Evergreen, 27th of Rainwane, year 181
With the end of the monster tide three days ago, Evergreen was starting to change. While there were some still sad about the losses they took, there were many more in a festive mood. Flower arrangements were being done from the southern gate all the way to the Lord's estate. The corpses outside the gate were being burned as they were piled up. Those who died fighting against the monsters were burned unless someone identified and claimed them. The only ones that were buried were the soldiers.
As Evergreen's citizens started returning to their daily lives, there was a major change. People began to trickle into the city. New people that were not here before. It started as one or two people popping up, taking up rooms in the inn. Slowly, more people came into the city from the gates every half an hour.
It wasn't until the day after that people began to notice the influx of people. The owners of the inns began to scratch their heads as their inns quickly filled up. There's never been a day that their inns were full to the brim. An actual full house and that gave them the biggest of smiles.
People began to question what was going on. Even if there was a trader coming, they'd never bring this many people. There were a few people dragging carts full of merchandise for sale. Setting up stalls where they could.
On the 27th of Rainwane, the city truly went through a change.
Richard was outside running his hand over his verlpax's fur. The creature stuck out it's long tongue and licked him on the face. There was no way he could dodge it, the verlpax's tongue was as long as his forearm. By now he was used to it.
"Ready for the trip Dave?" Richard asked the verlpax and smiled. His carriage wasn't full, but there were items in it. Some fruit called a Delhar that was only grown here. It was as big as a watermelon with the skin of an orange. The skin was a mixture of blue and green with the inside being ocean blue. It was juicy and Richard wondered why he never had any before.
Roxanne gave it to him as a treat, but after trying it once he fell in love. Knowing that it was only grown here, he decided to buy thirty of them to sell on the journey to Valewater, along with some bags of grain, and lumber. There were a couple of other items, but those were the main three he stored in his carriage.
There was a list of items he was bringing back here to Evergreen since the city was in desperate need. He lacked the knowledge of the other cities' resources thus it was best to go light.
"Is this everything?" A man asked as he popped his head out from the back of the carriage.
Richard looked over to the man with shaggy brown hair and nodded his head. There was nothing left for him to load up into the carriage, all that was left was to leave and be on their way.
"Yes, unless you're bringing anything along." Richard said but the man shook his head.
Patting Dave Richard took a step forward and his eyes were focused on the large street in front of him. There were many people out, a lot of people. More so than he's ever seen before.
"Where'd they all come from?" He asked out loud causing the man to jump down from the back of the carriage and walk towards where Richard was standing. He dusted off his dirty pale hands.
"Beats me. The city's been buzzing like a kicked beehive ever since the monster tide ended." The man responded before looking over his shoulder to where another man was sitting. He was leaning back against the carriage with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Ever since he arrived here, he has been in that same position without moving.
"Big Oar, what do you make of it?" He asked the large burly man leaning back against the carriage.
Big Oar opened one of his eyes to peak at his companion. "Why are you asking me, Earl? I know just as much as you do."
Richard enjoyed seeing the groups of people entering the city, but he also wondered if this would mess with his plan. There were people dragging carts full of goods into the city, meaning they were more than likely a merchant. If the city began to resupply, then Richard's business opportunity would vanish. Although not completely, as he could still trade in other cities.
"With how nosy Martha is, I thought she'd know and go telling you." Earl replied.
Richard looked at Earl with a questioning expression on his face. "So, this isn't normal? I thought they were here because the monster tide ended. That's all people have been talking about since it started." Richard said.
Earl shook his head. "Nah, this is beyond normal. If there are ever people coming here, they never stick around for long, nor do they come in such numbers."
Big Oar yawned as he stretched his arms out. "Does it even matter? We're leaving, and about time we return the city will be back to how it usually is. This." Big Oar pointed out at the streets that were bustling with people. "Has nothing to do with us." He glanced at Richard. "You're not paying us to find out information, are you?"
Richard snorted. He heard the large man with arms as thick as his head was a strong fighter and in need of money. Him along with his two other companions, Earl and Carl. Big Oar was said to be one of the strongest men in the city, so he was looking forward to seeing how strong he actually was.
Rumors were one thing, but seeing him in action was another.
"No, I'm not." Richard answered.
Evergreen, 27th of Rainwane, year 181
Lord Kirk's estate
Lord Kirk stood with his arms behind his back, his blue eyes reflecting the early morning light as it streamed through the glass window. The yellow sun melted snow into puddles of water with remnants of white lingering in sheltered patches.
There was a knock on the door that echoed throughout the room. Lord Kirk, without turning, permitted entry. He had an inkling of an idea as to who it was.
