Chapter 5: A Diversion to Deeve

"I cannot believe we've been out here this long." Liam Fisher grumbled as his coach crawled across the Flats. "Why are we doing this again?"

"Because, we need to meet these people." Father Marshall replied. He had tagged along on this mission in order to help spread the Good Word, since it apparently wasn't taking back in Fisher's Landing. "And besides, after a few of the settlers found this group, there's been unrest back in town; best to just meet them and get it over with."

"I suppose you're right, but we've been on the trail for over a month now. Playing diplomacy isn't quite what I had in mind back when we landed." As they traveled a bit further in the hot midday sun, they came across some ranch land and a small cabin. "Ah, thank god, we're near the town...I think." Liam said. He was hopeful as they hadn't seen a sign of civilization in what felt like weeks. This had to mean the mystery town was near.

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As they came to the town, a few of the locals came out to observe; it wasn't every day that strangers arrive. The town was tiny, no more than a few farms, shacks, and a central square with a church. The only point of interest seemed to be the large palace. Livestock was everywhere. Goats, pigs, cattle, chicken; there was no shortage of meat in this little part of the Neutral. Liam approached one of the locals.

"Greetings! My name is Liam Fisher. We've been traveling quite a way to visit you. Who is in charge here?" The local man just stared blankly at Liam. "DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH, MY GOOD MAN?" Liam spoke loudly and slowly, as if that would help someone who didn't speak his native tongue.

"Yes, I understand you. It's just been such a long time since a traveler has stepped foot in Deeve. Many generations." The man spoke clearly to Fisher and Marshall. "I will take you to see Master Migilo, he is the one who leads us. His family has been watching over Deeve since its creation. He lives in the Master Palace there, across from the church. Follow me."

"Just a second, sir," Liam replied, "Allow me to take a look around. We'll meet back here and then we can go see Master Migilo." And with that, Marshall and Fisher rode out to explore the area.

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"Is this your dock?!" Liam asked after meeting up with Master Migilo. "It's not fit for you to use with any amount of profitability!"

"That is not it why it exists, Mister Fisher." M. Migilo replied. "We are a small village and we keep what we need to survive."

"But don't you want to do MORE than just survive? Don't you want to flourish? Don't you want to prosper? Don't you want to be RICH?!" There was a gleam in Liam Fisher's eye. He was hatching a plan.

"Well, wealth is nice, but if it comes at too high a cost, then one can argue wealth does more harm than good, Mister Fisher." M. Migilo said.

"Wise words, sir. Wise words, indeed. But I have an idea...that can help us both. Mutual prosperity. How does that sound?"

"Go on, Mister Fisher..."

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"You've got yourself quite a nice little agave grove in town here." Liam said. "Have you ever considered making tequila?"

"Why else would one grow agave, Mister Fisher?" M. Migilo and Fisher both laughed. "We make a small amount of tequila for the village; the best I've ever had in fact."

"I would very much like to have some back in Fisher's Landing. But if word got out that I had access to such a wonderfully made spirit and no one back in Fisher's Landing could join me, well..." Liam trailed off. M. Migilo was starting to understand.

"Perhaps, if there was a way, we could increase our production and send some down to Fisher's Landing, but what could you do in return?" M. Migilo asked.

"Well, we do have a pretty nice port right on the point back at the Landing. And I have a few prime specimen of cattle you might be interested in? I noticed all the cows around, after all." Fisher replied. At that, M. Migilo's eyes lit up.

"You mean...Great Northern?" Migilo asked.

"I do. You send us tequila and cattle, I'll give you one of my prized Great Northern Longhorns. Think of it as a gift. And who knows, one day, you might want to export some of that tequila. You could be rich."

"How can I refuse?" Migilo replied. "You, Mister Fisher, are a skillful bargainer. Shall we shake on it?" And he stuck out his hand.

"Yes, let this be the beginning of a strong partnership between Deeve and the Landing!" Liam exclaimed as he shook Migilo's hand. "Now...about that trail back to the Landing..."

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REPLIES

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Your MMPs are already very good, so I am anxious to see how you'll improve!!

Thanks a lot. Hopefully I'll continue to improve each entry!

Liking the development and the MMPs...good to kno you fixed the streetlights btw.

Thanks, yeah the streetlights were a pain. I figured it out, though, thanks to some help from SimCoug.

Amazing job!

Thank you.

Great job again! Is really beautiful what you're doing

Thanks a lot! Glad you like it.

Lol well its as awesome as all your updates #streetlights btw cool harbor mmp's look good as always keep up the good work !!

Thank you very much.

love the era- steamships and sailing ships- ah- the best years ever.

Thanks! They were some great downloads, for sure.