The Imperial System: Architect of an Empire

Kael did not sleep much.

By sunrise, the five marked sites on his map had started to bother him more than the creatures themselves.

One beneath the western forest.

One beneath the eastern ruin.

One beneath Redpine Ridge.

One line passing toward the southern fields.

Another running beneath part of the central settlement.

Five places.

One territory.

And nobody knew how many more had simply gone unnoticed.

Kael stood over the map in his study while rainwater slid down the windows behind him.

Someone knocked.

Come in.

Lily entered carrying breakfast and three ledgers.

Kael looked at the ledgers.

You brought work with the food.

You brought yourself to the desk before eating.

Fair.

She placed a covered plate beside him.

Eat before Sir Darius arrives.

Why?

Because he asked whether you had slept.

Kael looked toward the door.

You told him?

I told him you were awake when I checked at midnight and still awake when I checked before dawn.

You check on me too much.

Lily opened one of the ledgers.

Someone has to make sure Blackwood’s lord survives his own habits.

That sounded disturbingly similar to Darius.

Kael sat.

What are those?

The first is grain.

He frowned immediately.

The second is the closed fields.

Worse.

The third is yesterday’s Guild expenses.

Kael uncovered his breakfast.

Can we discuss something pleasant?

The northern well remains clean.

Kael paused.

Good.

Tavian tested it twice.

Better.

Forty-three of the displaced villagers have now signed permanent settlement records.

Kael looked up.

All forty-three?

Yes.

That was pleasant.

Lily continued.

Two of their smiths began working under Garrick yesterday. Bram accepted seven farming families. Rowan says the first permanent houses can begin once the drainage lines are marked.

Kael finally ate something.

There. That is how reports should begin.

Would you like me to hide the bad news behind the good news from now on?

Absolutely.

No.

Kael sighed.

Lily almost smiled.

Then her expression became serious.

People are asking why so many areas are being restricted.

I expected that.

They will accept one closed well.

They will accept a few closed fields.

But if you begin blocking roads, camps, forests and grazing areas without explaining anything, rumors will do the explaining for you.

Kael looked toward the map.

Demons.

Curses.

Imperial experiments.

Punishment from the gods.

Lily nodded.

Someone at the market already claims the western refugees brought a plague.

Kael’s expression hardened.

Again?

Different man.

Wonderful.

What did Captain Roland do?

Made him apologize publicly.

Kael looked at her.

Roland did?

Apparently Captain Roland was less patient than you.

Kael smiled faintly.

Remind me to thank him.

I suspect the man he embarrassed will remember enough for both of you.

The door opened without a knock.

Sir Darius Valen entered.

Lily looked at him.

He has eaten.

Darius looked at the plate.

Half.

Better than nothing.

Kael pointed between them.

I dislike this alliance.

Darius pulled out a chair.

Sleep?

Enough.

Lily answered for him.

Three hours, perhaps four.

Kael stared at her.

Traitor.

Lily gathered her ledgers.

My lord.

She bowed just enough to make the title feel insulting and left.

Darius watched the door close.

Useful woman.

Very.

Keep people like that close.

Kael looked at him.

I thought generals advised princes about armies.

Good generals advise rulers about whatever keeps armies alive.

Darius’s eyes moved to the map.

Show me.

Kael turned it around.

Five confirmed or suspected nodes.

Darius studied each mark.

Redpine?

Confirmed structure. Unknown depth.

Eastern ruin?

Confirmed.

Western site?

Confirmed.

Southern fields?

Channel, not structure.

Central settlement?

Same.

Darius tapped the map.

Then stop calling all five sites.

Kael frowned.

What?

Words matter.

Darius pointed toward the western forest.

Site.

Then Redpine.

Site.

Then the settlement.

Channel.

If you call everything a site, your soldiers eventually start treating every buried line like another ruin.

Kael took up a charcoal stick.

Fine.

Three structures.

Two channels.

Known.

Known.

Darius nodded.

Better.

Kael stared at the map.

How would you handle it?

You are asking me?

You have never lost a campaign.

This isn’t a campaign.

Not yet.

Kael raised an eyebrow.

Darius leaned back.

First, decide the objective.

Destroy the corruption.

Too broad.

Protect Blackwood.

Still too broad.

Kael frowned.

Darius waited.

That was another thing Kael had learned about him.

Sir Darius rarely rushed to fill silence when someone else needed to think.