There were only a select few that would come to bother him in his study, and considering what was going on, he could narrow that number down even further.
The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man framed in the doorway. His curly brown hair and pale skin contrasted starkly with his sharp, ocean-blue eyes, which quickly surveyed the room before settling on Lord Kirk. The Lord remained facing the window, missing the man's subtle bow of respect.
"Sir, scouts report Lord Sline and his forces approximately half a day's march from here." The man relayed with a hint of urgency.
Absorbed in the cityscape below, Lord Kirk nodded, his response measured and unhurried. After a pause that stretched over thirty seconds, he inquired, still gazing outward, 'Is everything prepared?'"
"Lady Serena has been escorted by the maids for her marriage preparations. Your aides are alerting the town, with the streets now bustling in anticipation as decorations unfurl." He said as the inkling of a smile appeared on his face.
Staying close to the door, the man awaited a response. He knew that Lord Kirk took a casual approach and cared little for formal speech when they were alone. Within a few moments, the man he'd known for as long as he could recall would turn and tell him to speak casually. They've gone through this motion countless times, and today would be no different.
Yet, as he stared at his Lords back, he could tell there was a subtle difference in him. What was it? The feeling was on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn't quite put his finger on it. It would come to him, eventually.
Lord Kirk pivoted slowly, his eyes briefly meeting Aiden's before he offered a nod of permission. "Relax, Aiden." Lord Kirk said, turning with a customary nod. The familiarity in his tone remained, yet there was an undercurrent of something else, something Aiden couldn't quite decipher.
Aiden's posture eased, yet his mind remained alert. In the depth of Lord Kirk's singular good eye, he glimpsed a flicker of something more profound than sadness - a tinge of regret, perhaps. As if he was doing something he knew would come back to bite him in the ass later. Aiden knew that feeling all too well, but why did his Lord look that way?
Was he having second thoughts about having Lady Serena marry Sline? Aiden knew the man decently enough, while not the most powerful lord in their region, he was brave. There was the fact that the man already had a wife, but what harm was there in having more than one? He could afford it, and with the man's brother stirring a bit of a mess in his own realm. Well... Aiden knew Lord Sline could use this alliance just as much as Lord Kirk.
With the promise of troops, Lord Sline would assist in the war that would soon take place. Thornhill, a place many considered a fortress for its location was bound to fall under the assault of six thousand men, maybe more. In return, Lord Sline would receive land to expand their influence as well as an ally in case his brother got any bright ideas.
While many would see this as a win-win for both sides, Aiden had a feeling that Lord Kirk was losing out on something. He's been thinking it over since he was first informed of the news, but he still could not come up with an answer. Maybe, just maybe Aiden was overthinking the whole situation.
Lord Kirk sat in the black chair behind his desk that was piled with papers. Aiden caught sight of a few documents but paid them little mind, while he was here to assist the lord, he was not going to pry into matters unless he was told otherwise. At least not when it came to Lord Kirk.
"Most of the council was informed ages ago, but there's one that hasn't given a reply." Lord Kirk saw the rise of Aiden's brow as the man was going to ask the question he knew was coming. "Dyke. The primary voice against the war still has not agreed to come to the wedding, nor has he sent a gift like all the others. I should have his head for this." Lord Kirk paused there.
Aiden felt a knot form in his throat at the mention of Dyke. The man's opposition to Lord Kirk was a longstanding thorn, one that could easily turn into a dangerous spear if handled recklessly. Dyke's always had a loud voice and many supporters within Evergreen. Which was not a bad thing. What worried him the most was that Dyke always stood against his Lord. If Lord Kirk said yes, Dyke always said no. Even if everyone else could agree that yes was the correct answer.
The man never liked Lord Kirk since their younger years, but he was a powerful man. If something were to happen to him. Aiden couldn't even begin to fathom the repercussions. Worse if it was Lord Kirk who made a move against the man.
"I agree, but now would not be the proper time to make a move against the man. Now, if he were to fall during the war..." Aiden hinted at something a bit more sinister without losing the slight smile plastered on his face.
Lord Kirk tapped his index finger on the desk a few times before responding. "Indeed, I've had the same thought. But you know just as well as I do that man would never step foot onto the battlefield. He's more than likely to send his second or third son in his stead. I refuse to leave him here in the city unattended."
"You think he'd have the gall to do anything while you're away? Surely he can't be that stupid." Aiden commented.
