Even before Corvus arrived in Bahoz, he could feel the city changing. Even the air smelled different - the city was undergoing a major transformation to erase the scars of the war.
The first thing he noticed was the massive construction going on outside the city. The foundations hadn't even been laid yet, but looking at the materials scattered around the construction site, the scaffolding going up and the feverish work, it wasn't hard to see what was being built. The new city walls were rising.
The old, ragged walls were nothing more than rotting logs and rocks worn down by the years, riddled with cracks. Instead of protecting Bahoz, the old walls were a burden that could easily collapse in a disaster. But now new ones were coming to replace them.
Bahoz was far from Sorbaj, the capital and military center of the Rhazgord, and close to dangerous borders, so it had to be able to defend itself. The new walls, though not as thick and high as those in Rax and other major cities, were an important step in strengthening the city's defenses.
The second change Corvus noticed was the military activity around the city. Patrols that used to hardly ever move around Bahoz were now more frequent and more organized. The number of fighters guarding the city entrances had also increased noticeably. What used to be controlled by a few sentries was now tightly guarded by dozens of fighters.
Although there seemed to be no more bandits around the city, Rasur was determined not to allow new threats to arise.The recent events had painfully demonstrated how vulnerable Bahoz was. No one could now enter or leave the city unchecked.
When Corvus arrived at the city gates, he found long lines of merchants and travelers waiting to enter the city. But his and Volmir's red eyes were enough to prove without question who they were. The guards cleared the way without a word and Corvus and his entourage entered the city unhindered.
He had last been in Bahoz a little over a month ago, but the city had changed a great deal since then. It was clear that Baral and Rasur had done their job well. Even the mood, the layout and the rhythm of the city was different.
The first thing Corvus noticed was that the population had dwindled. The streets, which had been lively and crowded before the last war, now seemed quieter and more orderly. The reason for this was clear. Most of the people of Bahoz had gone to Sorbaj for safety during the war. But many of them had not returned, joining the Rhazgord army or joining groups that catered to its needs. In particular, recruitment had increased dramatically to replace the warriors who had lost their lives in the last war.
As Corvus made his way through the city, he noticed architectural changes. Many old buildings and shops were no more. The previously random, irregular structures made of mud and stone had been removed. Instead, it was clear that a more planned, more organized city was being built.
One of the most noticeable changes was the road from the city entrance to the center. Formerly narrow, muddy and paved with makeshift stones, it was now much wider and more solid. Paved in the Adler style with smooth stones, the new road was both grand and practical.
As Corvus looked out towards the town square, he could see construction in full swing. Workers, stonemasons and soldiers were working together, striving to make Bahoz a stronger city.
Corvus' eyes fell on the people working feverishly on the construction site. He changed his route to go to Rasur's mansion and headed towards the center of the city, because he wanted to see the work being done there up close. Even before he reached the construction site, he noticed the large number of warriors standing guard. This detail immediately told him who the workers were. The artisans he had forced from Laksia and Bahem were now the architects of the renewed face of Bahoz. But they were not alone; many Rhazgordians worked among them.
Ever since he had entered the city, he had sensed people's interest, but as he approached the construction site, the stares grew in intensity and the whispers grew louder. Many Rhazgordians recognized him immediately, especially the artisans from Laksia and Bahem. Corvus' name had echoed across battlefields, over tables of strategy, in bloody skirmishes, but now, in the middle of a city, there was something different in people's eyes than the admiration of warriors. Suddenly he was surrounded by a crowd. Young people vying for a few words with him, old people bowing their heads with gratitude in their eyes. Corvus had represented the destructive power of the Rhazgord, but now, in the eyes of this people, he was not just a warrior, but a leader.
The artisans from Laxia and Bahem were content to watch Corvus from afar. But this time there was no fear in their gaze. He had brought them here by force, yes, but he had also kept his promises to them. Now they were either starting their own businesses or had regular jobs. And if they lacked anything, Baral and Rasur immediately filled it. The fear that had been imposed on them gave way to acceptance, even if grudgingly.
