Chapter 44: Mountainhide Armour
Some hours later, as the newly arrived slaves settled into their unfamiliar identities, Kaelor gathered with his closest circle in the lord’s hall. The glow from the braziers lit their faces, Vi with her analytical poise, Hound like a statue of grit and stone, and Damien, whose mind was always racing with figures and strategy.
Mildred moved gracefully among them, pouring tea into earthenware cups, the scent of dried hibiscus and mint warming the air.
"Our next agenda," Kaelor began, his voice calm, "is to ensure every stretch of land outside the inner wall is blanketed in rice. That rice," he tapped a finger on the wooden table, "is our only route to power. With it, we gain wealth. With wealth, we purchase people. And with people, we build our dominion."
He glanced at them all, making sure his words landed. "The merchant will return with greater numbers next time. But more than trade, we must think of structure. It’s time for our skilled workers to rise. We need to establish a proper workplace for the Leather Armourers and the Armour Tailors."
Everyone nodded, absorbing the gravity of the vision.
"But..." Kaelor paused, his gaze tightening as he scanned their faces, "...our long-term aim must remain the Oasis Basin. Initially, I intended to relocate there, to conceal our presence but moving the town now isn’t an option. Instead, we’ll focus on slow, deliberate expansion. As our numbers grow, we’ll begin exploring the terrain surrounding the basin."
"My Lord," Hound rumbled, his deep voice echoing through the timber rafters like distant thunder, "there is a concern I’ve carried in silence for too long."
Kaelor turned his full attention to him, eyebrows raised. "What is it?"
"The Blood Moon Bats," Hound said, leaning forward, his brow creased. "They feed on blood. And the Bighorn... it’s not far from the Ivory Hills. From the moment I saw those sheep, they didn’t feel odd to me. They felt placed. As if nature put them there to keep the bats fed."
Vi’s brows knitted tightly. "You’re saying... what we took might’ve been their food source?" Her voice was sharp.