I stood on the bow of the large transport ship watching the last of the supplies being lowered into boats. The four masted monstrosity couldn’t actually be landed. These boats would ferry them to the shore, where men and women would carry them to the camp. Captain Reign, Sonya’s lead naval commander, oversaw the operation to transport the supplies. The surprisingly young man commanded men twice his age with the competence of a man thrice his years.

  “I’m not going to lie. I am curious about who these people are, Lord Solaris,” he said.

  “The duchess hasn't informed you?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “No. And if she didn't, then I have no need to know. These men are vetted so, rest assured that none will speak of what they see, The Duchess does not tolerate disloyalty. Though everyone is curious about what the Lightbearer is up to.”

  “What’s the common view of me lately?” I asked.

  “It's a mixed bag; some revile you for actions at the capitol, while others praise the large amount of healing you performed during your time with Duchess Hearthaven.”

  “Loved in the south and hated in the north I see. What of the imperial family?”

  “Precisely my Lord, Empress Vandalia has largely disregarded you as a threat. Downplaying your power and curbing her vassals. Though, anyone who has met you, or have seen Baelathor in person would know that is complete folly.”

  I nodded along, I already knew all from my conversation with Sonya, but it was important to have multiple perspectives.

  A younger man came running over to the bow, straightened his back and announced, “The last of the supplies have been loaded, captain.”

  It had taken the better part of the morning. Fortunately, with my telekinesis, I could move the larger crates significantly faster; cutting down the time it took to unload the items.

  “Well, it is good to have met you captain, the winds look favorably so I wish you a safe journey.”

  He reached into a pocket and pulled out a sealed letter, he bowed respectfully, and I took the letter and stowed it in a breast pocket.

  ~

  All 56 members of camp stared dumbstruck at the massive amount of crates that littered the area. My inner circle were all around me, not entirely sure how to tackle distributing the items. The important items like mithrite and gold were already in my tent. I'll have to assign a quartermaster to keep track of everything. Fortunately, I had a detailed list of everything that was delivered.

  “Solar knights; follow me” I said, heading to my tent. My solar knights followed me inside while the rest waited outside. Taking a key out of a pocket, I opened one of the three unassuming chests. Each contained 25,000 coins, one silver and two gold. I opened one of the gold chests.

  “By all the gods,” Lira exclaimed before she caught herself.

  “Yes, a small fraction of my fortune. I did say I would pay you all well. But you won't be getting paid in the normal sense, all you need to do is take any amount of coin you need. We can formalize this process later.” I said, handing Silica, Lira, and Loresse a key. Each chest had two keys at my request.

  “You place a significant amount of trust in us.” Silica said. It was rather foolish to be honest since they could steal a chest rather easily.

  Lira sniffed, “It’s not like any of us would steal from you.”

  “I know that and besides Silica, the only way to know if you can trust someone is to put your trust in them. I have seen nothing so far to suggest that you would betray me, so why would I not trust you with such a paltry sum of coin.”

  Loresse shook her head mumbling, “Paltry sum he says,”

  “So, we just come here and take coin as we need it?” Lira asked.

  “Essentially yes. Probably best to leave a note inside so I can keep track of how much coin I have,” I said nonchalantly. Though it was largely because I wanted to devalue coin in their eyes. If they had easy access to a fortune, then bribing them would be rather difficult. It was also a test. Once they have their mounts then the only thing stopping them simply flying away with a chest would be trust. It would be unfortunate, but better to have them betray me now than later.

  “For now, it is time to pay my people for their efforts. Granted we don't have a proper economy and everyone in my army will receive supplies for free. But now that we have resources and coins I want to begin recruiting from neighboring villages in a few months.”

  Silica nodded, “Coin can open many doors.”

  “For now, I will pay my citizens for their hard work. 15 geldings a month in for the inner circle and let's say 15 sterling a month for any of my staff.”

  “That's a lot, most peasant soldiers would be lucky to earn two or three.” Loresse said.

