Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 173: Bad new over bad new

Maesinius, the newly crowned King of the Northern Kingdom, sat at the long wooden table in the grand throne hall of Thelogontia, his new capital. The dim light of the fire flickered in the hearth, casting shadows along the stone walls and highlighting the tension in the room. Maesinius leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, one hand covering his mouth in deep thought as he stared down at the parchment spread before him.

After their resounding victory at the Battle of Messenia, Maesinius stood before his closest vassals and declared Thelogontia as the capital of the newly formed Northern Kingdom. 

He appointed his most trusted vassals to key positions at his court, ensuring that those who had fought alongside him would continue to shape the future of the new emerging kingdom 

As for the rest of the northern lords, they returned to their lands, their wagons laden with the spoils of war—silvers and gold , grain, and tools seized from the empire's defeated forces. For the first time in many years, their people would not face the biting sting of winter's hunger as bad as they had in previous winter . The knowledge that this winter's famine would be far less cruel filled the hearts of their people with hope. The lords left Thelogontia knowing that they had not only won a great victory but also secured their future through battle and blood. The North, for the first time in living memory, was united under one banner.

The young king's black hair, slightly tousled, fell down onto his neck . A fire crackled nearby, illuminating the faces of the few loyal vassals gathered around him, their expressions mirroring the gravity of the moment.

"Lord Harold," Maesinius said, breaking the silence, his voice low but firm. He removed his hand from his mouth and looked up at his closest advisor, his sharp blue eyes piercing. "Is the news reliable?"

Harold, standing beside him, nodded solemnly. His scarred face was set in a grim expression as he confirmed the worst.