Horizon of War Series

Chapter 225: A Glint in the Dark

A Glint in the Dark

Canardia City

That day, the citizens of Canardia witnessed their first fire of the year. It struck before the traditional height of summer, heralding the arrival of an unusually dry season that would bring the dreaded fire season. Such weather occurred randomly, every six to twelve years. Its arrival was often followed by a period of stagnation and unease. Fields were deliberately cut back or cleared to form firebreaks, as farmers feared losing all their crops to the flames.

Meanwhile, the wealthy often retreated to their countryside villas to escape the danger, and commerce slowed as merchants hesitated to risk their goods in warehouses vulnerable to fire.

Yet well before sundown, the spirits of every Canardian were lifted. News spread that the fire had been brought under control, and there was no reason to panic or flee. The steady wave of official statements delivered by heralds and officers of the ruling House calmed the panicked masses, making them pause and think. Soon, news from the burning northern part of the city began to spread.

The fire had indeed consumed a row of buildings, but something extraordinary had occurred. The most remarkable of all was the newly formed fire brigade, who were instantly hailed as heroes for their bravery and fearlessness.

Many claimed to have witnessed firemen stepping boldly into buildings nearly engulfed by flames. With remarkable skill and survival gear, they extinguished fires or brought buildings down in controlled collapses to halt the spread of the maddening inferno. Their heroism didn’t stop there; whenever called upon, they rescued trapped citizens or even retrieved treasured family heirlooms from burning homes.

Their crowning achievement was extinguishing the fire in the well-known four-story repository building. The structure was partially saved after a tremendous effort from multiple parties: the newly formed fire brigade, the city garrison, and House Tedzeus' private firemen. However, the most grueling labor fell to the citizen bucket brigades, who worked tirelessly, nearly draining two of the northern city’s main wells.

The story took a dramatic turn when news spread of a trove of treasures, including silver and bronze plates, vases, chalices, and other valuables, discovered within the building. Rumors of embezzlement by the previous stewards ran rampant, filling the streets with speculation. Meanwhile, city guards were stopping anyone from leaving without a thorough search, fueling suspicions that more revelations might emerge in the coming days.

Whatever the truth behind these rumors, the fire was brought under control, and the skies briefly turned blue and golden as the sun descended toward the west. The fire brigade and their chief were celebrated like heroes. Men brought them drinks, women handed out bread, and children tossed strips of cloth from their balconies to help wipe the sweat and soot from their faces.

Today’s fire was a disaster, but it inadvertently became a showcase of the changes their new Lord would bring. He was there in person, in the thick of the fire, commanding firemen, bucket brigades, and garrison troops. His knights were also present, and even the marvel of the skies, the airship, made a surprising appearance, dropping river mud to smother flames or coat unburnt materials. Its intervention from above made a great contribution, saving several buildings surrounded by fire by making them more resistant to embers and heat.

It was clear the Lord would stop at nothing to save the city, leading his men as if battling against a force of nature. Witnesses recounted stories of how the Black Lord was only escorted from the scene when he was covered in soot from head to toe and coughing heavily.

Word of mouth spread like wildfire, and people began to fall in love with his leadership. Before, they feared him as the Lowlandian warlord who conquered Midlandia. But now, minstrels and children sang heroically of the black-haired Lord with a blackened face and blackened clothes, who fought the dry summer fire and saved the city.

Even the old-timers and cynics had to concede that what the new Lord had done was a remarkable achievement.

While the city celebrated, the victims of the fire walked unsteadily. The merriment was lost to them; many had lost nearly everything. Casualties were low, but the material loss was significant. Over six hundred people lost their homes. Two hundred found refuge on the other side of town with relatives or through other arrangements, but the rest became stragglers, begging for alms as they had nothing to survive on.

Today, people were generous enough to offer a little food or spare used clothing, but by tomorrow, such help was unlikely to continue. In this desperate situation, the Lord's officers patrolled the streets with mule-drawn carriages, promising aid and shelter. Many were skeptical, but they had no choice but to follow with their families.

As it turned out, they were being taken to the newly established camp just west of town. With the main army still training in Ploiesta, the Lord had instructed his garrison to welcome the fire victims. The displaced citizens were stunned to be offered spare clothes, clean water, hot gruel, and even medical assistance.

