contact with each of them. "If you want to truly live here, then at least learn how to defend yourselves. I do not expect you to save anyone else's lives. I expect you to save your own. Remember this: you are only as useful as you are alive and unharmed. Before you think of doing anything heroic like saving other people's lives, learn how to preserve your own first. Heroism without competence is just suicide with witnesses."
With that sobering assessment, he dismissed them. "Let us adjourn this session and return to the Longhouse. I am sure a proper breakfast will be more satisfying after training."
They dragged themselves back to the house, muscles aching in ways they had not experienced since August's departure from Gremory years ago.
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Assigning Roles
Over breakfast in the Longhouse's main hall, August began asking them about their specializations and what they hoped to achieve in Maya Village.
After hearing about their diverse skills and interests, he realized the village might soon have new departments to establish, particularly in formal education. August turned to Jeany Hermes. "Jeany, you studied pedagogy and teaching methodologies in Gremory. Are you prepared to take on the task of organizing a formal education system for the village?"
Jeany's eyes widened, then filled with determination. "Yes. Yes of course! This is exactly what I have been preparing for, August. I would be honored."
"Good. I will draft a recommendation to the Elder Council to formally begin planning a budget for education. It is an important aspect for everyone, whether young or old, especially in this village where literacy and practical knowledge can mean the difference between prosperity and mere survival."
Village Chief Red Peerce, who had been eating quietly nearby, overheard this conversation and nodded thoughtfully. He would take the matter to his office himself and draft the necessary resolution to present to the full Elder Council.
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Next was Ashford Tribolt. His interest in engineering would certainly be valuable to the village's continued development. August thought of the perfect person in the household who could mentor him.
"Uncle Sibus," August called across the table, "would you like to take Ashford as your apprentice? You remember him from our time in Gremory, correct? I know your preferences regarding people's company, but I hope you could find joy in someone who shares your interests and passion for understanding how things work."
Sibus remained quiet, methodically eating his food while listening to conversations that interested him. This particular proposition piqued his curiosity. His analytical mind was already working through the implications. An apprentice was certainly something new, something he had not considered before. But the boy had shown genuine interest in mechanical principles, and that was rare enough to be worth nurturing.
After a long pause, Sibus nodded once. "We will see if he has the patience for precision work. Bring him to my workshop this afternoon."
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Mary Sween was next. Her interest lay in cooking, and she had told August of her dream to open her own restaurant one day, a place where people could gather over good food and build community.
August nodded approvingly. "The village will continue to grow, Mary. A restaurant serving beast meat caught here in the forest, prepared with skill and care, would be something worth supporting. For now, you should gain experience working at the taverns we have established. I will recommend you to Elder Millwright, who oversees hospitality and food service establishments. Learn from him, and when you are ready, we will discuss establishing your own place."
Mary's smile was radiant. "Thank you, August. I will not disappoint you."
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May Bel-lin spoke next about her passion for plants and cultivation. It was immediately clear where she would fit. "Aunt Theressa will be delighted to have you," August said. "She leads the plant cultivation community here, a mixture of humans and beastfolk who share your enthusiasm for anything that grows. They work with medicinal herbs, agricultural crops, and ornamental plants. You will find kindred spirits there."
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Amanda Bloues was shy when discussing what she had achieved through years of self-study in Gremory's public library. Her genuine interest in magic theory had made her remarkably knowledgeable despite never receiving formal instruction. August could see the potential there.
"We will introduce you to Master Ben Flameswrath when he returns to the village," August said. "He is currently investigating volcanic activity elsewhere, but when he returns, I believe he would be an excellent mentor for someone with your theoretical foundation. Your element has not manifested clearly yet, but with proper guidance, it will emerge."
What August did not say, because he himself did not yet know, was that Amanda possessed spatial distortion affinity, one of the rarest elemental alignments possible. With proper training, she would eventually be capable of manipulating space itself, though that mastery lay years in the future.
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Sia Su expressed interest in trade and commerce. She had already assisted with Maya's business operations in Gremory, which gave her practical experience beyond mere theory.
"Uncle Andy and Marcus are both present in the village at the moment," August said. "Though they travel frequently given their important roles in our growing economy. You will train under one or both of them, learning the practical realities of trade networks, contract negotiations, and commercial logistics. They have both shown interest in mentoring someone with your aptitude for numbers and business strategy."
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Bonny Tanner had worked at Aunt Michelle's embroidery shop and developed a passion for fashion and garment creation. Michelle Ross, August's aunt by marriage, was delighted to take her under her wing.
"I have friends here who share the same interests," Michelle said warmly. "We have been discussing establishing a proper tailoring and fashion quarter in Zone Two. Your experience and passion will be invaluable. Anyone who shows such dedication deserves to be uplifted and given opportunities to grow their skills further."
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Judge Burner had experience in blacksmithing, having worked at the Fernando estate's forge. When August heard this, his eyes lit up with genuine excitement.
"You will train with Elder Anvel in his workshop," August said. "He is our master blacksmith and weaponsmith. But I have a specific request: I would like you to eventually become the Finn household's personal blacksmith. We have specific needs for specialized equipment and weapons that require someone we trust completely. Are you willing to accept that responsibility?"
Judge's enthusiastic agreement was immediate and heartfelt. To serve August's household directly was an honor beyond what he had imagined.
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Combat Specialists
Now for the remaining individuals whose skills aligned with combat roles, August's approach became more personalized and strategic.
Loyd Yu had experience in mercenary work since turning thirteen, the minimum age for such employment. August would train him personally to become a better warrior than he currently was, then allow the young man to choose his own path within the village.
