The tension in the Northern Kingdom had reached a boiling point. It wasn't just the looming threat of the Sovereign that kept everyone on edge, but the growing friction between William's nobles and the increasing influence of Lumumba's Prolo' Academy. What had begun as a bold new initiative to train the commoners was now being seen by many of the nobles as a direct challenge to their power and authority.
In the grand halls of the capital, whispers of dissent filled the air. Several of the nobles had gathered in secret, their faces shadowed in the dim light of the chamber. At the head of the table sat Lord Hadrian, one of William's most vocal critics.
"The academy is a threat," Lord Hadrian said coldly, his voice carrying the weight of his discontent. "William's rule is fragile enough as it is. Allowing commoners to train under military discipline will only embolden them. Sooner or later, they'll rise up against us."
"They're already gaining too much influence," another noble agreed, nodding. "I've seen it myself. The people are starting to view Lumumba as a hero, not William. And if Lumumba controls the academy, he controls the army."
Hadrian leaned forward, his eyes narrow. "Then we must convince William to shut it down. Or at least limit its reach. If we don't, this kingdom will fall into chaos—and we'll lose everything."
Meanwhile, at the Prolo' Academy, Lumumba stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching as the recruits—once farmers, shopkeepers, and laborers—moved through their drills with precision. The transformation over the past weeks had been remarkable. These commoners, once viewed as insignificant by the nobility, were becoming disciplined fighters. William's elite soldiers had trained them well, and under Lumumba's leadership, they were learning more than just how to wield a sword. They were learning how to think strategically.
Jon stood next to him, arms crossed as he observed the training. "The nobles aren't going to like this, you know."
Lumumba didn't take his eyes off the recruits. "I'm counting on it."
Jon glanced over, raising an eyebrow. "You're playing a dangerous game, Lumumba. These aren't just soldiers—they're potential revolutionaries. You think William's going to let that slide?"
"William's smart," Lumumba replied, finally turning to face Jon. "He knows this academy is his best shot at holding the kingdom together. But the nobles... yeah, they'll push back. That's where it gets tricky."
Amara joined them, her face lined with concern. "We've already received word that several nobles are pressuring William to either shut down the academy or severely restrict it. They see it as a threat to their authority."
Lumumba sighed, leaning against a nearby wall. "Of course they do. They're afraid. For the first time, the common folk have a chance to become something more than pawns in their game. They know what happens when people get a taste of power."
Amara nodded. "But William can't ignore them forever. If the nobles unite against him, it could destabilize his entire rule. And if that happens, the Sovereign will seize the opportunity to strike."
Lumumba's expression darkened at the mention of the Sovereign. He knew the Prolo' Academy was more than just a tool for empowering the commoners. It was a key part of preparing for the Sovereign's return. But if William buckled under the pressure from his nobles, it would all be for nothing.
"I'll talk to him," Lumumba said after a moment. "But we need to give him something to counter the nobles with. A reason to keep the academy running—something that will convince them it's more beneficial than dangerous."
Amara thought for a moment before speaking. "What if we leverage the trade routes?" she suggested. "We've already discussed using William's control over the key trade routes to gain leverage over the other kingdoms. But what if we extend that same leverage to the nobles here?"
Jon frowned. "You want to bribe them?"
"Not exactly," Amara replied. "But we could offer them favorable terms for importing and exporting goods through the academy. The academy could serve as a conduit for trade—controlled, of course, by William's government. That way, the nobles benefit economically, while the academy continues to grow."
Lumumba grinned. "I like it. Turn the academy into a hub for trade as well as military training. The nobles won't complain if their pockets are lined. And if they do, we can remind them that cutting off trade routes would hurt them a lot more than a few trained commoners ever could."
Later that day, Lumumba and Amara met with William in the palace council chamber. William looked exhausted, the weight of his responsibilities clear on his face. The nobles had been relentless in their demands, and he knew his position was precarious.
"They want me to shut it down," William said bluntly as they sat around the table. "The academy. The nobles are saying it's a threat to the stability of the kingdom. They think you're building an army to challenge their power."
Lumumba chuckled, though there was little humor in it. "They're not wrong."
William shot him a sharp look. "Lumumba, this isn't a joke. If I lose the support of the nobles, the entire kingdom could collapse. And if that happens, the Sovereign will sweep in and finish the job."
Amara placed a hand on William's arm, her voice calm but firm. "We understand the stakes, William. That's why we're here to offer a solution."
William looked at her, his expression guarded. "What kind of solution?"
Lumumba leaned forward, his grin returning. "We turn the academy into more than just a military school. We make it a hub for trade. The Prolo' Academy becomes a key part of your economic infrastructure—controlled by you. The nobles will benefit from the academy's trade agreements, and they'll be less inclined to challenge its existence."
Amara continued. "With the academy as a trade hub, we can ensure that goods flow freely between the Northern Kingdom and our own domain. The nobles will get access to cheaper imports, and you'll gain even more control over the kingdom's economy. If they push back, we remind them of your position. You control the trade routes. If they try to stir up trouble, you cut them off."
William considered their words carefully, his brow furrowed in thought. "And what if they try to form alliances with the other kingdoms to bypass my trade routes?"
Lumumba shrugged. "Let them try. The market black is already thriving. Besides, you've got control over the most important routes. Any attempt to bypass you will cost them far more than they can afford. And if they get too bold, you close the routes entirely. Drive up the prices of food, supplies, medicine—let the people riot. It's not pretty, but it's effective. They won't risk losing everything just to fight you."
William was silent for a long moment, his gaze shifting between Lumumba and Amara. Finally, he sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Alright. We'll give it a try. But we need to tread carefully. The last thing I need is a full-blown civil war on my hands."
Lumumba grinned, satisfied with the outcome. "Don't worry, William. We'll keep the nobles in line. Just remember—you hold the real power here. They don't."
The next day, William called a meeting with the nobles. The council chamber was filled with tension as the nobles gathered, their faces betraying their unease. Lord Hadrian sat near the front, his gaze fixed on William.
"You've all expressed concerns about the academy," William began, his voice steady. "I understand your fears, but the academy is not a threat. In fact, it's an opportunity. An opportunity to strengthen the kingdom, both militarily and economically."
The nobles exchanged uncertain glances as William continued. "The academy will serve as more than just a military training ground. It will become a hub for trade and commerce, allowing goods to flow more efficiently between our kingdom and our allies. You will all benefit from this arrangement."
Lord Hadrian spoke up, his tone skeptical. "And if we refuse?"
William's eyes hardened. "Then you risk losing access to the most important trade routes in the region. Without those routes, your economies will suffer. Prices will rise, and your people will grow restless."
The room fell silent as the weight of William's words settled over the nobles. They knew he wasn't bluffing. The control he had over the trade routes was too valuable to ignore.
"We will support the academy," Lord Hadrian said at last, though his voice was laced with reluctance. "But make no mistake—we will be watching closely."
William nodded, satisfied with the compromise. "That's all I ask."
Back at the academy, Lumumba stood on the training grounds as the recruits continued their drills. He could already feel the shift in the air. The academy was secure, for now. But the battle for the future of the kingdom was far from over.
"So, we've bought ourselves some time," Jon said, joining Lumumba by the edge of the field.
Lumumba nodded. "Yeah. But the real fight is coming. The Sovereign's not done with us yet."
Amara approached, her eyes filled with determination. "We've secured the academy, but we need to start preparing for what comes next. We've received word that the Sovereign's forces are moving again. They're not just targeting us anymore—they're destabilizing the entire region."
Lumumba's grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Then it's time to take the fight to him."