This unexpected act of kindness left many speechless. Some naturally feared they might be expected to pay with money or with labor, but Sir Michael, the charming knight with an eyepatch, reassured them that the Lord offered his help without asking for anything in return except their loyalty. Most could stay for five days, and those with special circumstances would be allowed to stay longer.

Tears flowed as the knights explained the arrangements, especially when the victims were welcomed into the camp’s clean billets, wooden cabins, and field tents prepared for their use. Many were relieved to have a safe place to spend the night instead of sleeping on the streets outside their burnt homes. Their gratitude was profound, and they now spoke the Lord’s name with reverence and heartfelt thanks.

By tomorrow, news of the dry summer fire, the new firefighter group, and the Lord’s benevolent actions to aid the victims would spread far and wide. It would first travel across the city, passing through the streets, taverns, inns, and markets, before being carried by travelers and peddlers. Soon, the entire South Midlandian region would hear of it. What began as a crisis had now become a remarkable story of heroism and compassion.

***

Canardia Castle

Lansius drew a long, deep breath as his eyes adjusted to the golden rays filtering through the glass window, which was open just a slit. He exhaled softly, shifting slightly in bed. It had been a truly restful sleep, the kind that left him so refreshed he momentarily forgot the day or whether he had any obligations.

Turning to the side, he was surprised to see Audrey still sleeping.

Now this is unexpected.

Audrey was usually an early riser, a habit she had carried over from her squire days. Lansius slowly placed a palm over her forehead, checking for a fever, but she was not sick. It was just the pregnancy making her drowsy.

He smiled as he looked at her, thinking she seemed delicate until he tried to snuggle against her. That was when he realized she was already dressed in her archery training attire. Then, her eyes cracked open slightly.

"Morning," she murmured with a half-yawn.

"Drey, why are you sleeping in that?"

"I just finished training, and I feel so tired. The baby must be asking for more sleep," she added with a soft chuckle.

Lansius chuckled, amused. Even with pregnancy weighing on her, she pushed herself to perfect her archery, never letting up.

Seeing him in a good mood, she asked, "Hey, can I ask for a favor?"

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

"Can I suggest to Omin that he make a smaller ballista?"

Lansius wasn’t surprised. In his House, they could talk about cakes in one breath and poleaxes in the next. "For castle defense? I think a smaller ballista might be useful. But what made you think of it?" he asked, intrigued.

"Well, Francisca and her kin have been interested in bows or crossbows, but the ones we have are too small for her."

Lansius smiled, considering the idea. "Tell Omin that you have my full support."

Audrey smiled, and then the two slowly got up. He helped her change into a fresh dress before getting himself dressed.

"Despite the fire, we'll proceed with your inaugural feast," Audrey said as she insisted on helping him dress.

"Let's wait for the investigation first. I want no surprises."

"Do you want to stop the preparations?" she asked without any pressure.

Lansius pondered for a moment, then exhaled. "At this point, we should let the preparations continue and hope the fire wasn't arson."

"We can delay the ceremony," she reassured him.

"If we postpone, I fear it might disrupt the people's workflow. And the last thing I want is to interfere with fieldwork that could affect the upcoming harvest," he explained.

Audrey nodded. "Indeed. Everyone in this part of Midlandia will come to Canardia to pay their respects. We could expect thousands."

"I hope they don't have high expectations of me," he quipped, feeling a strange weight in his chest at the thought of people traveling for days just to celebrate his rise to office.

She turned to him. "They wouldn't dare mock my beloved husband. Or else—" Audrey left it unfinished.

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"Or else what?" Lansius met her gaze.

Audrey finished fastening his belt, leaned toward him, and whispered, "The skies will know."

Lansius laughed, amused that she was using the nomads' usual threats.

Afterward, they headed out and saw Margo, Sterling, and Francisca already waiting in the far corner of the solar hall, which was part of their private quarters.

"Do you want some breakfast?" she asked as they walked.

"Nah, I'll just grab some bread. Let's have an early lunch today," Lansius informed her as they reached the table, now modestly set with a basket of freshly baked bread, a platter of cheese, and dried fruits.

