Nathan – POV

  I was battered with a storm of questions that night. Me and my big mouth...I should have known better than to speak too freely. Every curious glance, every probing inquiry felt like arrows aimed at the secrets I carried. I tried my best to deflect their queries, weaving half-truths and diversions like a juggler keeping too many balls in the air. Most of the time, I succeeded. My tongue danced around their suspicions, and I managed to keep the most dangerous truths hidden.

  When they pressed me about where my ideas came from, I cleverly shifted the conversation. For the girls, I spoke of soaps and shampoos, describing their scents and textures, painting pictures of luxury they had never imagined. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, and that was enough to distract them. For the men, I dangled the allure of Damascus steel, describing its rippling patterns and unmatched strength. That tempted them, at least for now. My words bought me time, but I knew the day would come when I would have to divulge my deepest secrets to my family. I wasn’t ready yet. Perhaps in the future. Yes, perhaps.

  Later that night, our new pavilion was finally set up. It stood tall and proud, grand and beautiful on the outside, with our banners fluttering in the night breeze. The sight alone filled me with pride. We no longer looked like wandering peasants; we looked like a proper noble house. Upon entering, one was greeted by a spacious dining area, dominated by a massive table that could accommodate fifteen to twenty people. Around it were sturdy chairs, cushions, and pillows, all arranged with care. The dining area was neatly separated from the sleeping quarters and bathing space, giving the pavilion a sense of order and refinement.

  To my surprise, there was even a wooden bathtub, polished and inviting. Behind the pavilion lay the kitchen, well-stocked and functional. It was impressive, far beyond what I had expected. With this, our household had taken a great step forward. Once we increased our houseguards, the image of a true noble house would be complete.

  Speaking of guards, our numbers had grown. My loyal minions, along with Anda and his party, totaled eight men and women. With the addition of Lyle’s men, our houseguards now numbered eighteen. Still, it felt insufficient. How many guards were enough? I did not know. That was a question best left to Father and Mother, who had lived their lives as nobles and understood such matters far better than I. I suspected Lyle’s men were not as skilled as Anda’s party or my minions, but with training, they could at least become competent. Discipline could turn even raw recruits into something useful.

  My siblings were overjoyed to sleep on soft beds inside the safety of the pavilion. For them, it was a first. Having lived the hard life of peasants since birth, their glee and excitement were understandable. I watched their faces light up as they touched the pillows and blankets, marveling at the comfort. As for me, I preferred the outdoors. I wanted to sleep under the starry night sky, a habit I had inherited from my time with Delta. The open air, the vast heavens above...it was where I felt most at peace.

  I was about to drift into slumber when I heard my parents approach my cot.

  “Nathan, why are you not sleeping inside? It will be much warmer and safer,” Mother asked gently.

  “I know, Mother, but I like sleeping under the stars,” I replied.

  “How come?” she pressed.

  “I don’t know. The beauty of the night sky is alluring. Sleeping beneath that natural wonder calms my mind,” I said honestly. I could not explain it fully, but the stars had always held me in their quiet embrace.

  Jakob tilted his head upward, gazing at the heavens. “It is indeed beautiful and serene. I have never bothered to appreciate it until now.”

  Curious, Mother followed his gaze. “You’re right, Nathan. It is nice and serene.”

  As we admired the night sky together, the heavens gifted us with a meteor shower. Bright streaks of light danced across the darkness, drawing gasps of wonder from all of us.

  “Wow! What are those? They are so beautiful!” Dianne exclaimed.

  “Falling stars,” I accidentally blurted out. Damn.

  “Falling stars? Hahaha. They are not falling stars, son. They are night spirits, harbingers of good tidings,” Jakob said with conviction.

  I didn’t bother to correct him. I simply nodded, letting his interpretation stand.

  “Well, if you want to come inside later, just do so. Are you sure you’re fine out here?” Mother asked.

  “Yes, Mother. Don’t worry. I’ll come in if the cold bothers me. But I doubt it will,” I reassured her.

  “I will accompany the master, my lady,” Shive said as she arrived, rolling her cot beside mine. This little succubus always slept near me. Not that I minded; I had grown used to her presence.

  “Goodnight, my little Nathan, and you too, Shive,” Mother said warmly, kneeling to kiss both our foreheads before retreating inside.

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  Soon, the camp settled into its nightly rhythm. Anda’s people patrolled the perimeter, while my minions kept watch as well. I gazed at the sky once more; the meteor shower long gone and pondered my father’s words. Harbingers of good tidings? I hoped he was right. With that thought, I drifted into sleep.

  I awoke on a bright morning. My attention was caught to a cacophony of noise and activity around me. As I sat up, I realized someone was curled beside me. Of course, it was Shive. She always found her way to my side.

  “Get up, sleepyhead. Breakfast is ready,” Serena called out cheerfully as she popped her head out of the pavilion.

  “Okay, we’ll be right there,” I replied, shaking Shive gently awake.

