My recovery was once again swift, thanks to the strange energies of this place. I immediately set to work finishing the wall and hanging the remaining gates in case the strange marauders return, and within a day I had a workable perimeter. A determined attacker could still breach it, of course, but hopefully I will need to worry less about being blindsided.

With hardtack running low, I was able to finally give some attention to the fields Tuzin left behind. Much to my delight, I found that they were actually full of volunteers–produce that had grown wild without being planted. The small vegetable garden was overflowing with carrots, while several vines were bearing large watermelons as well. I harvested as much as I could, and I already have some ideas about using a root cellar or canning equipment to make sure that they last. I put the field in order and sowed a few of the smaller carrots to hopefully bring in a good harvest. I also discovered that what I’d thought to be an overgrown field was in fact full of wheat, which I plan to harvest as soon as I can get the basics of milling it down. It’s not as easy as it seems, even with the proper tools.

I was also able to salvage a small amount of metal from a large gash to the south of the settlement that I suspect was used as a waste dump at one point in time. It’s not much, a little steel and copper, but it will be enough for a few items that require higher quality materials. I’m working on some components to help me make water gates, if it’s even possible. Once the finishing touches are put on the wall, my next step will be to make a boat and begin mapping where on this inland sea there might be other settlements or some trace of Tuzin.

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