With the bandit federation eradicated, and the foundry now under Dean's control, something interesting began to occur.
The survivor settlements previously pressed beneath the heel of men like Aidan and Jack now looked towards Elysium for hope of a better future.
It was no exaggeration to say that they had suffered significantly against Aidan's reprisals. And even more so as they were forced to brave the snow following the burning of their refuge.
But those who adapted to the cold and survived long enough to see their oppressor's end now found themselves in a difficult situation.
Of course, Dean had repelled the attempts to forcefully settle in his walls. His reasons had been pragmatic and survival focused. Refugees fleeing the various settlements scattered across the ruins of the old city could not be vetted, their loyalties verified, nor could one easily make use of them.