  “Well paid soldiers are less likely to take bribes and besides I need to keep up morale; Call in Jallen and the rest” I said.

  Not a few minutes later Jallen, Devon and Cassia walked in, staring at the three open chests. It took them a few seconds to recover from the shock of seeing a literal fortune sitting on the dirt floor.

  “Goodness, I've never seen so much wealth in one place.” Jallen said, shaking his head.

  “What are you intending to do with so much coin?” Devon asked.

  “I promised a reward of coin. To my first citizens let's put it at 15 gelding a head. 20 if they decided to join the army or medical staff. Anyone with children will receive an additional 10 for each child. 25 gelding will be held in trust for those children once they reach the age of 16.”

  Cassia shook her head, “That's nearly a thousand gelding, what would they even do with that much coin?”

  I shrugged, “Doesn't matter at the moment, but I did promise to reward them with gold. It's a onetime payment. As for paying 15 sterling a month for soldier and 15 gelding for each of you, coin is just a tool like any other. I can make coin easily. Trusted people are worth their weight in gold. Everyone, no matter how noble or selfless, desires appreciation for their loyalty and dedication”

  They nodded along as I explained, “Very good now help me gather the coin, I have a speech to give.”

  I stood outside my tent, the eager eyes of my citizens watched, the anticipation was palpable.

  “My first citizens,” I began. “You have put your trust in me, into the future I have promised. I have watched as you worked hard to learn, grow and improve yourself. I find myself moved by your dedication. Let it be known that the trust and loyalty you have shown me has not gone unrecognized. No matter how small the contribution, I have seen it, and I will recognize it. Take this small reward as a gesture of greater rewards to come for those who genuinely believe in the bright future we intend to build,” Excited cheers echoed through the audience.

  I nodded to Jallen and in short order everyone lined up in front of me. One by one I dropped gold into each hand. Some had tears in their eyes and some kneeled at my feet looking ready to kiss my toes if I asked. Through it all I was magnanimous, saying that such a small display of gratitude was not worth such prostration. In reality most peasants could work their entire lives and not earn a single gelding. Comparatively I had just given each and every one of them a great fortune. After the coin was passed out, I continued.

  “In the coming weeks we will work harder, grow stronger. This is but the beginning of the great future that awaits us. Soon enough all of Solaria will see the great bounty we can offer. Eventually the entire world will envy what we have created. Through our sweat and blood, we will be the guiding light that banishes the darkness bringing forth a new age, the age of Solaria. So, I ask, are you with me?”

  “Yes, your majesty,” they yelled back.

  “Then let us feast and celebrate our accomplishments and the rich future ahead of us.” The people burst into cheers and Loresse shouted over the entire crowd. “All Hail King Solaris.” The crowd picked up the chant. I took some time to appreciate the beauty of such music.

  The cook pots were filled with sausages, strips of dried pork and beef, seasoned with herbs, spices and most importantly salt. People ate their fill, their bowls overflowing with meat. When the sun went down, Crates were opened revealing bottles of wine, wheels of cheese, dried fruit, crackers, and sweets. Bottle after bottle of wine was drunk and when the sun went down It turned into a celebration.

  My people sang songs, men women danced with abandon carefully clutching heavy coin purses. Children ran and played, overflowing with energy from the sweets they had eaten. Eventually Silica, Loresse, and Lira were pulled into the festivities. And once wine started flowing; they too danced and sang regardless of their ability.

  Jallen, who was sharing a bottle with me, watched as the people celebrated; a far cry from the half-starved and hopeless state they were in when I first arrived. A single tear crawled down his face before he quickly wiped it away. I tried to remain the stoic king, but eventually my will was worn down and I joined them in their celebration. People laughed at my awkward moves as they sang and clapped to a song I had never heard. It was surprising to me that I genuinely enjoyed myself. The simple happiness reminded me of my first time flying with Benny, perhaps Garette was right all along.

