The air in Karshelm Fortress, once a cacophony of desperate cries and clanging steel, had subtly shifted. Under Lieutenant Kaelen's quiet influence, a new undercurrent of efficiency and grim hope flowed through the ancient stones. The success against the Wargolem, and the growing reputation of the Northern Watch, had earned him not just Captain Theron's trust, but the attention of the fortress's true power broker: Lord Commander Greycastle.
Kaelen knew this meeting was pivotal. It wasn't about surviving an orc horde or dismantling a Necromancer construct; it was about navigating the intricate, treacherous currents of Karshelm's internal politics. And for this, his newest loyal asset, Replicated Lieutenant Thomas Valerius, was indispensable.
Before the meeting, Kaelen summoned Replicated Thomas to his quarters at the Northern Watch. The duplicate lieutenant arrived promptly, his usual earnest expression tinged with a focused alertness that only Kaelen could discern.
"Thomas," Kaelen began, leaning over a crude map of the Inner Keep, "I have an audience with Lord Commander Greycastle. I need every piece of information you possess about him. His temperament, his biases, his pet projects, his allies, his rivalries… everything that isn't written in official reports."
Replicated Thomas nodded, his eyes glowing with purpose. "Understood, Lieutenant. Lord Commander Greycastle is… a man of tradition. He values order, discipline, and the purity of lineage above all else. He distrusts anything that deviates from established norms, particularly new or unconventional tactics, unless they are undeniably proven effective. He views the war as a test of endurance, not innovation. His primary concern is the integrity of the outer walls and the maintenance of the internal hierarchy. He's often at odds with Colonel Elias, the chief engineer, over resource allocation for defensive improvements versus maintaining the existing structures."
Thomas continued, detailing Greycastle's subtle contempt for anything resembling 'wild' magic, his preference for heavy, disciplined infantry, and his deep-seated loyalty to the King and the long-held traditions of the human empire. "His greatest fear," Thomas concluded, "is internal dissent. He's always looking for signs of rebellion, particularly among the lower ranks or those who seem too 'independent.'"
Kaelen absorbed every detail, his mind rapidly constructing a persona, a strategy for the impending conversation. He would present himself as a staunch traditionalist, but one whose methods, though unconventional, yielded undeniable, traditional results. He would speak of discipline, order, and the unwavering defense of the fortress, while subtly hinting at the 'necessity' of his effective tactics.
He also consulted with Replicated Master Alric, who provided invaluable insights into the specific nature of Necromancer magic and its countermeasures. "Greycastle will value pragmatic solutions, Lieutenant," Replicated Alric advised, his replicated mind churning through arcane theories. "Focus on how our unique dampening compounds can prevent not just physical breaches, but also the insidious corruption of our soldiers."
The Lord Commander's chambers were a stark contrast to Kaelen's spartan quarters. Rich tapestries depicting ancient battles adorned the walls, heavy oak furniture filled the room, and a massive fireplace cast flickering shadows across the stern, unsmiling face of Lord Commander Theron Greycastle. He was a powerfully built man, his silver hair neatly combed, his armor meticulously polished, a paragon of the old guard.
"Lieutenant Kaelen," Greycastle rumbled, his voice deep and authoritative, "Captain Theron speaks highly of your recent actions. Defeating the Wargolem was a notable achievement. Sit." He gestured to a chair, not quite an invitation, more a command.
Kaelen sat, his posture relaxed but attentive. He met Greycastle's gaze directly, his own eyes revealing nothing but respectful confidence. "Thank you, Lord Commander. I merely did my duty, as any soldier of Karshelm would."
Greycastle grunted. "Modesty is commendable, but effectiveness is paramount. Theron tells me you possess… unusual insights into battlefield tactics, particularly against the Necromancer hordes. Explain yourself."
Kaelen launched into his prepared discourse. He spoke of the Necromancers not just as an enemy force, but as a contaminating force, one that sought to corrupt and undermine Karshelm from within. He emphasized the importance of discipline, not just in formation, but in the soldier's spirit, a sentiment he knew would resonate deeply with Greycastle.
"My Lord Commander," Kaelen began, choosing his words carefully, "the Necromancer's power lies in defilement. Their magic saps morale, turns our fallen against us, and twists the very earth. Our traditional defenses, while strong, are designed for physical assaults. We must adapt to fight the corruption itself."
He then smoothly transitioned into the solutions developed by Replicated Master Alric. "My studies, facilitated by a… keen student of alchemy," Kaelen continued, nodding subtly towards Replicated Alric's knowledge, "have focused on enhancing our ballista bolts and arrowheads with compounds that disrupt dark magic. These aren't flashy spells, Lord Commander, but practical applications of alchemical principles, designed to restore order and purity to the battlefield. They maintain the integrity of our lines and prevent our fallen from rising against us."