Kael looked at the map again.

Keep civilians away from active contamination.

Good.

Identify how far the underground network extends.

Good.

Prevent whatever escaped from reaching populated areas.

Good.

Rescue anyone already affected if possible.

Darius nodded.

Now you have four objectives.

Kael looked at him.

And suddenly the problem looks smaller.

No.

Darius’s expression remained flat.

It merely looks like work instead of fear.

That stayed with Kael.

He drew four lines beneath the map.

Darius continued.

Now assign people.

Kael almost answered automatically.

Darius stopped him.

Not units.

People.

Kael understood.

He looked at the names he already had.

Iris Hollow handles surface tracking and signs of new contamination.

With?

Victor Ravenshade.

Why Victor?

He needs discipline.

That is a reason for Victor. Not a reason for Iris.

Kael thought again.

Victor pays attention when the danger becomes real. And he works well enough with her to follow instead of trying to take command.

Darius nodded slightly.

Better.

Elias Thorn with them.

Why?

Quiet. Patient. He noticed changes in the forest before others did.

Good.

Kael wrote:

Iris Hollow — Surface ReconnaissanceVictor RavenshadeElias Thorn

Next.

Tavian maps the magical structures.

Obviously.

Hugo Stone goes with him.

Darius gave him a questioning look.

Kael continued before he could ask.

Tavian understands magic. Hugo understands physical construction, metal, materials and the way things are actually built.

Good.

Kael added both names.

Darius looked toward him.

Protection?

Damien Ravenmoor.

Only Damien?

Kael shook his head.

Six Black Dragon soldiers rotated under him. Not always the same six.

Darius nodded.

Why Damien?

Leadership.

And?

Kael remembered his System evaluation but didn’t need it.

He doesn’t panic when he doesn’t understand something.

Better.

Kael wrote Damien’s name.

Darius pointed toward the settlement.

Central defense.

Captain Roland.

Yes.

Grom stays near the central settlement as heavy response.

The old goblin will hate the phrase heavy response.

He doesn’t have to hear it.

He will.

Probably.

Kael added Grom anyway.

Darius tapped the supply routes.

And these?

Osric Hale.

Immediate answer.

Darius approved.

Exactly.

Food, patrol rotations, quarantine supplies, runners, replacement watches, road access.

Kael looked at the map.

He needs assistants.

Give him two.

Named?

Kael hesitated.

Darius noticed.

You don’t know all fifty yet.

Not well enough.

Then start.

The words were simple.

Kael looked up.

Darius continued.

If they are going to carry your banner, you should know who you are asking to bleed for it.

Kael did not argue.

He wrote Osric’s name.

Then looked at Darius.

And you?

Sir Darius Valen’s eyes moved across the entire map.

I go where the failure would cost the most.

That’s not a specific assignment.

Command rarely is.

Kael gave him a look.

That sounded suspiciously grand.

It sounded practical.

You enjoy making practical things sound threatening.

Darius ignored him.

And you stay aboveground.

Kael stared.

We had such a productive conversation.

We still are.

I’m a Magic Swordsman with Light that can damage this thing.

You are also Lord of Blackwood.

Kael folded his arms.

You used that against me yesterday.

It remains true today.

What if we need my Light?

Then you go where it is needed.

Darius leaned forward.

Not where curiosity wants you.

Kael did not like that distinction because it was accurate.

He looked back at the map.

Fine.

Darius stood.

Good.

That sounded too easy.

Kael narrowed his eyes.

Were you expecting an argument?

Yes.

I can still give you one.

No need.

Darius headed toward the door.

Where are you going?

To make your plan function.

Kael looked at the parchment.

You helped make it.

My mistake.

The door closed.

Kael stared after him.

Then he smiled.

For a man called the Empire’s Shield, Darius spent an impressive amount of time being irritating.

The Black Dragon assembled before midday.

Not all fifty.

Blackwood could not afford to gather every soldier in one place while villages, roads and the western cave still needed guards.

Thirty-one stood in the central training yard.

The others remained at assigned posts.

The Black Dragon Banner hung from the long crossbeam above them.

Kael stood in front.

Sir Darius remained several steps to his right.

Grom Ironfang stood with his spear planted beside him.

Captain Roland had brought the active duty roster.

Osric Hale held a separate list that was already covered in notes.

Kael looked across the formation.

Victor Ravenshade.

