New branches

"Collect the remaining Draxeler in their main hall."

Drake said to his knights.

"Yes, sir."

After a while everyone went to the main hall, and with him was the fate of the Draxelers.

"I will not kill you, because you have a noble lineage, but you will leave the lands and have lost your goods, sustain yourself with the life that remains to you."

Drake looking into the eyes of each continued.

"That said, you can withdraw, if you see me again in your future, you already know that your death is coming."

With looks of embarrassment and anger they withdrew from the city with minimal belongings on their bodies.

"Drystan, tell me the battle report."

"As you order."

"With one hundred and twenty-five casualties we conquered the city, eighty were from the light infantry, twenty-three from the heavy and two dead knights."

With a pain in his heart he said.

"These were the biggest casualties so far."

With a regret in his voice Drake spoke.

I have to get used to these losses, I won't always win, the margin won't always be small, to conquer what we lack, many people will die.

But for the sake of the family, all this will be worth it.

"And the prisoners?"

"Three hundred and fifty warriors surrendered and eighteen knights sir. After their lord died, many feared you and your strength, if not the casualties would be much greater."

"Okay, gather them and take them to our citadel, there together with the warriors of the novaes, we will decide their destinies."

"Yes, sir."

"That said, I want a meeting with all the knights, for the distribution of land."

At dusk of the same day, everyone will gather in the main hall to listen to drake, excited and hopeful for the distribution.

"Well gentlemen, first I want to thank everyone for the commitment so far, I believe that without you we can't get where we got."

"Our family has now gone from a baroness family to one of viscount. Our family power can already be something of a certain value, we should start reading visas."

"With our family characteristics, we will be targets of a lot of intrigue until we reach power, but who climbs heights without being afraid of being overthrown?"

All listeners paying close attention to their words.

"That said, let's go to the awards."

"To the city of the Novaes family, go to Drystan my knight who always showed bravery and honor to our family, the one who never measured efforts."

With a fixed look he said.

Drystan in the room without believing it, because having a city, it would mean that he would be a real nobleman, not just any knight but a baron.

"And having said that, I name Drystan, as a baron, his house will be Invictos, for everyone to know that his victories proceed in his name."

"Sir... I have no words to describe the honor I feel. You can be sure that I will honor the trust placed in me."

He said kneeling on one leg.

"Yes, I know my warrior, get up."

"With the gains we had in the battles, I will give each knight five gold coins."

It is known that they receive fifty silver coins a month, that is, they will receive almost a year of work.

"Lord, we will defend the house with our life."

All to one said.

"Excellent, everyone can withdraw, I want to go towards the citadel in three days, gentlemen."

"Yes, sir!"

With invigorated spirits they withdrew.

'Now that we have become the viscounts of this region. We need to strengthen ourselves, before they attack us in this fragile period.'

It is common knowledge that there are civil wars at will, where armies are in outposts or in guerrilla warfare, between dukes, counts and even viscounts.

A liberal government based on force, this was the government of this quiet country in the north. If one force weakens the other takes it and so on.

'I'm going to move our family's capital here, leave that fortress as a safe haven, unfortunately it's too far away for my next plans.'

'With a population of ten thousand inhabitants, this city only loses to that of Count Bomfim in this county.

The county of Bonfim is a domain to the north, isolated and relatively weak compared to large counties.

Still ruled with the title of counts, the Bonfim maintain their noble lineage and pride, although their lands are modest and far from the centers of power.

The county is simple and humble, with an economy that survives on agriculture and basic trade. The Bonfim family rules with discipline and an ancient tradition, supporting a small but well-trained army to protect its borders in constant war.

Even with limited resources, the Bonfim preserve their legacy and seek to recover the lost glory, honoring their history and silently planning a greater future for the family.

Finishing reading the data on your desk.

"Trying to make friends with them for now, I can't make an enemy that I'm not up to, that would be if not bad, something fatal."

Three days later, at dawn, Drake's entourage was ready to leave. With the brightness of the sun newly risen on the walls, the army and the newly promoted nobles organized themselves in rows.

Drystan, now officially appointed baron, took his place next to Drake with a new mantle on his back, a symbol of his position.

Behind them, were the knights and soldiers who had dedicated themselves to the conquest of the city, now eager to return to the citadel.

The city still rested in silence, the residents watching in respect as the entourage left the main streets.