Corvus was more interested than usual. He exchanged a few words with the young people around him and greeted the elderly with respect. But he could not afford to waste time. He had to move on and take care of business. Moreover, the little Volmir next to him had heavy eyelids and the shadow of fatigue on his face. His brother needed to rest, and Corvus still had matters to resolve.
Realizing that Corvus was trying to break through the crowd, the warriors quickly stepped in and made way for him. As the flood of people parted to either side, Corvus kept moving forward. He nodded slightly to the warriors who greeted him along the way, but he did not stop to speak. His mind was full of work to do and he did not want to waste time. When he finally arrived at Rasur's mansion, Rasur himself met him at the door. He was slightly flustered and anxious to receive an unexpected guest.
"I didn't know you were coming," he said hurriedly.
"If I had known, I would have met you at the gates."
Corvus ignored Rasur's words and held out his hand. His gaze traveled over Rasur as much as over the entrance to the mansion. From the outside, everything looked orderly and well-managed. And that was something he had expected.
"You have worked well," he said in a short but firm tone. "Well done."
Rasur grasped the extended hand respectfully, bowing his head slightly. But this was no ordinary handshake. The hand that squeezed Rasur's palm no longer belonged only to Corvus Tiamat. It was the hand of the man who ruled his life, his breathing and his future. He shook Corvus' hand with the submission of a slave who has found his master. Then he looked at little Volmir standing beside him. He sensed the clarity and nobility in the young boy's eyes, despite his age. With the same reverence, perhaps instinctively, he shook Volmir's hand.
Volmir could not hide his surprise. Here was the leader of the Bahoz, and he was treated with respect not even by men his own age. His eyes shifted to Corvus, but his brother was as expressionless as ever. Rasur's behavior was natural and expected for Corvus.
Corvus spoke, gesturing to the sculptor Neratius and his men waiting behind him.
"They need a place to rest."
Without wasting any time, Rasur summoned the staff of the mansion and ordered them to get everyone who had come with Corvus settled in their rooms. The servants moved quickly and with discipline. There was not even the slightest hitch that Corvus noticed. It was clear that Rasur was controlling this mansion, not just running it. He had been careful in choosing the men who would carry out his orders.
After the preparations were completed, Corvus and Rasur went upstairs to Rasur's study. As soon as they entered the room, Rasur indicated the large chair behind his desk.
"Please sit down," he said, without the slightest hesitation.
This chair had once belonged to Tanar, Bahoz's former master. Now, on paper, it was Rasur's chair, but Rasur knew that the real power was in the hands of Corvus. The city was named after him, its walls were raised at his command. Rasur was only a shadow, the new owner of Bahoz was unquestionably Corvus.
But Corvus turned down the offer, despite all insistence. He sat down in the ordinary chair in front of the table and waited with an erect posture, not leaning back. While Rasur tried to interpret this refusal, the staff of the mansion quietly entered and placed a variety of food and drinks in front of Corvus. Everything on the plate, every pitcher on the table, was presented without the slightest mistake. Rasur's orders to his men were clear: Corvus was to be treated with the utmost respect and there was to be not the slightest flaw in the way he was served. Corvus remained silent as he surveyed what was placed before him. Inside the room, actions spoke more than words about how the balance of authority and power had shifted.
"Where is the rascal?"
Rasur knew who Corvus meant by these words. Baral, in charge of Bahoz's trade and finances, was a man Corvus did not trust, but whose absence would cause great losses. Corvus was always wary of merchants and their games. But Baral had exceeded his expectations and played a major role in the city's recovery.
"I'm sure he heard you coming."
Rasur said calmly, resting one hand on the edge of the table. “He will be here soon. But I can send someone if you like.”
Corvus raised his head slightly and looked at Rasur. He had a cold expression on his face that made it clear he found the idea unnecessary. With a slight wave of his hand, he declined the offer. They talked about the journey for a few minutes. After taking a few bites of his food, Corvus got straight to the point.
