The settlement had grown considerably since their departure. What had once been a collection of improvised shelters and tents had evolved into something approaching a proper town.
Wooden buildings lined what looked like actual streets, smoke rose from multiple chimneys, and they could see people moving about in the distance.
The settlement sprawled along both sides of the river in a rough circular pattern, with a bridge connecting the two halves.
They stood on the hilltop for several minutes, taking in the sight of the settlement spread below them. After months of travel, dangers, and uncertainty, they had finally returned.
---
"Look at the layout," Sam said, lowering his hand from shading his eyes.
"Looks like Richard's sorted out who gets the good spots," Victor muttered.
Walter pointed with his cane toward several tall wooden structures scattered throughout the settlement. "Watchtowers."
"The safe zone protects them from monsters," Ethan realised. "Those towers are for watching the settlement itself."
AJ's form had been unusually still as he studied the layout. "Look at the activity patterns. People in the outer areas are working—farming, construction, manual labour. The centre's much quieter."
"Time to see what we're walking into," Ethan said, shouldering his pack. "Standing up here won't tell us much else."
They made their way down the hillside, following a well-worn path that led toward the settlement's northern approach.
As they drew closer, the signs of organised development became more apparent. The path itself had been improved with gravel and drainage ditches. Simple wooden markers pointed toward different areas of the settlement.
The first people they encountered were a work crew clearing brush from what appeared to be an expansion area.
Three men and two women, all dressed in practical work clothes, paused their efforts as the group approached.
"Afternoon," called the leader, a middle-aged man with calloused hands and sun-weathered skin. "You folks look like you've travelled a fair distance."
"That we have," Walter replied, stepping forward. "We used to live here, actually. Been away for several months."
The man's expression brightened. "Ah, returning folks! Good to see. Place has grown quite a bit since the early days."
"Things seem well organised," Sam observed.
"Richard's done a good job getting everyone sorted," one of the women answered. "Everyone's got work, got a place to sleep. Can't complain about that."
"We're looking for some friends," Lily said. "Maria, Eric, Claire. Do you know where we might find them?"
"Eric's usually down at the warehouses by the river," the leader replied. "Good lad, keeps the supplies moving. Maria..." He paused. "She's around the centre somewhere, helps coordinate things. Claire works with the medical folks."
"Much appreciated," Walter said.
They thanked the work crew and continued into the settlement proper. The main path was well-maintained, with wooden planks laid across muddy sections.
Other paths branched off toward different areas, and people moved along them with purpose—some carrying tools, others transporting goods in handcarts.
The atmosphere was busy but somehow subdued. People nodded politely as they passed but didn't linger for conversation.
"It's quiet," Lily observed. "People are working, but nobody's really chatting."
"Everyone seems focused on their tasks," Sam agreed.
They passed through the outer ring, where the newest arrivals lived in simple but functional structures.
The buildings were basic but weatherproof, and small gardens provided additional food. Children played in the spaces between buildings while adults went about their daily work.
The second ring showed better construction—proper timber framing and more comfortable living spaces. These appeared to be for established families who'd been in the settlement longer.
They passed a blacksmith's workshop where the ring of hammer on metal provided a steady rhythm.
Through the open doorway, they could see a man working at a forge. The quality of the work was impressive despite the lack of proper materials.
"Someone knows what they're doing," Ethan commented.
The third ring marked a clear step up in quality. These buildings had painted trim and proper foundations.
Small gardens and cleaner streets suggested this was where the settlement's more important residents lived.
"Getting warmer," Victor said under his breath.
The centre area was clearly where Richard and his closest associates had established themselves.
The buildings here were sturdier structures, there was a small plaza served as a gathering space for the settlement's social activities.
"Let's try the warehouses first," Ethan suggested. "Eric's probably the easiest to find."
The warehouse area was a collection of simple but functional buildings near the river where goods were stored and distributed.
They found Eric supervising a group unloading a cart filled with harvested vegetables. He was thinner than Ethan remembered but appeared healthy and energetic.
"Ethan!" Eric's face showed a mixture of joy and concern. "What are you doing here?" He glanced around quickly before stepping closer.
"When did you get back? Please tell me you're not planning to stay."
"Just arrived," Ethan replied, confused by his friend's reaction. "Why? What's wrong?"
Eric's enthusiasm was tempered by obvious worry. "It's... it's not a good time. Things have changed since you left. A lot."
He looked at the others, his expression growing more anxious. "All of you made it back, that's good, but you need to be careful."
"What do you mean?" Walter asked quietly.
"Richard's... well, he's organised things properly now. Everyone knows their place, supplies move efficiently. But the guards—they've gotten stronger lately. More aggressive. People who step out of line..." Eric shook his head. "Let's just say they don't get many warnings anymore."