  ~

  Who is stronger, a man or a woman? The easy answer would be a man due to various biological factors. Denser bones, more skeletal muscle, thicker skin, and various other physiological factors. However, biological fact only remains true to a point, add swordplay into the equation and more factors are introduced. Speed, stamina, timing, strategy, reaction time; physical strength by comparison isn't as significant. Training a group of mostly women to become fighters when they were taught by a society that women shouldn’t do such things was a challenging task.

  This, however, changed once proper weapons were introduced. The men who had experience under Devon beforehand saw their skill increase exponentially so this allowed them to remain superior to the women in terms of skill, for a few weeks at least. However, as the women caught up in terms of physical fitness the sparring matches became less predictable. The best of the women was of course Lira. The women lost over and over since Devon would not tolerate them going easy because of their gender.

  Over the first two weeks of proper weapons training the men took it easy on the women, thinking it wouldn't be chivalrous to strike them too hard. The women however had no such mercy and Jorm, one of the better men lost to a killing strike from Lira, netting the women their first victory.

  Like sharks, the first drop of blood sent the rest into a frenzy. The training became even more intense then one win, became three, then ten. This spurred them men on further since their pride wouldn't allow them to lose to women so easily. The next two weeks were filled with unending competition. Each side pushing the other to greater levels of skill. With a proper diet and my abilities, they were quickly surpassing the skill of any normal army. In another three months they would be a real force to be reckoned with.

  Now I stood upon the shore watching as Nanette, a 40-year-old mother of three who had only one son left, fought Ben. He wasn’t the best soldier, but he was bigger and surprisingly fast for his size. Nanette though some insane amounts of dedication and fought her way near the top of the women in terms of skill. Being beaten out by only Lira and Talis. The fight was in its ninth round, both carried wooden swords dressed in their full armor. A combination of plate brigandine and leathers, each were armed with a sword and shield. Both were bruised; both were unwilling to concede the victory. One needed to win two matches in a row to be declared the winner and Nanette was up by one.

  I had spent considerable time making sure that their bodies grew properly. At least two years of physical conditioning were condensed in a month. Granted some of the women were concerned with their growing muscles. But I reassured them that so long as they stick to my diet, they wouldn't lose any significant amount of fat, and I was more than willing to make slight modifications at their request. If I wasn't already perfect, I would have made significant changes to myself. In another month or two they would reach the limit of human physical conditioning.

  There were things like menstrual cycles that I had to manage. They were rather disturbed with discussing how it would affect their training with me. I was a man and their king, so they considered such things inappropriate. So, I ended up using my doctors in training as a go between for what they called ‘womanly concerns’.

  Still the fight continued, Ben was the aggressor. His strikes were fast and vicious, probing her defenses, trying to find a gap all the while she blocked strike after strike, then aimed for a wrist or exposed thigh in lightning-fast counter attacks. I could hear the sound of their wooden sword whipping through the air. Ben, with surprising speed, would block in return. Sometimes they stopped and circled each other looking for signs of exhaustion but the hyper accelerated training had given them both enough stamina that a few minutes of intense fighting wouldn’t have a hope of draining. Bets were being exchanged about who would emerge the victor.

  Devon stood off to one side examining their fight mentally taking notes on how they could improve. Nanette took a step, her left foot shifted surprisingly in the sand, throwing her off balance. She tilted to the right as if she was going to tumble over, she tried to right herself leaving her wide open. Ben instantly recognized the momentary lapse in balance and attacked with a lightning fast thrust to her chest. I thought the fight was over until Nanette instead of trying to defend herself went with the fall. In that instant I realized she didn't trip; she was baiting him. She kicked off with her right foot and spun, avoiding the thrust. Ben in his belief that victory was assured, overextended, and couldn't bring his shield up fast enough to block the strike that clocked him on the side of the head. And just like that the fight was over.

  Cheers and curses resounded from the audience in equal measure. As Nanette took the win. It was an amusing thing watching a woman who a month earlier could barely swing a sword, fight like an experienced warrior. My solar knights, who were at my back watching the fight, exchanged coins.

  “I can't believe he fell for that,” Lira complained as she gave Silica coin.