Leon Ashford.

Elias Thorn.

Marcus Wintermere.

Iris Hollow.

Hugo Stone.

Julian Valcrest.

Damien Ravenmoor.

Names that had once been marks on recruitment sheets.

They were becoming people readers of history might remember.

If Blackwood survived long enough to have history.

Kael began.

You’ve all heard rumors about the western forest.

Nobody moved.

Good soldiers.

Kael continued.

Some of the rumors are wrong.

Some aren’t wrong enough.

That got several looks.

We have confirmed ancient structures beneath Blackwood.

A faint murmur moved through the rear ranks.

Sir Darius did not silence them.

Kael allowed it.

These structures contain an unknown form of corruption capable of affecting animals and people.

The murmuring stopped.

One soldier raised his hand slightly.

Kael recognized Julian Valcrest.

Speak.

My lord, is that what happened to the wolves?

Yes.

And Senn?

Yes.

Kael could have softened it.

He did not.

Whatever affected Senn was able to leave his body.

Several soldiers exchanged glances.

Kael continued before imagination could outrun him.

That does not mean every sick animal is corrupted.

It does not mean every stranger is carrying something.

And it does not mean you start cutting down anyone who behaves strangely.

He looked directly across the formation.

If I hear that one of you harmed a civilian because you were frightened and called it caution, you will answer to me.

Not Darius.

Not Roland.

Me.

Silence.

Then Damien spoke.

Understood, my lord.

Others followed.

Yes, my lord.

Kael looked toward Iris.

Iris Hollow.

She stepped forward.

My lord.

You have surface reconnaissance.

Victor’s expression immediately became suspicious.

Kael continued.

Victor Ravenshade and Elias Thorn are assigned to you.

Victor looked toward Darius.

Sir—

Darius did not even turn.

No.

Victor sighed.

Yes, my lord.

Iris smiled.

Kael pointed at her.

Do not enjoy this too much.

No promises, my lord.

A few soldiers laughed.

Good.

They needed some of that.

Kael moved on.

Hugo Stone.

Hugo stepped forward.

My lord.

You’re working with Master Tavian Merrow.

Several men looked at him with immediate sympathy.

Hugo closed his eyes briefly.

Yes, my lord.

His reaction created more laughter than Iris had.

Kael smiled.

Damien Ravenmoor.

Damien stepped forward.

You command the rotating escort assigned to Tavian and Hugo.

Damien straightened.

Yes, my lord.

Six at a time.

You decide formation and rotation with Sir Darius.

Understood.

Osric Hale.

The older man did not step dramatically forward.

He merely looked up from his parchment.

My lord.

Supply coordination is yours.

How many wagons may I requisition?

Kael blinked.

We’re still assigning jobs.

And I need to know how many wagons.

Darius looked at Kael.

Welcome to logistics.

Kael sighed.

Four without asking.

Anything over four, clear it with Lily.

Osric nodded.

Good.

Kael pointed toward Captain Roland.

Settlement security stays under Captain Roland.

Roland bowed his head.

My lord.

And Grom—

Grom immediately spoke.

I know.

Kael stopped.

You don’t even know what I was going to say.

Central heavy response.

Several soldiers looked toward the goblin.

Grom frowned.

Who told you?

Darius.

Traitor.

Sir Darius Valen remained expressionless.

Kael continued.

If something gets through a patrol, Grom responds.

Grom smiled.

That sounds better.

Kael looked across the entire group again.

One more thing.

The humor disappeared.

Nobody is being promoted because of this operation.

Nobody earns a knight’s title by chasing corruption.

His eyes moved briefly toward Marcus and Victor.

The Knight Examination remains separate.

You perform your duty because it’s your duty.

Not because you think Sir will sound better in front of your name afterward.

Marcus had the decency to look away.

Victor did not.

Fair.

Sir Darius stepped forward.

And anyone attempting to impress the Knight Examination witnesses by taking unnecessary risks will find themselves removed from consideration before the witnesses arrive.

That produced more discomfort than Kael’s warning.

Darius looked satisfied.

Dismissed.

The formation broke.

But not chaotically.

Iris immediately pulled Victor and Elias toward the map table.

Damien began checking available riders.

Osric cornered Captain Roland before Roland had taken three steps.

Hugo went toward the forge looking like a man preparing for a prison sentence.

The Black Dragon moved.

Not like fifty identical soldiers.

