Ch -15 Damm did he just.
Lewis appraised the new arrival, who stood well over six feet tall yet moved with a distinctly feminine poise. Delicate features adorned his smooth countenance, and not a single hair seemed out of place in his meticulously styled coif. The man exuded refinement from his dainty hands to the soft click of his heels crossing the stone floor.
"Ah, Ser Green, a warm welcome to you," Lewis extended his greeting, standing up from his chair to offer a more proper reception to his guest. "Kindly excuse my somewhat unkempt appearance; I must confess I dozed off while eagerly awaiting your presence."
Ser Green advanced gracefully, his well-worn boots lightly traversing the intricate Myrion rug as he traversed the chamber. Despite the advancing years etched on his face, his movements retained the vigor of a man in the prime of life. Upon settling into the offered seat, a faint creak resonated from the timber frame, bearing the subtle burden of his sturdy armor.
"Think nothing of it, Young Master," Ser Green replied, waving his slender hand dismissively. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this invitation from the young Lord Sawbridge?" inquired Ser Green, a silver brow elevating in curiosity as he regarded the youthful lord seated across from him.
Lewis brushed an unruly auburn lock from his forehead before leaning forward, steepling his fingers upon his pants. "It is no great matter, I assure you. Though I confess, my reasons for requesting your presence do relate to affairs from a decade and a half ago."
At this, Ser Green furrowed his brow, his steely grey eyes narrowing sharply. "Come now, surely you haven't forgotten?" Lewis probed. "I speak, of course, about the Skirmish of Halfway Hollow. When my lord father's forces clashed violently with the Ironhand rebels."
Ser Green nodded slowly, comprehension settling across his weathered features.
"As I'm sure you can discern, I've been sent here by my father for strategic purposes. To protect this fortress against any wandering dissidents who might still attempt to seize it from Crown control," Lewis revealed, a brilliant gleam entering his hazel eyes. "Lord Jon Sawbridge is not a man inclined to forfeit that which he claims as his own."
The faintest trace of a smile ghosted across Ser Green's lips at this pronouncement. He inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Indeed, I suspected as much regarding your presence here. Very wise of your lord father to take such precautions. But why not Young Master Gustang or Julian?"
"That is an excellent question. Perhaps I could encourage you to visit my father to obtain the answers. However, from my perspective, both of my brothers are entrusted with far more significant responsibilities than what has been bestowed upon me."
Lewis rose from his seat, signaling for Ser Green to follow suit. "Ser, I have confidence that you will excel in informing all the guards about the new lord," he presented a copy of the document declaring him the temporary lord of Witton, signed by the king himself. "I believe this should serve as sufficient proof."
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As Phantom raced back towards the outskirts of town, the distant flames from the dilapidated shop continued to rage. The chaotic scene had settled somewhat, with only a few stragglers remaining to ensure any errant embers were promptly extinguished.
Opting to avoid the commotion, Phantom circled around, sticking to the shadows as he navigated the narrow back alleys. Despite the late hour, there was still a steady din permeating the air from the various taverns scattered about. Patrons stumbled out into the streets, their drunken chatter and raucous laughter reverberating off the buildings.
Making his way towards the designated meeting point behind the church, Phantom spotted Garry and Josh already waiting, partially obscured by a copse of trees. Dismounting, he secured his horse and went over to join them.
"Any trouble shaking our mysterious friends?" Phantom inquired, his eyes methodically scanning their surroundings despite the seclusion of their location.
"None whatsoever," Josh assured brashly. "We were careful as cats the whole way here. Though, gotta say, that fire across town caused quite the stir and made slipping away easier."
Garry shot Josh an irritated glance before focusing on Phantom. "Yes, we were cautious and weren't followed. But that blaze has the whole town restless. We heard multiple guards speculating about arson...that wasn't your doing, was it?"
Phantom simply offered a cryptic smile in response, neither confirming nor denying responsibility.
Sensing further inquiry would be fruitless, Garry changed tacks. "So, what's the plan now? Clearly there's more going on here than you've let on so far."
"Patience, my friends. All will be revealed soon enough," Phantom assured mysteriously. "For now, we must strike before the knights return from their fruitless hunt."
Phantom pivoted, mounting his horse, prepared to depart. Yet, when he glanced back, Garry and Josh appeared uncertain. "Do you truly wish to be informed of the plan before we make our move?" he inquired.
"Yeah, we've been in the dark long enough. It was fine, but now this move will put us up against the entire empire. It's too big. Before we commit any further, we need to be aware of the plan. Otherwise, this might be the last ride we share," Josh declared, with Garry nodding in agreement.
Phantom, sighing heavily, dismounted from his horse and settled in front of Josh and Garry. "I can't disclose every detail of the plan, but I'll share a few key points," he began, glancing cautiously around to ensure their conversation remained private. "The individuals currently occupying church are under Lord Galloguard Ramsdell. Commander Tibost is planning an attack, presuming them to be demon worshippers on my lies."
A sly smirk adorned Phantom's face as he pressed on, "This move will provoke Lord Galloguard's anger towards Commander Tibost, potentially sparking a full-scale war between the Ramsdell and Shead families. The ensuing chaos will force the emperor to step in; otherwise, he risks losing one of his two great families forever. What do you suppose his course of action will be then?" he posed, leaving the question hanging in the air.
"He might dispatch his own army or call upon the 'Hand of the Emperor' and the 'Undead of the Emperor' to amass a formidable force," Josh replied, his brow furrowed, still grappling with the implications.
"It's not just minor noble families at stake here. It will require more than the 'Hand' and the 'Undead' to quell them. The emperor will have to personally intervene, either to dispense justice with his own hands or witness his empire tearing apart at the seams," Phantom explained, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
"You're not suggesting an attack on the emperor, are you?" Josh asked, a gasp of horror escaping him.
"I may be brave, but I'm not foolish. The emperor is far too powerful for us," Phantom assured.
"What's your ultimate goal in inciting this civil war?" Garry inquired.
"We're aiming to eliminate someone, someone of immense importance who will bestow upon me a lordship. If you want to know my ultimate motive: I aspire to rule this empire. I will make the emperor kneel before me before his demise," Phantom declared resolutely.
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