Eric's words carried genuine fear beneath the rehearsed praise.
"That doesn't sound good," Sam said carefully.
"It works, but it's not like before. Not like when you were here." Eric glanced around again. "Look, I'm glad you're alive, all of you, but this place isn't... it's not safe for people who think differently. Not anymore."
"And Maria?" Lily asked. "How's she been handling all this?"
Eric's expression became guarded and worried. "Maria's... she's surviving. But she asks too many questions sometimes, suggests changes." He lowered his voice. "The guards have been watching her closely lately."
The careful phrasing and fearful tone spoke volumes.
"We need to see her," Sam said urgently.
"I'll try to let her know you're here, but..." Eric hesitated, looking genuinely frightened. "Be careful, yeah? Really careful. Things go badly for people who rock the boat these days."
They talked for several more minutes, catching up on the settlement's development and the changes that had occurred since their departure.
Eric helped them find temporary accommodation in the second ring—his recommendation carried weight, apparently—but his explanations about the settlement's current operations remained vague.
"Something's different about him," Ethan said quietly as they walked away from the warehouses. "He's happy to see us, but he's not really... himself."
"Everyone seems to be walking on eggshells," Victor agreed.
Their temporary lodging was a small but clean room in a boarding house run by a friendly woman who asked no questions beyond their names and how long they planned to stay.
As afternoon turned to evening, they set out to explore more of the settlement. Their wandering took them through the medical district, where they found Claire emerging from a small clinic, her arms full of supplies.
She looked up, saw Walter, and her face lit up with genuine joy before immediately clouding with worry.
"Walter!" she exclaimed, nearly dropping her supplies as she rushed toward him. "Oh thank God, you're alive!" She, tears of relief streaming down her face. "All of you—I can't believe you made it back safely."
"Hello, Claire," Walter said warmly. "It's wonderful to see you."
She pulled back to look at each of them, her medical training making her automatically assess their condition.
"You all look well—stronger even. But what are you doing here? You shouldn't have stayed away so long and then just... come back like this."
"We've returned to check on everyone," Lily said gently.
Claire's expression grew anxious as she glanced around the area. "I've missed you all, but you need to understand—things have changed here. Richard's tightened his control considerably. The guards aren't just keeping peace anymore; they're enforcing absolute compliance."
She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "People who remember how things used to be, who might question the new order are watched closely. And newcomers, especially ones who look capable..." She shook her head. "You're all clearly much stronger than when you left. That makes you either valuable assets or dangerous threats in Richard's eyes."
Walter's expression grew grave. "Claire, are you safe here?"
"I am because I'm useful and I don't cause trouble," she replied. "But you—all of you represent something different. Independence, alternatives, the way things could be. That's dangerous here now."
"We want to see Maria," Sam said urgently.
Claire's worry deepened. "She's walking a very thin line. Still has some coordination responsibilities, but the guards watch her constantly. If they see her talking to you, if they think she's planning something..." She didn't finish the sentence.
"Then we need to be careful," Victor said.
"You need to leave," Claire said firmly, though her voice was filled with concern. "Tonight, if possible. I'm so grateful you're alive and well, but staying here puts everyone at risk."
She paused. "Please—for everyone's sake—don't stay long."
The interaction carried all the warmth of family, but also the desperate fear of someone trying to protect people she cared about in an increasingly dangerous situation.
"She's terrified," Lily said quietly as they watched Claire hurry back toward the clinic.
They continued their exploration as the sun began to set. The settlement took on a different character in the evening light—people finishing their work, heading home to simple dinners and early rest. There was a peaceful quality to it, but also something that felt constrained.
It was near the central plaza that they finally spotted Maria.
She was standing outside what appeared to be a meeting hall, talking with two other people about some kind of scheduling matter.
Her dark hair was pulled back in a practical style, and she wore clean, well-made clothes that suggested a position of some responsibility.
Sam was the first to see her, and he felt his breath catch. Six months of wondering, worrying, hoping—and there she was, alive and apparently well.
"Maria," he called out, not caring who might overhear.
She turned at the sound of her name, saw him, and her face immediately showed joy. She looked around quickly, then approached.
"Sam," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion and relief. "You guys are ok." She reached out to touch his arm, confirming he was real, a smile breaking across her face despite the dangerous circumstances.
"We came back for you," he said quietly.
"I know. I've been waiting." She looked at each of them, her eyes bright with genuine joy. "How have you all been? You look... different."
"We've had quite a journey," Lily said. "But we're here now."
Maria glanced around the plaza, then back to them. "We can't talk properly here. Meet me at the old oak tree by the river, downstream from the bridge, after full dark. I have so much to tell you."