  “He was too eager to win, pride is a fragile thing. It makes fools of us all.” Silica said.

  “He needs to abandon his inferiority complex; it only holds him back,” I added. Lira sighed; she argued with her husband constantly. Unfortunately for him Lira had surpassed him in terms of skill. I personally worked on her body, nurturing her muscles to grow, strengthening her bones, fixing her nearsightedness, and enhancing her tendons was among the most minor of my changes. Balancing a nursing mother’s physical growth was complex but well within my abilities. One primary change was bone and muscular density. Loresse interestingly enough was stronger than even the largest man. It wasn't that she was thickly built. It was the density of her muscles. They were at least 50% more dense than a humans. The cell structure of the muscle tissue was rather simple to copy.

  So, I had slowly been increasing Lira’s and Silica’s muscular density. I even went as far as prompting their bones to produce more red blood cells, increasing her blood oxygen saturation. So, the woman who was a little taller than 5’2’’ fought with the strength of a man with a lifetime of physical training. She still wasn't the best fighter, but everyone knew eventually she would be. She already outclassed her husband and all but Devon. Her training was even more brutal since once she was finished with Devon’s drills; she had to train under Loresse and Silica. They had no mercy, and I had to fix a broken bone twice. But Lira never complained, never faltered in her determination. She wanted to be the best and was willing to suffer for it. What king wouldn't encourage such enthusiasm?

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  After the exchange of coin, I was left with my inner circle.

  “I think they have reached the appropriate level of skill,” I said.

  “They can still be improved, but I agree. In terms of physical condition and equipment they are superior to most armed forces. Even at 20 I didn't have such strength,” Devon said, staring at his clenched fist.

  “Lira, how do you measure yourself against most of the men?” I asked.

  She pursed her lips, unsatisfied with something, “I most likely can defeat them all, I need time to fully master myself. The only ones I will allow myself to lose is another solar knight. I need victory to be certain, not likely.”

  I was pleased with her resolve.

  “It's time we move on to the next step,” I announced. A collective sigh of relief came over everyone. They had been impatient, but I wasn't willing to budge on the subject.

  “I will travel with the solar knights to Hearthaven. We need the harness and saddles.”

  “Lord Burson, Lord Vorhes and Lady Ravenhart,” I said, referring to Devon, Jallen, and Cassia, respectively. “Begin scouting operations, I want to know the status of the nine villages I wish to take. Population, names of village elders and headmen, who do I offer the carrot and who the stick. I want this completed by next week.”

  At their official names they straightened. Cassia already had a last name from a previous marriage, apparently it was loveless, so she decided to choose a new name for herself.

  Jallen spoke up, “Our scouts can start today, no direct confrontations correct,”

  I nodded in affirmation, “Correct but if it comes down to it, I will trust you to make the best decision. Keep guards on the coin and other valuable items.”

  “It will be done,” Jallen said.

  “Excellent, you are dismissed to start your tasks,” They bowed and left.

  “Well, are your three ready to meet my lost lady love,” I said with a smile. I was far more casual when I was alone with my solar knights.

  “I'm incredibly excited, I've never even been to vandalia,” Lira said.

  “The letter. Is this what prompted you?” Silica asked, not missing anything.

  I nodded; the letter contained rather startling information. Apparently, Queen Sianna herself arrived at the capitol and spoke to the imperial family. What they spoke about no one knew, she stayed for a week, attended a ball then returned to Isran. Things were moving in the capitol, and I needed more information.

  “Yes, I don't know what she could be planning, perhaps it's just diplomatic relations. But I will not allow her to simply side with the empire,”

  “What if she does? Could you defeat her in combat if you become enemies?” Loresse asked.

  “Unlikely, she is far too powerful and has centuries more experience than me. However, I will not fight fairly. She has a major weakness; Isran itself. She cares for the elves and guilt from the royal’s abuse plagues her. I don't have to attack her directly. But perhaps she needs reminding of the consequences.”

  “Do you mean?” Silica seemed excited.

