Deep in the night, the campfire crackled and popped. Leylo sat at the head of the camp while Ed reported the results of their spoils.
"My Lord, the physical supplies captured were meager," Ed began, taking a small chest from a nearby knight. "However, we found over five thousand Gold Dragons and a significant amount of jewelry. It seems these scoundrels were quite active in kidnapping and extortion."
Ed opened the chest to reveal a few curious items. "Stone Crow possessed several magical tools that are quite interesting."
The Spoils of Raven's Nest
Silence Stone: A pitch-black, irregular stone. It creates a zone of absolute silence (3-5 meters in diameter) where no sound can enter or leave.
Magic Rope: A dark green, thumb-thick rope. It responds to mana, moving like a living serpent to bind targets with immense tensile strength.
Repulsion Gloves: Dark brown leather gloves inlaid with cyan crystals.
"These are Repulsion Gloves," Ed explained, gesturing with them. "When activated, they release a shockwave that pushes back enemies or deflects incoming arrows within three meters. They require about seven minutes to recharge after use."
Leylo kept the first two items but tossed the Repulsion Gloves to Ed. "Keep these, Ed. They'll be useful for you when leading a charge or if you're ever surrounded."
New Order and the Journey Home
At dawn, Leylo stood atop the stone platform. He looked down at the cowering bandits and gave Bolin his orders.
"Bolin, you are in charge of Raven's Nest for now. Count every coin. As for the prisoners: those who have committed heinous crimes go to Group One. Those with lighter offenses go to Group Two. Those coerced into joining who haven't shed innocent blood are Group Three."
He continued calmly, "Groups One and Two are to be sent to Master Barnaby's lab as needed. Group Three will be formed into a Penal Battalion. If they prove their loyalty and valor, they may eventually become official soldiers of Blackstone."
"Understood!" Bolin replied.
Leaving Bolin to manage the valley, Leylo mounted Tempest and took to the skies with Ed following on his own griffin. As they flew over the Iron Thorn Territory, the sight changed drastically. Unlike the rugged, stony soil of Blackstone, Iron Thorn was a land of "milk and honey"—vast, orderly wheat fields waving in the wind and the silver ribbon of the Blackwater River nourishing the plains.
"This land can feed our people," Leylo mused. "If managed well, Iron Thorn will become the granary of the North."
The Gift of Governance
As they landed back at Blackstone Castle, Leylo noticed a convoy of dozens of heavy carriages marked with the Golden Compass Merchant House insignia.
"It seems Lady Anna's convoy has arrived," Leylo noted.
A polished middle-aged man stepped forward. "Lord Leylo, I am the steward of the Golden Compass. Lady Anna has sent these supplies as essential for Blackstone's development."
The list was exhaustive: grain, cloth, medicinal herbs, iron ingots, refined ores, and even semi-finished alchemical materials. It was exactly what the territory needed to survive the coming winter and fuel its military expansion.
"But more importantly," the steward added, "Lady Anna has found three individuals of administrative talent to serve you."
Three figures stepped forward:
Erwin (The Administrator): A stern man of forty, formerly of the Kingdom's Administrative Office. Expert in law, paperwork, and daily governance.
Martha (The Agronomist): A weathered woman with a deep understanding of crop rotation, livestock improvement, and irrigation.
Robert (The Merchant/Prospector): A shrewd man with a background in long-distance trade, mining, and resource exploration.
Leylo was delighted. Administrative talent was his biggest bottleneck. He immediately appointed them:
Erwin as Chief Secretary (Governance and Law).
Martha as Minister of Agriculture (Food and Water).
Robert as Commercial Consultant (Mining and Trade).
"Spend a week surveying the territory," Leylo instructed them, providing each with horses and guards. "I need to know our true potential."
As the new blood began to circulate through the veins of Blackstone's bureaucracy, Leylo turned his attention back to the shadows. The assassin "Night Owl" was still coming. With Moonlight and Tempest by his side, he was confident, but he knew the best defense was a proactive offense.