Chapter 173: The People Blackwood Lacked
The entrance to the cave disappeared behind stone before the sun reached its highest point.
Darius watched the final Black Dragon soldier wedge a heavy timber brace against the temporary barrier.
It would not stop a determined army.
That was not its purpose.
The barrier would stop hunters, travelers, curious villagers, and anyone foolish enough to wander into the cave without understanding what waited beneath it.
Darius turned toward two soldiers.
You remain here until the replacement watch arrives.
Both men straightened.
Yes, Commander.
Nobody enters.
Not merchants.
Not adventurers.
Not Imperial soldiers unless Kael or I give the order personally.
Understood.
Kael stood several steps away, looking toward the forest.
The hidden chamber occupied his thoughts.
The twenty-foot crystal.
The corrupted mana.
The strange warriors carved into the walls.
The sun-and-wing symbol.
And most troubling of all, the fact that his Light had interacted with an ancient system the Imperial historians apparently knew nothing about.
Or claimed to know nothing about.
Kael pushed the thought aside.
He had already learned what happened when he allowed every mystery to consume him.
Blackwood still needed him.
The Adventure Guild remained unfinished.
Fifty displaced villagers needed homes.
The new settlement needed roads, water, food, security, craftsmen, and administrators.
And now Kael needed something he could not manufacture with determination.
Experts.
Darius approached.
Still thinking about the crystal?
Among other things.
That means yes.
Kael looked at him.
You have developed an annoying ability to understand me.
Darius gave a faint smile.
Your mother complained about the same thing.
Kael’s expression shifted.
Darius immediately realized what he had said.
For a moment neither spoke.
Kael did not ask the question that appeared in his mind.
There would be time for that later.
He looked toward Blackwood.
Let’s go home.
The return journey was quieter than the expedition into the cave.
Grom rode near the middle of the group.
His injuries bothered him more than he admitted.
Every few miles, he adjusted his side when he thought no one was looking.
Kael noticed.
So did Darius.
Neither said anything.
Grom’s pride was almost as durable as the goblin himself.
Galahad Charney rode closer to Kael.
I have been thinking about your mage problem.
Kael glanced toward him.
Already?
The guild was created to solve problems.
The building isn’t finished.
The work doesn’t wait for the roof.
Kael smiled.
Fair.
Galahad continued.
Finding a mage isn’t difficult.
Finding the mage you need is.
There are plenty in Aurelia.
I don’t want plenty.
Exactly.
You need someone who understands enchanted structures, old magical systems, artifacts, and unstable mana.
Kael nodded.
Preferably someone who doesn’t belong to another heir, noble house, or Imperial ministry.
That removes half the qualified people.
Only half?
Galahad smiled.
Perhaps more.
Darius, riding ahead, glanced back.
You also need someone willing to live in Blackwood.
Galahad nodded.
That removes another half.
Kael frowned.
At this rate, we’re searching for one person on the continent.
Possibly.
Then find that person.
Galahad laughed.
I have known you long enough to know you were going to say that.
Kael looked toward him.
You’ve known me for less than a month.
It has been a very long month.
Grom laughed loudly behind them.
Kael shook his head.
Blackwood appeared by late afternoon.
Construction noise greeted them before they reached the manor.
The territory had continued changing in their absence.
Timber frames marked the growing central settlement.
The Adventure Guild headquarters now had most of its first-floor walls.
Workers were laying stone along the widened road.
The market area had been marked with posts and rope.
Several new temporary homes stood near the western side of the settlement.
Kael slowed his horse.
Darius noticed.
You like seeing progress.
It means things happened without me standing over everyone.
That is generally considered a good thing.
I’m beginning to understand that.
As they entered the settlement, people stopped to watch the Black Dragon return.
The sight of Grom caused several new arrivals to stare.
Some had clearly never seen a goblin wearing Imperial-style armor before.
Grom stared back.
One young boy eventually waved.
Grom blinked.
Then awkwardly raised one enormous hand.
The boy smiled.
Grom looked away as though nothing had happened.
Kael saw the entire exchange.
He said nothing.
Lily met them outside the manor.
Her eyes immediately moved over Kael.
Then Darius.
Then Grom.
Then Galahad.
Nobody died?
Kael dismounted.
Good to see you too.
That wasn’t an answer.
Nobody died.
She visibly relaxed.
Grom was injured again.
Grom frowned.
Why does everyone keep saying that?
Because you are bleeding through your bandage.
Grom looked down.
A dark stain had appeared at his side.
He sighed.
Minor inconvenience.
Lily pointed toward the manor.
Healer.
Now.
Grom looked toward Kael.
Kael raised both hands.
Don’t involve me.
Grom muttered something under his breath and walked toward the manor.
Lily turned back toward Kael.
What did you find?
A problem.
Her expression flattened.
Another one?
A large one.
Of course.
Kael almost smiled.
Then his expression became serious.
The cave is restricted.
Nobody goes west without Black Dragon approval.
I’ll tell Edwin.
And I need reports on the displaced families.
Lily nodded.
Most want to stay.
Kael stopped.
Most?
Forty-three have asked for permanent settlement.