Like people with jobs.

Kael watched them go.

That felt better.

Galahad Charney had created a new section of the Adventure Guild board.

It was painted black.

Kael stared at it.

Why black?

Galahad stood beside him with his arms crossed.

Because red looked like ordinary high-danger work.

Black means restricted.

There are no missions on it.

Correct.

Then why is it a quest board?

It isn’t.

Galahad tapped the wooden frame.

Restricted notices.

The first three parchments read:

REDPINE RIDGE — CLOSED

WESTERN FOREST CAVE — BLACK DRAGON AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED

EASTERN RUIN — ENTRY PROHIBITED

Below each, Galahad had written the penalty for unauthorized entry.

Kael read the amount.

That’s high.

It’s supposed to hurt.

What if someone genuinely doesn’t know?

Then they won’t be standing inside the guild reading the notice before ignoring it.

Fair.

Mara Fen approached from one of the side tables.

My lord.

Kael nodded.

Mara.

She handed Galahad a report.

Another farmer request.

Missing goat?

She gave Kael a look.

Fence damage.

Less exciting.

Good.

Mara looked surprised.

You want boring?

Today?

Yes.

Very much.

Galahad read the request.

Boar damage.

Mara nodded.

Three farms.

Tracks suggest one large male.

Galahad handed it back.

Take Calder tomorrow.

Tessa?

She already accepted merchant escort work.

Mara tucked the parchment into her belt.

Understood.

Kael watched her walk away.

The guild was working.

Not every mission involved ancient corruption.

That mattered.

If every adventurer started seeing purple monsters behind every tree, Galahad would lose half his people to fear and the other half to stupidity.

Kael looked at the black notices.

No quests involving the underground network.

Not yet.

Galahad nodded.

Agreed.

Guild members report signs.

Black Dragon investigates.

Correct.

What if a village requests immediate help?

Then the nearest adventurers can evacuate civilians or defend them.

But nobody enters a restricted structure without authorization.

Galahad looked toward Kael.

You’re creating boundaries between the Guild and your army.

I thought you wanted that.

I do.

Galahad smiled faintly.

I’m checking whether you understand why.

Kael leaned against the counter.

Adventurers work for reward and contracts.

Soldiers are responsible for Blackwood’s security.

Galahad nodded.

And knights?

Kael thought.

Neither.

Galahad waited.

A knight serves an oath.

Better.

Kael looked toward the Black Dragon Banner visible through the unfinished doorway.

If Damien passes and becomes a Black Dragon Knight, he doesn’t become an adventurer just because he enters a dungeon.

Correct.

And you don’t become a knight because you killed enough monsters.

Correct.

Galahad seemed pleased.

Good.

Kael frowned.

Why are you testing me?

Everyone else does.

That is not permission.

Galahad laughed.

Jory woke before noon.

This time, Kael went alone.

Not completely alone.

Captain Roland remained outside the room, but Kael left Darius, Tavian and Galahad downstairs.

Jory was sitting upright.

A healer had wrapped his hands.

His broken nails had been cleaned.

He looked exhausted, but aware.

When Kael entered, Jory immediately tried to stand.

My lord.

Sit.

Jory obeyed.

Kael took the chair beside the bed.

How do you feel?

Like I’ve been beaten with my own axe.

Probably close.

Jory gave a weak laugh.

That helped.

Kael waited a moment.

Then spoke.

I’m not here to interrogate you.

Jory’s expression changed slightly.

Sir Darius already did?

No.

That surprised him.

Kael continued.

He will eventually.

That did not.

I want one thing first.

Jory looked at him.

Do you remember choosing to go deeper?

The worker’s face tightened.

Some of it.

Tell me only what you’re sure about.

Jory stared at his bandaged hands.

I heard someone.

Who?

At first, my mother.

She’s dead.

Eight years.

Kael nodded.

Then?

My brother.

Alive?

Jory shook his head.

Killed on the eastern road when I was seventeen.

Then your voice.

Jory looked uncomfortable.

Kael waited.

Not yours, my lord.

Mine.

My own voice.

What did it say?

Jory stared toward the window.

Come closer.

Anything else?

You can have it back.

Kael’s eyes narrowed.

Have what back?

I don’t know.

Did you feel anything when it said that?

Jory swallowed.

Yes.

What?

Like...

He struggled.

Like I had forgotten something important.

Not a memory exactly.

