I woke up to the bright sun shining through the window and stretched my arms. Today was the day we head to the southern border, and I had asked Ezekiel to join me. He agreed, but he will have to bring Lady Cecily with him, so they will go in a separate carriage.
After taking a quick bath, I changed into some proper clothes. As I yawned, I opened my door, and two people were waiting for me there: Andrew, as usual, and Lady Elena, who arrived yesterday to brief me on how she had succeeded on her mission.
"You briefed her?" I asked, sitting down at my desk and taking a sip of water.
"Yes, my lord. Lady Elena knows pretty much everything we have done so far," Andrew replied.
"I have to say, Lord Lucas, I am quite impressed with how much you have achieved. I can't even imagine the amount of time and planning it took," Elena said, a hint of admiration shining in her eyes.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere," I replied, with a slight chuckle. "But I appreciate the sentiment. Now, tell me what I need to know."
Andrew spoke up, providing his report. "Owen, Jason, Fred, Malachai, and Preston are currently idle. They have completed their tasks of eliminating the selected nobles, and they no longer need to act as safeguards for our expansion. I recommend recalling them and assigning them as your personal guards for the time being."
Elena chimed in with her suggestion. "How about we send Preston to train my brother, Francis Moonlight? Not that I doubt the capabilities of the current instructor, but from what I've read in Preston's file, he has a strong sense of justice. His influence could greatly benefit Francis."
I took a moment to consider her proposal, studying her nervous expression. Eventually, I nodded in agreement. "Very well, Elena. Send Preston to train Francis Moonlight. It seems like a good opportunity to nurture his character. Is there anything else that we need to discuss?"
"No that is pretty much everything" Andrew quickly responded. I nodded and motioned them to follow me as we made our way to the carriages.
"Hey, Andrew, don't forget to introduce Elena to the gang before she starts bossing them around," I said, turning to Andrew and he nodded in understanding
As we reached the front of the estate, two carriages stood before us—one for my master and the other for me. I turned to my right and noticed Master Calliope approaching.
"Are you ready to go? The journey will take us at least 2-3 weeks, so ensure you've packed everything you need," she said, a warm smile adorning her face.
"I have prepared everything, Master Calliope," I replied, returning the smile. With that, I entered the carriage alongside Andrew and Elena, and the long journey began.
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As the carriage rumbled along the rugged terrain, four weeks of arduous travel took its toll on us. Fatigue crept into our bones, making sleep an elusive luxury. But now, we were mere minutes away from entering the city of Grimhold, under the noble leadership of Baron Ealdric.
Interrupting my thoughts, a feminine voice caught my attention. "Excuse me, Lord Lucas," she said. I turned away from the window to face her."I have been meaning to ask you, but why are we going to the border?"
"That's a question that should have been asked before we departed SilverGlade," I said, jokingly. "Well, for one, it's part of my training. I need to get some hands-on experience. But, besides that, I want to gauge the morale of the soldiers. It's essential to know what those risking their lives think about what we're doing."
I paused for a moment before continuing, a mischievous grin on my face. "And, I also heard that the Baron's wife is smoking hot, so you can add that as another reason,"
Lady Elena let out a small laugh. "Well, I hope she doesn't distract you too much from your goal," she said, teasingly.
As the carriage rolled through the imposing gates of Grimhold, I reshifted my focus towards the ancient city that stood before us, its storied history etched into the very stones that comprised its structures. Grimhold, a name that resonated with strength and resilience, had withstood the test of time for two centuries. Situated atop a commanding hill, the city's strategic location had thwarted numerous invasion attempts, making it a bastion of defense.
The atmosphere in Grimhold was palpable, subtly tinged with a mixture of tension and determination. The soldiers patrolling the streets exuded a sense of heightened awareness, their gazes sharp and vigilant. They wore their armor with a sense of pride, symbolizing their readiness to defend their homeland. Although on edge, they maintained a disciplined composure, ever watchful for any sign of trouble.
The citizens of Grimhold, while going about their daily lives, displayed a subtle undercurrent of concern. It was as if the weight of their city's history and its significance bore upon their shoulders. Yet, they carried on with their tasks, their faces mirroring a blend of resilience and quiet determination. Shopkeepers tended to their wares, children played in the streets, and the bustling sounds of a thriving city echoed through its ancient alleys.
Grimhold's streets were lined with buildings that bore the marks of time, weathered yet standing strong. The architecture was a testament to the city's rich heritage, with intricate carvings adorning the facades, depicting scenes of battles won and heroes celebrated. Statues of renowned figures from Grimhold's history stood proudly in public squares, reminding all who passed off the city's storied past and the heroes it had birthed.
"I must admit," I murmured, considering the modest size of this city within a small territory, "it has managed to produce a significant number of influential figures." It seems that adversity truly does forge stronger men.
The carriage came to a halt in front of the formidable Baron's mansion, and Andrew swiftly opened the door, signaling for us to alight. Stepping out of the carriage, I glanced at the sprawling estate before me. The structure loomed large, not in an awe-inspiring way, but rather like a fortress with its sturdy stone walls and imposing gates.
The Baron's mansion exuded an aura of practicality and strength rather than opulence and extravagance. Its architecture was solid and functional, designed to withstand the rigors of time and potential threats. The walls were weathered, bearing the scars of battles fought and won, serving as a silent testament to the city's resilient history. Looking one more time I refocused, now it was time for us to meet the Baron.