Volume 2 – Inheritance of Fire
Chapter 11 – Consolidation
The idea lingered in the air, heavy with possibility. No one wanted to shatter it.
Ezra broke the silence first, glancing toward Soren, then turning to me. "While you're working on that... the link," he said, voice even, "we need to know what kingdoms and powers are closest to Hollowreach."
I stepped toward the map and began rotating the celestial dial at its center, revealing a broader view of the surrounding territories. Ezra's finger tapped the lower corner.
"We should start consolidating what we can under your kingdom," he said. "Make Hollowreach the anchor. The others can fortify until they're ready."
Soren studied the map closely, fingers steepled. "My coastal cities brush the southern ridge of your forests. Velisport is close enough to link trade routes, roadways, even mana channels if we cut through the old river valley."
He paused. "If I swear fealty, my army becomes part of Hollowreach's. My land becomes part of the kingdom. I can still govern locally, but your seal becomes the banner."
Naomi raised a brow. "You would surrender control?"
"I would shift it," Soren said. "Into something stronger. We build unity through shared strength, not isolated power."
"It won't be easy," I said. "Your merchant lords will resist. Your nobles even more so."
Soren gave a sharp smile. "Then we replace them."
Darius stepped forward, frowning. "I can't contribute like that. My lands are fractured. If I leave them for too long, they'll tear themselves apart. I need to return. Rally the loyal. Stamp out rebellion."
Naomi nodded. "Same for me. The order must be healed before it can be offered. If I leave it leaderless now, it splits for good."
Ezra rested both hands on the map. "But your domains can still aid. While you stabilize, send emissaries. Supplies. A portion of loyal men or resources."
"I can do that," Darius agreed. "But I'll need support to silence the mountain traitors. A handful of your constructs would help."
"Granted," I said.
Naomi added, "My oracles can reinforce your borders with warding rites. But I can only spare a few."
"More than enough," I said. "We aren't conquering, we're laying a cornerstone."
Ezra tapped the cities along the outer ring. "I won't bring my entire network to Hollowreach. It loses its purpose. But I'll activate a command node here. It will become the main hub. We'll be informed of any movement across the continent."
"And I'll open my ports," Soren added. "Control the trade, control the flow."
We stared at the map together.
"This is how it begins," I said.
A kingdom at the center. Threads of loyalty weaving from each domain. Strength not just in arms, but in bond.
This time, Hollowreach wouldn't stand alone. None of the domains or powers would.