Lucas Carter stood before the high table of the newly built Council Hall inside the Greystone keep, his expression resolute. With the fall of General Darion and the escape that followed, the enemy had been provoked. War was inevitable. Now was the time to prepare.
Before him were seated the pillars of Greystone: Kaela, Elira, Reynard, and Malrick. The room was silent, thick with anticipation.
"We need to talk about Stonewatch," Lucas began, his voice calm but firm.
Malrick adjusted his fine velvet coat, the skunk on his shoulder squeaking indignantly. The creature had a faint mystical glow about its black and white fur, and when it yawned, faint ripples of illusion shimmered in the air.
"Their forces number roughly two thousand trained soldiers," Malrick began, unfurling a large parchment map. "Their city is fortified. Their mines enrich them. But their pride blinds them. Lord Agram believes Greystone is still a frontier town."
"Who's backing them?" Reynard asked, leaning forward.
"The Kingdom of Dresthar," Malrick replied. "More specifically, one of its princes. Prince Varion, second in line, manipulates from the shadows. The same Varion whose hand is suspected in the king's illness."
Elira's expression hardened. "So this is more than just a land dispute. It's political."
Lucas nodded. "Then we treat it as such. We prepare. We fortify. And we strike only when ready."
He turned to Elira. "I want the militia trained day and night. Focus on archer formations, defensive coordination."
"Done," she replied. "I'll also double the rotation on the watchtowers."
Lucas turned next to Reynard. "You'll oversee the city in my absence. Organize logistics, food, water, medicine. Use the newly arrived citizens. Assign them roles. Engineers to reinforce the gates and build internal bunkers. Crafters to resupply gear."
Reynard nodded. "I'll also double-check our inner walls. If they breach the outer ones, I want a fallback line ready."
Lucas then looked to Malrick. "Can you keep feeding us intelligence?"
"Of course," Malrick said, his skunk letting out a smug trill. "Wisp here can go invisible and eavesdrop on command. Nobody suspects a skunk."
Kaela smirked. "Unless it sprays."
Malrick grinned. "He's civilized. Mostly."
Lucas stood. "Good. Then it's time I finish what I started."
Kaela tilted her head. "The Forge?"
He nodded. "Side Quest: Forge of the Ancients. It's time to give our people legendary weapons."
Kaela slammed her fist into her palm. "Then I'm coming."
Lucas turned to Elira and Reynard. "The city is yours. Elira, command the archers and keep training the army. Reynard, run logistics and supply."
"Understood," they said in unison.
Lucas and Kaela left the council chamber moments later, passing through rows of saluting guards. Outside the gates, Umbra and Thunder Fang awaited, already prepared.
As the gates of Greystone closed behind them, Lucas looked ahead. Toward the mountains. Toward the hidden forge built by the Blacksteel Line, the ancient smiths of the Carter legacy.