The Demon Horde was no more, but there were plenty of powerful beasts in Ashal. Not having a significant fighting force was an invitation to death and despair.
He stood from his desk; the chair creaked as it was relieved from his bulk. His wings flicked to each side, limbering up from being half-trapped in a chair for most of the day. Alkao stepped out onto his balcony, looking out across Devil’s Crater. The massive valley was covered in darkness. In the distance, he could see the lights of Unity and the various communes set up in various sectors.
He looked to his keep and could pick out the signs of battle still being cleared away. Mage lights and torches lit the courtyard. DCA forces moved between their posts, looking for any possible threats that might come from Ashal’s wilderness. A connecting wall ran between the keeps.
Lights lit up the wall, highlighting a full ringed defense.
Alkao’s eyes moved to the gate that led out of the keep’s courtyard and into the scarred landscape below where the Demon Horde and the full might of the DCA had clashed.
The arch had become a monument, listing the names of those who had fallen in battle—the battle to protect their brothers- and sisters-in-arms. To protect their friends, their families, and all of those who called Devil’s Crater home.
Alkao straightened his posture. Emotions ran through him, heavy and thick. There were no words to express his feelings. Instead, he just gazed upon those names, his mind filled with images of that day and a promise filling his mind.
“We will become stronger than ever before. No more will we be intimidated by the lords and ladies of the Pantheon. We will carve out a future with our allies. Might determines the winner and those who get to make the rules. So, we will become the strongest in Emerilia, so that we can live in peace!” Alkao swore on the names of the dead and his honor as a Demon Prince.
A knock on Alkao’s door brought him back to reality.
“Come in.” Alkao wandered back into his office.
Dave and another Dwarf walked into the office.
“It is good to see you.” Alkao shook Dave’s hand.
“You too, Alkao. This is Kol, my mentor. He taught me most of the smithing I know. He also runs the Cliff-Hill smithies.” Dave waved to the other Dwarf.
“Demon Prince.” Kol shook Alkao’s hand.
The old Dwarf might not look like much but his hands and eyes told of a hard worker who had tempered the strength of his youth with the knowledge of the matured.
“Please, call me Alkao. Thank you for coming.” Alkao waved for them to take a seat on his couches. They did so.
“As we saw in recent battles, my people need weapons and armor. When you conjured armor on them, they were able to beat back a force nearly four times their own strength. The Aleph can provide us with decent weapons at a cheap cost, as well as magical robes. Their armor is much more expensive and takes a lot of time to custom fit. I was wondering if you would be able to fill in that issue?” Alkao asked.
“Makes sense. The Aleph can make a ton of items at a decent quality through their factory methods.” Dave shared a look with Kol.
“It wouldn’t take much for us to make and fit full body armor, though doing all of that through the portal is going to be a pain,” Kol warned.
“What if we set up a smithy here?” Dave asked.
“Could work out nicely. The smithy here is being run by a Beast Kin who is barely keeping things running. We’re going to have to buy out a district and build a whole ’nother smithy to work here. Devil’s Crater is a great place for raiders and hunters to use as a base to go out into Ashal to get good loot. We can use the loot and items the different hunters and fighters give us to make some really powerful weapons. We’re not good at mass-producing like the Aleph, but we can beat them on a weapon-by-weapon basis,” Kol declared.
Alkao hid his surprise. He knew that he needed weapons, armor, and a thousand other things that a smithy could make. Having one not only connected by teleport pad but in Unity would solve a lot of issues.
“Would you work on anything besides weapons?” Alkao asked.
“Well, I think they would be our primary business, at least in the beginning. However, there are always apprentices looking to refine their craft. They can work on items like nails, screws, simple repairs or implements and tools,” Kol said.
Alkao nodded, his excitement building. “If I was to deed over to you a portion of Unity, would you be amenable to giving a discount or putting that against future costs incurred by the Devil’s Crater government?” Alkao asked.
“We could use it as a debt, though only at cost,” Dave said.
“Done.” Alkao nodded.
“Have to get with some of the Dwarven engineers to get their estimates of land and usage,” Kol said, more to Dave than Alkao.
“Get that sorted as soon as possible.” Dave nodded.
A message appeared in Dave’s vision.
Private Chat
Kol> Was talking to the Aleph. Looks like we can get cheaper materials for a decent cost out of them. Also with your guild thinking about setting up their own refinery, we could get metals from there. Would reduce our overhead for making the armor and also speed it up. They can roll the metal out into sheets so we just need to cut and form it.
Dave gave Kol a thoughtful look before he turned back to Alkao.
“So, the Devil’s Crater government will deed to us a portion of land within Unity that we will use to build a smithy as well as housing for its workers. The value of this land at market prices will be used as a credit to be used in future purchases; that is one agreement. The second would be to make armor for all of the Devil’s Crater Army soldiers. Once the second contract is completed, then the smithy located in Devil’s Crater will be free to work on any projects they desire. Any other contracts with the smithy will have to be negotiated on an ongoing basis,” Dave said.