  “Yes, but not now or for a few years even. When I step foot in Isran again my power over Solaria and the Yruga must be absolute.”

  Silica deflated, but accepted my reasoning.

  “So, we leave in the morning?” Lira asked.

  “Indeed, prepare yourselves for the journey.”

  ~

  I only had two spare harnesses, like the lightest and the one who was controlling Baelathor I flew without. Baelathor took the lead with the three relatively smaller wyverns, and my new avian mount, Asure following behind. Fenre had grown to roughly 110 feet long, the sleek green wyvern was incredibly fast and highly maneuverable. Iris was the smallest at 90 feet. The sapphire blue wyvern was even more stunning as it grew older.

  Its scales took on a gem-like appearance. I've been having her shed scales collected since they were incredibly hard and beautiful to look at. Her fire had only grown even more beautiful, the azure flames burned hotter than normal, a stark reminder of her deadliness. The largest of them was of course Draxus who had grown to nearly 150 feet. If he was ferocious before, now he looked demonic. Pitch black with the exception of his blazing red eyes and the massive amount of red tipped spines.

  How they behaved around Baelathor was a curiosity. It was as if the creatures knew that he was a superior being and often became submissive. Granted, Bealathor neared 500 feet and while his flames didn’t burn as hot the sheer volume that he could produce made up for it. There was also that skill he had of condensing the flames into a blinding white stream that reminded me of plasma. I was reassured that even in the worst situation Bealathor would be the victor.

  I wasn't idle with their training either. I spent the time teaching navigation via the stars. It was slow learning, but I was sure that I could drop any of them anywhere in the world and they could find their way back to Solaria using the sky alone.

  The journey lasted well over twelve hours. We flew past mountains, valleys, towns, and cities bringing back memories that seemed so long ago. While the saddle was cramped my solar knights enjoyed the journey. We landed outside the city walls not before doing a flyover of the city and just to make sure they knew I was here, ordered Baelathor to roar not quite at his highest volume. It was still enough to shake the paving stones and be heard for miles. We landed outside the city and the three women were pleased to hop down from the cramped saddle.

  “Finally,” Loresse said as she touched the earth for the first time in over 16 hours. The wyverns landed nearby. A mixture of confusion and inquisitiveness drove them to pick at the surrounding forest.

  “Oi this isn't our land don't go tearing up the scenery.” Loresse reprimanded her wyvern who had just started to tear a tree out of the ground. Bealathor, the lazy beast that he was, curled into a ball and didn't hesitate to start snoring.

  “Look, guards are riding towards us,” Lira said. Without another word the three women formed up around me. Hands on weapons as a familiar guards woman approached.

  “Moon!” Vanya shouted.

  I raised a hand in greeting, “Vanya, how do you do?”

  She was followed by another group of guards, “Decent enough, not much has changed. The duchess will be glad to see you.”

  Loresse stifled a chuckle.

  “We would have brought more horses if we knew that you would have company.” Vanya looked to her guards and said in a terse voice, “Off, Lord Solaris and his companions will not suffer the indignity of walking to the gates.” At her stern tone, the men rushed to leave their horses.

  in short order we were heading into the city. I don't know how it was arranged but somehow there was another grand presession. People were in the streets waving, shouting praises; honestly, I couldn't tell if it was planned. Lira and Loresse enjoyed it immensely. Waving and taking offered flowers. Silica tried to hide it, but I could see the undercurrent of enjoyment. That sparked an idea that I'll have to save for later.

  Past the peasants district, to the merchant and noble district it seemed as if the entire city had come out to greet us.

  “It's a bit overwhelming,” Silica said.

  “What did you do to deserve such love?” Loresse asked.

  “It's fear.” I said.

  “How is it fear? They don't look scared at all, I’ve seen when people are scared” Lira said.

  “It's rather simple. I have no intention of harming them and I am considered a friend of their Dutchess. So long as that relationship lasts no one will challenge her rule and anyone stupid enough to try would face me. It is in their best interest if I have a positive impression of the city.”

