News From The Battlefield!

Harry pushed the door open and stepped into the room.

"Welcome to my manor, Baron Harry."

The voice was calm, measured, and carried a hint of authority. It belonged to a middle-aged man seated at a large desk near the center of the room.

Harry's sharp eyes immediately assessed the man. He was dressed in a finely tailored robe, his appearance exuding refinement and intelligence. His hair was neatly combed, and his face bore a look of practiced composure. This was not a man to be underestimated.

"Lord Thorn," Harry said, offering a slight bow. His voice was steady, his expression neutral. "Thank you for your invitation."

Lord Thorn gestured to a seat across from him, his gentle smile never wavering. "Please, sit. You must be tired from your journey."

Harry moved to the chair and sat down, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp. He wasn't here for pleasantries.

"It's an honor to finally meet you, Lord Thorn."

Harry greeted the middle-aged man in front of him with a respectful tone, inclining his head slightly. His sharp eyes, however, were already studying the Earl carefully.

"The honor is mine," Thorn replied with a warm smile. His demeanor was calm, but there was a shrewdness to his gaze that hinted at his years of experience in courtly politics. "I'll admit, when I sent that letter, I wasn't entirely sure you'd come. Many would've found an excuse or delayed indefinitely. But here you are, and I appreciate that."

"How could I possibly refuse a summons from Lord Thorn?" Harry replied smoothly. "Your reputation precedes you, and it would be disrespectful to do otherwise. The delay in my arrival was only due to the plague. Things have become… chaotic everywhere. Otherwise, I'd have arrived two days earlier."

Thorn nodded solemnly, his expression darkening at the mention of the plague. "You're right; chaos is a fitting word for it. This plague has brought nothing but suffering. Entire villages wiped out, trade routes abandoned, panic in the streets… Even my city hasn't been spared. We've lost people here, too."

"I'll get straight to the point," Lord Thorn began, folding his hands on the desk. "Your rise to power has been… unconventional, but effective. The fact that you are here shows you have ambition, Baron Harry. Ambition is something I can respect."

Harry said nothing, his eyes locked on the Lord, waiting for him to continue.

"However," Thorn continued, his tone hardening slightly, "there are greater concerns at hand. The plague that ravages these lands is no ordinary sickness. It threatens not only the small lords, but the stability of the entire region. And now…" He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping. "An important figure from the royal court has taken an interest in these events."

His voice grew heavier, and he leaned slightly forward. "That's why I've taken steps. I sent word to someone of considerable influence; a truly extraordinary figure from the capital; to come here and help us deal with this disaster."

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Someone from the capital? May I ask who this… extraordinary figure is? It must be someone truly remarkable if even you felt it necessary to extend such an invitation."

Harry's expression didn't change, but his mind raced. A royal investigator? Or perhaps someone even higher up? This could be an opportunity or a dangerous threat.

Thorn's lips curled into a small smile, though his tone took on an air of mystery. "Remarkable is an understatement, Baron Harry. This is not someone you or I could refuse, nor even our king, for that matter. In the Kingdom of Meissen, his name commands respect wherever it's spoken. Even our Majesty himself bows to his influence."

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, though he kept his expression composed. 'Someone even the king must show respect to?'

"You've come at a critical time, Baron Harry," the lord said, his tone softening again. "If we do not work together to address this plague, there will be nothing left for anyone to rule. I hope you understand the gravity of the situation."

Harry leaned back slightly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Oh, I understand perfectly, Your Excellency. And I assure you, I have no intention of sitting idly by while this plague consumes everything."

The Lord's smile returned, but his eyes remained sharp. "Good. Then let us discuss how you can contribute to our efforts. After all, Baron Harry, this is a moment for lords like you to prove their worth."

It wasn't what he had expected. Harry'd assumed the guest would be an important noble or perhaps a member of the royal court. But if Thorn's words were to be believed, this was someone far above the usual political elite.

"Such a person," Harry said cautiously, "must be someone of incredible power and reputation. I look forward to meeting them."

Thorn gave him a knowing look but didn't elaborate further, leaving Harry's questions hanging in the air.

Instead, the Earl shifted the conversation to more immediate matters. "But tell me, Baron Harry," he began, folding his hands on the table, "you've had closer contact with this plague than most. Your territory borders the hardest-hit areas. What can you tell me? The symptoms, the monsters… anything that might help us prepare."