Contract between Cliff-Hill Smithy and the Government of Devil’s Crater
Requirements:
Devil’s Crater Government will deed to the Cliff-Hill Smithy a portion of land within Unity at market prices.
Failure:
Loss of standing with the Cliff-Hill Smithies and the Council of Anvil and Fire
Reward:
Cliff-Hill subsidiary located in Devil’s Crater will focus on the armoring of Devil’s Crater Army before taking on any other contracts.
Cost of land deeded to the Smithy will act as credit with the Devil’s Crater Smithy location.
Gain access to Smithy with possible advancement to Dwarven Master Smith level
Gain Smithy within Devil’s Crater
“Agreed!” Alkao said with a wide smile. He shook Dave’s hand before doing the same with Kol.
“I’ll get the land and cost sorted out and start talking to the Aleph, though Suzy will probably be the best with this contract stuff,” Kol said.
“Well, she’s still out. I think she should be back on her feet tomorrow, but otherwise I know a few people who could help with the contracts and negotiations,” Dave said.
“I hate all this negotiating stuff; much easier back in my smithy.” Kol growled.
Alkao sighed. “I know the feeling. Managing all of this is a pain in the ass.” He waved at his desk with papers and all manner of contracts and reports across it. “Though with it all and meetings like this, we’re carving out a path into the future. One where we can stand tall and proud, secured in our own power and ready for the threats that we will face together.”
Dave and Kol nodded in agreement. Power ruled on Emerilia. It seemed to be a law in Ashal; as others learned of the Demons, they needed to be ready for the threats that would come from other groups. If they seemed weak, everyone would lay siege to the crater for the resources and security that it provided whoever ruled it.
“I heard that you are thinking about whether to let people attend the mage’s colleges?” Dave asked.
“It has been one of the subjects on my mind,” Alkao admitted.
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“Well, if you need it, I know someone in the mage’s college and guild who might be able to make things easier. Having strong mages is essential in any standing army,” Dave volunteered.
“Thank you, Dave.” Alkao gave a kind smile before he laughed. “If not for you and the rest of your party, I don’t think that we would be sitting here. I know that there would be a mere fraction of my people left alive. Your help and your lesson about coming to trust and rely on others—I don’t think I have learned a more important lesson in my life.”
“Ah, you just needed a good push in the right direction.” Dave paused, a smile spreading across his face. “And, I think it’s about time we started working on a new shield for you.”
***
Geswald closed his interface, his face pale and his eyes unfocused.
The plan had been put into action. Lord Esamael’s forces were on the move.
Geswald had followed the lord’s orders to the letter. There was no knowing who was under the lord’s employ. Down here, Esamael was much closer and more powerful than the king of Gudalo.
The cities around Verlun were on alert, watching the city to make sure none escaped. Those who were loyal to the lord and his allies were poised to take over the businesses and properties of those who supported the Stone Raiders.
Esamael’s forces would not just destroy the Stone Raiders’ guild hall in Verlun—they’d eliminate any and all who supported the guild.
Geswald rubbed his temples. I am getting too old for this game of politics.
If they succeeded, then Lord Esamael would have two teleport pads that he might use to assault the northern cities of Gudalo, bringing them under his control. Once the guild hall in Verlun was taken, then Esamael would begin the assault on the northern cities. Everything was set and ready to go.
Geswald opened his interface.
Private Message: Pete
Geswald> Make sure preparations are ready, no matter the outcome.
Pete> It will be done, my lord.
Either Geswald would become one of the richest men in Emerilia, or he would be a man on the run. This was the game of kings and the dynamics of power.
***
“Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?” Josh sat in the Mirror of Communication guild hall and looked to Florence.
“Well, you were dealing with the Demon Horde and having your concentration split probably wasn’t the best thing.”
Josh sighed and rubbed his face. “Okay, well, you might have a point there.”
“I’m getting pretty pissed with the way that the POEs think they can just run over us,” Dwayne grunted.
“Well, then, I think it’s time we did some running over of our own,” Lucy said.
“Oh, I do love it when you get all cold and scary,” Kim, the last member of the meeting, said.
“Sigaird is moving his forces up toward Emaren to try to get to Esamael. At the speed they’re going, they’re going to be late by three days, two days after Esamael has already moved his forces to the northern cities of Gudalo. The armies of the southern border are going to find a series of fortified cities, closed to them and filled with civilians they’re supposed to protect. They’re not going to do anything without a royal writ, which is going to be a pain in the ass for the king to give when he’s fighting a war across his border cities. The king’s got spies throughout his organization. Anything he does, Esamael is going to know about it,” Lucy said.
“How do I have the feeling you’ve known about this for a while?” Josh drawled.
“A lady never reveals all her secrets.” Lucy smiled as her eyes were cold.
“Go on,” Josh said, feeling she had a lot more to say.
“Esamael plans to hit Verlun, then use the teleport pad there to move his forces into the northern cities and spread them out before Sigaird and his forces know what’s going on. He’s moving all of his armies hidden as guards and thugs down to Emaren and Verlun, leaving behind just enough forces to hold the cities that are under his control or allied with him. We’re looking at two hundred thousand trained, armed, and armored soldiers. I say we deploy scouts around Verlun. Josh and his group move through the city, killing the would-be assassins and fighting forces in the city. We use our forces to build a wall. We hold out in Verlun long enough for Sigaird to get his shit together and send reinforcements through the teleport pad and down to clear out Emaren with his southern army.”
