Chapter 15 - The Road Ahead – Preparing for the Future

The first snow of winter had blanketed Ravensbourne in an unforgiving white shroud. Icy tendrils crept over the land, clinging to rooftops and stretching across the narrow, winding streets. The wind howled through the town, rattling shutters and sending flurries of snow swirling between buildings.

Aldric stood at the village's edge, his cloak pulled tightly around his shoulders, eyes fixed on the distant fields. The last of the harvest had been brought in, the granaries were stocked, and the newly built coops were filled with poultry—an innovation that, if successful, would provide the estate and the village with a steady source of meat and eggs. Still, a nagging uncertainty settled in his chest. He had done all he could, yet the true test had only just begun.

With slow, deliberate steps, he moved through the town. His boots crunched against the fresh snow as he passed villagers hard at work, hauling firewood, checking food stores, and reinforcing their homes against the coming blizzards. A few offered polite nods as he walked by, though their gazes carried a mixture of respect and wariness. He was still an outsider to some, his ideas a disruption to traditions passed down for generations.

Near the storehouses, he spotted a stout woman inspecting sacks of grain. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold, and her thick woolen shawl was dusted with snow.

"How are we looking?" Aldric asked, his voice cutting through the wind.

The woman straightened and wiped her hands on her apron. "We're well-stocked, my lord. The grain's been stored properly, the vegetables are drying, and the coops are holding steady."

Aldric's gaze drifted toward the wooden structures housing the poultry. Through the slats, he could see birds nestled inside, their feathers fluffed against the chill. This was his gamble—an experiment that could change how the village survived winter.

"And the livestock?" he pressed.

"No signs of disease," she confirmed. "All healthy."

Aldric exhaled slowly, a quiet relief washing over him. Yet, his expression remained neutral. "Good," he said, turning his gaze to the thick, gray clouds overhead. "We'll need to be vigilant. Winter tests more than just our supplies."

A Week Lateer

The weather worsened with each passing day. The snow piled high against doorsteps, the wind shrieked through the streets, and the villagers huddled close to their hearths. Inside his office, Aldric sat behind a heavy wooden desk, reading over a report Lucien had just delivered. The wax seal had been broken, the parchment unrolled, its contents scrutinized.

Lucien leaned casually against the stone wall, arms crossed, watching Aldric's reaction. "It seems your gamble has paid off," he said, tapping the document lightly. "The poultry are thriving, the food stocks are holding, and the new farming methods have given us better yields than last year."

Aldric leaned back, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. The report was promising, yet he remained wary. "It's too early to call it a success," he murmured.

Lucien let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "You've always been cautious, Aldric. But you should take the win when it's right in front of you. The town is better off than it's ever been."

Aldric stood, moving to the window. Beyond the frost-rimed glass, he could see Ravensbourne in the grip of winter—chimneys spouting smoke, villagers wrapped in heavy cloaks, carts laden with firewood making their way through snow-covered streets. There was a sense of order, of stability. But how long would it last?

"It's only the beginning," he said, more to himself than to Lucien. "The true test will come when the storms grow worse."

Lucien joined him at the window, his reflection smirking back at him. "You're always looking for the next problem, aren't you?"

Aldric allowed the faintest of smiles. "It's not paranoia. It's preparation."

Days later, the storm arrived with a vengeance. The winds howled through Ravensbourne, rattling doors and burying the streets in knee-deep snow. Aldric trudged through the village, his cloak heavy with frost, heading toward the town square where the villagers worked tirelessly to distribute food supplies.

As he surveyed the scene, he spotted Wulfric overseeing the transport of firewood. His thick beard was dusted with snow, and his deep-set eyes narrowed as he spotted Aldric approaching.

"My lord," Wulfric greeted gruffly, giving a small nod. "The storm's hitting harder than expected. Some of the older houses are struggling under the weight of the snow."

Aldric frowned. "Are the repairs holding?"

"For now," Wulfric said. "But another night like this, and we may see some roofs collapse."

Lucien appeared at Aldric's side, shaking snow from his shoulders. "We could move some of the families into the hall for shelter. At least until the worst of it passes."

Aldric considered the suggestion, then turned to Wulfric. "How many are at risk?"

"Half a dozen homes, maybe more."

Aldric nodded. "We'll move them before nightfall."

Wulfric's expression softened slightly. "You've done good work here, my lord. Not many would go to such lengths to keep the village strong."

Aldric met his gaze. "Strength is worthless if we let our people freeze to death."

A gust of wind sent snow swirling through the air, and from the distance came the sharp ring of a bell—an alarm.

Lucien's hand went to the hilt of his sword instinctively. "What now?"

A villager came running through the snow, breathless. "My lord! One of the coops—something's happened! The birds are in a frenzy, and we found tracks near the fences!"

Aldric's jaw tightened. Wild animals? Bandits? The poultry was their most precious winter resource, and he wouldn't let it be taken.

"Show me," he ordered.

Together, he, Lucien, and Wulfric followed the villager to the coops on the edge of his Estate. As they approached, the frantic squawking of birds filled the air. Snow was disturbed near the wooden fence, and Aldric knelt, brushing his fingers over the indentations in the ground.

Wulfric grunted. "Those aren't animal tracks."

Lucien scowled. "No. Someone was here."

Aldric straightened, his expression darkening. "Increase the patrols. Double the watch at night."

Wulfric nodded, already barking orders at nearby villagers.

Lucien, however, eyed Aldric carefully. "You think this is just a random thief?"

Aldric said "Im not sure, We'll found out."

As the storm raged on around them, Aldric felt the weight of responsibility settle more heavily upon his shoulders. The village had endured the first test of winter, but the battles ahead would not be fought against the cold alone.

This was only the beginning.