24 - The Plan

Lucien swirled the amber liquid in his glass, watching the firelight dance across its surface before glancing at his brother. "You don't usually come to me unless you're desperate. What is it this time?"

Aldric leaned back in his chair, watching the firelight dance across Lucien's features. He took his time, letting the moment stretch, as if weighing his words with deliberate care. Finally, he spoke, his tone smooth, measured—laced with just enough intrigue to pique his brother's interest.

"I had no intention of revealing this yet," he admitted, his fingers drumming lightly against the wooden armrest. "Not until the foundations were set, until I had the right people in place. But… circumstances demand I move forward sooner than planned."

Lucien's brow arched, curiosity flickering in his sharp gaze. "And what, exactly, have you been hiding from me, dear brother?"

Aldric smirked but didn't answer immediately. Instead, he shifted slightly, his posture relaxed, his voice calm yet undeniably compelling. "You know of the Raven's Nest. A guild built for craftsmen, masons, blacksmiths, farmers—an economic powerhouse in the making.

Lucien nooded in confusion. "Right I was present in the meeting room, as you propose such an organization as well brother. I'm truly impress with your foward thinking."

A brief pause before Lucien continue. "What's this about Aldric?" Curiousity was plastered across his face.

Aldric finally spoke hesitantly "That's what I sold to the our meet with Matilda and Vincent, to the nobles, to our father." He paused, letting that settle before adding, "But every great house, every true power, has two faces. One that the world sees… and one that watches from the dark."

Lucien's smirk faltered, intrigue deepening into something keener, more dangerous. He leaned forward slightly. "Go on."

Aldric exhaled slowly, savoring the shift in the air between them. "The Raven's Nest is the foundation, the public face. But from its roots will grow something else—something unseen. A web of informants, spies, and agents. A network that doesn't just gather knowledge but controls it." His eyes gleamed with quiet confidence. "I call it the Raven's Shadow."

Lucien let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "So that's why you wanted the Nest in the first place. You weren't just building an economic force—you were setting up an infrastructure."

"Precisely." Aldric's lips curled into a knowing smile. "The guild will open doors, forge connections, give me access to people in every trade, every class. Through it, I'll find the right men—the ones who can be trained, who can slip into places unseen, who can gather whispers where no noble's spy ever could." He tapped his fingers against the chair. "It was meant to grow slowly, discreetly. But now… now I need to accelerate the plan."

Lucien smirked as he swirled the wine in his glass, watching the deep red liquid catch the candlelight. "You've always been patient, Aldric. So why the sudden urgency?"

Aldric didn't hesitate. "The fugitives," he said plainly.

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "What about them?"

Aldric leaned forward, his fingers interlocking on the table. "On my way here, I realized something—I know far too little about what happens beyond our borders. I don't know who moves in the shadows, what threats are lurking, or who might already be plotting against us. We've grown comfortable, and that makes us blind. If I need intelligence, why not use this opportunity to push forward with my plans while also extracting information about them? If they prove useful, I gain more than just knowledge. Two birds, one stone."

Lucien exhaled, his amusement fading into something more thoughtful. He studied Aldric for a long moment before leaning back in his chair. "And why come to me? Don't you already have everything meticulously planned, as always?"

Aldric met his gaze without flinching. "Planning is one thing. Execution is another." He leaned back, gesturing slightly. "Training people, securing safe houses, acquiring equipment—it all costs coin. This won't run on goodwill alone."

Lucien scoffed lightly. "And here I thought you came all this way just to enjoy my company." He took another sip of his wine before setting the glass down with a quiet clink. "Didn't you already secure funding from Lord Vance, Father, and the other vassals? What happened to that?"

Aldric shook his head, his tone calm but firm. "That funding is for the public side of things—agriculture, trade, infrastructure. Everything with a paper trail. What I need from you is off the books. Untraceable. This network will have its own financial system, completely separate from the official ledgers."

Lucien let out a slow breath, rubbing his temple. "You do realize you're asking for a fortune, right?"

Aldric didn't waver. "I do."

Lucien laughed dryly, shaking his head. "Gods, you don't ask for small favors, do you?" He studied Aldric for a long moment, searching for any hesitation in his eyes. He found none. Instead, he saw the same quiet intensity that had been there since he woke up—an unshakable resolve, a vision that stretched beyond the limits of what most men could see.

"Alright," Lucien finally said, leaning forward with a smirk. "You have my attention. But if I'm going to bankroll your little shadow empire, I want to hear everything. No half-truths, no vague ideas. Convince me."

Aldric smiled, the kind that spoke of victories yet to come. "Then listen closely."

"I'm offering you a stake in something invaluable," Aldric pause before continuing. "You know the worth of information. You know what it can do." His voice dropped slightly, weaving that same alluring edge he used when selling a dream. "Imagine it, Lucien. A network of eyes and ears stretching across the kingdom. One that isn't bound to any noble house, any throne. One we control." He leaned forward just a fraction. "How much would that be worth to you?"

Lucien's smirk returned, slower this time—more calculating. "You really are insufferable."

"I prefer 'pragmatic,'" Aldric countered smoothly. "Besides, you and I both know the Raven's Nest is already gaining momentum. This will only push it further. And when it does, you'll get your money back—along with a direct hand in something revolutionary."

Lucien studied him for a moment longer, then let out a chuckle. "I have to admit, Aldric, I didn't think you had it in you to think this far ahead."

Aldric's gaze sharpened. "I don't intend to be anyone's pawn, Lucien. Not Cedric's. Not Esmoran's.

Lucien finishing his wine in one gulf. "Alright tell me the plan."

Aldric looks Lucien with smile. "Lets begin."

As the time past by Aldric explaining to Lucien details of his plan.

Lucien, was left speechless a shocked expression never left his face.

Aldric notice Lucien's reaction, with a knowing smirk.

-A Hidden Listener-

Unbeknownst to them, a presence lingered in the corner of the dimly lit room. Cloaked in darkness, a shadow watched in silence, listening to every word exchanged between the two brothers.

His breath was caught in his throat. His heart pounded in his chest. This is… this is beyond anything I expected…

He had infiltrated countless meetings before, listened in on nobles scheming, kings plotting, generals strategizing. But this? This was something else. This was the blueprint for an unseen force that could manipulate the entire continent without anyone realizing it.

Aldric had been planning for this.

The realization was so overwhelming that he nearly stumbled, barely suppressing a gasp. Damn it. He forced himself to still, taking slow, measured breaths to regain his composure. He had to get this information to Duke Alaric immediately.

Slipping into the shadows, he disappeared without a sound.