Lord Kirk snorted. "The gall, no. But he's bound to stir up something. This brings me to my current dilemma. Adrian is my heir and with the doubts of the council, it is important he shows them his leadership. It is also in my best interest to have him marry one of the councils daughters. While Issac would be my first choice, along with the best choice. He'd frankly refuse, and we need his funds to help support us in the war. Therefore-"
"No! You can't be." Aiden knew where Lord Kirk was going with this before the man even finished speaking. It was so insane that he could not even comprehend how his lord came to such a decision.
While Adrian might be his heir, his combat ability was that of a toddler. If he were to step foot onto the battlefield, he'd only drag the troops down instead of boosting their morale. However, Lord Kirk was correct in that this event would change the minds of the council, even his own if Adrian were to succeed. Unless something major happened, they were bound to take over Thornhill, that was a fact. They had superior numbers, and they had an advantage. Thornhill was unaware that war was coming, so their defenses wouldn't be as strong.
Yet, the mere thought of Adrian leading sent shivers down Aiden's spine. If it was Bryce, he had no qualms over the matter. Lord Kirk's second son was a genius tactician. But even with that said, that was not what bothered Aiden. It was the fact that Lord Kirk was suggesting that Adrian, his heir marry Dyke's daughter.
The image of Adrian, more scholar than soldier, leading men into battle was disconcerting to Aiden. And the thought of him bound to Dyke's daughter – a match of political cunning but personal misfortune – left Aiden pondering the cost of such alliances.
The move was quite brazen if Aiden had to say so himself. Dyke would be left with two choices, to accept the marriage that was offered to him and become closer to the family. Meaning his seat on the council would be forfeited as members of the lord's family could not serve on the council themselves. Or decline, bringing shame to Adrian's name while also turning the council against him.
Either way, Dyke would lose.
But, so would Adrian. Agreeing to the marriage would mean Adrian would have to marry Dyke's daughter, a woman that was not an ideal candidate to be a ruler's wife. She was arrogant and didn't understand how to hold on to money. Not to mention she was ugly.
Adrian's reputation would be ruined. And although he could marry a second wife, the damage would already have been done.
Lord Kirk nodded. "Why not? Adrian's reputation won't be lowered much considering what the council already thinks of him. In fact, it would only be heightened by his bravery and victory on the front lines. He can take a second or even third wife for all I care, but it is time to put an end to Dyke one way or another."
Evergreen, 27th of Rainwane, year 181
With the end of the monster tide three days ago, Evergreen was starting to change. While there were some still sad about the losses they took, there were many more in a festive mood. Flower arrangements were being done from the southern gate all the way to the Lord's estate. The corpses outside the gate were being burned as they were piled up. Those who died fighting against the monsters were burned unless someone identified and claimed them. The only ones that were buried were the soldiers.
As Evergreen's citizens started returning to their daily lives, there was a major change. People began to trickle into the city. New people that were not here before. It started as one or two people popping up, taking up rooms in the inn. Slowly, more people came into the city from the gates every half an hour.
It wasn't until the day after that people began to notice the influx of people. The owners of the inns began to scratch their heads as their inns quickly filled up. There's never been a day that their inns were full to the brim. An actual full house and that gave them the biggest of smiles.
People began to question what was going on. Even if there was a trader coming, they'd never bring this many people. There were a few people dragging carts full of merchandise for sale. Setting up stalls where they could.
On the 27th of Rainwane, the city truly went through a change.
Richard was outside running his hand over his verlpax's fur. The creature stuck out it's long tongue and licked him on the face. There was no way he could dodge it, the verlpax's tongue was as long as his forearm. By now he was used to it.
"Ready for the trip Dave?" Richard asked the verlpax and smiled. His carriage wasn't full, but there were items in it. Some fruit called a Delhar that was only grown here. It was as big as a watermelon with the skin of an orange. The skin was a mixture of blue and green with the inside being ocean blue. It was juicy and Richard wondered why he never had any before.
Roxanne gave it to him as a treat, but after trying it once he fell in love. Knowing that it was only grown here, he decided to buy thirty of them to sell on the journey to Valewater, along with some bags of grain, and lumber. There were a couple of other items, but those were the main three he stored in his carriage.
There was a list of items he was bringing back here to Evergreen since the city was in desperate need. He lacked the knowledge of the other cities' resources thus it was best to go light.
"Is this everything?" A man asked as he popped his head out from the back of the carriage.
Richard looked over to the man with shaggy brown hair and nodded his head. There was nothing left for him to load up into the carriage, all that was left was to leave and be on their way.
"Yes, unless you're bringing anything along." Richard said but the man shook his head.
