Chapter 26: The First Imperial Authority
The journey back toward Blackwood Manor was quieter than the one that had taken them south.
There was no sense of victory in the wagons.
Elias had survived, but only because they had reached Mistress Anwen in time. Jory had not. Rusk and most of his band remained somewhere in the western forest, and the name Silas Corven now sat in Kael’s notebook beside a growing list of unanswered questions.
The merchants traveled together rather than separating after Hollow Creek. Several had recovered goods from Rusk’s camp, though much of the stolen property remained unidentified and had been recorded before anything changed hands.
Kael rode near the rear of the caravan for most of the morning.
His ribs still ached.
The cut along his shoulder pulled whenever he moved the wrong way.
Worse than either injury was the memory of frost forming beneath his glove during the fight.
He had not imagined it.
He knew that.
Yet the cold had vanished almost as quickly as it appeared.
Another mystery.
As if Blackwood had not already provided enough of those.
Walter rode beside him on the old cart.
You haven’t said much for an hour
Kael glanced over.
Neither have you
I’m seventy. People are grateful when I stop talking
Kael almost laughed.
Almost.
Walter’s expression became more serious.
What happens to the prisoner?
He meant the few bandits who had surrendered or been captured before Rusk’s reinforcements forced Kael to withdraw.
Those men traveled under guard among the merchants.
Nothing impressive.
No Imperial soldiers.
No polished knights.
Just caravan guards and Blackwood volunteers making certain nobody disappeared before reaching the manor.
They receive a hearing
Walter raised an eyebrow.
A hearing?
Then a proper judgment once we know what each of them actually did
One of the merchants overheard them.
They robbed caravans
Another added bitterly.
Killed people too
Kael looked toward them.
Some did
The merchant frowned.
You saw the camp
I did
Then what more do you need?
Evidence tying each man to each crime
The merchant stared.
They’re bandits
Kael kept his voice calm.
And if I hang every man wearing the same clothes because one of them murdered someone, what exactly makes that justice?
That quieted him.
Bram, walking near the wagon, glanced toward Kael.
So if a man participated willingly in murder?
Then he answers for murder
Robbery?
He answers for robbery
Someone who surrendered before fighting?
Different circumstances
And someone forced into the group?
Kael looked toward the prisoners.
Then we find out whether he was actually forced
Walter scratched his beard.
Complicated way to rule
Probably
Kael looked ahead.
Easier isn’t always better
Garrick, walking several paces away, nodded once.
No one argued after that.
The towers of Blackwood Manor appeared in the distance late in the afternoon.
Kael had been gone only a short time, yet seeing the estate again surprised him.
Smoke rose from the kitchen chimneys.
Two wagons stood near the western storehouse.
Freshly cut timber had been stacked beneath a temporary shelter in the courtyard, and several villagers moved between the manor and the road carrying messages, supplies, or tools.
Blackwood was still old.
Still damaged.
Still too empty for an estate its size.
But it no longer looked abandoned.
Lily, riding beside Elias’s wagon, noticed Kael looking.
Home already looks different
Kael nodded.
Because something’s happening here
The front gates opened.
Edwin stood inside waiting.
He had apparently received word of the caravan’s approach, because two villagers beside him were already preparing space for the wounded and captured men.
His relief at seeing Kael lasted perhaps three seconds.
Then his eyes found the bandage beneath Kael’s cloak.
What happened?
Minor disagreement with several bandits
Edwin looked toward Bram.
How minor?
Bram answered immediately.
Not minor
Traitor
Edwin’s expression hardened.
We will discuss that later
Kael sighed.
There are too many people saying that to me lately
Then Kael noticed the courtyard.
Something was wrong.
People had gathered along the edges.
Not panicked.
Uncertain.
Several volunteers held spears or farming weapons, but none seemed willing to move toward the lone figure standing beneath the ancient oak tree.
A man waited there.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered despite his age.
Long dark-gray hair, streaked almost entirely silver, had been tied loosely behind him. He wore travel-worn armor beneath a dark cloak without the colors of any noble House.
A spear rested beside him.
Not decorative.
Kael knew enough about weapons now to understand the difference.
The weapon looked used.
Maintained.
Familiar to its owner.
The stranger stood as comfortably in the courtyard as though he had been invited.
Kael looked toward Edwin.
Who’s that?
Edwin’s expression changed.
For once, the old steward seemed genuinely uncertain whether to answer.
Kael noticed.
You know him
Yes
The stranger turned.