Harry nodded and recounted everything he had learned in chilling detail. He spoke of the plague's sudden onset, the rapid spread, and the transformation of the dead into grotesque, unrelenting monsters. He described the creatures' resilience, their immunity to pain, and their terrifying ability to overwhelm entire villages.

Thorn listened intently, his expression growing more grim with every word. Unlike the other lords, who had been caught off guard and knew little about the outbreak, Harry had taken the time to gather detailed intelligence. His firsthand experience and observations were invaluable.

"You've done well, Baron Harry," Thorn said after a moment of silence. "Your insights will be crucial in formulating our plans. Many of the other lords are too blind or too frightened to act, but you… you've taken the initiative. That's commendable."

Harry dipped his head humbly. "I only did what was necessary to protect my people."

"That's exactly the kind of attitude we need right now," Thorn replied. His smile returned, though his next words carried a heavier weight. "In light of that, I feel it's only fair to share some news with you; two pieces, to be exact."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

"The first," Thorn began, "is that the war with the demihumen Kingdom may soon come to an end. Reports from the frontlines suggest both sides are exhausted, and our Majesty is preparing to hold peace talks with the orc king. Negotiations are expected to begin within weeks."

Harry leaned back slightly, considering the implications. It was unexpected, though not entirely surprising. The war had dragged on for nearly three years, leaving both sides battered and drained. Peace was the logical next step, though Harry wondered what conditions might be attached.

"And the second piece of news?" Harry prompted, sensing the Earl had saved the more personal revelation for last.

Thorn's expression shifted subtly, his tone softening. "Baron Harry… it seems your father, Baron Ethan, fell in battle. Reports from the front indicate he died during the last major engagement against the orc forces."

For a moment, Harry said nothing. His face was unreadable, though his fingers tightened ever so slightly around the armrest of his chair.

"I see," he said finally, his voice steady but tinged with a faint sadness. "It's… unfortunate news. He served the kingdom with honor."

Thorn nodded solemnly. "He did. I thought it was only right for you to hear it from me. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Harry's outward reaction was measured, but inside, his thoughts churned. While the news of his father's death might have carried emotional weight in other circumstances, for Harry, it represented something else entirely, an opportunity.

With Baron Ethan gone, there was no longer anyone who could challenge his claim to the territory. One less complication, one less obstacle to deal with.

"Please accept my condolences."

Earl Thorn's voice carried a measured tone of empathy as he studied Harry's face, which was painted with apparent grief. "From everything I've heard, Lord Ethan was a courageous man who brought great honor to the battlefield. His sacrifices were not in vain."

Thorn leaned back slightly, his tone shifting to something more formal yet encouraging. "I've already sent word to the palace regarding his passing. If all goes as expected, your family's service to the kingdom will be rewarded soon."

He paused deliberately, his eyes locking onto Harry's. "And should we succeed in resolving this plague crisis, I'll ensure that your contributions are brought to His Majesty's attention. Paired with your father's achievements, it's not impossible that you may find yourself elevated… perhaps even to the rank of viscount."

Harry's expression shifted slightly, the grief giving way to a faint but grateful smile. "Thank you, Lord Thorn. Your words mean more than I can say." He forced a deep sigh, his voice trembling slightly as if struggling to regain composure. "I'm sorry. The news of my father's death is still fresh, and I… I couldn't quite control myself. Please forgive me for such an unseemly display."

Still, he masked his relief with an expression of solemn grief, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you for informing me, Lord Thorn. I will make sure his legacy is honored."

Thorn's smile softened, his tone becoming almost paternal. "There's no need for apologies, Baron Harry. Grief is a natural response to loss, especially the loss of a parent. I've seen many men; strong, honorable men, broken by such news. Your reaction is nothing to be ashamed of."

'You also want your father dead, don't you?' Harry thought to himself, silently amused by the Earl's overly sympathetic tone. Outwardly, however, his expression remained appropriately sorrowful and humble, his act flawless.

"Now, let me offer you some advice," Thorn said gently. "The loss of a loved one is difficult, but life does not stop. As hard as it may seem, you must press forward. The future holds opportunities, Baron Harry. Don't let grief cloud your vision of them."

He gestured subtly to a servant standing near the door. "I've had a room prepared for you. If you wish, you may rest there for now. A good night's sleep might help ease your mind."

"Thank you, Lord Thorn," Harry replied, his voice soft and filled with gratitude. "Your kindness means a great deal to me. I'll take your advice and rest for a while." He bowed slightly before leaving the room, his retreat slow and deliberate, as though he still bore the weight of mourning on his shoulders.