Absolute Sovereignty-Chapter 23: Whispers of Ash

The pale light of dawn filtered through the grimy window of the inn, painting streaks of dusty gold across the worn floorboards.

Kaelen turned, his sleep having been fitful and restless, haunted by fragmented memories and the lingering scent of icy musk. The events of the previous night stayed with him, the image of Selene's lifeless body a reminder of the price of survival.

He rose from the bed, his movements stiff and slow, and walked over to the window.

Valdrathar streched before him, a sprawling mix of rooftops and spires, slowly waking from its slumber. He had made an irreversible ripple throughout the city, now known to many as the person who single handedly threw his kingdom into a state of utter chaos, making a gamble for power with no regard for decorum.

He used his [Earthsense] to check on the city and listen to all that was happening around him.

It felt like everything had been shaken. The once clear rhythmic motions of the people within had become fractured, broken. He could feel the subtle vibrations, the pulse of the city, a discordant mix of fear, anticipation, and barely contained excitement.

It was the start. The seeds of chaos had been sown, and even if he no longer existed after it bloomed, the world would know that such seeds can only bloom through actions made against an unjust cause.

He dressed quickly, his movements precise and purposeful.

He had a kingdom to prepare for war, a war that he had instigated and which could very well mean its utter destruction. And all that had happened before was now even clearer, perhaps his goal to come back meant a greater reason for existence.

He no longer was merely existing as a cog in a larger engine, but now had purpose, for better or worse.

He left the inn, stepping out into the cool morning air.

The streets were already ripe with activity, vendors setting up their stalls, merchants unloading their carts, and the ever-present throngs of people going about their daily lives. There was still the sense of excitement from all those who knew what had happened during the Conclave last night.

Kaelen made his way towards the designated meeting place, a small, unassuming tavern tucked away on a quiet side street. As he approached, he saw Garron standing outside, looking surprisingly refreshed considering the amount of alcohol he had consumed the previous night.

"You're late," Garron greeted him, a grin spreading across his face. "I thought you might have decided to stay in bed with one of Valdrathar's... finer offerings."

"Tempting," Kaelen replied, a dry smile playing on his lips. "But we have more pressing matters to attend to. Such as sending ravens and arranging for the preparation of both resources and soldiers alike."

"So, what's the plan, prince?" Garron asked, his usual jovial nature replaced with a seriousness that Kaelen had rarely seen. "How do we turn Caldris, the so-called 'weak horse,' into a war-ready kingdom in thirty days?"

"By using every advantage we have," Kaelen replied, his eyes glinting with a calculating light. He laid out his plan, a series of strategic moves designed to exploit Xarnis's weaknesses and maximize Caldris's limited resources:

The Silent Guard: Activate the Silent Guard, the ancient, spirit-bonded warriors of Caldris. Equip them with the recovered Zalathi weapons and train them relentlessly.

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They would be the core of their fighting force, a beacon, as all knew of the stories and strength of their forebearers, an elite unit capable of taking on far larger numbers.

Velarion's Enchantments: Secure a shipment of alchemical enchantments from Velarion, despite the current political tension.

These enhancements, if used strategically, could bolster their defenses, improve communication, and give their warriors an edge against Xarnis's earth mages. Even if Selenes loyalty ended with her final words, Kaelen still had cards left to play.

Eryndel's Knowledge: Utilize the knowledge gained from the Eryndel scholars to analyze Xarnis's military strategies, identify weaknesses in their defenses, and prepare countermeasures.

Information is a powerful weapon, and the scholars, oblivious to the larger game, might help push him along this very dangerous and narrow path.

They discussed the specifics of each point, strategizing and debating the best course of action. Garron, despite his earlier levity, proved to be a shrewd tactician, his insights often surprising Kaelen with their depth and practicality.

Once the disscussion was finalized, Kaelen summoned the Caldrisian guards he had dismissed upon their arrival. They arrived looking weary and slightly disheveled, their eyes filled with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

It appeared they, too, had heard of the previous night's events and had eagerly awaited orders. They were ready to fight, especially those with knowledge of old Caldris. Those who knew of the world before it fell.

"We leave for Caldris within the hour," Kaelen announced, his voice carrying an air of authority that silenced their murmurs. "Pack your belongings, prepare the horses."

The guards bowed their heads in acknowledgment and dispersed, their movements now brisk and purposeful.

Kaelen turned to Garron, a grim smile playing on his lips. "It begins," he said.

Garron nodded, his eyes mirroring Kaelen's resolve.

"Let's give them a war they won't forget."

They rode out of Valdrathar as the sun began to climb higher in the sky, making long shadows that stretched across the city's towering spires.

The road ahead was long and uncertain, filled with danger and the promise of war.