  “I wouldn't call that fear.” Loresse said.

  “What would it be then?” Silica asked.

  “Respect, Lord Solaris. Respect cannot exist without fear, but I also see admiration, gratitude and most important of all. No hatred.” Loresse explained, I couldn't help but nod along. That was always the image I wanted to portray. Inspire fear and admiration in equal measure. But never hate; hatred is useless and leads to making foolish decisions.

  “Perhaps you are right, Loresse,” I said. Then with a small amount of amusement I cast radiant orb. The master spell was rather famous in the city since I had used it many times over the course of the war. Of course this sent the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.

  “I wish you were still with us Lord Solaris, the light mage that took up your post can barely cast one of those.” Vanya said. Looking up at the floating orb that we were quickly leaving behind.

  “Is Ki-Lord Solaris so much more talented than most light mages.” Lira asked.

  “I’ve not met many but from what I've seen no one can throw around master spells so casually.” Vanya answered.

  Lira looked at me with awe, and I of course, affected an air of indifference and elegance. Soon enough we walked into the noble quarter. IT was more subdued, but I still caused quite the ruckus at my entrance. As expected, Vanya and the rest of her guards broke off, replaced by Allyssia’s own personal guards.

  A few of them I even recognized. Eventually the Duchess herself met me at the gate. She was as stunning as ever. A deep red embroidered dress and a gold ducal circlet around her head framing her golden hair. Feyrun, her head general, and even Briannah was there with a man I barely recognized, by the look of her stomach she was a few months pregnant. Further to her rear were ten mages I didn't recognize. It seems she has been recruiting.

  I smiled as I met her eyes. Hopping off my horse, I approached her with my solar knights taking up guard around me. Her eyes flicked to the women in confusion before she refocused back on me.

  “My Dearest Duchess, it is a pleasure to be in your presence.” I said offering a slight bow one of deference not submission. She returned the bow with a delicate curtsy.

  “Lord Solaris, The Duchy of Hearthaven is always welcome to you. We have a meal prepared for this auspicious occasion. We have much to catch up on.” She said offering a beautiful smile, the type of smile that would cause fools to fall head over heels for her.

  20 minutes later we sat under a familiar gazebo within her gardens. Her son was sitting at her side busying himself with a wooden horse. The meal looked extravagant and the 7 of us would never have a hope of finishing it. Loresse stared at it with open hunger. Once the food was served, we were left alone.

  “Now we have some privacy. Do Introduce me.” she said.

  “May I introduce, Silica Lewson, Loresse Dumarn, and Lira Lunaris, my solar knights.” They were also seated at the table. As I pointed to each of them, they offered bows of their heads in respect to Allyssia. As soon as a mention Lunar and Solar phases in our lessons Lira immediately decided that Lunaris would be her last name. As for Silica, she wasn’t interested in discussing why she chose that name, and I didn’t really care to press the issue.

  “Solar knights. Solaris. Solaria,” She chuckled, “Moon you are too much sometimes,”

  I shrugged. It was rather shameless, “Did you expect any less?”

  “I suppose not. May I speak candidly with them,” Allyssia asked. They knew how to act when I was in formal discussions. Silence, unless I address them was the largest rule.

  “Very well, they may answer as they wish,”

  My solar knights seemed surprised.

  “Why did you decide to serve My dear Solaris,” she asked, there was almost a threat in her voice. One that they noticed.

  Loresse shrugged, “I wanted a wyvern, so I swore to him,” she said casually.

  “In opposition to the Sovereignty?” Briannah asked with surprise.

  Loresse chuckled and corrected her as she would a child, “Power is what holds the sovereignty together. Power is the ultimate currency. Noble families if not the king himself. will be throwing their young sons at me the moment they get a look at my wyvern, even worse if they see Baelathor in person. They will curse the ground that they were not the ones to offer oaths.”

