Remus Acquitane, the Forge Master, strode into the Great Hall at the Royal Palace in Newtown, a young man in a large room filled with grey men.
As the story went, King Belsarius the second convinced the Dwarven King to send thousands of his men to create this monument of his legacy. Remus was awed by their craftmanship even in this moment of peril he couldn't help but admire their handiwork. The hall was built with patterns on marble interspersed with large marble columns.
Andrea walked behind him, seemingly unfazed by her surroundings. Despite Tacitus and Annabelle's protests, she was the only one he asked to accompany him.
The blonde, blue-eyed boy King was seated on a large white throne with his doting Queen Mother hovering above and beside him and compared to his meagre size, his father's throne which he inherited too soon, seemed too big for him to fill.
Supposedly, the 42-year-old King Belsarius the second died in his sleep and no foul play was detected.
"I'm surprised that you would come here," the Queen Mother said. "You're either bold or foolish."
The fact that she spoke first instead of the King partially confirmed to Remus that she was the one pulling the strings.
"You've spent so much time and money trying to harm my business," Remus said. "The least I can do is pay you a visit."
In a fraction of a second, she flashed a quick scowl. She obviously was used to her presence being feared and intimidating.
Before she could respond, the King raised his right hand stopping her cold in her tracks.
"Have you come to bring me tribute?" the King spoke in a small childish voice. "I would like your best magic sword to add to my collection. I was informed by my father's most trusted General that you studied the enchantments on the weapons in my armoury."
"Is that the reason that you dismissed him then?" Remus asked.
"Why would I dismiss General Tacitus?" the King asked.
Remus was puzzled but he quickly realized what was happening.
"Your highness, General Tacitus has been stripped of his title and dismissed," Remus said. "If you didn't issue that order, then who did?"
As Remus spoke, he intentionally didn't look at the King, instead, he focused his gaze on the Queen-Mother. Her expression went from contempt to genuine fear as she nervously glanced at the young King.
"Escort my mother to her chambers and make sure she doesn't leave," King Belsarius said.
She tried to protest but fell silent once she realised that he wasn't going to listen to her.
"As for you," the King said, this time addressing Remus. "I can't have anyone challenging my authority. You are henceforth banned from entering both Oldtown and Newtown. I suggest you act cautiously from hereon out."
Remus took the King's advice and left.
Back at the Autumnshade, Tacitus listened to Remus's account of what happened and offered some advice.
"You should be cautious from hereon out," Tacitus cautioned.
"It's too late for that. I need to secure a better tactical position," Remus replied. "Where are the power centres in Oldtown? Who wields the most power other than the King?"
"Well, other than King Belsarius, there is the ruling council," Tacitus offered. "They shape policy for the entire Kingdom."
"Who sits on the council?" Remus asked.
"There's my replacement, General Caligula, Raasmus, the Head-Priest of the Church of the Seven, Midas, the head of the Banking Guild, Nimir, the head of the Merchant Guild, Old man Pompey, the Arch-Maester and Arthur, the new head of the Adventurer's Guild."
"Pompey is already on my side but I don't know about the rest," Remus said. "I've dealt with Nimir before. He seems to only be concerned with profit. I think I know exactly how to bring him as well as the Banking Guild to my side in one fell swoop."
"How, if I may ask?" Tacitus said. "Merchants love profits but Goblin Bankers are more preoccupied by luxury and prestige.
"One word. Railroads."
Three days later, Nimir, Midas, Remus, Annabelle and Tacitus met to discuss a business deal.
"Gentlemen, I have a proposal that I think will benefit all of you," Remus said. "I have a way to quickly and efficiently move goods and people throughout the entire Kingdom while making a lot of profit."
"I'm intrigued by the possibility of profits," Nimir, the half-elf said. "Show me more."
"I'm not swayed by just profits," Midas said. "What does this scheme have to benefit me?"
Remus unveiled a 1/8 scale model of a railroad system complete with a running train. The small train engine puffed smoke while it pulled 8 carriages along the tracks.
"This will be a useful means of transport that transfers passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles running on tracks," Remus explained. "Not only will we greatly benefit financially but this will be the most comfortable way to travel between places. Imagine travelling between cities in the comfort of a high-end hotel. This is what it offers you."
Midas smiled.
"That does sound interesting indeed," he said. "How can you build this and how will the business be structured?"
"The Banking Guild will provide the Capital, the Merchant Guild will provide the coal and iron that I need because I don't believe Duke Sylvanus will deal with me directly and I will design and construct everything," Remus said. "We will split the profits into thirds. Each of us will get 1/3."
"I think we have an agreement," Midas said.
"I concur," Nimir chimed in.