His gaze passed over the caravan.
The injured merchant.
The captured bandits.
Bram.
Garrick.
Walter.
Finally, Kael.
For several seconds he said nothing.
Then his attention dropped toward the bloodstained edge of Kael’s cloak.
You’ve been fighting
It was not a question.
Kael stepped into the courtyard.
You entered my estate without introducing yourself
The man’s mouth moved slightly.
Good
Kael stopped several paces away.
Good?
You answered the question without answering it
Kael frowned.
The stranger studied him again.
Not merely his face.
His feet.
The position of his sword.
How he favored one side because of his bruised ribs.
His breathing.
Kael recognized the look.
Evaluation.
Bram had done it.
Rowan did it with timber.
Garrick with metal.
This man did it with people.
Kael’s hand remained away from his sword.
Should I know you?
Several people in the courtyard looked horrified.
The stranger laughed.
A deep, restrained laugh rather than mockery.
No
Edwin finally stepped forward.
Your Highness
Kael glanced toward him.
Edwin inclined his head toward the visitor.
Sir Darius Valen
The name settled over the courtyard differently than Kael expected.
Walter immediately removed his hat.
Garrick’s posture changed.
Even Bram’s expression, usually difficult to read, sharpened.
Kael looked around.
I’m clearly missing something
Edwin stared at him.
One of the Four Imperial Shields
That got Kael’s attention.
He looked back at the stranger.
Darius Valen.
Even Kael knew enough Imperial history to recognize the name once the title was attached to it.
The Empire’s Shield.
A general whose campaigns were taught inside military academies.
A swordsman and Aura master with a reputation for surviving battles other men would have refused to enter.
The commander credited with turning the Ashen Fields from a retreat into one of the Empire’s most famous victories.
Kael’s eyes returned to Darius.
I thought the Imperial Shields served the Emperor
Darius rested one hand on the top of his spear.
Some do
That’s a strangely incomplete answer
It was meant to be
Kael almost smiled.
Edwin looked between them.
Sir Darius, you might have warned us you were coming
Darius glanced toward him.
Would you have behaved normally?
No
Then warning you would have ruined the visit
Walter muttered something about legendary commanders apparently enjoying irritating people.
Darius heard him.
Correct
Walter looked genuinely offended.
Kael moved closer.
Why are you here?
The amusement disappeared from Darius’s face.
Because I said I would be
To whom?
Darius looked at him for several seconds.
Your mother
The courtyard seemed to fall farther away.
Kael’s expression changed.
My mother
Yes
When?
Ten years ago
Kael stopped.
Darius continued.
Before you disappeared from the Imperial household, she asked me to watch you if the day ever came when you returned without her beside you
Kael’s jaw tightened.
You knew her
I guarded her before I became one of the Imperial Shields
That was new.
Kael had known his mother possessed ties beyond the Empire. He knew she had returned to her homeland after separating from Augustus.
But nobody had told him Darius Valen had once served her.
Why didn’t you find me?
Darius’s expression became harder.
I tried
The answer held enough weight that Kael did not immediately challenge it.
Darius continued.
You disappeared at seven. The Empire searched. Your mother’s people searched. I searched in places neither side knew about
And found nothing
Nothing reliable
Kael looked away briefly.
Ten years.
Darius had been looking?
He had no reason to know whether the man was telling the truth.
But Edwin’s face told him the relationship between Darius and his mother was not impossible.
Kael looked back.
Then why wait until now?
Because you weren’t ready
Kael’s expression hardened.
You don’t know me well enough to decide that
No
Darius nodded.
Which is why I came to see for myself
Kael stared.
Darius gestured toward the manor.
I arrived this morning. Since then I’ve watched farmers carry reports into your study, heard a carpenter curse your name because you promised him apprentices before giving him a proper workshop, watched a blacksmith unload iron fittings beside villagers who apparently believe one functioning mill qualifies as a revolution
Garrick frowned.
That’s an unfair description
Darius ignored him.
Then you returned with wounded merchants and prisoners after leaving for a territorial survey
He looked at Kael’s bandaged shoulder.
You’re making mistakes
Kael raised an eyebrow.
That’s the strongest recommendation I’ve received all week
Darius’s expression remained serious.
Good
Kael waited.
A ruler who makes no mistakes isn’t ruling. He’s either doing nothing or surrounded by liars
That sounded like something Augustus might say.
Kael disliked how many people around his father apparently shared that habit.