"Report to me about the city."
Rasur, expecting this order, immediately took some papers out of his desk drawer. As he placed them in front of Corvus, he paused for a moment, gathered his thoughts and began to speak.
"The new construction and the recruitment of more skilled fighters has put a financial strain on us," he said, running his hands over the papers. "But we are in the process of recovering."
Corvus took his eyes off the papers and looked at Rasur's face. When Rasur noticed Corvus' gaze, he continued without hesitation.
"We have also greatly increased security around the city, and now have regular pickets all the way to the border line. There is no threat to the merchants now."
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As he spoke, he held up a sheet of paper to Corvus, showing a map of the city. The map was marked with patrol points. As Corvus studied the map carefully, Rasur continued.
"Baral has several plans for this, but our current financial resources are not enough to realize them," he said with a slight frown.
He paused briefly, waiting for Corvus to look up from the papers, but when Corvus continued to read silently, he continued.
"Due to the recent war and Baral's attempts to keep prices at fair levels, the number of merchants coming to the city has decreased slightly," he said, taking a deep breath.
"But despite this, the economic situation of the people of the city is much better than it used to be."
As he spoke, his eyes were trying to gauge Corvus' reactions. When Corvus continued to listen expressionlessly, Rasur breathed a sigh of relief and finished.
"Moreover, the construction started by Baral has created jobs for many people. The more people earned, the more taxes were collected. This is speeding up our recovery."
Corvus was silent for a short while after Rasur finished. He looked over the papers once more, then tapped his fingers on the table and weighed his thoughts. Rasur unconsciously moved his hand to the edge of the table, waiting for his master to say something. The air in the room was heavy. Corvus finally put the papers down and turned to Rasur with an expressionless face.
"It is bad that the number of merchants is declining," he said in a calm but firm tone.
"But it is a good sign that the people's situation is improving."
Rasur nodded. He tried to gauge Corvus' reaction, but he couldn't quite tell what he was thinking. This man's thoughts were always several steps ahead and it was not always easy to tell what was more important to him. Corvus leaned back against the table and rested his elbows on it.
The expression on Rasur's face was one of obvious reservation. Frowning slightly, he folded his hands on the table and searched Corvus' eyes, but he didn't seem to know exactly what to say. Finally, taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"I would actually like to increase the number of warriors in the city," he said, choosing his words carefully.
"But as you can imagine, there is a problem."
Corvus knew what that problem was. In the Rhazgord, governance was focused solely on the capital, Sorbaj, and the number of warriors that could be housed in other cities was strictly limited. This was a drastic measure against a possible rebellion. The fact that the families ruling the cities, such as the Bahoz, had far more resources than other tribes could shift the balance of power and threaten the central authority. That's why strict restrictions were imposed.
Corvus thought for a moment, then nodded silently. He had been thinking about this issue for a long time. "Don't be in a hurry" he said in a slow and confident voice.
"I will take care of it."
Rasur bowed his head slightly, but the hesitation on his face was not gone. Corvus understood his concern. But he needed a little more time to resolve this matter. He had to show his grandfather Sanguinar some tangible achievements he could take back to him, some evidence of a fundamental change in Bahoz's leadership. And for the moment, he didn't want to attract too much attention. The leaders of Rhazgord were already aware of what was happening in Bahoz. So any talk of the city's rise to power could bring unwanted attention to him.
The two continued to talk about city affairs for some time. However, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a 'thing' that rushed in. It moved so quickly and uncontrollably that it almost rolled over and landed at Corvus' feet.
Turning his head, Corvus immediately recognized the short, chubby and, as usual, sweat-soaked figure. This round and ugly thing clinging to his legs could be none other than Baral.
Baral was clinging tearfully to his legs, trembling as if he had thrown his life at Corvus' mercy. Corvus, with an involuntary look of disgust on his face, shook his leg slightly, as if he was trying to get rid of some filth stuck to his foot. Baral immediately shook himself up and straightened up, suddenly crossed his legs and bowed ninety degrees.