  “And my dear Moon should rely on such shallow loyalty? You so quickly abandoned your king.” Allyssia pressed. This was already a discussion I had with her, but I found it interesting to see how she defended her choice in front of others. This was her battle, and I would not insult her by interfering. She glanced to me and I offered her a silent nod.

  “It was not an easy decision, but I have no future with the dwarves. But it does not matter if you believe my oath is to be trusted, he trusts me and has accepted my oath. your opinion matters naught.” Allyssia raised an eyebrow, surprised at her boldness. Feyrun stiffened at her almost disrespectful tone but a look from Allyssia stopped him before he could raise a fuss. Silica and Lira stiffened in defiance and Allyssia set her piercing blue gaze at them.

  “Silica, I've never met a half elf. Why do you serve?” her gaze was even more intense. I could actually feel the ether shifting. This was excellent training for them. So, I stayed silent.

  Silica shrugged, “My reasons are my own for the most part. But what clinched it for me was when he promised I could kill my mother if I wished.” I almost wanted to laugh when Allyssia’s piercing gaze fractured for an instant. Then she realized that Silica was dead serious. Such informality in front of a duchess was never tolerated, but they were backed by my power and whether Allyssia was offended or not she could do nothing, without risking my displeasure.

  “Very well, good luck with your vengeance.”

  “Lira my dear, how about you? Unlike your peers you don’t seem the type to pick up the sword.” Allyssia said.

  Lira shrugged, “It was that or pick peas.”

  Allyssia gave her a withering smile, then Lira decided to be more honest, “I have a child, I won't have her spending her childhood squatting in an abandoned watch tower; I can protect her now.”

  “Is a wyvern enough to protect your child?”

  Lira looked at her gloved hands, I knew beneath them they were rather callused, “The wyvern was a bonus, right now I’m probably as good a fighter as your best knights if not better, any of the solar knights are.”

  Allyssia grinned, “What do you think general Feyrun?”

  Feyrun looked her up and down, seeming doubtful, “The men I've trained aren't the usual prancing fools Lira, they are true knights.”

  Lira didn't look perturbed, “I’m willing to put that to the test if my lord allows,”

  Lira said with a surprising amount of confidence, The Duchess smiled then caught my eye. Her gaze flickered to both my people and hers. I assumed she wanted us to speak alone.

  “I’ll allow it,”

  “General Feyrun, perhaps it would be good to examine the metal of the ones who will protect my dearest Moon. Briannah Why don't you accompany them and show them around the city? Remember they are honored guests,” Both the general and the new Baroness Wigmore realized that she wanted to be alone with me.

  “You'll be alright alone?” Silica asked.

  “I’ll be fine, if I can't trust my dear Allyssia then I can trust no one.” Then I caught their eyes and said. “Remember I can heal anything other than death.”

  Malicious smiles came over the faces of all my solar knights. I was pleased that they got my message.

  ~

  A few minutes later I was alone with Allyssia, her guards far enough away that we couldn't be overheard.

  “Really Moon, you turned them into etheric knights? Our empress will not be pleased when she finds out.”

  I shrugged, “Your empress. Besides, I'm sure she will have her hands full with more pressing concerns.”

  “It was a shame you missed the coronation, no less than three duels to the death were fought for her hand. She has yet to announce anything.”

  The problems Morianne faced were not my concern, so long as they did not interfere with my plan “What of your problems? I hear she is putting you under pressure.”

  Allyssia scoffed, “She tries, but with so much trade to Braken insured by Denerif’s coin, I'm still reaping in significant profit. Though it could be more if not for her tariffs on trade.”

  “I see you have some new mages?” I observed glancing at the men and women in color coded armor.

  “Indeed, I have no less than 50 under my command. And I have quite a few less than legal amplifiers to empower them. Soon enough enchanters and etheric knights will follow. Though Morianne has been keeping them on a tight leash.”

  “I suppose my enchanting skill is well known at this point.”

  She nodded, “Yes and she tried investigating how you learned, eventually leading her to Trent. Though tragically he died of a stroke not long after you left the kingdom.”

  Shorecast almost certainly killed him. “Shame but he was an old man.”