He gazed at her. "Can you take care of the morning staff meeting for me?"

Her eyes flickered, and her brows furrowed. "Don't you want to hear Sir Harold and Omin's report?"

"I doubt they'll have concrete results by now. It's too early," Lansius said. "Besides, I really need to come up with a plan for Corinthia so I can discuss it with the council."

"I see." Audrey nodded. "Then I'll take care of the morning meeting. Do you have anything to relay to Michael and Daniella?"

"Not at the moment. I think they're already busy."

She exhaled softly. "With thirty new estates and the business in Korelia, everyone is understandably busy, but for a good reason. Everyone's wealth is tied to the Shogunate, and the Shogunate is tied directly to you."

"To our House," Lansius corrected her, amused. "One thing," he added. "If Sir Michael wants to move Lady Astrid to Ornietia, I have no objection. The Shogunate has expanded, and Ornietia is already considered an extension of our realm."

Audrey considered for a moment. "Lord Robert might want to visit. Will you allow that?"

"Of course. Tell him to leave a capable man in charge of White Lake during his absence. And I'd be glad to meet him in Ornietia or Canardia if he wishes. I could ask him a few things about managing these vast holdings."

"Indeed, the number of holdings you have now is incredibly vast," she commented, her voice carrying a trace of awe.

Lansius found her reaction unsurprising. He too often marveled at the sheer amount of land now under their House. What struck him more, however, was that he did not feel the crushing weight of responsibility that should have come with it.

Have I grown used to this? Or is it because I trust Audrey and the council to share the burden?

"Then, I'll see you at lunch," Audrey said, snapping him out of his thoughts.

With that, they parted. Lansius, trailed by Sterling and a small entourage, made his way to the study chamber.

He was now refreshed and eager to untangle the situation in the south. The Lord of Dawn would soon embark on a campaign to Corinthia. Like it or not, even though he had not been specifically asked, the Shogunate, as an ally, had to play its part.

Lansius intended to devise a plan that would cover Avery's flank, allowing the Dawn to unleash his wrath on the responsible Corinthians while he set a major trap for the smugglers who continued to cause trouble in Lowlandia. This time, he wouldn't let them slip away. He would scour the mountainside if he needed to.

...

Council Chamber

Lansius sat next to Audrey, listening as their staff deliberated in the war meeting to decide the course of action for Corinthia and the Three Hills issue. For the first time in a long while, nearly everyone was gathered in one place. Sir Harold led the discussion on Lansius' behalf, acting as Marshal. Sir Michael, Dame Daniella, and Sir Omin were also present, with the latter mostly observing and only speaking when necessary.

"This number should suffice to maintain our hold on Three Hills," Sir Harold commented as they reviewed the plan. Earlier, Lansius had revealed his decision to send the Black Knights contingent home, along with 200 dragoons and 200 skirmishers.

"The question is the leader," the tall knight added, rubbing his strong, square jaw.

"Leader?" Sir Michael squinted his lone eye. "I think Sir Morton is more than capable of handling this."

"Don't get me wrong, he's capable," Sir Harold said, "but he's already playing three roles: guarding Lord Jorge, commanding the airship, and leading the Black Knights. We need another commander to lead our forces."

"But my Lord has settled on Farkas," Sir Michael pointed out.

Sir Harold glanced at Lansius, who motioned for him to speak freely.

"Farkas is a good fighter and a capable commander, but he is still unproven in handling complex situations. I have no doubt he can defend Three Hills with Sir Morton, but is that all we intend to do? Just stop these smugglers? I thought our goal was to hunt them down and eliminate them."

Sir Harold's explanation was well received, and many nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Lansius began to see the limitations of his plan. With only Farkas, his counterattack would be inadequate, or worse, too risky. If there was one thing he had learned from the smugglers, it was that they were surprisingly resourceful, which made them unpredictable and dangerous.

Just like myself...

Seeing the discussion stall, Dame Daniella addressed the chamber. "We still have Dietrich and Sigmund."