More like when you leave home and halfway down the road think you’ve forgotten something.

Kael understood.

Except it felt huge.

Like whatever I’d forgotten was the reason I was alive.

That was new.

Kael kept his face neutral.

Did the voice promise you anything?

Jory looked at him.

How did you know?

Kael had guessed.

What?

It said if I found the door, I wouldn’t be afraid anymore.

Door.

Yes, my lord.

What door?

I never found it.

Jory looked toward the floor.

Or maybe I did.

Kael waited.

Jory touched his temple.

Things stop making sense after that.

Did you see the thing that used your voice?

No.

Did you see another person?

Jory’s breathing changed.

Maybe.

Kael leaned slightly forward.

Who?

Jory’s eyes became unfocused.

A man in white.

Kael became still.

Armor?

I don’t know.

Robes maybe.

Where?

Farther down.

Before Galahad found you?

Jory nodded slowly.

Was he real?

Jory’s eyes filled with frustration.

I don’t know.

He was standing where there shouldn’t have been room to stand.

Kael did not understand that.

What did he say?

Jory looked up.

Nothing.

He raised one hand.

Like this.

Jory lifted his bandaged palm.

And then?

The voice stopped.

Kael stared.

For how long?

I don’t know.

Then the man was gone.

Kael said nothing.

White.

That could mean almost anything.

A scholar.

A priest.

A hallucination.

A remnant.

A trick.

He refused to choose.

Thank you.

Jory looked surprised.

That’s it?

For now.

My lord...

Kael stopped near the door.

Jory’s expression had changed.

If I was controlled—

We don’t know that.

If I was.

Kael waited.

Jory looked toward his bandaged hands.

Did I hurt anyone?

Kael answered immediately.

Not that we know.

Jory breathed out.

Good.

Kael opened the door.

Rest.

My lord.

Kael looked back.

Thank you for sending them.

Galahad?

All of them.

Jory’s voice weakened.

I thought nobody would come.

Kael looked at him for a long moment.

Then answered.

That is what the Guild is for.

He left.

Tavian hated Jory’s description.

Kael could tell because the mage read the report three times without insulting anyone.

Darius stood by the window.

Galahad remained near the door.

Hugo had arrived halfway through because Tavian had apparently decided every difficult thought now required Hugo’s presence.

Kael pointed toward the line.

A man in white.

Tavian looked up.

Could mean nothing.

Darius nodded.

Correct.

Galahad frowned.

You two agree?

Occasionally.

Tavian tapped the report.

He was physically exhausted, exposed to unknown influence and underground for hours.

Hallucination is plausible.

Kael looked toward him.

And the voice stopped when the figure raised a hand.

According to Jory’s damaged memory.

So you think it was nothing.

I didn’t say that.

Darius looked toward Tavian.

What does the Sanctum wear?

Silence.

Galahad’s eyes shifted between them.

The what?

Kael looked at him.

We hadn’t gotten there yet.

Tavian sighed.

Some Sanctum orders wear white.

Darius’s gaze sharpened.

Some?

Yes.

White, ivory, pale gold. Depends on rank and function.

Kael looked at Jory’s report.

Could a Sanctum member already be in Blackwood?

Darius answered.

Possible.

Tavian added.

Unlikely.

Galahad frowned.

Would one of you explain what we’re discussing?

Kael did.

Not everything.

He explained Solmara.

The independent holy state beyond the western mountains.

The Sanctum of the First Light.

Radiance.

Their strained relationship with Aurelia.

Galahad listened without interrupting.

When Kael finished, Galahad looked toward Tavian.

And you believe their power might affect the corruption.

Yes.

Would their people have reason to investigate ancient structures?

Tavian hesitated.

Yes.

Darius noticed.

More than Imperial scholars?

Tavian’s answer became careful.

Possibly much more.

Kael looked at him.

Why?

Because some Sanctum writings treat corruption as more than a magical phenomenon.

As what?

Tavian looked toward Kael.

Spiritual contamination.

Galahad folded his arms.

Meaning?

They believe some corruption doesn’t merely poison a body.

It changes what is attached to it.

Soul?

Tavian grimaced.

I dislike that word scientifically.

Grom’s voice came from the open doorway.

And yet you understood it.

Everyone turned.

Grom entered.

Kael frowned.

Were you listening outside?

Yes.

Why?

Because doors are thin.

Darius closed his eyes briefly.

