The Morning Mist and the Envoy's Arrival
The morning mist still clung to the ground when the noble envoy arrived at Emberhold's gates. The sky above was pale with the early light, the crisp air carrying the distant sounds of hammers striking metal and carts rolling through the settlement.
Alexander had been expecting this.
Viscount Harland Vale had failed to crush Emberhold with mercenaries and sabotage. Now, he was shifting his approach—diplomacy.
But Alexander knew better than to believe it was an olive branch.
Atop the newly reinforced walls, his warriors watched the envoy's small escort—six riders in well-maintained armor, bearing Vale's sigil on their cloaks. Their postures were formal but guarded, as if aware they were not welcome here.
At Alexander's command, the gates opened, allowing the envoy inside.
The Envoy's Arrival
The noble's representative was a man in his late forties, dressed in rich yet practical garments, the cut of his coat precise, his movements deliberate. His sharp gray eyes swept the settlement, taking in every detail—the fortified walls, the well-armed warriors, the organization that set Emberhold apart from a mere frontier camp.
This was not the struggling outpost Vale had hoped for.
Unshaken by the presence of hardened warriors, the envoy dismounted with practiced grace, offering Alexander a polished smile as he bowed slightly.
"Lord Alexander Maxwell," he greeted, his voice smooth, measured. "I come bearing a message from Viscount Harland Vale, a man of great influence and reason. He wishes for peace between our two growing domains."
Alexander met his gaze, his expression unreadable.
"Peace?" he repeated, his tone cool. "That's an interesting choice of words."
The envoy chuckled lightly. "I understand there have been… unfortunate misunderstandings. But my Lord Vale is willing to put aside past grievances. He offers terms of cooperation that would benefit both parties."
Silas, standing beside Alexander, smirked. "Let me guess. Those 'terms' involve us limiting our trade and resources, keeping Emberhold under his shadow?"
The envoy's expression didn't waver. "My Lord simply seeks stability in the region. A formal trade agreement, with Emberhold under his protection, would ensure prosperity for all."
Elias scoffed. "You mean submission."
The envoy's gray eyes flickered toward Elias, but his expression remained composed. "My Lord believes war is unnecessary. But should conflict arise… well, I trust Emberhold does not wish to test the full might of noble forces."
The polite tone couldn't hide the veiled threat beneath it.
Alexander's Response
Alexander stepped forward, his presence alone shifting the air in the courtyard.
"Viscount Vale has already tested us," he said, voice calm, steady. "He hired mercenaries to suppress Emberhold. He sabotaged our trade routes. And now, after failing to break us, he comes speaking of peace?"
The envoy hesitated. For the first time, his confidence wavered.
Alexander closed the distance, his eyes locked onto the noble's.
"Tell your lord this," he continued, his tone as sharp as a drawn blade. "Emberhold does not answer to threats. We are open to trade—but we will not submit."
A tense silence settled over the courtyard.
The envoy studied Alexander for a long moment, searching for any sign of weakness. Finding none, he exhaled slowly and inclined his head.
"I will relay your words, Lord Maxwell," he said. "But I caution you—Viscount Vale is not a man who accepts defiance lightly."
Alexander's gaze was unflinching.
"Neither am I."
The Aftermath of the Negotiation
As the envoy and his escort rode from Emberhold, the tension remained.
Silas was the first to speak, chuckling as he folded his arms. "Well, that was entertaining."
Elias rolled his shoulders, stretching. "Think he'll take the rejection well?"
"No," Alexander replied without hesitation. "This wasn't a real offer of peace—it was a test. Vale wanted to see if we'd bow to him."
Tyrell leaned against a wooden post, his expression thoughtful. "So, what's our next move?"
Alexander watched the gates close behind the departing envoy, his mind already calculating the next steps.
"We prepare," he said.
Vale would not accept rejection quietly.
The next move was coming.
And Emberhold would be ready.