Greyrest sensed the change in its bones the morning following the council's approval. The town had a purpose, albeit an uncertain one, for the first time in years. Ethan was standing on the central terrace close to the old granary, which had been commandeered and converted into a temporary garrison. A small but growing crowd gathered beneath him, lured by the prospect of food, money, and a purpose.
His voice echoed with subdued determination. Ethan declared, "This is not conscription." It's a calling. Step forward if you are prepared to defend Greyrest with discipline, loyalty, and strength. The new guard starts here.
That day, fifty names were collected. Farmers with a strong arm and a needy heart, former soldiers, and former mercenaries. Ethan made it apparent that the goal of this army was to preserve Greyrest's potential rather than to conquer or gain fame. Drills started almost immediately. Behind the scenes, Elyra oversaw food stores, negotiated prices with nearby blacksmiths for weapons, and transformed dilapidated barns into barracks.
For the general public, it was just an extension of the town's security. To Ethan, however, it was the cornerstone of something far more expansive, a structure for resistance, an outward barrier to conceal more sinister intentions. Each recruit was observed, recorded, and evaluated. His private journal contained discreet markings of potential leaders.
Only a select few are aware of the gold mine, which provided funding for the army's initial logistics. Its accidental discoverer, Kael, had been carefully incorporated into the fold. He and Ethan had met in the seclusion of a sealed room under the granary.
Ethan remarked, "You recognize the gravity of what you've discovered."
Kael gave a nod. "I never intended to find anything. When the limestone dried up, I simply looked further. I won't talk about it, though. I promise.
Ethan answered, "And I believe you." Which is why I want you to be in charge of it. For secrecy as well as extraction. Only people we trust should be under your supervision. Elyra or I are the only people you report to. Nobody else.
With solemn agreement, Kael had started work in the hills well beyond the typical quarry paths, quietly and methodically. For the time being, it was a whisper that ran beneath the town's surface.
Ethan observed the new recruits as he strolled around the training field's perimeter that same afternoon. They lacked discipline and moved awkwardly, but they were determined. He saw an older man stumble and be helped to his feet by a brawler named Torren. He wrote it down. Character was important.
Ethan moved aside as the drills continued, following the detour that led to the stonemasons' quarter. He was surprised to see Daisy.
With her arms crossed and leaning against a low wall, she was observing the field with an expression that was impossible to read. Ethan halted a few feet away from her and remarked,
"This is the second time I've seen you watching."
She answered, "You're collecting meat shields." "A few of them aren't even proficient with a sword."
Calmly, Ethan said, "They'll learn." Furthermore, I'm not assembling shields. I'm constructing a wall.
Daisy's eyebrows went up. "You're not recruiting me, remember?"
Ethan answered, "I'm not here to repeat myself." But I want you to look at them. As a soldier, no. as someone who is able to see what others fail to see. Daisy, you've made it through the dark. That viewpoint is important.
She turned to face the field. You want me to spy on your own soldiers?
"So what?" "Watch, please. Pay attention. Tell me who leads, who cheats, and who lies. Silently. from afar.
She didn't respond right away. For Ethan, her silence was preferable to rejection. He turned to go, saying, "Consider it."
He was returning to the town center along the lower roads when he heard a commotion, shouting close to the stables. When Ethan turned the corner, he saw two boys cornered by a tall, unfamiliar person who wasn't from Greyrest. He carried a thin sword and a frayed cloak, but his posture revealed experience.
Before the guards could intervene, Ethan did. "What's happening here?"
A boy pointed. After frightening off a few wolves, he started asking strange questions. claimed to have been a member of the Southern Iron.
Ethan received a quick nod from the stranger. "It wasn't malicious. When I saw the children in danger, I followed my instincts.
"The Iron from the South?" Curious, Ethan asked. In addition to having some of the best scouts and saboteurs, that company had a nasty reputation. The man answered, "I'm not proud of it." "Deceased years ago. I can fight, though. Seeking a place that doesn't send you to die for the conceit of a lord.
Ethan took a moment to examine him. "What's your name?"
"Weylin."
Ethan nodded slightly. "I'll see you in the morning. I might have a job for someone like you if you're serious.
Weylin nodded silently, without protest, and slipped back into the evening mist.
Ethan returned to his quarters, lit a candle, and wrote two names, Daisy and Weylin, under a folded sheet that read Shadows.