FL - Chapter 30: A Letter from the North

Louis continued explaining the design.

"The main gate will be plated with thick iron, strong against both blades and fire. Arrow slits along the upper stone walls will let archers fire from cover. We will hide oil spouts beneath the roofline; anyone trying to climb the walls gets boiling oil poured on them. Those measures will greatly strengthen the tulou's defenses."

He tapped the blueprint. "Stone on the outside, mud and turf plastered over it, a timber frame within, and hot-spring water for heat. That gives us a tulou castle."

The craftsmen were stunned by its directness and practicality. More than that, Louis had conceived the whole structure in moments.

"Our lord is a genius," several murmured.

Mac considered it, then nodded. "It can work. We might finish within half a year, perhaps less. I cannot promise success; no one here has built anything like it."

"Work out the technical details and do your best." Louis clapped him on the shoulder.

Excited discussion broke out. If the plan succeeded, Crimson Tide Territory would gain both stronger defenses and greater standing throughout the Northlands.

Thus the Crimson Tide Territory tulou project officially began.

...

Duke Calvin began the morning as he always did: exercise, washing, dressing, then a mountain of correspondence in his study.

Most letters were dull matters of land management, finances, marriage alliances, and disputes. Then he noticed one from Louis Calvin.

After a moment, he remembered. Louis was his eighth son, born to the mother who had died young. The boy with poor talent whom he had casually sent north under the Emperor's colonization edict.

"With so many children, remembering them all is difficult," Duke Calvin sighed, rather pleased with himself.

He had ten daughters and twelve sons, while two more concubines were pregnant. Quantity over quality had always been his method: have enough children, and some would surely prove worthwhile. His eldest, Gaius, was deputy commander of the Imperial Guard's Dragonblood Knight Order and likely heir to House Calvin.

Expecting a plea to return south, the Duke opened the letter.

Louis first reported that he had arrived safely and that the territory was developing well. Then came unexpected news: Cold Iron deposits, and a vein of rare Mana Marrow.

The Duke laughed. The Emerald Federation held the only large mines; the Ironblood Empire's Mana Marrow deposits could be counted on one hand. Louis had plainly stumbled into extraordinary luck, but the territory's value had risen enough to justify investment.

The remainder surprised him further. Louis did not ask for luxuries. He requested construction and mining specialists, particularly for the mine and castle; grain, seeds, livestock, tools, and funds; and a Bloodstone, the ore used to test a person's potential to become a knight.

"The boy is smarter than I thought," the Duke said, interest stirring.

The Emperor was tightening control over the old nobility. The Eight Great Houses were weakening, new powers were rising, and even House Calvin felt the growing pressure. A foothold in the Northlands might be useful—though not useful enough to justify a massive investment.

He summoned Bradley.

The old steward entered shortly afterward. Duke Calvin offered him a seat and passed over Louis's letter.

"Louis is requesting people and resources. I will give limited support. Travel north with the caravan and inspect the Mana Marrow mine. A vein like that cannot be exposed carelessly."

"Yes, Your Grace," Bradley replied.

"Send several experienced craftsmen and architects to help construct the town, along with a knight squad. Give him funds, grain, tools, seeds, and livestock—enough to give him a chance, nothing extravagant."

After a moment, the Duke added, "If he governs well, the family will invest more. If he is incompetent, all support ends. Monitor the territory discreetly and keep the matter under control."

"Understood." Bradley bowed.

Duke Calvin went to the window and looked north.

"Louis," he said softly, "do not disappoint me."

(End of Chapter)