Still, one question mattered more.
What do you want?
Darius answered without hesitation.
To fulfill my promise
By doing what?
Standing beside you until you no longer need me
Kael stared.
You mean serve House Kael
If you’ll have me
That answer created the reaction Darius had avoided all morning.
Whispers spread through the courtyard.
Walter looked toward Garrick.
Garrick looked toward Bram.
Lily had gone completely still.
Edwin said nothing, but his expression suggested the implications were enormous.
Kael looked at Darius.
You expect me to believe one of the Four Imperial Shields walked into Blackwood because of a promise made ten years ago?
No
Darius’s answer came quickly.
I expect you to test me
Kael’s eyes narrowed.
Darius continued.
Anyone worth keeping should survive questions first
For the first time, Kael smiled.
That I understand
The System appeared.
Not violently.
Not with some mysterious bloodline reaction.
Simply with a clarity Kael had learned usually accompanied a major change to House Kael.
[Significant Retainer Candidate Confirmed]
[Sir Darius Valen]
Rank: Imperial Shield
Primary Expertise: Command, Swordsmanship, Aura, Campaign Strategy
Existing relationship to House Kael: None
Existing personal obligation: Confirmed
Kael read the last line twice.
Confirmed.
Interesting.
Another window appeared beneath it.
[House Authority condition fulfilled]
A territorial lord requires more than personal influence to exercise stable command
First Command Authority available
Requirement: appoint a recognized commander who accepts House Kael’s authority willingly
Kael stared.
Not power.
Structure.
That made considerably more sense than the System handing him some miraculous royal aura because Darius happened to stand nearby.
He dismissed the window for the moment.
Darius watched Kael’s face.
You do that often
Do what?
Stare at empty space like it’s arguing with you
Lily laughed before Kael could stop her.
Kael looked toward her.
You’re not helping
Darius’s eyes narrowed slightly.
But he let the subject go.
Kael returned to the real question.
If you serve me, what exactly does that mean?
Darius rested both hands across the top of his spear.
It means I advise you on military matters. I train you where your training is inadequate
Kael frowned.
You decided that already?
I watched you walk through the gate with an injury caused by men who should never have touched you
Kael’s pride reacted immediately.
There were almost twenty—
Darius raised one hand.
I didn’t say you fought badly
That was somehow worse.
Darius continued.
I said you aren’t trained enough yet
Kael folded his arms.
Continue
If House Kael eventually raises soldiers, I organize them properly. If you appoint another commander later, I work with him rather than treating every capable man as a rival
That caught Kael’s attention.
Darius looked toward the surrounding volunteers.
And before you raise an army, I teach you why half these men shouldn’t be standing watch with weapons they barely know how to hold
One volunteer quietly lowered his spear.
Darius noticed.
You. Keep holding it
The man straightened instantly.
Kael almost laughed.
You’re already giving orders
Habit
And what do you want in return?
Nothing
Kael’s expression flattened.
I don’t believe that answer
Good
Darius stepped closer.
Then believe this one
He lowered his voice enough that only Kael and those nearest could hear.
Keep becoming someone your mother would recognize
Kael did not answer.
That struck harder than Darius’s criticism of his swordsmanship.
Darius continued.
If you become another Imperial Prince collecting titles, I will tell you
If I become someone worse?
I’ll tell you sooner
And if I order you to stop?
Darius smiled faintly.
Then you’ll discover why your mother chose me
Kael stared at him.
Bram coughed into one hand.
I like him
Of course you do
Edwin approached.
Your Highness, accepting Sir Darius into formal House service would have political consequences
Kael nodded.
Cassian?
Among others
Darius spoke before Edwin could continue.
I have not belonged to Prince Cassian
Kael looked toward him.
You’re an Imperial Shield
I am
But not his?
Lady Seris Vaelor stands with Cassian
That confirmed something Kael had only heard indirectly.
Four Imperial Shields.
Four different relationships within the Imperial family.
Darius continued.
I have served the Empire. I have served Augustus when commanded. Neither requires me to belong to another heir’s House
Kael thought carefully.
Would Father object?
Darius’s expression became amused.
Augustus knew where I was going
That answer irritated Kael immediately.
Of course he did
Edwin smiled faintly.
His Majesty tends to know more than is convenient
Kael sighed.
Fine
Darius raised an eyebrow.
Fine?
Don’t make me repeat it dramatically
Kael extended his hand.
If you’re serious, serve House Kael
Darius looked at the offered hand.