He spoke of the efficiency gained at the Northern Watch, of tighter patrols that prevented enemy scouting parties from lingering, of disciplined formations that minimized casualties, and of the unwavering loyalty he demanded from his men. He painted a picture of strict, traditional military values, enhanced by precise, pragmatic innovation—innovation that subtly attributed the success to his leadership and the purity of his methods, rather than any 'unorthodox' abilities. He carefully avoided any mention of 'duplication,' instead framing his enhanced manpower as a result of unparalleled efficiency and relentless training.
Greycastle listened, his expression unreadable, occasionally stroking his beard. He interrupted once, his voice sharp. "And this 'student' of yours… Alric has always been a recluse. This new presence at the Northern Watch, working on… alchemical enhancements?"
"A temporary arrangement, Lord Commander," Kaelen replied smoothly, his lie prepared. "Master Alric, seeing the desperate need, agreed to share his wisdom with a dedicated pupil who could apply his theories to immediate military solutions. A prodigy, if you will, but one who understands the urgency of Karshelm's plight." He made it sound like an act of selfless duty on Alric's part, a sacrifice of his reclusive nature for the greater good.
After Kaelen finished, a long silence hung in the opulent chamber. Greycastle rose, walking to the large window that overlooked the inner courtyard, where exhausted soldiers marched in drills.
"Discipline," Greycastle finally said, his voice low, "is the bedrock of any fortress. And loyalty, its mortar. You speak of both with conviction, Lieutenant Kaelen. Your ideas… they are unorthodox, but your results are undeniable. The Northern Watch has never been more secure. And your swift action with the Wargolem prevented an unmitigated disaster."
He turned, his gaze piercing. "I will authorize a full-scale implementation of your proposed alchemical countermeasures for our ballistas. Colonel Elias will provide the resources. Furthermore, your training methods for the Northern Watch are to be standardized across other garrisons. Captain Theron will oversee this. We need more officers who can instill such discipline."
A quiet triumph bloomed in Kaelen's chest. He had not only impressed Greycastle, but had also gained approval for a fortress-wide initiative based on his replicated alchemist's work, and seen his training methods adopted. This wasn't just influence; it was the subtle imposition of his will onto the very fabric of Karshelm's military.
"One more thing, Lieutenant," Greycastle continued, his eyes narrowing slightly. "There are rumors of… unrest. Whispers of dissent among certain elements of the citizenry, even some of the lower-ranking guards. They speak of 'fairness,' of 'resource distribution,' of the 'burden' of war. Dangerous talk. These are not open rebellions, but insidious whispers that can rot a fortress from within."
Kaelen knew exactly what Greycastle was referring to. Replicated Private Finn had been feeding him precisely this kind of intelligence from the barracks, and Replicated Thomas Valerius had detailed the political leanings of the minor nobles and merchants who were fostering such talk.
"I understand, Lord Commander," Kaelen stated, his voice firm. "Such whispers are indeed a poison. A fortress must be united, unwavering."
Greycastle nodded, a faint hint of approval on his stern face. "Precisely. I need a man who can identify the source of this discontent. Who can quell it, discreetly, before it becomes a blaze. I need a loyal hand, Kaelen, one who understands the delicate balance of order. You will be assigned to work alongside Captain Thorne of the Internal Security, investigating these… disturbances. Your tactical mind, honed by battle, might see patterns others miss."
Kaelen felt a thrill. Internal Security. This was a direct mandate to delve into the hidden dissent within Karshelm, to understand the fortress's vulnerabilities beyond its physical walls. And to do so alongside Captain Thorne, a notoriously secretive officer, meant access to even deeper layers of information. This wasn't just a mission; it was a key to unlocking the fortress's true internal mechanics, its levers of control, and its hidden power dynamics. And it would undoubtedly provide him with new opportunities for replication.
"I accept, Lord Commander," Kaelen said, his voice resolute. "Karshelm will stand. Both against external enemies and internal rot."
As he left Greycastle's chambers, Kaelen felt the weight of his new assignment, and the thrilling potential it held. He was no longer just the Lieutenant of the Northern Watch. He was now officially tasked with safeguarding the internal stability of Karshelm, granted access to its most sensitive information. His loyal Legion was growing, each duplicate a specialized tool for his ascent. He had navigated the political landscape, and the path to ultimate control within the fortress was now clearer than ever. He had gained a foothold in the heart of power, and he was about to exert his influence on the very soul of Karshelm.