Grom looked toward Jory’s report.

If the people in white can drive these things away, bring one.

Darius answered immediately.

No.

Grom looked at him.

Why?

Because inviting an armed religious order hostile to the Empire into an Imperial Prince’s territory without knowing their intentions would be idiotic.

Grom considered.

Then steal one.

Kael stared.

No.

Tavian looked genuinely amused.

The goblin has an admirably direct foreign policy.

Kael pointed toward Grom.

You are not kidnapping priests.

Dawn Knights too?

Especially not Dawn Knights.

Grom looked disappointed.

Darius ignored him.

We do nothing until we confirm whether anyone from the Sanctum is actually present.

Kael nodded.

Facts.

Darius nodded back.

Facts.

Galahad looked at Kael.

You’re both doing it now.

Kael ignored him.

The first Imperial knight arrived three days early.

Nobody expected him.

That was probably intentional.

Kael was in the southern field with Bram when the rider appeared on the road.

Bram had spent the last hour arguing that one patch of crops was not contaminated.

Kael had spent the last hour asking him to prove it.

Bram kicked the dirt.

Look at the roots.

I am looking.

You’re looking like a prince.

Kael frowned.

What does that mean?

It means you’re staring at dirt and waiting for it to explain itself.

Then what should I do?

Touch it.

Kael looked down at his boots.

Bram stared.

Kael sighed and crouched.

He pulled one plant.

The root system was thicker than expected.

Earth mana faintly pulsed through the soil.

Bram pointed.

Those aren’t sick.

No.

Different.

Yes.

The old gardener rubbed dirt between his fingers.

Whatever those old lines are doing, this one isn’t poisoning the field.

Kael looked toward the distant marker Tavian had placed.

Then what is it doing?

Bram shrugged.

Making good dirt better.

Kael looked offended.

You had an entire hour to give me that answer.

You needed to see it.

Kael was beginning to hate teachers.

A horn sounded from the central road.

One long note.

Then two shorter ones.

Bram looked up.

Visitor.

Imperial.

Kael stood.

How do you know?

Bram pointed toward the distant watch post.

Gold pennant.

Kael brushed dirt from his hands.

Wonderful.

Bram looked at his clothing.

My lord.

What?

You have mud on your knees.

Kael looked down.

Wonderful.

The rider waiting outside Blackwood Manor wore polished plate beneath a dark blue traveling cloak.

A silver-edged Imperial Dragon rested over his heart.

A younger man, perhaps sixteen, stood behind him holding the reins of both horses.

No armor.

Plain sword.

Squire.

Kael recognized that much immediately.

Captain Roland stood near the manor steps.

Sir Darius was not yet present.

The knight dismounted when Kael approached.

He was broad-shouldered, somewhere in his late forties, with close-cut brown hair turning gray around the temples.

His eyes went first to Kael’s muddy trousers.

Then to the manor.

Then to the Black Dragon Banner hanging above the distant training yard.

He bowed.

Lord Kael Asterion.

Kael nodded.

Sir...?

The knight straightened.

Sir Corren Valehart. Imperial Knight Registry.

Kael had never heard the name.

Good.

Hector had promised neutral witnesses.

Corren gestured toward the young man behind him.

My squire, Tomas Pell.

Tomas bowed deeply.

My lord.

Kael nodded to him.

Welcome to Blackwood.

Sir Corren looked toward the road.

I expected more guards.

Kael glanced around.

You passed three watch posts.

I passed three places where men pretended not to watch me.

Kael smiled.

Then they did their jobs.

Sir Corren’s mouth moved slightly.

Maybe approval.

Maybe not.

I was told the Knight Examination is in twenty-seven days.

It is.

I’m early.

I noticed.

I prefer seeing a household before it knows I’m watching.

Kael’s smile disappeared.

Sir Corren noticed.

Good.

Kael folded his arms.

Are you examining my soldiers or my territory?

Both, if they intend to swear themselves as household knights.

That answer was direct enough to earn some respect.

Sir Corren continued.

A Knight Registry does not only ask whether a candidate can wield Aura.

We ask what banner he intends to serve.

What lord will receive his oath.

What conduct that household expects.

And whether the title Sir will mean anything when he leaves its gates.

Kael looked toward the Black Dragon Banner.

Then you came to the right place.

Perhaps.

Sir Corren’s gaze followed his.

