The embers of war still smoldered in Ironridge, but Alexander's attention was already drawn elsewhere. His war council had gathered in the chamber, the air thick with tension as new reports arrived.
The Kingdom of Varenia had declared war.
Not on The Maxwell Dominion—not yet.
But on a neighboring kingdom.
Silas set down a parchment map, its ink still fresh, the lines marking Varenia's borders stark against the candlelight.
"The war is official," Silas said, voice even but grave.
Elias let out a low breath, resting his hands on the table. "It was only a matter of time."
Alexander leaned forward. "Who are they fighting?"
Silas pointed to the map, his finger tracing a bold black line to the east.
"The Kingdom of Eldoria."
The Kingdom of Varenia vs. The Kingdom of Eldoria
The Kingdom of Varenia—Alexander's birthplace in this world—was a land of rigid feudal rule.
Here, noble houses controlled vast territories, trade was regulated by merchant lords, and power rested in the hands of a monarch whose influence dictated the fate of the realm.
Order. Hierarchy. Political maneuvering.
That was Varenia's way.
The Kingdom of Eldoria, on the other hand, was different.
It was less centralized, ruled by powerful warlords who acted with more autonomy than Varenian nobles. Where Varenia prized stability, Eldoria thrived on war and conquest.
Varenia's advantage: Superior infrastructure, organized trade networks, and siege warfare.
Eldoria's strength: A more adaptable military, skilled cavalry, and a war culture that encouraged expansion.
Silas ran a hand through his hair, glancing between the assembled commanders. "Eldoria has always been a thorn in Varenia's side. They've raided border towns for years. This war? It's not new. It's just... official now."
Alexander studied the map.
This wasn't just a border skirmish.
This was a war for dominance.
Why the War Matters to The Maxwell Dominion
Elias frowned. "So what does this mean for us?"
Silas tapped a point on the map, circling a region near Vale's domain.
"It means the Kingdom will be too busy fighting Eldoria to deal with us."
Tyrell smirked, arms crossed. "Which means Vale won't be getting any reinforcements either."
Silas nodded. "Right now, the King needs every resource he can muster. Nobles will be pressured to send men, gold, and supplies to the war effort. Vale, even with his wealth, won't be an exception."
Alexander exhaled.
For now, The Maxwell Dominion was safe from direct intervention.
But that also meant…
This was their best chance to expand.
Silas folded his arms. "If Varenia wins, they'll be stronger than ever. If Eldoria wins, we'll have a new dominant power to deal with."
Elias leaned against the table. "So either way, we're going to have a problem."
Alexander nodded.
This war would shape the world.
And The Maxwell Dominion had to be ready for what came next.
Vale's Weakening Position & The Power Vacuum
The merchant lord had suffered one defeat after another.
His mercenary army had been shattered at Ironridge. His trade monopoly had been broken by The Maxwell Dominion's growing influence. And now—his biggest supporter, the Kingdom of Varenia, was at war.
That meant less gold for Vale.
Fewer soldiers.
And no reinforcements.
Silas smirked. "Vale's running out of options."
Elias let out a low chuckle. "He wanted to starve us out. Now he's the one bleeding."
Alexander studied the map carefully, his mind turning over the next move.
"Vale won't just sit back and watch himself collapse."** He'll try something else. Something desperate."**
Tyrell nodded. "Which means we keep pressing him until he has nowhere left to turn."
Alexander looked up, his expression unreadable.
"Not just Vale."
Silas raised an eyebrow. "You're thinking bigger than that, aren't you?"
Alexander nodded. "The Kingdom is about to shift. We need to be ready to move when it does."
The Maxwell Dominion's Next Move
For weeks, Emberhold and its surrounding settlements had been growing.
Ironridge had recovered from the siege. New workshops and forges were being built. The mines had started producing iron and Tenebrium at a steady rate.
But now, with Varenia at war, it was time to expand further.
Silas listed the next objectives:
Strengthen Trade Alliances – With the Kingdom's trade routes disrupted, independent merchants would seek safer alternatives. The Maxwell Dominion needed to become that alternative. Fortify Borders – If Vale collapsed, the resulting power vacuum would create chaos. Bandits, rogue mercenaries, or even ambitious nobles could seize the opportunity to strike. Seek Allies – The war would destabilize the region. If Varenia struggled, other lords or factions might start looking for new alliances.
Alexander tapped his fingers against the table, his expression calm but focused.
"It's time to start looking beyond the frontier."
Lord Calder's Invitation – The Beginning of Diplomacy
As The Maxwell Dominion solidified its power, a messenger arrived at Emberhold—bearing a sealed letter.
It was from Lord Calder of Stonehaven.
Silas raised an eyebrow. "Him again?"
Alexander took the letter and broke the seal, his eyes scanning the message carefully.
The words were clear.
"The storm is coming. We should speak before it arrives."
Alexander set the letter down.
Silas frowned. "What does he want?"
Tyrell smirked. "The real question is—what does he know that we don't?"
Alexander glanced at the map, then back at the letter.
This war was only beginning.
And The Maxwell Dominion was about to step onto a much larger stage.