Gema Diatra's Territory lay neither too far away nor too close. It sat on the edge of Star-Moon Bay—close enough that Annan could theoretically build a camp beside it.
Ingrid thought Gemma could never manage it. Opening a Harbor would cost a fortune, and Gemma was only a second son with no inheritance rights. But she was spectacularly wrong: goods streamed from Breeze City and Betar City toward the place called "Snow Mountain Harbor."
The Diatra Family had money to burn, and that proud boy was serious.
Annan even wondered whether Olmedo had arranged for Gemma Diatra to come—a catfish to stir the waters and spur him on.
Looking over Star-Moon Bay now, Annan found that the crude camp spoiled the beautiful coastline, like a bald patch in Olmedo's lovely golden hair. That annoying fellow had been right about one thing—the camp was so shabby that even Annan could barely stand looking at it.
Annan urged Ingrid and the Ogre to make another trip to Breeze City. This time, they had tasks: bring back more refugees and artisans; spread word of Star-Moon Bay to attract free people and merchant caravans; and investigate Gemma and the Diatra Family.
After they left, Annan asked the Personal Guards' Captain to train soldiers for Star-Moon Bay.
The Personal Guards' Captain selected fifty young adults from among the Subjects. It sounded like a lot, but after training and eliminations, perhaps only a dozen or so would remain.
A dozen guards would be enough to protect a Village of several hundred from bandits, Kobolds, and Lizardfolk. They would not be enough for Star-Moon Bay. Annan's enemies were Ratfolk, Gnolls, and possibly Gemma Diatra.
The fifty prospective Guards received lunch on top of the two meals the other Subjects ate each day, with meat included. After seeing