Patting Dave Richard took a step forward and his eyes were focused on the large street in front of him. There were many people out, a lot of people. More so than he's ever seen before.
"Where'd they all come from?" He asked out loud causing the man to jump down from the back of the carriage and walk towards where Richard was standing. He dusted off his dirty pale hands.
"Beats me. The city's been buzzing like a kicked beehive ever since the monster tide ended." The man responded before looking over his shoulder to where another man was sitting. He was leaning back against the carriage with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Ever since he arrived here, he has been in that same position without moving.
"Big Oar, what do you make of it?" He asked the large burly man leaning back against the carriage.
Big Oar opened one of his eyes to peak at his companion. "Why are you asking me, Earl? I know just as much as you do."
Richard enjoyed seeing the groups of people entering the city, but he also wondered if this would mess with his plan. There were people dragging carts full of goods into the city, meaning they were more than likely a merchant. If the city began to resupply, then Richard's business opportunity would vanish. Although not completely, as he could still trade in other cities.
"With how nosy Martha is, I thought she'd know and go telling you." Earl replied.
Richard looked at Earl with a questioning expression on his face. "So, this isn't normal? I thought they were here because the monster tide ended. That's all people have been talking about since it started." Richard said.
Earl shook his head. "Nah, this is beyond normal. If there are ever people coming here, they never stick around for long, nor do they come in such numbers."
Big Oar yawned as he stretched his arms out. "Does it even matter? We're leaving, and about time we return the city will be back to how it usually is. This." Big Oar pointed out at the streets that were bustling with people. "Has nothing to do with us." He glanced at Richard. "You're not paying us to find out information, are you?"
Richard snorted. He heard the large man with arms as thick as his head was a strong fighter and in need of money. Him along with his two other companions, Earl and Carl. Big Oar was said to be one of the strongest men in the city, so he was looking forward to seeing how strong he actually was.
Rumors were one thing, but seeing him in action was another.
"No, I'm not." Richard answered.
Evergreen, 27th of Rainwane, year 181
Lord Kirk's estate
Lord Kirk stood with his arms behind his back, his blue eyes reflecting the early morning light as it streamed through the glass window. The yellow sun melted snow into puddles of water with remnants of white lingering in sheltered patches.
There was a knock on the door that echoed throughout the room. Lord Kirk, without turning, permitted entry. He had an inkling of an idea as to who it was.
There were only a select few that would come to bother him in his study, and considering what was going on, he could narrow that number down even further.
The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man framed in the doorway. His curly brown hair and pale skin contrasted starkly with his sharp, ocean-blue eyes, which quickly surveyed the room before settling on Lord Kirk. The Lord remained facing the window, missing the man's subtle bow of respect.
"Sir, scouts report Lord Sline and his forces approximately half a day's march from here." The man relayed with a hint of urgency.
Absorbed in the cityscape below, Lord Kirk nodded, his response measured and unhurried. After a pause that stretched over thirty seconds, he inquired, still gazing outward, 'Is everything prepared?'"
"Lady Serena has been escorted by the maids for her marriage preparations. Your aides are alerting the town, with the streets now bustling in anticipation as decorations unfurl." He said as the inkling of a smile appeared on his face.
Staying close to the door, the man awaited a response. He knew that Lord Kirk took a casual approach and cared little for formal speech when they were alone. Within a few moments, the man he'd known for as long as he could recall would turn and tell him to speak casually. They've gone through this motion countless times, and today would be no different.
Yet, as he stared at his Lords back, he could tell there was a subtle difference in him. What was it? The feeling was on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn't quite put his finger on it. It would come to him, eventually.
Lord Kirk pivoted slowly, his eyes briefly meeting Aiden's before he offered a nod of permission. "Relax, Aiden." Lord Kirk said, turning with a customary nod. The familiarity in his tone remained, yet there was an undercurrent of something else, something Aiden couldn't quite decipher.
Aiden's posture eased, yet his mind remained alert. In the depth of Lord Kirk's singular good eye, he glimpsed a flicker of something more profound than sadness - a tinge of regret, perhaps. As if he was doing something he knew would come back to bite him in the ass later. Aiden knew that feeling all too well, but why did his Lord look that way?
Was he having second thoughts about having Lady Serena marry Sline? Aiden knew the man decently enough, while not the most powerful lord in their region, he was brave. There was the fact that the man already had a wife, but what harm was there in having more than one? He could afford it, and with the man's brother stirring a bit of a mess in his own realm. Well... Aiden knew Lord Sline could use this alliance just as much as Lord Kirk.