"If you want to join the Security Force under Commander Axel Martin, you will be welcome," August said. "But if you wish to establish your own mercenary company operating out of Maya Village, that can also be arranged. Uncle Andy was a mercenary himself before joining us. He can guide you in that direction if you choose it."
Loyd's null element mana, which could only enhance his physical capabilities rather than manipulate external forces, actually made him well-suited for close combat roles where raw physical power and speed mattered more than elemental manipulation.
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Edgar Filtt had experience in bodyguard duties and possessed the metal element, an interesting and relatively rare affinity. August decided he and Loyd would both train under his personal tutelage, at least initially.
"I will let you make your own choices about your future path," August said. "But I will strongly recommend you to the Martin household. Uncle Axel Martin is the patriarch of his family and Commander of the Village Security Force. Your skills would be valuable in elite protective details, and the Martins specialize in exactly that type of work."
Edgar nodded seriously. The Martin family's reputation was already known to him, and serving under Commander Axel would provide unparalleled training opportunities.
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Henrich Maus, with his interest in archery and hunting, could pursue many routes. August would recommend him to the established hunting families who operated in the forest, but would also offer personal instruction if Henrich aspired to more than traditional hunting roles.
This was the great advantage of being an all-rounder like August. He was flexible and versatile in most combat disciplines, able to provide foundational training in multiple specializations before students chose their specific paths.
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The Shadow in Plain Sight
Finally, there was Juan Tamad. When August heard about his activities in Gremory—which Juan was revealing to the group for the first time—even those who had lived with him the longest were surprised. The twelve others had seen Juan wandering the streets everywhere and anywhere, but they had never understood what he was actually doing.
When Juan explained his work as an information broker, gathering intelligence through careful observation and strategic listening, even August himself was genuinely surprised. Then a realization struck him, and his expression shifted to one of calculated interest.
"Juan," August said carefully, "you will one day lead the Intelligence Division of Maya Village. You understand what I mean, yes? This is not a role I can assign lightly. Intelligence work requires discretion, judgment, and an understanding that the information you gather could mean life or death for the people of this village."
Juan's usually lazy expression sharpened into something more focused. "Yes, sir. I understand."
"Your first task, since your department is still non-existent, is to report to me any anomalies you hear within the village. Specifically, focus on matters that concern our peace and security. The village is still growing, and we do not know if there are people watching us with hostile intent. Some refugees arrive with genuine need. Others may have different motivations entirely. I need to know which is which."
August paused, studying Juan carefully. "Can you do this?"
"Yes, sir. I will do what I have always done best."
"Good. When I am absent, report your findings to Chief Red," August said, deliberately using the formal title rather than the familiar "uncle" he would use in private. "Though call him Chief when we are not inside this house. It would lower his authority if we address those in positions of leadership casually outside family settings. I leave the discernment and discretion in your hands regarding how you will approach these matters."
What August did not say aloud was that he wanted to test Juan's abilities. If what the young man claimed was credible, if his network and methods proved reliable, then a new department alongside the education initiative would be formally established. Intelligence gathering was too critical to leave to improvised efforts.
Juan possessed the shadow element, which worked perfectly for his chosen path. The ability to manipulate shadows would eventually allow him to hide in plain sight, to move through darkness as if he were part of it, to listen from impossible positions without being detected. Combined with his natural talent for observation and his established network of information sources in Gremory, he would become exactly what Maya Village needed: eyes and ears that could detect threats before they materialized into violence.
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Purpose Found
With those assignments made, the Thirteen Stooges had their roles to fill in the village they had longed to reach and contribute to. Each would serve according to their talents and passions, building on the foundation August had given them years ago when he saved their lives and provided them sanctuary in Gremory.
They had come home, in a sense. Not to the village of their birth, which had been destroyed, but to the village built by their savior, the place where their skills and dedication could make genuine differences in people's lives.
That afternoon, they dispersed to their various assignments. Jeany began meeting with Village Chief Red to discuss education proposals. Ashford reported to Sibus's workshop, where the exacting engineer immediately began testing his understanding of mechanical principles. Mary started at one of the taverns, observing operations and learning the rhythms of hospitality work. Judge presented himself to Elder Anvel's forge, ready to learn proper smithing from a true master.
And Juan Tamad, seemingly lazy and aimless as always, began wandering the village's zones, listening and observing with eyes that missed nothing and ears that caught every whispered conversation. The Little Shadow of Gremory had arrived in Maya Village, and the settlement's intelligence capabilities had just taken their first step toward professional organization.
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Meanwhile, back in Gremory, the remaining member of their group, ten-year-old Zig Mann, had stayed behind, unable to join his older friends. He remained close to Marta Dulce, still too young to take on formal roles, but in three years he too would be free to choose his own path.
He watched the now-empty spaces with the curiosity of a child who had found himself suddenly alone. Rather than simply waiting and wondering, he began to educate himself in magical theories and combat applications. He dove into different disciplines and aspects of life, determined to become as versatile as possible. He remembered his older friends' passions and how they would pursue their interests with such dedication, and he emulated that same drive.
He did all this rather than remain idle, wondering about the stories he had been told. How great was this August person that his friends would dedicate themselves so completely to him and his village? For Zig, August was still a distant figure, intimidating not because of his appearance and legend but because of the quiet intensity that surrounded him during his rare visits to Gremory.
But even Zig could sense that something important was happening, that the departure of his older companions marked a turning point in the settlement they were heading toward, a development he could not yet fully understand.
Time would tell what contributions each of them would make. But for now, they had purpose. They had direction. And most importantly, they had a home worth protecting and building. But for Zig? His own stories were just starting to unfold, far away from the village his friends had gone to.