The heat of summer still clung to the air, though the harshest days had begun to wane. The midday sun burned bright, but the evenings carried a faint coolness—a reminder that the season was beginning its slow descent toward autumn. It had been just over a month since the siege, and food supplies were dwindling faster than expected.
Alexander stood by the forge, watching as Gareth and his apprentices worked tirelessly. The new metal was no longer an experiment—it was becoming the foundation of Emberhold's survival.
The First Tools
Gareth wiped sweat from his brow as he lifted a newly forged axe head. The metal gleamed darkly, its edge sharper than any standard iron tool.
"This stuff is leagues better than what we had before," Gareth muttered. "Lighter, tougher. Holds an edge longer. We've made a few prototypes—axes, hammers, even a plow blade."
Alexander took the axe head from him, turning it in his hands. The craftsmanship was precise, the balance near perfect. The Innovator Path's buffs were taking effect across the territory.
"How quickly can we produce more?" Alexander asked.
Gareth scratched his beard. "Since we improved the forge setup, refining the metal is 15 percent faster. Resource collection's better too—we're getting more ore out of the same labor."
Alexander nodded. "Prioritize tools first. If the villages won't trade food for coin, they'll trade for this."
Gareth smirked. "You're making them need us."
"That's the idea," Alexander said.
The Blockade Tightens
Owen returned from another failed trade attempt, his frustration evident.
"They won't deal with us," he said, slamming his pack onto the war table. "Not just one village—all of them. Someone's closing the entire trade network against us."
Alexander clenched his jaw. "They're being pressured."
Silas exhaled. "And whoever's behind it is playing the long game. No direct threats, no attacks—just slow, systematic isolation."
It was a smart tactic. If they couldn't get food, Emberhold would starve before winter arrived.
"We can't let them dictate the terms," Alexander said. "If they won't trade food for coin, we'll make them an offer they can't refuse."
Owen frowned. "And what's that?"
Alexander turned toward the forge. "Steel."
The New Trade Strategy
By the afternoon, the first trade envoy left Emberhold carrying the newly crafted tools.
They carried reinforced axes, plow blades, and hammers—not weapons, but stronger, longer-lasting tools. If the villages saw the difference, they'd have to reconsider.
"Take these to the smaller settlements first," Alexander instructed. "Let them test them. If they realize they can get tools that last twice as long as anything they have, they'll start dealing with us again."
Owen hesitated. "And if they still refuse?"
Alexander's expression hardened. "Then we find someone who will."
Movement on the Trade Roads
As the sun dipped lower, Tyrell returned with urgent news.
"The riders have moved," he said, entering the war tent where Alexander, Elias, and Silas had gathered.
Alexander's gaze sharpened. "Where?"
Tyrell spread a rough map over the table. "They're advancing toward one of the villages that used to trade with us. Not attacking—just… waiting."
Silas frowned. "They're trying to control the supply lines."
Elias crossed his arms. "So what do we do? Sit back and watch?"
Alexander considered the situation. Engaging them directly could be a mistake, but allowing them to tighten their hold wasn't an option either.
"If they're trying to choke us out, we need leverage," Alexander said.
He turned to Silas. "How long until we get word back from the first trade attempt?"
"A few days," Silas replied.
Alexander exhaled. They needed time.
"Then we wait," he said. "But we don't stay idle. Start fortifying Emberhold further. If this turns into a fight, we make sure we're the ones in control."
Elias smirked. "Now that I can get behind."
The First Weapon
That night, Gareth approached Alexander with something wrapped in cloth.
"I finished one," he said.
Alexander unwrapped the weapon carefully. A single-edged blade, dark as night, smooth and polished with a razor-sharp edge. Even holding it, he could tell it was lighter than steel but just as strong.
Gareth exhaled. "I don't know what we just made, but this metal… it's not normal."
Alexander studied the blade.
No, it wasn't normal.
And if they played this right, it would change everything.