End-Ero: Vaqui Aftermath

With the Vaquis defeated in the field and their home village taken by the Firewatch’s Main Force, the Overseers’ plan unfolded in the ordered steps of any mandate. First, the border stakes were moved out to encompass all territory previously held by the Vaquis, with the Firewatch altering their patrol routes to reflect the new boundaries. Next, the surviving adult men were enslaved and put to work, foremost in clearing the wrecked mine entrances, and later in working those same mines for their coal and stone. Adult women were set to cleaning up the damage from the battle, and also serving Ironborn men who distinguished themselves during the fighting. Many of these were taken back to Irontown, as were all of the children, held as hostages against the Vaquis good behavior.

And their behavior was surprisingly excellent, given the circumstances. Certainly, seeing thirty rebels burned to death in the public square, without fuel or source of combustion other than the will of a Master Smith, might have something to do with that. But even more terrifying to the coal-eyed tribe was the impassivity with which the invaders looked on, their expressions as blank and bored as men staring at an empty wall. It took a great deal more than the smell of charring flesh and the animal screaming of men going up like torches to rattle Ironborn. Those who felt exaltation or plain pleasure in the execution were under orders to hide it well, lest it breed resentment and mark them out for retaliation. There were no orders for those who might feel disgust or pity, because no one expected those feelings to arise; expectations were as accurate as a Smith’s weighing scales.

But the Vaquis’ behavior was excellent nonetheless. Work resumed in the coal mine, and the precious black fuel was raised up and stockpiled, awaiting transport to Irontown. Homes were rebuilt, and the town was even expanded to account for the influx of Ironborn workers seeking jobs and wives, both of which were hard to come by back home. Plans for a true settlement to rival Irontown were laid out, with a regular Firewatch garrison and a provision for a militia contingent to be raised for mutual defense. Foremost in the minds of the council, however, was the thought that this new town might be used as a staging point for further campaigns of conquest against the tribes which had once pressed the Vaquis into the Ironlands.