Sir Harold gazed at Lansius, who understood the unspoken cue. As the staff turned their attention to him, he calmly explained, "We need Dietrich to handle our western flank here. Our Midlandian defense rests on three strongholds: Canardia, Ploiesta, and Toruna. We can't afford to weaken any of them, or the rest may crumble."

Seeing no objections, Lansius continued, "As for Sigmund, I already ordered him to return to South Hill, gather what he can, and march to Corinthia as Avery's support. I just hope their coordination is adequate."

Earlier, he had already explained to them that the Lord of Dawn had stated Lansius was not required to take part in this campaign, acknowledging that Midlandia was unlikely to be pacified anytime soon. This allowed Lansius to focus his resources on Three Hills and send only a supporting force to Corinthia.

Everyone seemed to absorb his explanation.

Sir Michael glanced at Dame Daniella, then at Sir Harold, before saying, "Then, it seems we really need another person. Ideally, someone with commanding experience."

"But who can we rely on? It’s a mountainous region too," Dame Daniella reminded them.

Sir Omin nodded in agreement but offered no comment.

"That's why I volunteered myself," Sir Harold muttered.

"We already rejected that. While we are still unsure whether the fire was arson or a natural disaster, I truly believe the situation in Midlandia remains precarious," Sir Michael stated.

Sir Harold nodded without raising an argument. He knew their hold on this vast region was still young. Like trees, House Lansius' roots in Midlandia were not yet deep and fragile.

Dame Daniella gazed at Lansius and proposed, "My Lord, what about the nomads?"

"As you said before, it’s a mountainous region. I doubt they are familiar with it, and their greatest strength is their cavalry, which would be useless there."

From his side, Audrey looked at him and, for the first time, commented, "Regardless of the terrain, their bowmen could be valuable for city defense or a counterattack."

Lansius nodded easily. He knew it to be true. "Then, we shall ask Batu and Belgutei for bowmen. I'll have them coordinate with Farkas' column to reinforce Three Hills."

Without being asked, Sir Omin began drafting Lansius' request, which would later be approved and rewritten by the scribe on duty. As he finished and handed over the proposal, he said, "My Lord, My Lady, calling for the tribesmen's assistance will strengthen our numbers further. But we still have yet to find a capable leader."

Lansius exhaled deeply and turned to Audrey. "Are you sure you won't let me fly there to lead—"

"No," she replied firmly.

"It's too risky, My Lord. Please delegate this matter to your allies," Sir Michael added in support.

The rest nodded in agreement.

Lansius leaned back in his chair, acknowledging their concerns. He was left with Lord Jorge, who had Sir Arius and his locally renowned Crimson Knights, but neither was familiar with his troops. Trusting them with command might put his well-trained and battle-hardened veterans at unnecessary risk. Moreover, the chance of miscommunication alone was incredibly dangerous in a counterattack.

"Besides," Audrey added with a bright expression, "I've already arranged a thing or two regarding Three Hills."

"You have a plan?" Lansius blinked, surprised but intrigued.

"Yes. If the smugglers dare to show themselves, they will feel the pain they have inflicted on us, on my city, Korimor, and all the Lowlandians," she said with a warm smile. But Lansius knew better. Audrey was deathly serious. Whatever the smugglers were planning, the Lady of Korimor’s wrath was already upon them.

...

After the discussion, Lansius accompanied Audrey on a walk along the castle battlements. He and the others had advised her against it, warning that the stairs were steep, but that hardly discouraged her. However, the way she moved, confident and nimble, made their caution seem unnecessary.

Lansius suspected she was using magic, but he had no objections. As they reached the top, a gust of wind greeted them, carrying the vast openness of the blue sky. The guards on duty, surprised but welcoming, greeted them. He noticed that Francisca and the SAR had already secured the area.

One of their four bodyguards opened a large umbrella, shading them from the sun.

Lansius gestured to take the umbrella himself, and the guards quietly retreated, giving them privacy.

"It's been a while since we walked beneath the full sun like this," Audrey muttered as they strolled at a leisurely pace.

"Indeed. It's a nice change of pace," Lansius commented.

She glanced at him. "Have you noticed that the sky isn’t as blue as in Korelia?"

"I have. And the sun isn’t as searing, nor is the wind as harsh."

