The early autumn sun hung lower in the sky, casting long shadows across Emberhold's expanding settlement. The air was still mild during the day, but the nights were growing colder. Workers moved efficiently, reinforcing walls, hauling supplies, and—most importantly—preparing the first proper weapons forged from the newly discovered ore.
Alexander stood at the forge, watching Gareth and his team work. This was the turning point.
The First Weapons of Emberhold
Gareth wiped sweat from his brow, motioning for one of his apprentices to bring the finished piece forward. "This is the first proper longsword we've made from the new ore."
He unwrapped the blade, revealing a dark metal weapon, polished to an almost unnatural sheen. Unlike iron or steel, it reflected the light in an odd way—duller, yet heavier, almost absorbing it.
Alexander took the sword in his hands, testing the weight. It was lighter than steel, yet just as durable. The balance was near perfect.
Gareth gestured toward a stack of scrap metal. "Try it."
Alexander didn't hesitate. He swung once, and the sword sliced through an old iron blade as if it were wood. The clean cut left the onlookers stunned.
Elias let out a low whistle. "That's a damn fine weapon."
Gareth crossed his arms. "And that's just the beginning. This metal works differently than steel, but now that we understand it, we can start making more. Swords, spears, armor—whatever you need."
Alexander nodded. "How fast can we scale up production?"
"Depends on the mine," Gareth said. "We've only got a limited supply right now. If we want to outfit an army, we'll need a steady stream of ore."
The Mine Expansion
The discovery of the new metal source meant one thing—Emberhold now had a resource no one else did.
A team had already been sent back to properly survey the mine, marking veins of ore and assessing its depth. Reports suggested that there was enough of the black metal to last for years if mined properly.
Alexander gave the order—expand mining operations.
"We'll need more workers," Owen noted. "Mining isn't easy, and we don't have the manpower to spare."
Silas leaned forward. "Then we bring in more settlers. Offer incentives—housing, food, protection. People will come."
Alexander agreed. If Emberhold's population grew, so would its workforce.
The Mercenary Threat Escalates
While Emberhold was strengthening, the mercenaries weren't sitting idle.
Tyrell returned late in the evening, his expression dark. "The riders are getting more aggressive. They didn't attack outright, but they're pushing harder—threatening villages, making it clear that anyone who trades with us is marked."
Alexander clenched his jaw. They were losing their hold on the villages, and now they were resorting to intimidation.
"We need to show them that won't work," Elias said.
Alexander's gaze was sharp. "We will. But we do it on our terms."
Silas smirked. "You're planning something."
Alexander nodded. It was time to make a move.
A New Strategy
With better weapons now in production and Emberhold's defenses improving, Alexander saw the opportunity to turn the mercenaries' tactics against them.
"If they're threatening villages, then they're exposing themselves," he said. "We don't need a battle—we need to disrupt them. Hit their supply lines, force them to spread themselves thin."
Tyrell nodded. "A series of small, fast strikes. Ambushes, cutting off their food and resources. If they're mercenaries, they won't fight a war they're not getting paid for."
Elias grinned. "Sounds like my kind of fight."
The Road to War
As the night fell over Emberhold, Alexander stood near the forge once more, turning the dark-metal sword over in his hands.
This was more than just a weapon.
It was proof that they were no longer just fighting to survive.
They were building something greater.
And soon, the world would know it.