Troubles at hand 2

"Duke Malfyx is sending someone to my court as the minister of the left," Said Kain, sighing in defeat as he sat down.

"Less a minister and more of a spy," Robert commented.

''Yes but what can we do," Said Kain,"My sister will be in danger if I don't agree."

"Young master, If I may suggest," Said Robert, "It may be harsh but you can always give up on her. It will be for the good of your realm. There is no way to save her."

"What did you say?" Kain's voice was edged with anger.

"The Malfyx's family is the most powerful family in the empire next only to the royal family. There is no way we can win if we go to war or try to bring her back secretly, which will result in a war as well. They have a battlemaster in their service afterall."

"Robert, I will forgive you just this once," Said Kain with cold anger,"but next time, I won't forgive your insolence. She is my sister, my only living family. How can I abandoned her among enemies on her own? She is the reason why I am trying so hard for."

"I apologized for my insolence, Young master," Said Robert, bowing low with a smile on his face,"I didn't meant any harm. I was just testing you."

"Testing me?" Said Kain, a little confused, "why?"

"To see if you cared for your family," Said Robert.

"Pardon me?" Said Kain, a dangerous edge on every word of his,"You. Think. I. don't. care. about. my. family?"

"I didn't meant that, Young master," Robert as stoic as ever,"Its just that you haven't mentioned much about your family since you came back."

"It doesn't meant that I don't care for them," Said Kain,"I just don't mention them because I don't want to wallow in sadness and self-pity. As the Lord, I should be focus and strong."

"I understand, Young master," Said Robert.

"Anymore reports?" asked Kain.

"I have transported the three carts of ores," Said Robert,"It will be sufficient for a while. The training of the garrison is also going on effectively. According to Roland, the birth of ten new warriors had been attributed to the training regimen."

"Only ten," Said Kain,"well, its no surprise. The garrison are full of veterans past the age of twenty five."

"Six hundred fifty-one, Young master," Said Kain,"the number of soldiers above the age of twenty-five in the garrison. Only a hundred are between the age of eighteen and twenty."

"I see," Said Kain,"What about the children relief centre?"

Two thousands galleons were sent to the Castle in order to establish a children relief centre. There were lots of homeless children inside and outside the castle wall. It will bring out positive sentiment among the people and also let the children to survive.

"Gerard had taken charge of that," Said Robert, "but the population of homeless childrens is very large. The fund, according to Gerard will hardly last six months."

''Its alright," Said Kain,"by that time, we will have regain our economy."

"There is one troubling news,young master."

"Hmm.. Go on."

"Some of the branch families is questioning your capabilities. They have been voicing out that you are not gonna come back and that you have abandoned the territory."

"Well, its not their fault. If I was in their position, I will have said the same."

There were only seven surviving branch families. They were not that powerful but still had influence in the Lord's court and the territory. One was Oldrick's family. They held some fiefs and had their own mansions in the castle.

"One in particular had been gathering men and weapons for some few days according to the Canary report."

"Doesn't matter," said Kain, pushing it off, "what matters right now is defeating the bandits. It will show the difference in power among the main family and the branch family. But do tell her to keep on reporting."

"There are some few more discussions."

"Go on."

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"I want the two of you to work for me," Said Skinjer, looking at the two prisoners, who were kneeling on the dirty floor of the prison cells.

The two prisoners were from the Red Bands. They were the only warriors who can use warrior attribute. Their name was Serval and Olaf.

"Will we be treated better?" asked Olaf.

"Yes," Said Skinjer,"You will be given your own quarters and will be given salary. You will be able to walk freely inside the hillfort but no more than that. In the future, I may release you if you do your job well."

Kain wanted the two of them to teach their own warrior attribute and techniques to the new warrior recruits. Each warriors can learn only one attribute but can use many techniques. Neither Kain nor Robert was willing to teach their family secrets to the recruits. Instead, the prisoners were the safe choice.

"I accept,"Said Olaf.

"I as well,"Said Serval.

Serval was a user of the fire attribute and knew two techniques. Olaf, on the other hand was a water attribute and knew three technique. Their inclusion as instructors will greatly improve the warriors.

"Wise of you to accept my offer," Said Skinjer, grinning while he nod at Sky Mask"but don't think you can slip away."

Sky Mask swiftly went behind the two prisoners. He put his hand on their temple. Suddenly, the two men began to scream in pain. It lasted for several minutes before Robert removed his hand. The two man fell on the ground with their hands on their throbbing head.

"Like I said, you cannot slip away from me," Said Kain,"My lieutenant, Sky Mask has put in Aura bomb in the middle of your brain with his own attribute. If you even have a thought of disobeying me or betray me, Sky Mask will trigger it, killing the both of you, no matter the distance between us. So don't even dare."

The hope of the two got dashed before they even had a chance to act.

"On the other hand," Said Skinjer,"I look forward on your services."

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