And the others?
Seven want to return if their village becomes safe again.
Kael looked toward the western horizon.
He understood.
A home did not stop being a home simply because danger forced someone away from it.
We’ll give them the choice.
Lily nodded.
There is another problem.
Housing?
Housing.
Kael sighed.
Naturally.
The fifty displaced villagers had been placed in temporary shelters near the new settlement.
Kael visited them before returning to his study.
The atmosphere had changed since their arrival.
Children were helping carry water.
Several adults had already volunteered to work on construction.
A farmer had begun speaking with Bram about available fields.
A woman who knew basic sewing had joined several local families repairing clothing.
They were not sitting around waiting for Kael to save them.
They were trying to rebuild.
The elderly man who had first led the group toward Blackwood approached.
He bowed.
My lord.
Kael nodded.
How are your people?
Better.
The old man’s eyes moved toward the temporary shelters.
Some have not slept properly yet.
The children hear animals at night and wake frightened.
Kael’s expression tightened.
That will take time.
Yes.
The man hesitated.
We heard you are allowing us to remain.
If you want to.
The man’s eyes widened.
No oath?
You will obey Blackwood’s laws.
Pay the same taxes as everyone else once you’re established.
Work if you’re capable.
That’s all.
The old man stared.
Kael continued.
I’m not giving you a free life.
I’m giving you a place to build one.
The man slowly bowed deeper.
Then we will build.
Kael looked around at the families.
Blackwood had wanted people.
Now people were coming because somewhere else had failed them.
Kael didn’t feel victorious.
He felt responsible.
That evening, the main study became crowded.
Darius stood near the map.
Galahad had several parchment sheets.
Lily sat beside the financial records.
Edwin stood near Kael.
Master Rowan and Garrick Ironhand had also been summoned.
Bram arrived last, still carrying soil beneath his fingernails.
Kael looked around the room.
We have too many problems.
Garrick smiled.
Finally admitted it.
Kael ignored him.
We also have enough people in this room to stop pretending I need to solve every one myself.
Darius looked almost proud.
I want everyone to remember this moment.
Kael stared at him.
Continue and I’ll change my mind.
Darius became silent.
Kael pointed toward the map.
First.
The displaced families.
Forty-three want permanent settlement.
Rowan leaned over the map.
I can add housing here.
He pointed toward the western edge of the new settlement.
How quickly?
Temporary homes within two weeks.
Permanent homes will take longer.
Do it.
Bram raised a hand.
Farmers?
Several.
Then send them to me tomorrow.
There is unused land near the southern fields.
Kael nodded.
Good.
Garrick tapped the table.
Anyone with forge experience?
Lily checked the records.
Two men worked as village smiths.
Garrick’s eyebrows rose.
Send them to me.
Not apprentices?
I’ll decide that.
Kael smiled faintly.
Good.
Already, the refugees were becoming something else.
Residents.
Workers.
Future craftsmen.
People Blackwood needed.
Kael continued.
Second.
We need a permanent healer.
Lily nodded immediately.
Very badly.
Grom’s current healer is a traveling woman from one of the villages.
She leaves in six days.
Galahad spoke.
The guild should have at least one healer before it opens.
Eventually more.
Kael nodded.
Put out the request.
Galahad wrote it down.
Permanent healer.
Experience with battlefield wounds preferred.
Kael added.
And someone willing to treat every race.
The room became quieter.
Galahad looked toward him.
You expect that to be a problem?
Yes.
Kael didn’t hesitate.
If Grom walks into the guild injured, I don’t want someone deciding his blood is less important because he’s a goblin.
Garrick grunted approvingly.
Galahad wrote another line.
No racial restrictions.
Kael nodded.
Third.
A monster scholar.
Edwin raised an eyebrow.
That is an unusual household position.
Not household.
Guild.
Kael looked at Galahad.
Someone needs to examine monster remains, identify materials, record behavior, and eventually teach adventurers what they’re fighting.
Galahad nodded.
I’ll add it.
Fourth.
A mage.
Everyone became more serious.
Kael did not tell them everything.
He did not explain the carvings.
He did not explain the strange Light reaction.
Only Darius, Grom, and Galahad knew what had truly been found below.
Kael continued.
I need someone experienced in enchanted structures and unstable mana.
Garrick looked at him.
For what?
Something beneath the western forest.
That was all Kael offered.
Garrick watched him for a moment.
Then nodded.
If you need metalwork around whatever it is, tell me before you start experimenting.
Kael smiled.
I will.
You say that now.
Edwin cleared his throat.
There is still the question of payment.
Kael looked toward him.
For the specialists?
For everything.
Edwin placed several ledgers on the table.
Housing.
The Adventure Guild.
The market.
Road construction.
Agricultural improvements.
Additional patrols.
The displaced families.
And now highly skilled specialists.
Kael opened the ledger.
Blackwood’s revenue had improved.
Trade was growing.
Merchant traffic had increased.
But development was consuming coin almost as quickly as it arrived.
Kael frowned.
How long can we maintain the current pace?
Edwin answered.
At present spending?
Four months comfortably.