Where is Sir Darius Valen?

Kael heard footsteps behind him.

You just found him.

Sir Corren turned.

The reaction was immediate.

Not fear.

Recognition.

He straightened without seeming to decide to.

Sir Darius Valen crossed the courtyard in simple Black Dragon training clothes, sword at his side.

No ceremonial armor.

No medals.

Nothing proclaiming what he was.

He didn’t need them.

Sir Corren bowed his head.

Empire’s Shield.

Sir Darius.

They clasped forearms.

You came early.

I wanted to see whether the stories about Blackwood were true.

Darius glanced toward Kael.

Which stories?

Sir Corren looked around.

That the Tenth Prince has an undefeated Imperial Shield training fifty soldiers in a half-built settlement while founding an Adventure Guild and creating a household knight title nobody in Aurelia had heard of two months ago.

Kael considered it.

When you say it like that, it sounds excessive.

Sir Corren looked directly at him.

Aurelia thinks so too, my lord.

That mattered.

Kael’s expression became serious.

Are you here on General Hector’s orders?

Officially, the Registry.

And unofficially?

Sir Corren smiled.

I was told you ask direct questions.

I prefer useful answers.

Then yes.

General Hector Valen wants an honest report.

Darius’s expression gave nothing away.

About the candidates?

About everything relevant to the examination.

Sir Corren looked toward the training yard.

Including whether Black Dragon Knight is an earned identity—

or simply a prince putting a grand name on ordinary soldiers.

From the yard, someone laughed.

Victor Ravenshade.

Loudly.

Kael turned his head.

Victor had clearly heard.

Sir Darius looked toward him.

Victor immediately stopped laughing.

Sir Corren noticed the exchange.

His smile became more genuine.

This may be interesting.

Darius looked at him.

Do not encourage them.

I haven’t even met them.

Exactly.

Sir Corren handed his reins to Tomas.

The squire took them without instruction.

Kael noticed the ease of it.

Knight and squire.

Not servant and master exactly.

Something more structured.

Training hidden inside service.

Sir Corren looked toward Kael.

My lord, with your permission, I would like lodging for myself and my squire.

Granted.

Food?

Granted.

Access to the training yard?

Kael looked at Darius.

Darius answered.

Observe anything you want.

Interfere with nothing.

Sir Corren smiled.

There he is.

Kael looked between them.

You know each other well?

Sir Corren answered.

Well enough to know that when Sir Darius says interfere with nothing, he means I should interfere with absolutely nothing.

Darius nodded.

Correct.

Tomas tried not to smile.

Failed.

Kael saw it.

Sir Corren saw him see it.

The older knight looked at his squire.

Something amusing?

No, Sir.

Good answer.

Not convincing.

Tomas lowered his head.

Kael liked the boy already.

Then Captain Roland came quickly from the eastern path.

Not running.

Close.

His expression erased the remaining humor.

My lord.

Kael turned.

What happened?

Roland looked toward Sir Corren, then Darius.

Kael understood.

Speak.

One of Iris Hollow’s markers was disturbed.

Where?

Eastern line.

Sir Corren’s eyes sharpened.

Roland continued.

Iris found another track beside it.

Human.

Darius’s voice changed.

Coming or going?

Coming.

From where?

Roland swallowed.

West.

Kael frowned.

The eastern line was east of Blackwood.

West meant the person had approached it from inside Kael’s territory.

Roland continued.

Iris followed the tracks to an abandoned shepherd hut.

And?

She found someone inside.

Alive?

Yes, my lord.

Who?

Roland looked directly at Kael.

A woman.

White robes.

No Imperial insignia.

The courtyard became silent.

Kael felt Darius turn toward him.

Sir Corren had no idea why the description mattered.

Tavian would.

Grom would probably suggest kidnapping her.

Kael already regretted telling him anything.

Roland continued.

She gave Iris a message.

For me?

Yes, my lord.

Kael waited.

Roland’s next words were quiet.

She said...

Tell the prince of Light that we have watched long enough.

For the first time since arriving, Sir Corren Valehart stopped looking at Blackwood like a knight examiner inspecting an ambitious young lord’s territory.

He looked at Kael.

Then at Darius.

What exactly have I ridden into?

Kael stared toward the eastern road.

Three days ago, he would not have known the answer himself.

Now he did.

Or at least he knew the name.

The Sanctum of the First Light had finally stepped out of the shadows