Evergreen, 4th of Budrise, year 179 BN

It was a surprise to see guards posted at the entrance to the city. They were vigilant and wanted to know Richard's purpose for entering Evergreen, which never happened before. Benjamin was shocked by their behavior as well, saying that the guards were usually relaxed considering they just watched out for monsters.

On their way back to Evergreen, their group had an encounter with a monster. A Razorback Boar to be specific, given its name due to the sharp spikes on the boar's back that could cut through a tree with relative ease. This was the first time Richard saw one up close, and instead of leaving its corpse outside he decided to take it back to the city with him.

People have taken the corpse of a monster before, but they found no real use for it. Their meat was tough and not the best when it came to using it as food. Still, Richard was interested in it.

Besides that, there were stalls on the road after you entered the city. People were selling goods, but their stalls were basically empty.

"What are we doing with this?" Big Oar asked as he motioned towards the goods strapped to the piece of wood they dragged all the way from Disceroa.

"We're taking it to my workshop, after that you are free to go. If you're interested, there will be more work soon." Richard said.

Carl raised an eyebrow at that. "You going to get another one of those carriages?"

Richard smiled. "Maybe, but given the situation as of now I'm not sure. But, I do have something in mind that will require guards." He explained.

"And the pay?" Earl asked.

"Same as last time, but this is more... long-term so expect an increase the longer you work with me."

All three men looked at one another, satisfied with the terms Richard gave. "Then what are we standing here for? Let's get going!" Big Oar declared.

Benjamin, having observed the exchange, leaned in to whisper to Richard, "You sure are one to keep interesting company."

Given what he witnessed about the three of them, he'd have left them a long time ago. What Richard saw in keeping them around was beyond him.

"Offer extends to you as well if you're interested."

Benjamin grinned, "Think I'm alright for now. Someone paid me quite a sum while we were outside the city. Should last me a while."

Richard shrugged, he could still make use of Benjamin. "Suit yourself, but just let me know if you change your mind."

The remainder of their journey was mostly quiet, save for the occasional banter between Carl, Earl, and Big Oar. It didn't take them long to reach the workshop, and Richard once again realized how lacking the building was. He needed something better than this, but for making what he has so far it's worked.

"You can drop everything here. Thanks for the help," Richard directed once they reached their destination.

"Don't forget the reason we came back," Benjamin reminded him, nodding towards Richard's pouch where the Scrying stone was safely kept.

"Yeah, I know, I didn't forget. Just need to check on my workshop, then I'll be ready to go." Richard assured him as he walked towards his workshop.

Gregor was standing there with a white cloth over his head covering some of his red hair. He looked surprised to see Richard. "Richard!" The burly dwarf exclaimed as he set down the hammer in his hand. "You're back already?"

Richard noticed that his workshop was fairly clean, as if someone had cleaned up the mess he left. He had parts and pieces lying around his workshop along with papers scattered around here and there before he left. Now the papers were stacked on top of one another and the parts he had lying around were now on the wooden shelf.

"Yeah, ran into a bit of trouble but made it back in one piece. You cleaned up here?" He asked.

Aye, thought it best to keep things orderly, lest prying eyes decide to wander in your absence. But tell me, what sort of trouble?" Gregor asked with a slight crease of his brow.

He knew that Richard was set to go to Disceroa and Valewater, but given his carriage and hired guards there should not have been any trouble that they'd have a problem dealing with. If anything they could just run away given his verlpax's speed.

Gregor took another look at Richard, the young man seemed to be fine but he couldn't help but feel that he should have went with him. He chose not to and instead decided that it was best to work on his own skills, but if Richard was in some sort of trouble then. Gregor didn't know, it'd be a shame if the world lost Richard, there was still so much in his head, so much to learn. So much that the world has yet to see from him.

Richard hesitated for a moment, weighing his words. "I'll fill you in later. Right now, I need to set aside the merchandise and seek an audience with the Lord," he explained

Gregor's expression grew serious, understanding the urgency. "That sounds grave. I'll help however I can, but you owe me a full recounting, perhaps over a meal instead of a drink," he suggested.

He wanted to be sober for this, even if a drink sounded good any time of the day. Besides, he knew that Richard wasn't one to drink, which was odd but Gregor was used to it by now.

Richard had a smile on his face after hearing that. Gregor was the closest thing he had to a friend here in Evergreen if he wasn't a friend already. "Can do, but Roxanne still has supplies to cook with? And something to drink?"

"Aye, she does. That day you left... a lot happened." Gregor paused for a second. "As we walk, I'll catch you up on the happenings here. You should've seen the look on those blacksmiths' faces at the association when I introduced them to your steel. Managed to perfect the technique, and their iron might as well have been wood with how easily it broke. They're all clamoring for a taste of this steel, I can see them grinding their teeth already." Gregor let out a boisterous laugh.

