The Arthur Mansion - Strategy Council Room-
In the heart of the Arthur Mansion, nestled atop a hill with a clear view of the sprawling River City below, lies the Strategy Council Room.
Sunlight streams through the tall windows, illuminating the room where important decisions about the city's fate are made. Seated around a grand, round table with a red carpet beneath it, are the key figures of the Arthur family and their closest advisors.
At the head of the table sits Lord Alaric Arthur, the family patriarch.
Despite his calm demeanor, his mid-fifties age shows in the wisdom etched into his face. Though short in stature, his presence commands respect.
His son Gavin and daughter Isolde, both pillars of the family in their own right, sit at his side as the meeting unfolds.
Alaric's face remains composed as he speaks, "The Kol family's influence is spreading like wildfire throughout the city. They move with the speed of those desperate for something. But what? I do not know."
His eyes narrow as he glances at the reports in front of him. "In just five years, they've taken control of every major trade route. The merchants who once came to us with respect now treat me like I carry a plague."
Alaric pauses, then continues, "And the Lower District... They have entrenched themselves so deeply that those in power there refuse to even speak with me."
Gavin, standing by the gallery, clenches his fists, unable to contain his frustration. "Father, their methods are ruthless. They've overtaken not just the trade routes but also the merchant guild. If we don't act now, they will consume this entire city, the one our ancestors built!" He turns to his father, his voice growing harsher. "We must crush their underworld organizations before they grow any stronger."
The council members shift uncomfortably, but Alaric remains unmoved. He regards his son with a steady gaze. "Do you know, Gavin, why our family gained its strength in the first place? Why our ancestors were known as water mages?"
Gavin furrows his brow as his father speaks.
"It's because water mages are gentle," Alaric continues. "Powerful, yes, but gentle. If you abandon kindness, you abandon what makes you a true leader. And that applies not just to the magic we wield but to the city we govern."
Alaric's words hang in the air. Gavin's fists tighten at his sides, but he stays silent out of respect for his father. Though he doesn't agree with this gentle approach, he knows better than to challenge Alaric directly.
Isolde, Alaric's daughter and the family's strategist, chimes in, her voice calm and calculated. "Father is right about one thing. Despite the Kols' growing influence, the people still see us as the leaders of River City. That is our strength."
"But the Kols are working tirelessly to tear down that trust," Gavin argues, his voice low but firm. "They spread lies and rumors. It won't be long before the common folk believe them and turn against us."
Alaric waves off his son's concern. "The truth will prevail in the end, Gavin. As long as we continue to serve the people, they will remain loyal."
The conversation shifts as Ser Roland, a former military commander and Alaric's trusted advisor, speaks up. "Our greatest asset is the loyalty of the City Guard and the trust the Crown has in our family. As long as we have that, the Kol family's influence can only go so far."
Roland's words bring a sense of comfort to some of the council members, but Alaric's face remains thoughtful. "You see things too much from a military perspective, Roland," Alaric says, his voice gentle but firm. "This is not merely a battle to be won with swords and soldiers."
Gavin interjects again, "But, Father, Roland may be right in some respects. We cannot ignore the military advantage we hold."
Alaric sighs, cutting off further discussion. "That's enough, Gavin. You're still too young to fully understand what's at stake here. Learn from your sister. I will not allow River City to become a battlefield, no matter what it takes."
With that, Alaric stands and leaves the room, his final words echoing in the silence. Isolde places a comforting hand on Gavin's shoulder. "Don't take it personally. Father's seen too much loss in this war. He doesn't want to lose you too."
Gavin nods, but his frustration is palpable. "I understand his caution, but I fear that it will cost us everything. The Kol family is far more dangerous than anyone here realizes."
As the council begins to disperse, Gavin catches Ser Roland's eye. "Roland, I need a word with you."
Roland pauses, then nods and follows Gavin into a smaller room adjacent to the council chamber. Once they are alone, Gavin speaks in a hushed but urgent tone. "My father's too soft. We need to act against the Kol family now, before it's too late. I want you to report directly to me about the state of the City Guard. I have a plan that will keep the Kols in check."
Roland listens, his expression grave. "I understand your frustration, Gavin, but my duty is to your father. I cannot betray him."
Gavin's face hardens. "This isn't about betrayal. It's about saving this city. The Kols are a threat far greater than my father realizes."
Roland places a hand on Gavin's shoulder, his voice softening. "I know how you feel, young lord. We all do. But you must be patient. The Arthur family has ruled this city for generations. The Kols cannot tear down what your ancestors built so easily."
With that, Roland turns and leaves, leaving Gavin alone in the room, his mind racing.
"I have to do something," Gavin mutters to himself. "The Kol family is moving faster than anyone realizes, and if we don't act soon, it'll be too late—for the city, and for us."
Meanwhile, away from all this, Adam is still lying comfortably.Adam doesn't know there's a storm brewing behind him.
To be continued...