  Looking around, I noticed that Lyle and his people had already arrived. The camp was livelier than ever. Adults bustled about, and among them were children and teenagers, likely the families of Lyle’s employees. Their presence added warmth and humanity to the camp, transforming it from a military outpost into a budding community.

  A servant girl approached us. What was her name again? Ah, yes...Mary.

  “Good morning, my lord and lady. Allow me to take care of your cots. Lady Dianne requests that you hurry and join the family for breakfast,” Mary said politely.

  “Thank you, Mary,” I replied.

  I walked to a water basin, splashed my face with cold water, and felt the sleepiness fade. Shive followed suit. Together, we entered the pavilion, ready to join the rest of the family for breakfast.

  Breakfast was lively, as it always seemed to be in our household. The servants bustled about, setting platters of eggs and cuts of meat before us—meat whose origin I dared not question, though I suspected it came from sources best left unspoken. The clatter of dishes, the chatter of siblings, and the occasional laugh filled the pavilion with warmth.

  As we ate, a voice called from outside.

  “Permission to enter, my lord,” Anda said.

  “Please, come in,” Father replied.

  Anda stepped inside, his expression serious. “We should post guards outside,” he mused.

  “I was thinking the same thing. Come, join us,” Father said, gesturing toward the table.

  “Thank you, my lord, but I have already eaten. I bear news from the city.” Anda’s tone was grave. “One of the local merchant guilds has gone missing.”

  Jakob frowned. “Missing? They left the city? Why would that concern us?”

  “It is the manner of their disappearance,” Anda explained. “They are simply… gone. One day they were there, and the next, nothing. Their headquarters is eerily empty, stripped of people. Yet their goods remain untouched.”

  Jakob leaned forward. “Hmm… go on.”

  “Their disappearance coincided with our arrival,” Anda continued. “Their shop is the very place where the Hellblazers took the wagons of mead.”

  Father turned his gaze toward me. I met his eyes and gave him a small nod, confirming what he suspected without words.

  “Are we being suspected?” Jakob asked.

  Anda shook his head. “No. The word is that they fled in the middle of the night. Some claim they were tied to the slave trade and left in haste to avoid exposure. Others whisper that a rival guild from another city wiped them out. Speculation runs wild, but none of it points to us. I only bring this news because the Hellblazers had dealings with them.”

  “Understood, Anda,” Jakob said firmly. “We will hold a meeting later and bring you up to speed. In fact, we are in need of a captain of the house guards. Are you willing to take the role?”

  Anda’s eyes widened in surprise. “My lord, I am not a knight.”

  “You will be soon,” Jakob assured him, “as will your companions, once we claim title and lands...perhaps sooner than that I think.”

  Anda hesitated. “What about the Hellblazers? They are more capable than me and my people.”

  Father’s voice was calm but resolute. “The Hellblazers are indeed capable, but their talents lie in other kinds of work. You and your people, however, have the potential to grow into something greater. Given time, I believe you will rise to the task.”

  Anda bowed deeply. “I accept the honor, my lord, and swear to fulfill my duty.”

  When he left, Father turned to me. “Were the Hellblazers involved?”

  I gave him another nod. He studied me for a moment, then, seeing I would not elaborate, simply nodded back and returned to his meal.

  Later that morning, we gathered inside the pavilion for a formal meeting. It was there that our house hierarchy began to take shape. Roles were assigned; responsibilities defined. Anda was named captain of the guards and marshal of our future military force. Belle was appointed as our budding court's mage; her arcane knowledge is invaluable. Jennie, ever resourceful, took on the dual role of head healer and treasurer, assisted by Anna, one of the servant girls. Mary, the diligent girl who had helped me with my cot earlier, was elevated to head maid. Stanley, the rogue, became our spymaster, tasked with gathering information and keeping us informed. Finally, Lyle was confirmed as our house merchant, responsible for trade and economic ventures.

  There were still gaps to fill. A steward and head butler were essential positions, but we had no suitable candidates yet. I made it clear to Father that my minions should not be assigned official roles. They were demons, after all, and their way of thinking was far removed from human concerns. Worse, they looked down upon humans, which disqualified them from meaningful interaction outside of violence. They were ideal for espionage and assassination, but those tasks were mine to direct. For now, their guise as house guards would suffice.

  The absence of a steward was not urgent; that role would become necessary once we secured our own territory. But a head butler was needed immediately. Unfortunately, none of the candidates in the city’s slave markets were qualified enough. We could hire a commoner, but loyalty was paramount. There were too many secrets I preferred not to entrust to someone unbound. A slave contract, though harsh, ensured ironclad loyalty.

  Jennie promised to search for suitable butlers in the next city we visited.

  By the time the meeting concluded, the sun was already high, nearing noon. Thankfully, our maids had prepared a meal, sparing us from hunger after the long discussions.

  After lunch, we struck camp. The pavilion was dismantled with efficiency; wagons loaded, and banners secured. With everything in order, we resumed our journey westward, the road stretching before us like a promise of trials yet to come.