NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Fortifying the Isle
Chapter 5: Fortifying the Isle
The morning sun rose over Sunblode Isle, casting long shadows across the newly irrigated fields. The villagers were hard at work, some tending to crops while others hammered away at the docks and workshops. The steady rhythm of progress filled the air, but Ivar stood at the edge of the manor's balcony, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
Timothy Sunrise approached, his boots clicking softly against the stone floor. "You've been quiet, my lord," he said. "Something on your mind?"
Ivar didn't look away. "The island is growing. The people are hopeful, the trade routes are beginning to take shape... but success invites enemies."
Timothy raised an eyebrow. "You think someone will attack us?"
"It's not a matter of if," Ivar replied, his voice cold. "It's a matter of when. The lords of the Riverlands are watching, and sooner or later, one of them will decide that Sunblode Isle is too tempting a prize to ignore."
Timothy folded his arms. "Then we need to be ready."
Ivar turned to face him, his eyes sharp. "Exactly. It's time to fortify the island."
Building Defenses
The council gathered later that day in the great hall, where a large map of the island was spread across the table. Ivar stood at the head, his gaze sweeping over the faces of his advisors.
"The island's natural defenses are strong," he began. "The river acts as a natural barrier, and the surrounding marshes make it difficult for large armies to approach. But natural defenses won't be enough. We need walls, towers, and a standing army capable of repelling any invader."
Roland Emberhill, the military tactician, leaned forward. "We'll need stone for the walls and iron for weapons. The marshes won't yield much in the way of resources."
"We'll import what we need," Ivar said. "The profits from our trade will cover the costs. In the meantime, I want the villagers trained. Every able-bodied man and woman should know how to defend themselves."
Duncan Greenfield, the head trainer, nodded. "I'll see to it, my lord. But training takes time. If we're attacked before the villagers are ready, we'll need something to tip the scales."
A faint smile crossed Ivar's lips. "We already have an advantage."
Duncan frowned. "The enhanced soldiers?"
"Not just them," Ivar said. "The system."
The Cheat System at Work
Later that evening, Ivar summoned the cheat system. The translucent blue menu appeared before him, its options glowing faintly in the dim light of his study.
[Daily Points: 10. Use them wisely.]
He navigated to the Facilities category and selected Basic Fortifications – 10 Points. The system shimmered, and an image of wooden palisades, watchtowers, and a central gate filled his mind. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
The next morning, Ivar led his council to the outskirts of the village, where construction on the fortifications would begin. He shared the system's blueprints with Duncan and Roland, who studied them with growing interest.
"These designs are solid," Roland said, tracing his finger along the lines of the map. "The towers provide excellent vantage points, and the gatehouse is sturdy enough to withstand a battering ram."
"We'll need workers to build it," Duncan added.
"They'll have everything they need," Ivar assured him. "The system will ensure the process is smooth."
The First Threat
A week later, the construction was well underway. Wooden palisades encircled the village, and watchtowers began to rise above the treetops. The villagers worked tirelessly, their confidence bolstered by Ivar's leadership and the enhanced soldiers who patrolled the worksite.
But their progress was interrupted one morning when a rider approached the gates, his horse coated in sweat and his face pale.
"My lord!" the rider called out, dismounting hastily. "An armed party is approaching the island. They've crossed the river and are making their way through the marshes."
Ivar's heart quickened, but his voice remained calm. "How many?"
"Two dozen men, maybe more," the rider replied. "They're carrying the banner of House Harlaw."
Roland stepped forward, his expression grim. "House Harlaw? They're Ironborn. Raiders."
"Exactly," Ivar said, his mind racing. "They're here to pillage. But they've made a mistake."
Duncan frowned. "What mistake?"
"They think we're defenseless," Ivar said, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Let's show them they're wrong."
Preparing for Battle
Ivar wasted no time. He summoned his enhanced soldiers to the manor, their disciplined ranks standing ready in the great hall.
"Timothy," he said, addressing his second-in-command. "Take five of the soldiers and set up an ambush in the marshes. Use the terrain to your advantage. Drive them toward the village."
Timothy nodded. "And what of the other five?"
"They'll remain here with me," Ivar said. "We'll fortify the village and make it look like a tempting target. When the raiders arrive, we'll cut them down."
The plan was set in motion. Timothy and his team vanished into the marshes, their superhuman speed and agility making them ghosts among the reeds. Meanwhile, Ivar worked alongside Roland and Duncan to prepare the village's defenses.
The villagers, though untrained, stood ready with makeshift weapons—spears, bows, and clubs. Fear flickered in their eyes, but Ivar's presence seemed to steady them.
"This is our home," Ivar said, addressing the gathered villagers. "And no one—Ironborn or otherwise—will take it from us. Stand with me, and we will show them the strength of Sunblode Isle."
The Ambush
The Ironborn raiders moved cautiously through the marshes, their boots sinking into the mud with every step. They carried axes and swords, their laughter echoing through the mist as they joked about the plunder that awaited them.
But their laughter turned to shouts of alarm when arrows began to rain down from the reeds. Timothy and his team struck with precision, their enhanced reflexes making them almost invisible in the dense foliage.
"Move!" one of the Ironborn shouted. "To the village!"
They charged forward, desperation driving them toward what they thought would be an easy victory.
The Village Defense
Ivar stood atop the newly built gatehouse, watching as the raiders emerged from the marshes. The villagers tensed, their weapons clutched tightly in their hands.
"Hold," Ivar said, his voice calm but firm. "Wait for my signal."
The Ironborn charged, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. But as they reached the base of the palisades, a volley of arrows from the watchtowers cut them down. Those who survived the initial barrage found themselves face-to-face with Ivar's enhanced soldiers, who moved with inhuman speed and strength.
The battle was over in minutes. The Ironborn lay dead or dying, their raid reduced to a pitiful failure.
A Warning to the Rest
That evening, Ivar ordered the bodies of the raiders to be hung from the palisades as a warning. Their bloodied armor glinted in the firelight, a stark reminder of what awaited anyone who dared threaten Sunblode Isle.
Timothy approached him as the villagers celebrated their victory. "You handled that well," he said.
Ivar nodded. "This is just the beginning. The next time someone comes for us, they won't even make it to the marshes."
Timothy smirked. "Let's hope they're smart enough to stay away."
Ivar's gaze hardened. "If they're not, we'll make them regret it."