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Richard's interest was immediately piqued, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Is that so?"

"Indeed. It seems we've started a bit of a revolution here, my friend. And they're all eager to learn from us," Gregor replied.

An idea flashed through Richard's mind. One he thought about before and even talked to Gregor about it. The circumstances then didn't permit him to implement the plan to the fullest, but things were different now. Knowing what he knew, he could leverage it to benefit him.

One thing he knew a lot about was crafting and blacksmithing. He thought he could create a transportation method and become a merchant, building up a small empire of trade and establishing something similar to what Amazon or Walmart had. Yet, maybe his failure was just a sign.

He couldn't help but laugh at that ridiculous notion. A sign? Richard's never been one to believe in faith, but it was never too late to.

Observing Richard's sudden amusement, Gregor couldn't resist the infectious laughter, though his was rooted in the recent bewilderment of their peers at the association. "Seeing their faces, thinking they've stumbled upon some mythical ore, was priceless," he chuckled, sharing in the moment but unsure of the joke's origin.

Richard, catching his breath, waved off the misunderstanding. "Not that, Gregor. Do you recall our conversation from months back?" he probed as they neared the workshop's entrance, his tone shifting to a more serious undertone, signaling the importance of his next words.

Gregor's expression turned to one of puzzlement, his memory failing him momentarily.

It wasn't a surprise, it had been a few months since they discussed the matter but Richard never forgot. His carriage did work, and he could get more ore. He saw it in Disceroa, which was only a day's travel away. While the price might not be the cheapest around, it was still possible.

"Steel, remember? We talked about the potential it holds, untouched by the market here. If my initial venture didn't take off, I'd do this," he reminded Gregor, a flicker of excitement in his eyes at the prospect.

"Aye, that rings a bell now," Gregor admitted, a moment of realization washing over him. "You're thinking of creating more of it to sell?"

Richard nodded, pleased with Gregor's catch-up. "Exactly. The association is teeming with skilled blacksmiths, both human and dwarf alike, all eager for a piece of steel. I want to meet them, especially the leading figures."

"What are you planning?" Gregor couldn't help but ask. Even now, he couldn't read what was going on in Richard's mind.

Richard gave a soft smile. "I want to see if they'd be willing to work with us. After all, we are only two. But, if we can get all the big-named blacksmiths here in the city to work together, I have a way to fill all our pockets. But first, I need to talk to the Lord."

Gregor nodded and opened the door. He saw Benjamin and scowled, there was something about that man that just didn't sit well with Gregor that's for sure.

.....

Lord Kirk tapped a spot on the map, it was the city of Thornhill. Surrounding it were three armies, each army headed to one of Thornhill's major villages. Lord Kirk's finger stopped tapping the map. Surely by now, the news of the marriage and alliance had spread, not far enough to reach the southern cities, but there was bound to be someone in Disceroa or Vale who knew about it. Thornhill had to know this as well, but it was far too late for them to do anything about it.

Yet, it bugged him that they still had not made a move yet. Their gates were still shut as if the outside world didn't matter to them. Soon after his armies took over the villages, the people would run to Thornhill. Their gates would open, they had to. No lord would leave their citizens to die, the ones inside would be in an uproar. If that happened a rebellion was bound to occur, which was fine by Lord Kirk.

What mattered the most was a swift victory.

Gazing toward the door at the sound of a knock, Lord Kirk commanded with an authoritative tone, "Enter," as he swiftly draped a long cloth over the map sprawled across the table.

Aiden, his most trusted advisor, stepped into the room, his demeanor serious yet respectful. "My lord, Gregor has urgently requested an audience with you," he relayed, anticipation subtly marking his voice.

Lord Kirk, momentarily preoccupied with the weight of his responsibilities, waved off the interruption with a dismissive gesture. "I haven't the time for visitors at present," he stated, his mind clearly elsewhere.

However, Aiden, understanding the significance of the moment, pressed on. "Sir, he's accompanied by the blacksmith you hold in high regard. Benjamin is with them as well. They insist the matter is of pressing urgency," he added, emphasizing the importance of their arrival.

A brief silence fell over the room as Lord Kirk considered this. "Benjamin, is it?" he mused, more to himself than to Aiden, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his initial disinterest. "Very well, let's not keep them waiting. This had better be important."

Acknowledging the lord's decision, Aiden nodded, sensing Lord Kirk's intrigue at the mention of Benjamin—a name not heard in some time, and one that carried with it an air of unresolved business.

As Lord Kirk rose from his seat, gathering his jacket he inquired, "Jun, is he still lingering about?"

Aiden caught the direction of his thought. "The leader of the Blackhawks? Yes, he's taken to frequenting that tavern downtown. Shall I summon him for you?"

"Not just yet, but his time will come soon enough," Lord Kirk responded.

