The transformation of Emberhold was undeniable. What had once been a simple fortified settlement had become the heart of a rising dominion, its streets bustling with activity, its walls expanding outward like the roots of a growing empire.
But growth came with its own problems.
The streets were crowded, workshops struggled to keep pace with demand, and new settlers arrived daily—far more than could be housed.
Alexander stood in the war tent, staring at the latest reports spread across the table. The answer was clear.
"We need to establish new settlements."
A Decision for Expansion
Silas nodded, unsurprised. "It was always going to happen eventually. The question is where."
Gareth, the blacksmith and chief of construction, unrolled a detailed map onto the table. His rough, calloused finger traced the land west of Emberhold. "If we're expanding, we should do it near resources. We've relied too much on Tenebrium. It's time we open iron mines and improve production."
Alexander's gaze sharpened. Diversifying their metal production was critical. Tenebrium was powerful, but unreliable. If the metal's presence had truly poisoned the land, then they needed a sustainable alternative.
"Where's the best site for an iron mine?"
Gareth tapped a location west of Emberhold, near the edge of the barren lands.
"Here. We've scouted this area before—rich in iron, easier to extract than Tenebrium, and far enough that it won't interfere with Emberhold's main operations."
Alexander nodded. "Then we start there. The first settlement will be a mining town—small at first, but built to last."
Owen, the carpenter, leaned forward. "We'll need to send workers ahead to start building. Timber is still our main material, so it'll be faster than stone."
"How soon can we start?" Alexander asked.
Gareth smirked. "If we move fast? A week."
Alexander turned to Silas. "Spread the word. We're looking for settlers—miners, craftsmen, builders. The first town of The Maxwell Dominion starts now."
The Founding of Ironridge
Within days, scouts, workers, and a small military detachment were sent to secure the mining site.
The land was rough but promising—rich in iron, close enough for easy transport, but far enough to ensure Emberhold wasn't overburdened.
As the first foundations were laid, Alexander named the settlement:
Ironridge.
"Fitting," Gareth remarked, watching as the first wooden structures rose. "Let's just hope it doesn't turn into another Emberhold, fighting for survival every day."
"It won't," Alexander said. "Because this time, we're building with the future in mind."
Unlike Emberhold, Ironridge would be designed for efficiency:
Roads were planned in advance, ensuring organized expansion.Buildings were arranged logically, prioritizing mining operations.Defensive structures were set in place before the population grew.
But expansion wasn't without risk.
"We'll need to watch the roads," Tyrell warned. "Bandits will see this as a prime target. If Vale doesn't attack, someone else will."
Alexander nodded. "Then we make sure it's well-defended from the start. We'll keep a garrison stationed here."
Ironridge had just been founded, but it was already shaping up to be a critical piece of The Maxwell Dominion.
Iron Refinement & Military Advancements
With the iron mines now operational, Alexander turned his attention to improving production.
Tenebrium was strong, but too rare and unpredictable for mass production. Iron, however, was reliable. If they could refine it efficiently, they could:
✔ Equip more soldiers
✔ Trade for better resources
✔ Strengthen Emberhold's economy
Gareth had already begun experimenting.
"We're testing new smelting techniques," he reported. "Mixing different materials to make the iron stronger—closer to steel."
Alexander's gaze sharpened. Steel.
That was the next step.
If they could produce a stronger, more durable metal, Emberhold's warriors would gain an edge over Vale's forces.
"How long before we can arm the troops with it?" Alexander asked.
Gareth shrugged. "Depends on how fast we refine the process. A few months, maybe sooner."
Alexander nodded. "Push the process forward. I want our soldiers equipped with the best weapons we can make."
Slowly but surely, Emberhold was moving beyond simple survival—into true industry and innovation.
Vale's Movements & The Shifting War
As The Maxwell Dominion expanded, Vale remained stagnant.
Silas brought the latest intelligence reports.
"His vassals are restless. Some have outright refused to send reinforcements, using the growing war in the Kingdom as an excuse."
Alexander smirked. "Good."
Vale's hesitation to attack had created fractures in his own power. His forces were still strong, but his political position was weaker than ever.
"That means he has two choices," Silas continued. "He either attacks soon, or he tries to negotiate."
Elias scoffed. "I don't see Vale kneeling anytime soon."
Alexander tapped his fingers against the table. "No, but he doesn't have to. He just has to buy time—enough to regain his position."
The question now was simple:
Would Vale finally move, or would he keep bleeding out?
Either way, Alexander would be ready.
The Mystery of the Ashen Expanse Deepens
As Ironridge was being built, Alexander sent another expedition into the Ashen Expanse.
Tyrell led the group, tasked with searching for any further signs of the lost orc civilization.
The scouts returned with troubling news.
"We found more ruins," Tyrell reported. "But that's not all. The land west of Ironridge—it's completely dead. Worse than the rest of the Expanse."
Alexander frowned. "How?"
Tyrell hesitated before speaking. "I think there's an iron deposit beneath it. A massive one. If Tenebrium is what killed the land near the mines, then… this might explain why that area is completely lifeless."
Silas exhaled. "So you're saying the land might be dead because of iron?"
"Not just iron," Tyrell corrected. "Something's off about it. The ground there feels… wrong."
Alexander considered the implications.
If Tenebrium was buried there, expanding mining operations could be dangerous.
But at the same time, if it was just iron, then this was another massive resource waiting to be tapped.
"We'll investigate further," Alexander decided. "If we can use it, we will. If it's a risk, we'll leave it alone."
For now, the Ashen Expanse remained a land of secrets.