Chapter 36: The Forge of War
The journey back to Greystone was swift. Lucas and Kaela rode their beasts with urgency, adrenaline still coursing through their veins from the harrowing battle against the Widow Queen Tharaz. The labyrinth had taken much, but it had given even more.
As they approached Greystone, the sight that greeted them was inspiring. The city buzzed with movement. On the training grounds, militia practiced tirelessly. Archers fired volley after volley under Elira’s command, and swordsmen engaged in drills with renewed vigor. Watchtowers were rising on the outskirts, new buildings were being erected, and the heartbeat of a growing empire pulsed louder than ever.
Lucas smiled. "They’re readying themselves. The city’s alive."
Kaela nodded beside him. "Greystone isn’t just surviving. It’s preparing to thrive."
They dismounted and headed straight to the council hall. Lucas called for an emergency meeting. Within the hour, Ilyra, the city’s chief blacksmith, and Malrick, the merchant with his ever-present smirk and mysterious aura, stood in the hall alongside Kaela.
Lucas opened the meeting. "We have confirmed ore deposits beneath the labyrinth. High-quality ores, magical and rare. We also discovered the true depth of the iron mine. This is our edge."
He turned to Malrick. "I want you to gather miners. Trusted workers only. Organize excavation teams to work both sites. Use the map we recovered. Prioritize safety and secrecy. This mine is our future."
Malrick bowed. "Understood. I’ll have miners on both fronts within the day. I’ll also double the pay. That should draw in more hands."
Lucas nodded, satisfied. He turned to Ilyra and handed her a thick, ancient tome.
"This is your reward. The Blacksmith’s Legacy skillbook. Use it wisely. Also, these ores—" he motioned to a crate beside the table, filled with glittering metal, "will be yours to shape. We need weapons, armor, and war gear. The army must be ready."
Ilyra’s eyes widened, hands trembling as she took the book and lifted a bar of shimmering ore. "This... this is more than I ever dreamed of. Thank you, Lord Lucas. I won’t let you down."