"O my lord! My great Lord! Your faithful servant is here!" he cried, his voice trembling.
Corvus leaned back in his chair, indifferent to Baral's theatrics. He knew that the sticky energy filling the room would soon intensify. Rasur, used to Baral's behavior, grimaced and frowned as if trying to suppress nausea.
"What an honor to see you again, rising star of Rhazgord, Lion of Rhaz, war-"
"Stop sucking up and sit down!"
Corvus sharply cut off Baral's exaggerated greeting and flattering entrance. Trying hard not to roll his eyes, he gestured to the chair opposite him. Without a second's protest, Baral jumped up on his knees and took his seat.
In a month his belly had grown as big as the gold in his coffers, and the excess had even changed his gait, making him even rounder. But Baral, though famous for his deceit, had not really cheated this time. When the city was being rebuilt, he sold the materials needed to Tanar for only a small profit margin, and made a fortune in the process. But along with his wealth, his buffoonery seemed to have increased.
Suddenly, he jumped up and spread his arms wide, his huge belly jutting forward. He pointed his finger first at the food in front of Corvus and then at Rasur, who was watching him in amazement.
"Rasur, you shameless bastard, how dare you put this filthy food in front of my lord!"
Rasur, of course, knew what kind of man Baral was, but he could not imagine that anyone could be such a shameless lackey. Everything that was placed in front of Corvus had been chosen and prepared with great care. The finest meats, the freshest breads and the finest wines adorned the table. But for a moment, Baral's theatrical display of anger created doubt in Rasur's mind. What if he had really made a mistake? What if Corvus felt the same way?
Rasur hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to say, and then Baral grabbed Corvus' feet. He sank to the ground as if in prayer, his body trembling and shaking with a dramatic sigh.
"'O my lord! Oh, great master! Please excuse this animal! Feeding you such simple food is beyond the greatest of sins! Come on, let's get out of this filthy place and let the mistress set you the best table in the land!"
An indescribable expression settled on Corvus' face at Baral's demonstration. On the one hand he seemed amused, but on the other he was grumbling inwardly that he had to put up with all this nonsense. Rasur squinted and looked at Baral as if examining an insect.
Corvus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Cursing that he had found himself in this mess, he felt that in a few seconds he would be clinging even tighter to Baral's legs. "Baral," he said when he opened his eyes again, his voice sharp with patience.
Baral raised his head and looked at him with wide-open eyes.
"If you grab my leg one more time, I'll send you to work as a laborer in the city's construction site."
Baral jerked back, the false sadness on his face giving way to a panicked grin. But he was still brave enough to keep sweet-talking.
"Oh, yes, my lord, as you wish! But shouldn't you be entertained at a table more worthy of you?"
Corvus raised his eyebrows and glanced at the food on the table. "This food is enough" he said coldly. Then he glanced at Baral and bowed slightly.
"But you talk too much."
Baral sealed his lips in a second and sank softly into a chair. Rasur took a deep breath and relaxed, hoping that at the end of this demonstration Baral would at least be silent for a few minutes.
"But something you said intrigued me, Baral."
Excited by Corvus' words, Baral was tempted for a moment to throw himself at Corvus' leg again, as was his old habit, but stopped himself at the last moment. Blinking his eyes, he thought quickly, weighing what kind of answer he should give. But when he saw the threatening look in Corvus's eyes, he knew the best way was to confess.
"I had no idea you had an inn in Bahoz. You obviously make good money."
The smile on Baral's face vanished in an instant. His whole body began to tremble with fear. His swollen cheeks contracted and sweat broke out on his forehead. His eyes immediately turned to Rasur, obviously looking to him for help. He knew that Rasur's explanation would sound more convincing to Corvus, because Corvus trusted Rasur's word more than his own. But Rasur had realized the situation and was enjoying watching Baral struggle a little more.
