CHAPTER 64: COUNCIL BEGAN [2]

Selene offered a graceful, respectful nod toward the Count before gliding toward one of the seats near the right of the table. Then she gestured to the chair beside her and Alaric took his place without hesitation, his black cloak folding behind him as he sat.

Though his eyes flicked over the room once, memorizing faces. Nobles. Merchants. Military officers in ceremonial sashes.

Their gazes returned to him just as quickly.

Whispers were kept behind tight lips, but their eyes were less restrained.

Who is he?A new retainer? A bodyguard? A lover?

But no one asked aloud.

A few more chairs shuffled as the last of the attendees entered, a balding merchant lord with bejeweled fingers and a paunch belly, followed by a young knight adjusting his house tabard. The doors closed behind them with a solid thud, and silence fell.

Count Casten leaned forward, folding his hands atop the polished wood.

"Let us begin."

His voice was deep, clipped, accustomed to being obeyed rather than challenged.

"The matter at hand is Gavin Trost," he said plainly.

A few heads turned. One merchant in red robes gave a slight, disapproving sniff.

"For fifteen years, Gavin Trost operated across the eastern trade routes—controlling grain, exotic spices, and reagents. He paid his taxes, attended seasonal courts, even hosted festivals in the names of local lords."

Casten’s fingers tapped once.

"And yet, beneath the surface, he smuggled restricted goods and illegal artifacts through our borders."

A hush followed. One older noble muttered a curse under his breath.

Selene, ever poised, simply rested her chin on her gloved fingers, listening carefully.

Casten continued. "As of last week, Gavin Trost was captured. His entire estate is now under seizure."

A merchant to the left cleared his throat. "And what of the properties, my lord Count? Trost held eight storehouses, three manors, and four parcels of farmland, all legally registered under House Valtair’s sanction."

Casten gave him a glance like a blade. "They were registered under his name. His holdings are forfeit."

Another noble, a gaunt man in blue, spoke up, "Then I assume the matter of redistribution is why we’ve been summoned?"

Casten gave a slow nod. "Correct. His trade routes must not fall into chaos. Nor should his debts and alliances become seeds for future rebellion. We will be reviewing bids, claims, and strategic allocations."

His eyes swept the room once.

"Some of these assets may be used to reward... those loyal to the stability of the kingdom." He said slowly.

Baron Torren leaned back in his chair, stroking the trimmed lines of his beard.

He was Baron of Ravenglen, one of the larger towns in the eastern region.

"If I may, Count," he said in a low but firm voice.

"The warehouses along the eastern ridge, those fall within a half-day’s ride of Ravenglen. It would be best they come under our jurisdiction. We’ve already got patrols keeping the roads clear."

Selene didn’t turn her head, but her voice was smooth. "A fair point. Though it’s worth remembering those same roads were maintained with Black Thorn gold for over two years. My house absorbed much of that cost."

Torren’s brow lifted, not quite a challenge. "And now we’re all absorbing the fallout."

Before the tension could sharpen, Count Casten raised a hand lightly.

"We will not bicker over old expenses. What matters is whose hands can hold these assets with least disruption."

Garris, a high trader from the merchant’s guild gave a small cough, then leaned forward, rings glinting on his fingers. "With all respect, my lords and ladies, the trade licenses for Trost’s caravans are of equal concern. Several of them were in motion before his arrest. Merchants will want clarity. Fast."

"And they’ll get it," Marshal Varn said from the far end of the table, his voice gravelly.

"But first we need to be sure no remnants of his dealings were with outside factions. I’ve got riders questioning his warehouse clerks."

Baroness Elira of Stoneveil gave a nod. "Until then, it may be wise to temporarily hold Trost’s operations under direct council supervision. A neutral hand."

"A neutral hand?" Varell Duskwood spoke, his eyes flicking briefly to Selene. "And who among us is neutral, Baroness?"

The silence settled in for a few seconds.

Then Selene let out a faint breath and gave a small smile.

"If neutrality is the goal, perhaps Ravenglen and Black Thorn can oversee different halves. His caravan network splits between our roads."

"That network was built using Ravenglen resources," Torren said flatly.

Selene raised an eyebrow. "And his primary distribution hub stood within Black Thorn lands."

Before either could push further, Casten’s voice cut in again.

"Enough. This isn’t a squabble over market stalls. We’ll divide oversight for now. Ravenglen handles the eastern shipments. Black Thorn secures the western lines."

Selene gave a graceful nod.

"And the manor in Blackwood Vale?" Garris asked, glancing at his ledger. "It is a Prime property. Trost used it to host foreign clients."

Baroness Elira lifted a finger lightly. "Stoneveil is closer than most. I’d be willing to oversee the estate until it can be resold."

Selene spoke before Casten could. "It sits along my border. My patrols already monitor the valley. The manor should remain under Black Thorn’s eye."

A pause.

Then Duskwood cleared his throat and leaned in. "If you both want it, then perhaps the manor should go to someone else entirely. Might I suggest one of the lesser houses in need of land?"

The count considered this, fingers tapping once on the table.

"Noted. We’ll settle the manor after reviewing military reports on the valley."

He turned his gaze to Marshal Varn. "And what of the beasts? There’s been more activity near the Redtrail forests, yes?"

Varn gave a small grunt. "Aye. Something’s stirring them again. We’ll need joint patrols before it spreads too far."

But before that topic could take over, Casten looked back toward the traders’ map spread out on the table. "For now, send notices to Trost’s known creditors. Delay the debt calls. I want this transition smooth. Anyone tries to seize assets early, deal with it."

No one questioned it.

Then someone spoke in a low and measured tone, "What about the newly discovered veins?"