Six if we delay several projects.
Kael leaned back.
That wasn’t enough.
The Adventure Guild had been partly conceived as an answer to exactly this problem.
But the guild couldn’t generate income before it opened.
Kael looked toward Galahad.
How long until the guild can operate?
Full headquarters?
Months.
Basic operation?
Galahad thought for a moment.
Three weeks.
Rowan looked at him.
Three?
Galahad pointed toward the construction plan.
I don’t need every room.
Give me the main hall, two counters, a records room, and someplace secure for rewards.
Rowan considered it.
Three weeks.
Kael nodded.
Then three weeks.
Galahad looked toward him.
You want to open before the building is finished?
I want the guild working before the building is beautiful.
Galahad smiled.
Now you’re thinking like a mercenary.
Kael looked offended.
I’ll pretend that was a compliment.
The meeting continued until long after sunset.
By the end, Kael’s list had become longer.
But unlike previous nights, he didn’t feel buried beneath it.
Each responsibility now had a person attached.
Rowan.
Construction.
Garrick.
Smithing.
Bram.
Agriculture.
Galahad.
The Adventure Guild.
Darius.
Military.
Edwin and Lily.
Administration and household management.
Kael looked around the table.
This was the beginning of government.
Not an Imperial Council.
Not ministries.
Nothing so grand.
Just capable people being given responsibility.
But every empire had once begun smaller than its later histories admitted.
After everyone left, Darius remained.
Kael looked at him.
Something else?
Darius closed the door.
The observer.
Kael’s expression changed.
You noticed.
I noticed someone following us from the forest.
Kael leaned back.
Why didn’t you say anything?
Because they never approached.
Never attacked.
Never entered the cave.
Darius walked toward the window.
And whoever it was knew how to avoid trained scouts.
Kael thought about the figure he had never seen.
How long?
Darius looked toward him.
I first noticed signs when we were returning from the cave.
Could be a hunter.
You don’t believe that.
No.
Kael stood.
Imperial?
Possibly.
One of my siblings?
Possible.
Foreign kingdom?
Possible.
Darius turned.
There are too many possibilities.
Kael nodded.
Then we don’t chase shadows.
Darius studied him.
Again with the caution.
Kael smiled faintly.
I’m evolving.
Slowly.
Kael walked toward the desk.
His Imperial Spy Network appeared in his thoughts.
Azure Scout Bird.
Five-kilometer range.
Six-hour duration.
Observation only.
He could use it.
But not tonight.
Whoever watched them had made no move.
Kael preferred opponents who believed they remained unseen.
He looked toward Darius.
Double the watch around the western route.
Quietly.
Darius nodded.
Don’t tell Grom.
Darius almost laughed.
Because he’ll hunt them?
Because he’ll enjoy hunting them.
Fair.
Darius reached the door.
Then stopped.
Kael.
Yes?
You’re going to need more than fifty soldiers soon.
Kael’s expression became serious.
I know.
Darius left.
Kael remained alone.
Blackwood’s population was increasing.
The guild would attract more outsiders.
Trade would bring merchants.
Expansion would mean more villages.
More roads.
More threats.
Fifty Black Dragon soldiers had once seemed like the beginning of an army.
Now Kael could already see their limits.
He walked toward the map.
Eleven villages.
One growing central settlement.
Forty-three new residents.
An unfinished guild.
An unstable ancient artifact.
And somewhere in the darkness, someone watching him.
Kael smiled faintly.
Blackwood was becoming complicated.
Perhaps that was proof it was finally becoming important.
Far beyond Blackwood’s borders, a lone rider reached a roadside chapel before midnight.
The building looked abandoned.
No banners.
No guards.
No priest waiting at the entrance.
The traveler entered.
A small white-gold flame burned upon a stone altar.
The figure removed the ordinary cloak.
Beneath it rested pale armor marked with the sun-and-wing symbol.
The observer knelt.
A crystal no larger than a coin was placed against the altar.
White-gold light filled the room.
A voice answered from somewhere far away.
Report.
The observer lowered their head.
The Asterion prince entered the old chamber.
Silence followed.
And?
The corrupted heart reacted to his Light.
Another pause.
Did he recognize the symbol?
No.
Did Darius Valen?
No indication.
The flame flickered.
The observer continued.
Prince Kael has ordered the cave sealed and is seeking a mage capable of examining the artifact.
The distant voice became colder.
Then our time is shortening.
Should I make contact?
No.
The answer came immediately.
Continue watching.
No interference.
No revelation.
Not until the High Keeper gives the command.
The observer hesitated.
And if Aurelia discovers the chamber first?
The white-gold flame brightened.
Then pray they have forgotten why it was buried.
The connection vanished.
Darkness returned to the chapel.
The observer remained kneeling.
Back in Blackwood, Kael knew someone had been watching.
What he didn’t know...
Was that the eyes following him had first noticed his Light long before the Adventure Guild.
Long before the western cave.
Long before he began asking questions about Aurelius Kael Asterion.
And they had been waiting for years to discover whether Kael’s Light was merely magic...
Or proof of something Aurelia had spent centuries hiding.