"You're aware, of course, he's been laying low since their return from the mission you assigned them—the one concerning the children's abduction from the village," Aiden reminded him.

The last time he interacted with the mercenaries was when those children were kidnapped from the village. Out of everything the village held, they decided to take the kids. It was a mystery, and one he wanted solved so he 'requested' for the Blackhawks to look into the matter.

A shadow passed over Lord Kirk's face as he recalled the grim event. "Indeed," he sighed, the memory casting a dark cloud over his features. "To think they were all slaughtered, and for what purpose?"

"I don't know sir, I don't know. But we still don't know who was responsible for it."

Both men were silent for a moment as they left the study, with the mystery of who would target children still lingering in their minds. Such an act was unforgivable, and someone had to pay the price.

Breaking the silence, Lord Kirk's voice carried a calculated edge. "The citizens are restless, Aiden. They clamor for justice—for a scapegoat to bear the brunt of their fears and frustrations. It's imperative we provide them with one, lest their discontent ferment into rebellion."

Aiden inquired, "Do you have someone in mind for this... unfortunate role?"

"Not yet," Lord Kirk admitted, his gaze fixed ahead. "But the wheels are in motion. Soon, we shall have our culprit."

Lord Kirk eyed Aiden, the man was in deep thought. At times like this, he wondered what his aide was thinking about because this wasn't the first time some unfortunate soul ended up being the target of the citizen's hate. Was Aiden beginning to change? He couldn't, not when he needed him to guide Adrian long after he was gone.

He couldn't help but wonder what kind of news Gregor brought him. "Have you any inkling what matter could be so urgent that it warranted this assembly?" Lord Kirk asked.

"None whatsoever," Aiden confessed. "However, both Richard and Benjamin were adamant that their news could significantly alter the course of our conflict." He watched Lord Kirk closely, gauging his reaction.

At the mention of war, Lord Kirk's eyebrow arched a silent question in itself. "With Thornhill, you mean?" His voice carried a hint of disbelief. "Any intelligence regarding that fortress now holds little value, considering the surprise assault we've meticulously planned."

Aiden nodded, his thoughts aligning with his lord's strategy. "Indeed, it might concern Disceroa instead. After all, Richard's recent journey took him there—and to Valewater. Their news could be related."

"Mmm, Gregor did mention Richard's expedition to Disceroa and Valewater," Lord Kirk mused, his interest piqued. "I'm somewhat astonished he returned so swiftly, given the distance and the dangers that journey entails."

As they walked to the grand hall, Aiden responded. "Richard carried with him a verlpax from Issac. It's expensive and doesn't have many uses aside for ease of travel."

Lord Kirk's interest visibly piqued at the mention. "Issac parted with a verlpax? That's unexpected. The man's reputation for greed precedes him. How did Richard manage such a feat?"

With a subtle smile, Aiden ventured, "Perhaps, in some ways, you and Issac are not so dissimilar. You both recognize value and act decisively to secure it." He paused, letting the comparison settle. "You acquired not just one, but several swords from Richard—weapons that rival, if not surpass, those of Obsidian make. And at a cost that was... surprisingly reasonable."

Lord Kirk nodded. "Indeed. Now that Richard has returned, it seems prudent to commission a set of weapons for our forces. If this conflict extends beyond our predictions, any advantage could prove decisive."

"Do you anticipate a protracted war, then?" Aiden asked.

"In warfare, one must prepare for every eventuality," Lord Kirk stated. The mistakes made during their skirmish with Dustwell must not be repeated or else those on the council will begin doubting him and looking for reasons to see him off the throne. There were already some he knew wanted him gone, but that was of little concern at this point as it was merely discomfort with their situation. "The alliance between Evergreen and Devilin marks a new chapter, but it is essential we maintain a position of strength. We must ensure our advantage within this partnership."

"How do you plan to maintain and expand our advantage within the alliance?" Aiden asked.

Lord Kirk, his eyes scanning the vast, empty expanse of the hall with practiced caution, slowed his pace. "We will bolster our military capabilities," he began, his voice carrying a confident undertone. "An army equipped with weapons as sharp as obsidian will give us an edge." A small, knowing smile curled at the corners of his mouth, signaling to Aiden that his lord was several steps ahead in his planning.

"But what does that have to do with Devilin? Given the alliance with them, they'd want to secure these weapons for themselves as well."

Lord Kirk's smile widened slightly. "That's why Serena is there," he responded.

Aiden's eyes widened in realization, the implications of Lord Kirk's words dawning on him. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Are you suggesting Lady Serena is to act as a..."

Before Aiden could elaborate further, Lord Kirk raised a hand, halting him mid-sentence. "Careful, Aiden," he cautioned, his gaze sweeping the hallway. "We are not alone, and walls have ears. We'll discuss this more later, for now let's see what is so important that Benjamin had to return."