Audrey let out a faint smile, her delicate features glowing in the golden light as she turned to observe the western side of the city. "Far beyond the city walls lie the western reaches of Midlandia, then Elandia province. Beyond that is Tiberia, where the Capital stands."

"From where we are, it's likely a two-month journey by carriage to the Capital. Alas, it now lies in ruins," Lansius said.

Audrey turned to him, her white cape shimmering under the sunlight, while the umbrella's shade cast half of her in shadow. "You know, I’ve heard whispers and questions about you."

Lansius watched her intently as a gentle breeze drifted past.

Audrey continued, "They want to know if you harbor Imperial ambition."

He was mildly surprised by the notion but found it amusing. He chuckled and rested his hands on the embrasure wall before responding, "Imperial ambition? Seriously?"

Audrey leaned closer and clutched his arm. "I don't care what they say, but I need to hear it from you."

Lansius hesitated. "I don’t know what to say. It’s never really crossed my mind. What do you think?"

"I think it's a dangerous idea."

"Indeed. I have no claim over the Imperium and couldn't be bothered ruling even more land." He chuckled softly and teased, "The only thing I care about ruling is South Midlandia and you."

Audrey pouted, her deep, expressive eyes turning judgmental for a brief moment before a smile followed. Now that she had grown accustomed to her role, she radiated the elegance of a noblewoman, masking the warrior-like physique beneath. She carried a unique blend of confidence and grace that never failed to leave Lansius awed. "With the issues in Three Hills and Corinthia underway, what is your plan now for South Midlandia?"

"Thanks to your plan, we might finally put an end to the smugglers," he said gratefully. "As for Midlandia..." He narrowed his gaze, watching as the golden sunlight bathed the fertile valley of Canardia, its river, and its forests. "I’m going to make this land prosper beyond anything it has ever known."

Audrey's eyes softened. "I don't doubt your skills, but even half of Midlandia is vast. How can you govern all this effectively?"

"At its heart, leading one or leading a thousand follows the same principle. In the military, we have military law. In civil life, we have civil law."

"Commanding cities the same way you command armies?" she asked.

Lansius nodded, but Audrey still had her doubts. "Aren't you making it sound too simple?"

"The effort won’t be simple or small, but the path remains unchanged. We must not let complications distract us."

Audrey pouted slightly, her stare as if blaming him. "Love, you're starting to talk in riddles again. How about something more concrete?"

Lansius let out a faint grin. Her pout only made him wish they were alone so he could steal a kiss. If not for the entourage and the many eyes upon them, he would have pulled her close and indulged in her warmth. But he knew it would set a bad precedent.

"You're thinking of doing something naughty again, aren’t you?" Her gaze turned inquisitive.

He cleared his throat to distract her. "No, no. I was thinking about your question. Let's see... First, we’ll improve the community grain mills and granaries to prevent dampness and spoilage. Next spring, we’ll provide quality farming equipment and oxen plows, to be repaid with the harvest in fall. We’ll also teach them how to make pasta so they can turn surplus grain into a longer-lasting food source and trade commodity."

"Pasta is good. I like it. It keeps for a long time, easy to carry, and easy to cook."

"I’m also considering expanding communal ice houses to store goods. That way, people will have access to fresh food for longer."

He met her gaze and added, "The spring bed, the comfortable carriage, the airship… these are just the first steps. There’s so much more to come, and for starters, something humble."

Audrey watched as Lansius fished something out of his pocket and held it out to her.

She inspected the flawless, round, shiny object. "A silver coin?"

Lansius handed it to her and explained, "A newly minted one. With the Imperium in ruin, there's nobody producing coins. Sooner or later, the market will panic and react badly. We have no gold mines, but Midlandia just happens to have a silver mine and, secretly, a working coin mint."

"A coin mint here?" Audrey was surprised. "But only the Imperium is allowed to mint coins."

"Indeed." Lansius met her gaze. "The arrangement was kept secret for centuries to prevent jealousy from other lords. Hidden in a secluded valley west of here, Imperial moneyers maintained a mint, producing and distributing currency for the eastern provinces of the Imperium. And now, by sheer luck, it has fallen into our hands."

***