  I almost asked her if she knew mages that were willing to defect in the coming years but decided against it. They would just be spies, “Most importantly. Queen Sianna.”

  Her gaze became stern. “Quite the surprise that was. And no, I don't know what was discussed. However, I do know she opened trade with the empire. And elven goods have started to find their way south. One thing is for sure there is no possibility that you were not discussed.”

  Sighing, I considered what the implications of this could mean for my future plans. Would this hinder or aid my reign over solaria? I was unsure but the only thing I could do at the moment was keep an eye on it.

  “It would behoove you to know that two of your old mercenary companions have been spotted in the capitol.” She said,

  “Who?” I asked.

  “Lilian was in the company of the queen, acting as a guard, I think. And Sarah was sworn into the service of the empress herself. Quite an honor for the Newban Family. She’s also sent people to speak with your old captain Barlow. Though we don't yet know how he will respond. She is the empress so legally we can do nothing.” Allyssia answered with a smirk staring at my surprised face.

  I racked my mind trying to figure out Morianne’s play. “Leverage? Information?” I asked aloud.

  “A little of both, which of them would be willing to give up information about you? Is there information they could offer that could be used as leverage against you?” she asked.

  Most of what they knew about me was already public knowledge. But there were two people who could be used as leverage. Though it's unlikely that they knew that I cared enough about Garette and Lori for them to be used as leverage. Garette also has a daughter in the capitol. If Morianne was malicious enough she could use her as leverage against him and me by proxy.

  “Sten is honorable. But Sarah; she was always looking to better her position. Told me so herself; Even went as far as trying to ally with me. However, some fallen noble with barely a scrap of power did not interest me. As for information, nothing that could cause me any harm.”

  “Yet she has fallen no more, and has the ear of the empress.” Allyssia said offering little.

  “And if she labels me an enemy of the empire?” I asked. I knew the answer but wanted a second opinion.

  “Then those who you consider allies might be implicated. As a high ranking noble she wouldn't dare try to have me imprisoned without unquestionable proof of sedition, she risks the other dukes rebelling. But a baron, low ranking viscount or a commoner. Well, that is a different story.”

  It took me a second, but I finally realized what she was doing. Purposely stroking my fears, seeing how I would react. Leverage that Morianne could use is leverage she could use. I shouldn't forget that she is as much a political animal as any noble. Giving me plenty of problems and no solutions would lead to me relying on her for support.

  Sten was his own man and held no special place amongst those I care about, not like Garette and Lori at least. Going out of my way for him is something I wouldn't care enough to do if it could cause me significant harm. But Lori and Garrett; I would. Going out of my way to protect them could also make them a target. I’ll test how she reacts to my seeking her help.

  “Perhaps you can offer Sten a place in your city. I'd rather not have implicated him or at the very least she would hesitate to arrest him on paper thin charges, simply to use him as leverage against me. I do know that a few of my other mercenary companions decided to serve under him.”

  She smiled magnanimously, “I can offer some minor lands and titles. I even sent a personal invitation to one of my balls for him and his family. I’m sure that would be enough to give her pause.”

  I offered a respectful bow in return, “My thanks, can’t have the man who named me disappear into a dark dungeon somewhere.” She seemed pleased at my show of deference. As much as I don't like being maneuvered. I can’t have people thinking I’m inflexible. Let her believe that Sten is a collar she can use to control me.

  I’ll personally speak to Garette about his future. Perhaps this could be enough to convince him to move to Solaria.

  “No need to worry she is still far too occupied with curbing her vassals and establishing her base of power. It will be some time before she decides to truly move against you,” That was at least good to hear. With an empire spanning most of a continent her dukes were far more of a danger than I am.

  I spent some time in silence contemplating if it was even possible to meet with Lilian in secret before Allyssia reached over and caressed my hand, offering a lovely smile. “Perhaps we should have supper alone. We have much to catch up on.”

  I returned her smile, more than willing, “Of course my Duchess.” I wonder what she’s going to ask me for.