“So, we need to hold off two hundred thousand soldiers?” Dwayne asked.
“Correct.” Lucy nodded.
“What level are they? How many mages and fighters?” Kim asked.
“We’re looking at level 150 to 200. Mages...about half of their force. There are plenty of mage’s colleges in the area that aren’t interested in joining the mage’s guild and following their rules,” Lucy said.
“What will Per’ush do?” Josh asked.
“Nothing. They’re a neutral force. Unless they’re attacked or someone oversteps the rules of warfare they’ve laid down, they aren’t going to get involved. I would think the same with the adventurer’s guild,” Kim said.
“The trader’s guild will file grievances and maybe hire the two other guilds to enforce it, asking for repayment and compensation for attacking their establishments. However, Geswald, the trader’s guild leader in the area, is firmly under Esamael’s control, so we shouldn’t expect much support in that area,” Florence added.
“Well, we can do it for a while, but I don’t think we can do it indefinitely.” Dwayne scowled.
“I swear, you never listen to half the stuff you talk about.” Lucy shook her head. “How it must hurt inside those small brains.” She gave them a sad, apologetic look for their loss in life.
“All right, smartass, what have you got?” Josh rolled his eyes and smiled at her antics.
“We’re not alone. Am I the only one who remembers the agreements we have with over a dozen different groups?” Lucy asked.
“Well, we’re allied with a bunch of people, but what do you mean?” Josh asked.
“You’re thinking so Earth right now. This is Emerilia, the land of might equals right. The land where we have alliances with the Mithsia, Benvari, and Zolu Dwarves, the Asha-moor and Kufo’tel Elves, the people of Devil’s Crater, the Aleph, the cities Cliff-Hill, Epikari, Ossai, Zolari, and Zol’Ord.”
“Okay, we get the idea, but isn’t that for trade?” Josh said.
“Florence, since we have been trading, how much has those different cities or groups used the teleport pad in Verlun?” Lucy asked.
“I don’t know the numbers, but with our extremely low tax on trading between our groups, we have at least half of our traffic coming from them,” Florence said.
“Okay, but so, what if we lose the teleport pad?” Josh asked.
“So, what if they lose the millions in potential gold?” Lucy countered.
Josh’s mind started to work. How much is someone willing to fight for their investment? Also there is a part about aiding one another if the other is under threat.
“So, if we’re attacked, we can enact our alliance agreements, pulling in forces from these other groups?” Kim said.
“Bingo. We’ve shown that we’re one hell of an investment. With our teleport pad, helping people in a tough spot, we’ve proved ourselves. What has Lord Esamael done? If they’re in the area, he’s demanded so much tax that they can barely make a profit and cares little about the people who pass through his lands, most of them being set upon by ‘raiders’ who happen to be under the lord’s employ,” Lucy said.
“Don’t forget the power that Dave wields with the Dwarves. I don’t know what happens when someone is a Dwarven Master Smith, but I would highly doubt that they would look kindly upon those who would dare to attack one,” Dwayne said.
“Okay, say that this works and we can defend Verlun—what then?” Josh asked.
“Oh, I’m not saying we sit back and wait for them. I’m saying as soon as we have
proof of them attacking Verlun and someone assaulting our people, we tear them apart. I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m done with being attacked. We’re not going to just defend Verlun. We’re going to tear out Esamael’s forces. We’re going to arrest or kill them to the last fighter and then we’re going to tell the king what he’s going to have to do if he wants his country back,” Lucy said.
“Well, that’ll show Emerilia why you don’t mess with the Stone Raiders.” Florence laughed.
“Hah! Take over a country—well, that’s a new one,” Dwayne agreed.
“Imagine the looks on their faces. Ah, serves them right.” Kim smiled happily.
“Okay, I agree to this, but the king hasn’t been aggressive toward us. By your own words, as soon as he knew that Esamael was coming to attack us, he started moving some of his southern army to attack Esamael. He even sped them up when he got your information. It shows he isn’t that callous about our case,” Josh said in a measured tone. At his words, the other guild leaders turned thoughtful.
“We can treat him with dignity and respect, but if they try to belittle us like they did at Selhi Capital... Lucy, I want you to figure something out to cripple them,” Josh said.
“I can do that,” Lucy said.
“Well then, we have some messages to send,” Josh said.
***
“Suzy?” Induca asked as Suzy’s eyes fluttered open. She pushed her notifications away as she smiled up at Induca.
“Hey baby,” Suzy said, finding her lips crushed beneath Induca’s before she was pulled into an embrace.
“Oh, calm down, you. I’m fine.” Suzy held Induca as she felt wetness on her shoulder.
“I know. It just scared me. You were out for nearly a week.” Induca wiped tears away.
“Silly girl.” Suzy smiled, touched by Induca’s pure emotion.
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