Many inhabitants discreetly approached the windows and doors, watching with fear and hope the departure of the new rulers.

Drake raised his hand in farewell, and the echo of the horses' hooves mixed with the murmurs of the population.

When they reached the limits of the city, Drake paused briefly, turning to observe the conquered city.

It was a symbol of his rise and everything that was yet to come. Feeling the weight of his responsibility, he took a deep breath and signaled them to continue the march.

The road to the citadel was long and rugged, but the entourage advanced firmly, the banner of his family hoisted and fling in the wind.

Drake guided his horse with determination, knowing that this return would be more than a simple journey.

As he approached the citadel, Drake saw the fortress. The high wooden walls and imposing towers were a symbol of protection and power.

As the gates opened, the warriors of the citadel crowded to receive their leader.

The enthusiasm in the air was palpable. Smiles and greetings echoed as people crowded, waiting to see what Drake would bring to that land.

"Mr. Patriarch!" Some of the warriors shouted, their voices reverberating with expectation.

"Welcome back!"

Drake raised his hand, asking for silence, while the determined gaze ran through the crowd. He knew this was an opportunity to reaffirm his dominance and inspire loyalty among his new subjects.

"Comrades!"

Started, his voice firm and clear.

"We arrived not only to govern, but to build a future together. With each of you, let's transform this Family into the power it should always be!"

The warriors listened to him carefully, their faces illuminated by hope and determination. Along the way, Drake perceived the looks of respect and admiration, feeling the responsibility of leading that diverse group and eager for change.

After the warm greetings, Drake summoned the prisoners to the center of the citadel square.

They were aligned, and he watched them with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"I know that many of you have been led into this situation by force, but now you have a choice to make. Anyone who wishes to join us and fight for a different future will be welcome."

A murmur ran through the crowd. Many of the prisoners looked at each other, pondering their options. Drake had won his freedom, and now he had the chance to offer redemption.

"Those who decide to stay among us will have a new purpose,"

He continued.

"We will fight together for a greater cause than ourselves. And those who choose to withdraw, I offer them a safe way out of this citadel."

Little did they know that the future out there was certain death.

One of the Knights prisoner, a man of robust appearance, raised his voice.

"What if we don't trust you, Drake? What guarantees that we will not be treated like slaves?"

"I'm not like the lord you served,"

Drake replied, his gaze firm.

"Strorce is necessary, but it is also loyalty and respect. Make your choice, and I hope you understand that my hand is extended to everyone."

The warriors of the citadel and Drake's knights watched in silence, realizing the seriousness of the situation. Drake knew that this was a crucial moment to shape his new strength, and the decision the prisoners made would define the future of the citadel and its new kingdom.

The robust Knight, who had stood up among the prisoners, stared at Drake.

The memory of the battle still burned in his memory, and he knew what it meant to face Drake's strength.

"I saw with my own eyes what you are capable of,"

He started, his voice resounding with determination.

"You're not just a leader; you're a true warrior. The power he showed on the battlefield is something I deeply respect."

The prisoners' looks changed, going from distrust to admiration. The man continued:

"I'm just a knight, but I've seen many like you. And right now, I see a leader who doesn't fear his destiny. If you can offer us a new life, if you can give us a purpose, then I will serve you."

The impact of his words was instantaneous. The other prisoners, inspired by the man's courage, began to move, one by one, lining up next to him.

The respect for Drake's strength and the bravery he had shown in the battle was beginning to transform the dynamics between them, the fear he put in their hearts was hard to get out of.

"If he's willing to follow you, then we'll do it too,"

Declared a second prisoner, his words full of fervor.

"We want to fight for you, for a new cause. May your strength be our strength!"

Drake watched as, one after the other, the prisoners joined by his side. The strongest man, now his first ally, has become a symbol of resistance and change.

That simple choice was not only forming a new loyalty, but also changing the perception of everyone around.

"So, join us,"

Drake said, with a smile that mixed satisfaction and determination.

"Here, you will not only be prisoners; you will be warriors. Together, we will fight to build a future worthy of our effort."

The cries of assent echoed through the citadel, and the atmosphere of doubt gave way to a new spirit of camaraderie and hope.

With Drake's leadership and the strength of the newly appointed warriors by his side, a new chapter was about to open in the history of that land.