Chapter 82: New Orders

Chapter 82: New Orders

Silvia's POV

The dawn was golden as it stretched over the recovering city, casting long shadows on the newly reinforced walls. The scent of damp earth lingered in the cool morning air, mixing with the distant aroma of freshly baked bread from the lower quarters. Silvia stood atop the highest tower, watching as workers hauled timber and stone, the rhythmic sounds of hammering echoing through the streets. The city was healing, but the war wasn't over.

Dragon stood beside her, arms folded, his gaze sharp, scanning the horizon like a predator anticipating its next move. "The council's waiting. You ready for this?"

Silvia let out a slow breath, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I have to be."

They made their way down to the war room, where Garrik, Tarren, and the rest of the council were already gathered around the map table. Tension clung to the room like smoke, the weight of recent battles still fresh in everyone's minds. The wooden table, scarred from years of use, was littered with maps, scouting reports, and half-empty mugs of cooling tea.

Garrik tapped the map with a gloved finger. "Scouts returned this morning. The Remnants are regrouping further south. They lost a leader, but they're not done. If we don't act first, we'll be dealing with another war in weeks."

Tarren nodded, arms crossed. "And there's more. We've received word from neighboring city-states. Some are offering alliances, but others see our war as an opportunity to strike while we're still recovering."

Silvia clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening on the edge of the table. "We can't fight another war so soon. Not like this. We need time."

Dragon smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "Then we make them think we're stronger than we are. We put on a show."

Garrik raised an eyebrow. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

Dragon leaned on the table, tilting his head slightly. "A grand display. Public training drills, fortifications in broad daylight, increased patrols where they can be seen. We make them believe attacking us is suicide."

Tarren crossed her arms. "It might work. But we need more than intimidation. We need real allies."

Silvia exhaled, her mind already working through possible names and factions. "Then we send envoys. Find out who's willing to stand with us and who's looking to stab us in the back."

Garrik grumbled but nodded. "And what about the Remnants? Do we sit back and wait for them?"

Silvia's gaze hardened. "No. We send scouts. We find out exactly what they're planning. And when the time comes… we strike first."

A Plan in Motion

By mid-afternoon, preparations were already underway. Soldiers trained in the courtyards, their movements deliberate and precise. Civilians bustled through the markets, organizing supplies, reinforcing homes, making the city look stronger than it was. Some of the blacksmiths had begun forging new weapons in plain sight, sending a clear message to any spies lurking among them. Rumors spread of Silvia's forces being larger than reality—a trick that might just buy them the time they needed.

Tarren organized a scouting party to move beyond the city's walls. Silvia stood at the gates, watching as the riders disappeared into the tree line, their dark cloaks blending with the shadows of the forest. "If they find anything, they return immediately. We don't take unnecessary risks."

Garrik nodded, adjusting the leather straps of his armor. "We're keeping a close eye on the Remnants' movements. If they send another force our way, we'll know."

Dragon found Silvia in the war room later, her fingers trailing over a map, deep in thought. He leaned against the table, arms crossed. "You're handling this well."

She gave him a dry look. "That's what leaders do, remember?"

He grinned. "Yeah, but you're better at it than most."

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "I just hope it's enough."

He tilted his head slightly, studying her. "It will be. You've got this, Silvia."

She looked at him, and for the first time in days, she believed it.

The First Alliance

Two days later, a messenger arrived from the western city-state of Elaris. The rider bore the blue and silver sigil of the Elarian Council. Silvia met the envoy in the great hall, Dragon at her side. The high-vaulted ceiling of the chamber made every step echo as they approached the envoy, who stood stiffly in polished leather armor.

The man bowed slightly, his expression unreadable. "Commander Earthstar, my council has discussed your request for an alliance."

Silvia's heart pounded, but she kept her expression unreadable. "And?"

"Elaris will agree to a mutual defense pact. We will not commit troops to your city, but if the Remnants march on you again, we will supply arms and reinforcements."

Garrik exhaled. "Could be worse."

Tarren frowned. "Could be better."

Silvia nodded. "It's a start. We accept your terms."

The envoy inclined his head. "Then Elaris stands with you."

Tensions Rise

That night, Silvia stood on the battlements, staring at the dark horizon. The Remnants were regrouping. Some of the neighboring city-states were allies, some were threats. And now, with Elaris' support, they had one more piece of security—but it wasn't enough.

Dragon joined her, as he always did. "You're still thinking."

"Always."

He leaned on the stone beside her, his presence grounding. "You know, for someone who keeps winning battles, you don't celebrate much."

She let out a dry chuckle. "There's always another fight coming. No time to celebrate."

He was silent for a moment before reaching out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Maybe you should make time."

She glanced at him, surprised by the softness in his gaze. For a moment, she allowed herself to lean into his warmth.

Just for a moment.

Unexpected News

At dawn, the scouts returned, their expressions grim. "Commander, we've got news. The Remnants aren't just regrouping. They've found new allies."

Silvia's stomach twisted. "Who?"

The scout hesitated. "A faction from the east. Led by a man calling himself 'The Heir of Titan.'"

Garrik slammed his fist on the table, making the nearby candles flicker. "So they're not just rebuilding. They're claiming Titan's legacy."

Silvia's hands curled into fists. "Then we end this before it begins."

Tarren spoke carefully. "We need more information. We don't know their numbers, their strategy."

Silvia exhaled sharply. "Then we find out. Send another scouting party. This time, they go deeper."

Dragon placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure this out. You don't have to do this alone."

She nodded, though the weight of it still sat heavily in her chest.

A City on Edge

The streets of the city were tense, the people aware that danger still loomed beyond the walls. Silvia knew they were watching her, looking to her for leadership. She couldn't let them see fear.

She met with the blacksmiths, ensuring weapons were forged. She walked the training grounds, watching soldiers spar. Every detail mattered. Every moment was preparation.

But war was coming again. And this time, Silvia knew it wasn't just about defending her home.

This time, she had to destroy the enemy before they destroyed everything she had built.