The Attacks Had Escalated
Emberhold's expansion was no longer a quiet rise—it was a declaration of power. Every new trade deal, every fortified checkpoint, and every secured road sent a clear message: Emberhold would not be stopped.
The noble behind these ambushes and assassinations had made their move early, hoping to break them before they grew too strong.
They had failed.
Now, it was Alexander's turn.
Identifying the Enemy
Inside the war tent, the candlelight flickered over maps, reports, and scattered documents. The tension was thick as Silas strode in, setting a parchment onto the table.
"We have our answer."
Alexander, Elias, and Tyrell gathered around, eyes sharp.
"After reviewing trade records, past mercenary contracts, and recent noble activities," Silas continued, "we can confirm that the attacks are being orchestrated by Viscount Harland Vale."
Alexander's gaze darkened. "The merchant-lord."
Silas nodded. "Vale thrives on controlling regional trade. Your weapons, your growing influence—it threatens his entire hold on the economy. If you succeed, he loses everything."
Elias scoffed, arms crossed. "So, he's scared."
Silas smirked. "Terrified. That's why he's acting now, before you get too big to stop."
Alexander exhaled slowly, considering the weight of this revelation. Vale had miscalculated. He had expected an upstart warlord, a brute who would react with rage and reckless retaliation.
Instead, he had provoked a tactician.
"Then let's show him," Alexander said, "how badly he's underestimated us."
The Counterattack Begins
Instead of retaliating with swords and fire, Alexander chose a different battlefield—one Vale wouldn't expect.
A trade war.
✔ Fortifying Trade Routes – All supply lines leading to Emberhold were reinforced. Watchtowers were erected, patrols increased, and secured checkpoints ensured no more ambushes. Vale's men couldn't disrupt what they couldn't reach.
✔ Merchant Protection – Any traders willing to work with Emberhold were given armed escorts. Soon, it became safer and more profitable to trade with Emberhold than with Vale.
✔ Sabotaging Vale's Supply Lines – Tyrell's scouts identified key trade routes Vale depended on. Small, strategic raids followed—just enough to create delays, losses, and instability, but not enough to incite full-scale war.
✔ A Smear Campaign – Silas worked the merchant circles, spreading rumors that Vale's security was failing. Word spread quickly. Merchants feared for their caravans, and soon, some began seeking Emberhold's protection instead.
Within two weeks, Vale's influence was weakening.
Silas leaned against the war table, arms crossed with a smirk. "It's poetic. He tried to starve us out. Now he's the one struggling to hold his own."
Alexander didn't smile. This was just the first phase.
Vale thought he was playing a game of economic dominance. He had no idea he had already lost control of the board.
Expanding Governance
With Emberhold's power rapidly expanding, the need for organization became undeniable. War had forged them, but governance would make them unstoppable.
Inside the newly reinforced great hall, Alexander gathered his inner circle—the men who had helped build this power from the ground up.
✔ Gareth – Industry & Fortifications. His role was overseeing the forges, quarries, and smithing operations, ensuring Emberhold's steel production and construction remained unmatched.
✔ Owen – Housing & Infrastructure. With more people arriving daily, his job was to expand housing, roads, and settlement planning, keeping Emberhold from collapsing under its own growth.
✔ Silas – Trade, Intelligence & Diplomacy. Managing external negotiations, gathering intelligence, and ensuring their economic expansion continued unchallenged.
✔ Tyrell – Scouting, Security & Border Patrols. His men would watch the roads, monitor enemy movements, and eliminate threats before they could strike.
✔ Elias – Military Commander. The warriors of Emberhold needed discipline, organization, and training. Elias would ensure they remained battle-ready at all times.
Emberhold was no longer just a growing territory.
It was becoming a functioning state.
Silas glanced around the room, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You do realize this is the start of a government, don't you?"
Alexander's expression was unreadable. "Call it whatever you want," he said. "So long as it works."
The Next Move
By the third week, the first sign of Vale's desperation appeared.
A messenger arrived from Vale's territory—a thin, nervous man, his posture rigid as he handed over a sealed letter.
Silas took it first, smirking as he turned it over. "I was wondering when he'd make a move."
Alexander broke the seal, his eyes scanning the letter.
"You are meddling in affairs beyond your reach. If you continue interfering with my business, I will take measures you will regret."
Silence filled the war room.
Elias snorted, shaking his head. "That's the sound of a man who knows he's losing."
Tyrell cracked his knuckles. "Should we respond?"
Alexander folded the letter carefully, setting it aside. Vale had made his threat.
Now, Emberhold would answer.
And this time, it wouldn't just be trade Vale had to worry about.