In the hidden room of the castle, the inner circle had gathered once more. Smiles were all over their faces. The past months leading to this day had been endless work, but it had all paid off by solidifying Alfred's position.
"My friends. For your hard work over this year, I believe it is time to give you what you deserve." Alfred's smile was infectious. "It is a shame Raven can't be here, but the matters of the Church are too important right now." With a tone of disappointment, he turned to William.
"William. You have been by my side since the start of my coronation. Whilst at first, you joined my side for personal benefits and loyalty to my father, you have proven yourself to be unreplaceable within the Kingdom. Now to match your skills and award you for loyalty, I grant you the title of General of the Ammary Kingdom, second only to my authority. You have secured the border and now you must build the military into a force that the world will tremble at."
William bowed politely towards Alfred. It was to be expected he would be given a position along those lines. Alfred turned to Catherine next. Unlike previously she was a lot more calm. "Duchess. Your knowledge of the seas is a vital asset to the Kingdom that is not used to the fullest extent. That changes now. As Master of the Seas, I shall give you full authority of the Kingdom's navel forces, second only to mine. If you wish to ever see your dream in this life, build and innovate. The sea is the future, and we must be the first to conquer it. You are the only one who can make this happen."
His words were sincere and surprising to Catherine. She had expected very little with how she had acted when they first gathered in this room. Alfred knew this as well, but he also understood that no one in the Kingdom was as knowledgeable in shipcraft and sea travel as her. Despite having knowledge of his old world, he was only a historian, at most, he could just tell her about new technology, yet he didn't. The fear of rapid technological advancement stunting the organic growth of his people in the future when he was gone was a very real possibility. If he was to introduce something he had to always be careful.
Turning to Emsmond the old man smiled. "I'm sorry old friend, but I can't give you any official title like these two due to the nature of your work. Instead, I grant you the Obsidian Castle. Use this as you please." A polite nod was all he got in response. Esmond knew his role was in the background and didn't mind, instead wondering how to use the new castle under his control.
"Charles and Anton. You two have already received your rewards previously. I'm just wondering how the progress has come along."
"Of course." Anton was the first to speak. His voice was excited like a child. "The Golden Bank has seen a slow but steady stream of investors. It took a bit of convincing within the merchant circle but using my connections and prestige I was able to slowly entice them. Word is beginning to spread outside the borders and as you have ordered, we shall not discriminate as long as they have the coin. The only problem is the common people. They do not trust us like the Church so it's harder to get them, but it will be a matter of time."
"New business within the capital has shot up rapidly with the loans we are able to provide and profits are steadily increasing. As long as the Kingdom doesn't go bankrupt or a great disaster hits us, we should continue to see this steady growth. A couple of years and we will be able to begin funding whole Kingdoms."
He spoke with pride about his bank. Alfred smiled knowing he had the right person. The greed oozing of the man was something few had. It may be a slow process but he was sure that the Golden Bank would be known worldwide funding entire Kingdoms and merchant empires. Looking over towards Charles the man began.
"The Unyielding is coming along fine. It's hard to break the minds of those older ones who came from noble backgrounds, but thanks to Esmond we found a way. The orphans however are truly great. The loyalty they feel for giving a warm meal and a place to sleep is amazing. They push themselves to the extreme to pay back the kindness shown to them and will become the kingdom's ravenous dogs. The only problem is we need more funding. Food, training material and teaching are expensive."
"It will be done. Just focus on making them the best you can be." Charles thanked Alfred with the boy's eyes landing on Abu. "Did you accomplish what you want?"
A happy smile spread on the man's face. "Yes. I must thank you. Truly it has been a time to reflect for me, and it feels good to know that I am slowly redeeming myself. The people who came under my control are all finding a way forward and in the near future, I believe we may have enough people to stabilise the administration problem."
"That is good to hear." Alfred clapped his hands and looked at all those on the table. "Now has anybody got anything to say before we call this gathering."
"There is one thing," William spoke up, "The Royal Guard are wondering when you shall put a commander in place and who."
"Ah, that. When he returns they will have it. I do wonder how he is right now, to be honest." Alfred said we a caring tone.
Chris sat in his tent, sharpening his sword. His body was covered in more scars, but he had become noticeably bigger. His eyes were cold like a blade and his black armour was scarred, telling the tales of how many battles he had fought in.
Walking in, another mercenary wearing light chainmail pulled a seat opposite him. "You never take off that armour, do you?" Chris looked up at the giggling man. His eyes softened slightly, having fought side by side with him after so many battles.
"Are you here to ask me to stay again?"
"Of course. The boys are always grateful to have a skilled warrior to join us. Besides anyone who joins the mercenary game surely must be here because things aren't great back home. Why else would you willingly stay on a battlefield." The man chuckled again getting a small snort from Chris.
"I can't. I must return home after this campaign." His eyes turned soft as he remembered the Kingdom. He had always wanted to return after leaving but knew it was for the better to stay out here.
"Common at least hear the deal first. A guy with a stick up his ass like you can't have a girl back home waiting. Commander of your own squad and a right to join the commander circle. More gold and an actual say in the affairs. What's there not to like." The man spoke with a playful desperateness.
"I'm sorry James. I know I haven't told you much but once everything is over I will say and you will understand why I must go home after this is done."
"Then get explaining." James pulled out a leather pouch from his belt grabbing two wooden cups from the side. "The Sultan is discussing peace terms. Seems quite desperate to end this war. So we are going home soon." Pouring a glass for the two Chris stopped sharpening his sword.
"Seriously." James nodded in response. "A promise is a promise." Chris began to tell James everything. He had kept it silent for so long as his identity being exposed was a dangerous thing in the Sultan's land.
James listened with intrigue. He had expected Chris to be rich or have high standing from his armour and weapon, but it was beyond his belief. "So you have to return to the Blood Child. No wonder you're so adamant about it. The kid would probably string you up if you didn't." James said with assument. Rumours of Alfred and his nickname's had spread deep into each neighbouring Kingdom by now.
Chris wanted to scold the man in front of him after what he said, but remembering the last thing Alfred had said when he asked for leave, made him hold his tongue as it did seem like a possibility.
"Anyway James's. If what you said is true I'll take my leave from the camp. I'll say goodbye to the other boys and go." Just before Chris walked out he turned back to the man drinking his alcohol. "If you ever need work, or the Company does, come to the Kingdom. I promise you My King isn't as cruel as the rumours say."
With laughter resounding behind his back Chris walked out looking into the sunny sky. A happy smile on his face as he muttered to himself, "Time to return home."