Kael continued.
Not because my mother asked
That changed Darius’s expression.
Not entirely because she asked
Kael corrected himself.
A faint smile appeared.
Serve because you decide what we’re building here is worth protecting
Darius took Kael’s hand.
Then you have my answer
His grip was firm.
Unlike Garrick, he did not attempt to crush Kael’s fingers for amusement.
Kael appreciated that.
The System activated.
[Sir Darius Valen has entered the service of House Kael]
[Position available: First Commander]
Kael paused.
That title carried weight.
More than symbolic authority.
Darius seemed to know exactly what Kael was considering.
If you’re about to give me a decorative office, don’t
Kael looked at him.
I wasn’t
Good
Kael released his hand.
Then I appoint you First Commander of House Kael
Darius became still.
Not general?
No army
Correct
Not Captain?
No proper guard force
Also correct
Kael looked toward the volunteers around the courtyard.
First Commander
When House Kael has something worth commanding, you’ll be responsible for making sure it deserves to survive
Darius’s expression shifted.
Approval.
This time he did kneel.
Not because he had been overwhelmed by Kael’s bloodline.
Not because some mystical pressure forced every person in the courtyard to recognize a future Emperor.
He lowered himself because formal service still meant something to him.
Darius planted the butt of his spear against the stone and bowed his head.
My Prince, I accept
Kael looked down at one of the Empire’s Four Shields kneeling before him.
He understood why everyone else had gone silent.
Darius Valen was not Master Rowan.
Not Garrick.
Not Walter.
His allegiance would be noticed throughout Aurelia.
Some people would interpret it as Kael making a claim against his siblings.
Others would assume Augustus had arranged everything.
Some would wonder what Darius knew that they did not.
Kael himself wondered the same thing.
The System appeared.
[House Authority advanced]
[FIRST IMPERIAL AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED]
Command Authority
House Kael now possesses a recognized chain of military command
First Commander: Sir Darius Valen
Effects are institutional, not compulsory
Authority increases only through demonstrated legitimacy, trained personnel, and voluntary allegiance
Kael liked that final sentence.
Nothing was free.
Good.
Darius rose.
Then his gaze dropped toward Kael’s stance.
Your right side
Kael frowned.
What?
You’re protecting it
Bruised ribs
From the bandits?
Yes
Darius nodded.
Tomorrow morning
Kael stared.
Tomorrow morning what?
Training
I just got back
Exactly. The injuries are fresh enough for you to remember why you received them
Lily covered her mouth.
Kael looked toward Edwin.
You knew this would happen
Edwin’s eyes were filled with amusement.
I suspected
Bram smiled.
I’ll watch
No
Garrick raised one hand.
So will I
Absolutely not
Walter put his hat on.
What time?
Kael stared at all of them.
House Kael is becoming unbearable
Darius picked up his spear.
Good
Kael looked toward his new First Commander.
You’re enjoying this already
A little
The captured bandits were secured in one of the manor’s lower storage rooms until Edwin could arrange a proper hearing.
Elias and Mara remained under care.
Recovered merchant property was inventoried.
The southern survey had been interrupted but not abandoned.
And somewhere east of Hollow Creek, Silas Corven was likely beginning to realize one of his witnesses had died but the investigation had survived him.
Blackwood’s problems had not become simpler because Darius arrived.
If anything, his presence created new ones.
Political attention.
Expectation.
Questions from the Imperial family.
But as evening approached, Kael stood beneath the ancient oak and watched Darius reorganize the volunteer watch without insulting anyone badly enough to make them quit.
Mostly.
The old Imperial Shield took a spear from one man, adjusted his grip, then repositioned his feet.
Again
The volunteer repeated the stance.
Better
Darius moved to the next.
Kael watched in silence.
A week ago, Blackwood had possessed no meaningful military structure.
Now one of the greatest commanders in the Empire was teaching farmers how not to stab themselves with their own spears.
It was almost absurd.
It was also exactly how Blackwood seemed to grow.
Not through sudden armies.
Through beginnings.
Kael looked down at his hand.
For a brief moment, he remembered the cold that had formed beneath his glove in the forest.
The System had not explained it.
Darius had not caused it.
Whatever power was waking inside Kael belonged to a different question.
One he would eventually have to answer.
For now, House Kael had gained something more immediately useful than another mysterious ability.
It had gained its First Commander.
And tomorrow morning, apparently, that commander intended to beat the weaknesses out of its prince.