Sean's breath hitched at the tiny message beside the tulip. Brody Mill was attacking Riverside—how could he defend a town with twenty poorly armed militia and a single Black Iron cleric?
The Blazing Cross Mercenaries? First, they were scouts, not battle-hardened mercs. Second, their contract only allowed garrisoning, not combat. Hiring them would cost a fortune he didn't have. And Brody would surely account for them anyway.
Pacing his bedroom, Sean summoned a water spell to splash his face, forcing calm. He grabbed parchment, scribbling plans:
Riverside's defense: 20 militia, no siege weapons, Anduin's healing magic.Waterpine's forces: Henry estimated 100 militia + 100 mercenaries/peasants, led by Zud, a Silver Middle Rank warrior. One man could raze Riverside single-handedly.
Half an hour later, the team gathered in the study, faces grave as Sean revealed Sophia's intelligence. Henry bowed, ashamed: "My Lord, I failed to monitor Waterpine—"
"Not your fault." Sean waved him off, explaining Jessica's role in provoking Brody at the banquet. "This is the River Count's scheme. Brody must have struck a deal with him."
Henry ventured, "Perhaps the Count promised Jessica as Brody's bride, with Riverside as dowry?"
Sean nodded, pressing, "How many troops can Waterpine muster?"
"At most 200: 100 militia, 100 conscripts and mercenaries. But Zud alone could wipe out our defenses."
Sean calculated silently. 200 gold spent on goods left 500 gold. Enough for weapons, but not a fight.
"Here's the plan," he announced. "Windsor, Henry will assist you in buying 500 gold worth of arms and horses. Return to Riverside, gather valuables, and evacuate everyone to Yorn when Brody attacks. Prioritize saving lives."
"What about your safety, My Lord?" Windsor asked, tense.
"Balor stays with me." Sean turned to the Voidwalker. "Your sole job: protect me. No distractions."
"Understood, My Lord." Balor nodded, shadowy form rippling.
"Monica," Sean addressed the paladin recruit, "ride to Waterpine, infiltrate, and scout troop movements. Warn Riverside first, then me, the moment they march."
"Consider it done." Monica saluted, hand on her sword hilt.
Sean knew the plan was desperate—retreat was survival, not victory. But without a Silver Rank warrior or siege weapons, standing ground meant annihilation.
That night, meditation failed him. He stared at the ceiling, mind racing: Could Jessica's banquet be a distraction? What if the Count's spies knew Sophia warned him?
Nebula curled on his chest, her tiny claws kneading his shirt. A dragonet wasn't enough to stop a Silver Rank warrior… but maybe nobles feared what they didn't understand.
Sean smiled grimly. If he couldn't defend Riverside by force, he'd defend it with politics. Jessica's banquet was tomorrow—time to charm the nobles, expose the Count's plot, and turn Brody's invasion into a political suicide.
"Lord Sean?" Henry knocked, voice low. "The horses are ready for Windsor's departure at dawn."
"Good." Sean stood, resolve hardening. "Let's pray Brody underestimates us. And Henry—" He held up the tulip bookmark,"Send a message to Anduin: 'The wolf comes. Evacuate non-combatants. Trust no one but Cain and Lilith.'"
As the first stars faded, Sean dressed, mind already on the banquet. In Yorn's courts, words were weapons, and alliances were shields. Today, he'd wield both… and hope Riverside's survivors would have a home to return to.