Chapter 9 - A Noble’s Test

The grand hall of Ravensbourne Keep stood as a testament to the power and legacy of House Ravensbourne. Sturdy stone walls, banners bearing the house sigil, and the flickering glow of torches cast long shadows over the room.

Aldric sat upright, his mind sharp and calculating as he faced Marquise Gustov, a man known for his ruthless efficiency in war and governance. To his left, Duke Alaric Ravensbourne, his father, remained seated, watching in silence.

Lucien, standing to Aldric's right, kept his arms crossed, his eyes flickering between Gustov and Aldric.

Gustov's gaze was was impressed by the sound detailed planing and strategy but is heavy weighed with scrutiny. "I've heard many things about you, Lord Aldric," he said, his deep voice filling the chamber. "Some claim you were a sickly boy, fragile in both body and will. Yet here you sit before me, not only recovered but with enough confidence to make proposals that could shift the balance of our land."

Aldric met his gaze without hesitation.

"I am Aldric Ravensbourne," he said evenly. "And I have no intention of remaining the weakling people once thought I was."

Duke Alaric stirred slightly at that. His face was unreadable, but his eyes were keen, watching his son closely.

Gustov smirked. "Bold words. But boldness alone does not make a ruler. Tell me, why should I waste my time here? Your plans sound logical, but these are textbook strategy with out first hand experience. Why should I entertain whatever grand vision you're about to sell me?"

Before Aldric could respond, Alaric spoke for the first time.

"That is what I wish to know as well," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Aldric, you have changed—so much that I would be a fool not to question it. So tell me, what is it that drives you now?"

Aldric took a breath.

"Because the world is changing, Father. The way we fight wars, the way we sustain our lands, the way we govern—everything is shifting. If we do not adapt, we will be left behind."

Gustov leaned back, intrigued. "You speak as though you already have answers."

"I have ideas," Aldric corrected. "Ones that could benefit not just Ravensbourne, but any lord willing to embrace them."

Alaric's brows furrowed slightly, but he gestured for Aldric to continue.

"Let's start with military strategy," Aldric said. "Marquise Gustov, you have fought countless battles. You understand that raw strength alone doesn't win wars. What if I told you I could provide Ravensbourne—and potentially your forces—with tactics that would make armies twice as efficient?"

Gustov's expression sharpened. "Go on."

Aldric leaned forward. "Siege weapons that require fewer men to operate but hit harder. Defensive fortifications that maximize protection with minimal resources. Supply chain logistics that allow armies to move faster and strike before the enemy can react."

Lucien stole a glance at Aldric, his expression unreadable. Alaric, however, narrowed his eyes.

"And where, Aldric, did you learn all of this?"

Aldric expected that question. "From studying—reading every battle account I could find. Analyzing why great men won and why others failed and build upon their experience to birth new ideas and strategy."

Gustov let out a low chuckle. "A scholar of war, are you?"

Alaric, however, was not so quick to be amused. His fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair. "Knowledge without experience is dangerous, Aldric. Ideas mean nothing if they fail in practice."

Aldric nodded. "That is why I am not asking for blind trust. I am asking for the chance to prove myself."

Gustov observed Aldric for a long moment, then let out a low laugh. "You're ambitious, I'll give you that." He turned to Alaric. "Your son is not the frail boy I remember."

Alaric remained quiet for a moment before finally speaking. "No, he is not." His gaze lingered on Aldric. "And that concerns me as much as it intrigues me."

Gustov stood. "I will offer you this: I will watch. I will make preparation for the battle plan. I will after Winter from now and with the Duke's permission." Gustov turned to look at Duke Alaric "I would like to bring Aldric to the front line to prove to me that his new found knowledge is efficeint and effective as he claim it to be."

Alric look at Maquis Gustov with hint of interest, and look at Aldric and spoke "I approve it, Aldric you are to assist the Marquise in the upcomming battle, as you heard you have the whole winter to prepare. Don't dissapoint me boy."

Aldric exhaled slowly. That was not a promise of support, but it was an opening.

"I will not disappoint you."

Gustov nodded before turning to Alaric. "You have an interesting heir, Alaric. I wonder what you will do with him."

Alaric's expression remained unreadable as he watched Gustov leave. Once the Marquis was gone, he turned to Aldric.

"We will speak later," he said simply before rising and leaving the chamber.

Lucien watched their father go before turning to Aldric, shaking his head. "You really are full of surprises, little brother."

Aldric smirked. "Good. Because this is only the bezginning."