The Tamer King

The days following the restoration of Blackthorn Fortress were spent in relentless pursuit of knowledge and power. Zarphinion knew that ruling a fortress was not enough—he needed a kingdom. And to claim it, he had to unearth the full extent of the treachery that had shattered House Soient.

The Web of Betrayal

With Selene's network of spies and informants, Zarphinion's investigation gained momentum. They uncovered layers of deception that stretched further than he had anticipated. Key noble houses that had once sworn allegiance to House Soient had betrayed them, but the real question was—why?

Through intercepted letters and recovered records, a chilling revelation emerged: an external force had influenced these betrayals. A secret coalition of rival houses and rogue mages had orchestrated House Soient's downfall, manipulating greed and ambition to tear apart the family's influence.

Among the names that appeared most frequently was House Valtheris—a noble house that had risen to power suspiciously fast after House Soient's fall. Their wealth, their political leverage, and their control over key trade routes made them a formidable adversary. Zarphinion knew that his next course of action was to send a message—a message of reckoning.

Gathering Lost Allies

Not all houses had turned against Soient willingly. Some had been forced into compliance, while others had gone into hiding to escape retribution. Zarphinion tasked Selene with seeking out these remnants of loyalty.

The first lead took them to an exiled noble, Lord Davos Ironcrest, who had once been a close ally of House Soient. Now living under an assumed name in a small township, he was a man burdened by guilt and regret. When Zarphinion confronted him, Davos initially refused to speak, fearful of what his cooperation might bring. But as Zarphinion laid out his vision—the restoration of a just and powerful rule—Davos relented. He revealed hidden caches of Soient wealth, funds that had been secretly protected, waiting for the right time to be reclaimed. With Davos's support, Zarphinion gained not only financial backing but also access to surviving knights still loyal to his house.

But loyalty alone wouldn't win wars. Zarphinion needed numbers, and that meant turning Blackthorn into more than just a fortress—it had to become a thriving city.

A Sanctuary for the Lost

Blackthorn Fortress had once been a place of cruelty under its former rulers, but now it was a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge. Slaves, displaced warriors, and wandering tradesmen arrived in growing numbers. Zarphinion personally oversaw the establishment of a new system—one where the strong protected the weak, where warriors trained the willing, and where no one would suffer unjust oppression again.

He ordered new housing to be built, markets to be reopened, and combat training for every willing citizen. The fortress was no longer just a military stronghold; it was a capital in the making.

Lilith, using her succubus abilities, helped broker deals with merchants, ensuring a steady flow of resources. Asira, ever by his side, trained new recruits and personally tested the best among them. Selene, meanwhile, expanded her spy network, keeping Zarphinion ahead of his enemies.

But even as he built his future, shadows of the past loomed over him.

The Assassins in the Dark

The first attack came swiftly—poisoned arrows fired at Zarphinion during a late-night meeting in the war room. His quick reflexes and heightened senses saved him, but the assassins escaped. The message was clear: his enemies knew he was alive, and they feared what he was building.

A second attempt followed days later—an explosion meant to collapse a section of the fortress. Fortunately, the sabotage was discovered in time, and the culprit was captured. Under interrogation, the would-be assassin revealed he was hired by House Valtheris, confirming Zarphinion's suspicions.

There would be no more hiding in the shadows. It was time to strike back.

The Plan for War

Zarphinion convened his council, his closest allies gathered in the newly refurbished war chamber. Maps stretched before them, detailing the strongholds of their enemies, trade routes, and hidden weaknesses.

"We strike first," Zarphinion declared. "House Valtheris has grown fat on stolen wealth. They think themselves untouchable. We will remind them what happens when you cross House Soient."

Selene smirked. "You have my scouts ready to move at your command."

Asira crossed her arms. "Give the word, and I'll lead the first strike myself."

Lilith leaned against the table, her eyes gleaming. "If it's war you want, my lord, then let's make it legendary."

Zarphinion nodded. The first step of his revenge was set.

The banner of House Soient would rise again, and those who betrayed them would be crushed beneath it.