It was a picture of desperation as Baral crumpled the hem of his robes with shaking hands, opening and closing his mouth but unable to utter a single word. Seeing Corvus's brow furrowing, Rasur finally took pity on Baral and intervened with a sigh.
"It is true that Baral has made money," he said calmly.
"But I can assure you it is not by cheating. We buy most of our building materials from him and it is indeed much cheaper than from other merchants."
This support was like the kiss of life to Baral. His eyes instantly lit up and he quickly pulled himself together. This was exactly why he had wanted Rasur to speak in the first place; he knew Corvus would not take his word for it. Now he had to take the opportunity to explain himself.
"My lord, it's true that I made money, but I didn't open the inn solely on the money I made," he said, his voice still trembling slightly, but not as panicked as before.
"I decided to invest here by selling the lady in Sorbaj, I saw the potential for trade here and took such a step to serve the growth of the Rhazgord."
Corvus turned his gaze to Rasur. Rasur acknowledged Baral's words with a slight nod. Corvus' expression did not change much, but he leaned back in a way that at least suggested he accepted the explanations.
"Well, then give me your report," he finally said.
As soon as he received this order, Baral summoned his servants at the door. The young man who entered was carrying several papers and maps in his arms. The meticulously prepared documents were laid out on the table. Baral puffed out his chest, took a deep breath and smoothed the maps with his hand, as if to show that he was as prepared as ever.
"As I'm sure you noticed when you entered the city. We have built a wide Adler-style road, and of course we plan to organize other roads and streets, but this is the most important one. Because it leads both to the center of the city and to the market, which is about to be completed."
He put his hand on the map and pointed to where the roads met.
"Most of the shops have already been built and the rest will be finished in ten days at most. These shops will be staffed by artisans from Laksia and Bahem who you brought with you, but they will not be the only ones. I have made sure they have apprentices from Rhazgord as well, so our people will learn new trades and become economically stronger."
Baral turned his eyes to Corvus. He was trying to gauge the impact of his words. Corvus remained silent as he studied the documents on the table. Baral wanted to take the upper hand by speaking a little more.
"They are already making a profit." he added, his eyes shining with ambition and excitement.
“And this is just the beginning!”
"I asked you to build a school for scholars. Where is it?"
Under Corvus' stern gaze, Baral quickly pulled out another map and began to explain. His excitement was written all over his face and his grip on the paper was a little too tight, although his hands were not shaking.
"Sir, as you know, you have hired a lot of scholars," he said, his voice as enthusiastic as ever, but with a cautious tone. "We need a large area of land to build a proper site to employ all these men. So even though the site for the construction has been chosen, we are still in the demolition phase."
Baral pointed to the designated area on the map with his finger. "Here" he said. "There are old and decaying buildings, we are removing them. But we need time to get this place completely ready."
Corvus glanced at the map for a moment, but his knowledge of city planning and academic regulations was limited. He had grown up with military training. He had no direct experience of academies or schools in other countries. So he had recruited all those who were educated and self-proclaimed scholars. But as Baral hinted, Corvus had a staff large enough to run not one, but at least three academies. But the young man was not yet aware of this.
Corvus's brow furrowed slightly. "How long will it take?" he asked.
Baral answered, his voice a little more cautious. "An estimated three to four months."
This was too long for Corvus. But laying the foundations of an academy was not something that would happen overnight.
After a moment's hesitation, Baral raised the real issue.
"Our biggest problem right now is money. I have many plans in mind, the projects are ready, I have even arranged workers for some of them, but we don't have enough resources."
At this point Corvus silently took a deep breath. Unfortunately, he had no solution to this problem for the moment. Lack of resources was delaying everything and there was no magic solution to speed up the delay. The only cure for the problem was time.
After studying the papers for a while longer, he turned his gaze back to Baral.
"Tell me what's on your mind."
With this order from Corvus, the meeting of the trio that would last until morning officially began. With maps spread out on the table and pages of calculations and plans, a long night awaited them.