Alexander paced up and down slowly with his hands behind his back.

“Ten years ago, the city of Antioch was taken by an army of the king. What followed was a dispute between the Epicrotia and Argorus families. Tiberius and my father fought over it on the political stage. Ultimately, Aurelius, the old king, granted it to my father.”

This was news to both Leona and Faust. Neither of them had heard this story from this perspective before.

“Why did he choose to give it to your father? Why not keep it as an independent entity?” Leona asked. She wondered how that was connected to Faust, but she was patient.

“Antioch is a city run by a council,” He turned to Leona. “On the surface that is…” his voice turned grim.

“Antioch is the base of all criminal organizations on the continent. Why? Because it had been an independent city for a long time. The city housed these groups willingly as they brought money and business to the city…” Alexander looked at the moon as it was revealed by a cloud.

“The only condition the city had was that all crime had to be kept out of the city by those organizations. So it became a base of operation for Salutio’s underworld. These groups operate in the entire kingdom. And until 15 years ago they have abided to that arrangement with the city senate. Antioch flourished.” He explained.

Faust understood a few things now. He had known there was the threat of war looming over the Kingdom.

‘Antioch seems to be the most influential factor of the political game in recent years…’ he gulped.

‘When that happened, I was barely six years old.’ Faust focused on Alexander’s explanation again.

“Yet those groups became more and more powerful. Initially being small clans, they grew into the enormous organizations they are today, spanning the entire kingdom. The five biggest of these groups have slowly but surely gained influence over the previously independent senate. They colluded and essentially seized power over the city.” Alexander looked at Schenk who sighed.

“The king had been fighting these organizations for years by then. When they took control of Antioch, cutting off all relations with the kingdom, Aurelius had enough. He called together an army, hired dwarven engineers, and planned a siege.” Schenk continued before Alexander took over again.

“There is a reason why Antioch could stay independent for so long. They paid a considerable tribute. The money came from criminal organizations and civilians alike. Antioch is an island. A fortified island 2 kilometers off the coast. To besiege it was nigh impossible and would have been risky and expensive. It was much better to accept the tribute.” The young general explained.

“10 years ago the King’s army performed the siege with an incredible feat. Over the course of an entire year, the gap between the island and the coast was connected via a gigantic land bridge. The water is very shallow there. It was stable and wide enough to roll siege towers all the way up to the walls of Antioch.” Alexander played with the hilt of his sword.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Back then I was very young. But Schenk was at the very front of that battle.” He looked at the older man who grunted.

“Yes. I was there. I was part of the heavy shock troops within the siege tower. We stormed the wall and over the course of several days we managed to beat down any resistance in the city. We took heavy casualties. The city had hired mercenaries from the Coalfist Dwarves. Elite mercenaries from the western mountain ranges. But as the mercenaries held us back the criminal organizations hid or evacuated.”

Leona stared at her father.

‘You never told me this story… in fact, you’ve never told me about your feats in war. Father… you are an incredible figure.’ She looked up at him. With him around she felt safe.

Faust’s admiration for Schenk grew.

‘I knew he was powerful. Anyone could figure. But he played such an important role in such a historical event…’ he marveled. When Schenk saw their gazes he coughed awkwardly and Alexander laughed.

“Androcles is a famous warrior… even his enemies respect him… those that still live that is…” Alexander grinned, and Schenk scoffed.

“Shut up.” He grumbled but was forced to smile.

Faust was shocked to hear him talk this way to Alexander, but the Earl just laughed. For the first time since Faust had seen him.

“Faust, Androcles trained me when we were still living in the capital. We were good friends. He is like an uncle to me. I won’t stick to formalities with family.” He grinned and Schenk couldn’t suppress a snicker.

“That technically makes you two family as well.” He smirked at Leona and Faust who gulped.

“Anyways, where was I… ah yes. The underground organizations had been driven out of the city and we took over. The bridge was destroyed and the city was given to my father. Why? Because he was loyal and simple-minded.” Alexander chuckled to himself.

“Not to mistake it with stupid. No. My father is a smart man, but Tiberius is a scheming bastard. Always has been. He has no morals or honor. My father was deeply loyal to the crown and Aurelius knew it. Even though my father and Tiberius had been friends to that point… the dispute over Antioch nearly caused a civil war then and there. Only Aurelius presence and mediation stopped it.” Alexander shook his head.

“Ever since then, my family had loose control of Antioch. Over the years crime has returned to the city, especially after the Fall of Providence five years ago. Faced with orcs to the south and Tiberius manipulating the king to the north we were unable to consolidate our control of Antioch to this day. The city is in the hands of the sects and clans of the underground.” The young Earl concluded the history lesson.

Schenk stepped forward.

“Antioch’s underground pays the Argorus Family a massive amount of money to maintain the status quo. This has many benefits for us as of now.” He explained.

Alexander scoffed.

“Had. It had many benefits. But if I had known things would change so drastically I would have done everything in my might to increase my control of the city. This is where your… changes connect to the issue at hand.” Alexander made a dramatic pause.

“I have received reports from my spies in Antioch. A new clan is rising and it wields a mystical power, much stronger than anything we have ever encountered in the human realms.” He looked at Schenk.

“They estimated the individual’s strength to be about that of an advanced Blood Warrior. And there should be more.” He said, looking at Schenk.

The Baron visibly stiffened, and his eyes had opened wide.

“Impossible!” Schenk called out unbelievingly.

Leona didn’t know about Blood Warriors. Neither did Faust. Yet both of them could see how shocked the mighty Baron was whom they believed to be the strongest man on earth.