With the promise of troops, Lord Sline would assist in the war that would soon take place. Thornhill, a place many considered a fortress for its location was bound to fall under the assault of six thousand men, maybe more. In return, Lord Sline would receive land to expand their influence as well as an ally in case his brother got any bright ideas.
While many would see this as a win-win for both sides, Aiden had a feeling that Lord Kirk was losing out on something. He's been thinking it over since he was first informed of the news, but he still could not come up with an answer. Maybe, just maybe Aiden was overthinking the whole situation.
Lord Kirk sat in the black chair behind his desk that was piled with papers. Aiden caught sight of a few documents but paid them little mind, while he was here to assist the lord, he was not going to pry into matters unless he was told otherwise. At least not when it came to Lord Kirk.
"Most of the council was informed ages ago, but there's one that hasn't given a reply." Lord Kirk saw the rise of Aiden's brow as the man was going to ask the question he knew was coming. "Dyke. The primary voice against the war still has not agreed to come to the wedding, nor has he sent a gift like all the others. I should have his head for this." Lord Kirk paused there.
Aiden felt a knot form in his throat at the mention of Dyke. The man's opposition to Lord Kirk was a longstanding thorn, one that could easily turn into a dangerous spear if handled recklessly. Dyke's always had a loud voice and many supporters within Evergreen. Which was not a bad thing. What worried him the most was that Dyke always stood against his Lord. If Lord Kirk said yes, Dyke always said no. Even if everyone else could agree that yes was the correct answer.
The man never liked Lord Kirk since their younger years, but he was a powerful man. If something were to happen to him. Aiden couldn't even begin to fathom the repercussions. Worse if it was Lord Kirk who made a move against the man.
"I agree, but now would not be the proper time to make a move against the man. Now, if he were to fall during the war..." Aiden hinted at something a bit more sinister without losing the slight smile plastered on his face.
Lord Kirk tapped his index finger on the desk a few times before responding. "Indeed, I've had the same thought. But you know just as well as I do that man would never step foot onto the battlefield. He's more than likely to send his second or third son in his stead. I refuse to leave him here in the city unattended."
"You think he'd have the gall to do anything while you're away? Surely he can't be that stupid." Aiden commented.
Lord Kirk snorted. "The gall, no. But he's bound to stir up something. This brings me to my current dilemma. Adrian is my heir and with the doubts of the council, it is important he shows them his leadership. It is also in my best interest to have him marry one of the councils daughters. While Issac would be my first choice, along with the best choice. He'd frankly refuse, and we need his funds to help support us in the war. Therefore-"
"No! You can't be." Aiden knew where Lord Kirk was going with this before the man even finished speaking. It was so insane that he could not even comprehend how his lord came to such a decision.
While Adrian might be his heir, his combat ability was that of a toddler. If he were to step foot onto the battlefield, he'd only drag the troops down instead of boosting their morale. However, Lord Kirk was correct in that this event would change the minds of the council, even his own if Adrian were to succeed. Unless something major happened, they were bound to take over Thornhill, that was a fact. They had superior numbers, and they had an advantage. Thornhill was unaware that war was coming, so their defenses wouldn't be as strong.
Yet, the mere thought of Adrian leading sent shivers down Aiden's spine. If it was Bryce, he had no qualms over the matter. Lord Kirk's second son was a genius tactician. But even with that said, that was not what bothered Aiden. It was the fact that Lord Kirk was suggesting that Adrian, his heir marry Dyke's daughter.
The image of Adrian, more scholar than soldier, leading men into battle was disconcerting to Aiden. And the thought of him bound to Dyke's daughter – a match of political cunning but personal misfortune – left Aiden pondering the cost of such alliances.
The move was quite brazen if Aiden had to say so himself. Dyke would be left with two choices, to accept the marriage that was offered to him and become closer to the family. Meaning his seat on the council would be forfeited as members of the lord's family could not serve on the council themselves. Or decline, bringing shame to Adrian's name while also turning the council against him.
Either way, Dyke would lose.
But, so would Adrian. Agreeing to the marriage would mean Adrian would have to marry Dyke's daughter, a woman that was not an ideal candidate to be a ruler's wife. She was arrogant and didn't understand how to hold on to money. Not to mention she was ugly.
Adrian's reputation would be ruined. And although he could marry a second wife, the damage would already have been done.
Lord Kirk nodded. "Why not? Adrian's reputation won't be lowered much considering what the council already thinks of him. In fact, it would only be heightened by his bravery and victory on the front lines. He can take a second or even third wife for all I care, but it is time to put an end to Dyke one way or another."
