NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: The Path to Power
Chapter 8: The Path to Power
The docks of Sunblode Isle bustled with activity, the sounds of hammering, shouting, and the creak of ropes filling the air. The first of Ivar's new trade ships was being outfitted, its sturdy hull painted in the deep crimson and gold of House Sunblode. The ship was small compared to the grand galleys of larger houses, but it was fast, maneuverable, and above all, a symbol of Ivar's growing reach.
Standing on the dock, Ivar watched the workers with a critical eye. Timothy Sunrise stood beside him, his arms crossed.
"The Freys have already sent word," Timothy said. "Their guards report no trouble along the trade routes. Your deal seems to be holding."
"For now," Ivar replied. "Walder Frey values gold more than loyalty. As long as we keep the coin flowing, he'll play his part. But we can't trust him forever."
Timothy smirked. "Then we make sure we don't need him forever."
The Soldiers of Sunblode
Back at the training grounds, Duncan Greenfield barked orders as recruits drilled under the watchful eyes of the enhanced soldiers.
"Shield wall! Hold!" Duncan shouted.
The recruits braced their shields, gritting their teeth as an enhanced soldier charged at them. The force of the impact rippled through their line, but they held firm.
Ivar observed from the edge of the training ground, Roland Emberhill standing beside him.
"They're improving," Roland said. "Another few months, and they'll be ready for battle."
"Good," Ivar said. "Because we may not have a few months. If the Blackwoods or Brackens break their truce, or if the Mallisters falter against the Ironborn, we'll need to be ready to move."
Roland nodded. "And what about the enhanced soldiers? You've been summoning more of them, haven't you?"
Ivar's lips curved into a faint smile. "Every day. They're the backbone of our strength, but they can't be the only part of it. We need numbers, and we need discipline. That's what this training is for."
Roland tilted his head. "What's the plan, then? Expand the army until we're too strong to challenge?"
"Partially," Ivar replied. "But we'll also need specialists. Archers, cavalry, siege engineers. The enhanced soldiers will lead, but it's the rank and file that will carry us to victory."
The Siege Engineers
Using his cheat system, Ivar purchased schematics for siege engines: ballistae, catapults, and trebuchets. He shared the designs with Astrid Goldbrook, the council's master builder, who quickly set to work assembling a team of skilled carpenters and blacksmiths.
The first ballista was completed within a week, its sleek frame and taut ropes gleaming in the sunlight. Duncan organized a demonstration, setting up a series of wooden targets on the far side of the field.
Ivar and his council gathered to watch as the crew loaded the ballista. With a heavy thunk, the bolt launched from the weapon, tearing through the first target and embedding itself in the second.
"Impressive," Roland said, nodding in approval.
"It'll do more than impress," Ivar said. "When the time comes, these machines will crush our enemies before they even reach our walls."
The Ironborn Threat
A week later, a raven arrived from Seagard. Lord Jason Mallister's letter was brief but urgent:
Lord Sunblode,
The Ironborn are preparing another raid along the coast. I request your aid in defending Seagard. If we fall, they'll have free reign over the western Riverlands.
Yours in trust,
Lord Jason Mallister.
Ivar read the letter aloud to his council, then set it down on the table.
"This is our chance," he said. "If we help the Mallisters hold Seagard, we'll cement our alliance—and show the other lords of the Riverlands that House Sunblode is a force to be reckoned with."
Duncan frowned. "The Ironborn are no joke. They're brutal, relentless. If we're not careful, we could lose a lot of men."
"That's why we'll be careful," Ivar replied. "Timothy, take fifty of the enhanced soldiers and march to Seagard immediately. I want you to coordinate with Lord Mallister and prepare for the defense. Roland, you'll stay here and continue training the recruits."
"And you?" Timothy asked.
"I'll remain on the island," Ivar said. "Someone has to keep things running while you're gone. Besides, this battle is yours to win."
Timothy grinned. "I won't let you down."
The Defense of Seagard
Timothy and his men arrived at Seagard just as the Ironborn ships appeared on the horizon. Lord Jason Mallister met them on the battlements, his stern face softening slightly at the sight of the reinforcements.
"You came," Jason said, clasping Timothy's hand. "For that, you have my thanks."
"We're here to make sure your lands stay yours," Timothy replied. "What's the situation?"
"The Ironborn have five ships, each carrying fifty men," Jason said. "They'll likely try to breach the walls with grappling hooks and ladders. My men are ready, but we're outnumbered."
"Not anymore," Timothy said. "Leave the walls to us. Your men can focus on protecting the town."
As the Ironborn landed and began their assault, Timothy's enhanced soldiers sprang into action. They moved with precision and speed, cutting down the raiders before they could scale the walls. The battle was fierce, but the Ironborn were no match for the superhuman strength and agility of Sunblode's finest.
By the time the sun set, the beach was littered with the bodies of fallen raiders. The remaining Ironborn retreated to their ships, their morale shattered.
A New Ally
After the battle, Lord Mallister invited Timothy to a feast in the great hall of Seagard. The hall was modest compared to some, but the warmth of the fire and the gratitude of the gathered knights made it feel grand.
"You've done me a great service," Jason said, raising his cup. "And for that, you have my thanks. House Mallister will not forget this."
"We're stronger together," Timothy replied, raising his own cup. "That's all Lord Sunblode wants—to unite the Riverlands, one house at a time."
Jason nodded. "Then you have my support. If you ever need aid, Seagard will answer the call."
The Message
When Timothy returned to Sunblode Isle with news of the victory, Ivar was waiting for him on the docks.
"You did well," Ivar said, clapping him on the shoulder. "The Mallisters are strong allies to have."
"They're loyal, too," Timothy said. "Lord Jason swore his support. He's with us."
"Good," Ivar said, his gaze distant. "The more allies we gather, the less likely anyone will dare challenge us."
Timothy smirked. "And what happens when we have all the allies we need?"
Ivar's eyes gleamed. "Then we stop waiting for challenges—and start making them."