TSA: Chapter Thirty-Six: Evolving Priorities 

Chapter Thirty-Six: Evolving Priorities 

Faywyn, 4th Moon, 25th Day, 1624 Symfora Telos

The Grand Hall of Faywyn Keep was dimly lit, the morning’s light filtering through narrow, high-set windows. Candles flickered in iron sconces, their glow casting elongated shadows across the polished stone floor. At the centre of the hall stood Madam Eliza. Today, she wore a long cloak of deep blue, the hood pulled back to reveal silver-streaked hair and sharp, angular features. 

Levi entered with measured steps, his expression neutral. He gestured to the servant who had escorted her to leave, then approached the centre of the hall. There, he motioned to one of the chairs near the hearth. “Be comfortable, Madam Eliza,” he said, lowering himself into the chair opposite hers. “Speak freely. What brings you here?”

Eliza inclined her head, though she did not sit. Instead, she clasped her hands before her, her voice low and steady. “Our mice have observed troubling movements north of the border, my lord. Particularly near the town of Ricos. Ragged men, unknown to us but well armed, have been moving wagons of food, weapons, and other materials from Khule and disappearing into the surrounding woodlands. These supplies are being amassed, it seems, for a purpose that would be ill-advised to ignore.”

Levi’s expression remained impassive, though his mind churned. “Go on,” he said.

Eliza continued. “We suspect these men are members of the Forest Wolves whom you’ve set a price for their heads.”

Levi leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. “And you believe Lord Tristan is aiding them?”

“It would be naïve to think otherwise,” Eliza said. “The supplies originate from Khule, and the routes they take are too well guarded to be coincidence. If the Lion is not directly aiding them, he is complicit in allowing these movements within his lands. Either way, the implications are clear.”

Levi’s gaze flicked toward the high windows, the light from outside casting a faint glow on his sharp features. “You’ve done well to bring this to me quickly,” he said.

Eliza dipped her head. “I have written to the Matriarch for more leeway to investigate this matter, although I have yet to receive a response.”

Levi rose, the motion fluid and deliberate. “That will be necessary. Your diligence is appreciated, Madam Eliza. You have my thanks.” 

Eliza inclined her head once more and swept from the hall, her cloak trailing behind her like a shadow. Levi glanced at the servant as she returned after the madam departed. “Summon Sers Carter and Robert to my study, please,” he ordered. The girl bowed and slipped away, leaving Levi alone in the hall.

In Aden’s study, Levi waited at the head of the table. The dim sunlight cast long shadows across the bookshelves and worn wooden furniture. The great oak table dominated the room, scattered with maps and parchments, a map of Faywyn and its surrounding territories spread before him. His fingers traced the parchment absently as he studied the familiar terrain, his blue-green eyes narrowing on the town of Ricos.

The heavy oak door groaned on its hinges, and Levi’s eyes flicked upward as Ser Carter entered, followed closely by Steward Robert. The Knight Commander’s mail glinted faintly in the lantern light, his weathered face shadowed beneath his helm, which he tucked beneath one arm as he stepped inside. Beside him was Robert, his slight frame wrapped in a plain woollen robe cinched at the waist with a belt of cracked leather.

“My lord,” Carter said, bowing briefly. Robert followed with a respectful nod.

Levi gestured to the chairs flanking the table. “Sit. We have much to discuss.”

The two men exchanged a glance before taking their seats. Carter lowered himself into the creaking chair, while Robert eased into his seat with the stiffness of age. The steward’s hands folded neatly atop the table, his long fingers speckled with ink stains and age spots.

“There has been a change of plans,” Levi began without preamble, his tone steady but firm. “New information has come to light—information that cannot be ignored.”

Carter’s brow furrowed, the lines of his face deepening. “What information, my lord?”

Levi’s gaze drifted to the map before him. “The Creed’s spies suspect an alliance between Lord Tristan and the Forest Wolves. Supplies from Khule are being moved through Ricos, disappearing into the woods where those bastards make their dens. I take you can tell what this means.”

Robert’s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes narrowing. “A troubling development,” he said quietly. “But surely not one we cannot weather.”

“Weathering is not enough,” Levi drawled. “Ricos must be taken. I have decided, in four weeks’ time, we march.”

The words landed like a hammer on an anvil, the silence that followed heavy and strained. Carter leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the hilt of the sword at his side. Robert exhaled sharply through his nose, his jaw tightening.

“Four weeks?” the steward said, his voice tinged with incredulity. “My lord, forgive me, but Faywyn is not prepared for such an undertaking. Our coffers are stretched thin, our resources—”

“…are insufficient for a prolonged siege,” Carter interjected, his tone cautious but firm. “And the men are not yet fully recovered from the last campaign. To march now is to risk everything.”

Levi raised a hand, silencing them both. “I am aware of our limitations,” he said, his voice cool. “I have accounted for them.”

Carter and Robert fell silent, their scepticism evident but tempered by their respect for Levi’s sharp mind. Levi’s hand moved to the corner of the map, where his notes marked strategic routes and possible troop movements.

“We cannot afford to let this alliance grow unchecked,” Levi continued. “Every wagon of supplies that disappears into those woods strengthens the Forest Wolves and weakens our position. Ricos is the lifeline that facilitates the movement for what I suspect is materiel. Cut it, and this alliance withers.”

Levi’s lips curved into a faint smile, though there was little warmth in it. “ I have a plan in the works that ought to significantly reduce the cost of such endeavour. However, secrecy and subterfuge are paramount. The details of even this discussion are not to leave this room. Speak of it to no one, not even among yourselves, unless I command it.”

The two men exchanged a glance, their unease evident but unspoken.

“Robert,” Levi continued, turning to the steward. “Gunpowder production must be expedited. Whatever is required, see to it that it is available. Additionally, prepare every brig at the harbour to carry men. Smaller crafts must also be readied to carry men ashore should Ricos’ harbour prove inaccessible. Time is of the essence.”

The steward’s face remained impassive, though his fingers tightened around the edge of the table. “It will be done, my lord.”

Levi’s gaze shifted to Carter. “The new sergeants must be ready within the month. Their training and appointments are to be finalized without delay. Begin large-scale drills immediately; I want every man prepared for what is to come. The occupation of Ricos will not be temporary. Once taken, it must be held.

Carter’s jaw tightened, his tone guarded. “A hasty timeline, my lord. There is little room for error.”

“Then we will not err,” Levi said, his voice cold as steel. “The longer we wait, the stronger our enemies grow. Ricos is the key to this alliance. Without it, Tristan’s support for the Forest Wolves grow untenable, and their raids grow ever costlier.”

The room fell silent once more, the weight of Levi’s words pressing down like a heavy hand. At last, Robert inclined his head. “Your judgment has long served Faywyn well, my lord. We will do as you command.”

Carter inclined his head in agreement. “As always, my sword and shield are yours.”

Levi’s gaze softened slightly, though his demeanour remained resolute. “Thank you. Now go. There is much to be done.”

The two men rose and departed, their footsteps echoing through the study. When the door closed behind them, Levi remained seated, his fingers tracing the edges of the map once more. The pale moonlight painted the room in shades of silver and shadow, and the silence was thick with the weight of his thoughts.

Ricos. The name lingered in his mind like a challenge. If he was to secure Faywyn’s future, it would begin there, no matter the cost.