As the dust of Rodrik's words settled, the hall slowly turned into a war chamber. Lords who had come with doubt now leaned over the large oak table, where Rodrik's maps were spread out. The shift in the atmosphere was unmistakable — the boy-lord had won their attention. Now, he had to earn their loyalty.
Rodrik stood beside Yobert as the bannermen formed a circle around the map.
"I've divided the mountain region into five sectors," Rodrik began, pointing to each segment drawn with charcoal lines. "Each is home to a major clan — Burned Men, Painted Dogs, Moon Brothers, Black Ears, and Stone Crows. Each clan fights differently, with the Burned Men being the most brutal and unpredictable."
He turned to Lady Anya Waynwood.
"Lady Waynwood, your men are closest to the Burned Men's territory. I'll need your forces to hold the line at the eastern ridge to prevent their retreat once the main force advances."
She gave a curt nod. "You'll have our swords."
Rodrik turned to Lord Belmore.
"Your family's mines have the best elevation and natural defenses. I want your archer troops units to be stationed there. We'll use the elevation to bombard the Painted Dogs before they can regroup."
"We'll need at least three dozen mules for transport," Belmore replied.
"You'll have them within the week," Rodrik answered without hesitation.
He then turned to the larger map of the Vale and circled a route in red ink.
"This here is the spine of the plan," Rodrik said. "The Black Pass. We'll construct temporary roads to move men quickly through the valley. Our engineers will go in first under heavy guard to build the route. Then we attack — quick, coordinated, and merciless."
Yobert asked, "And the supply lines?"
"We'll mobilize quartermasters to store food and medicine at three forward bases. Every bannerman will be responsible for one week of provisions before they can draw from shared reserves."
Lord Redfort raised a brow. "You're treating this like a professional campaign, not a noble show of strength."
Rodrik smiled. "That's because I intend to win. Not posture."
Some of the lords chuckled, the ice between them and their young lord melting.
Rodrik's voice lowered slightly. "And there is one final element…I will keep it a surprise for now"
the war Coucil of that day was concluded after a night of drinking.
As the general council broke into smaller clusters. Behind closed doors, alliances were cemented as Rodrik knew that you can't expect for Lords to give their all in a war just based on a motivational speech so he would need to motivate them seperately.
Lord Morton Redfort: Rodrik promised him a share in the future road-building ventures, letting House Redfort oversee logistics and construction in Vale. In return, Redfort pledged 400 spears and 60 knights.
Lady Anya Waynwood: Rodrik acknowledged the weight her house held among the Vale nobility and offered to support her grandson's appointment as Master of Laws in the Vale's small council. She, in turn, swore full military cooperation and agreed to host the first field hospital for wounded soldiers.
House Hunter & Belmore: Rodrik made arrangements for land grants for younger sons and knights who distinguished themselves in the campaign, encouraging the lesser houses to commit more men with promises of upward mobility.
For House Royce even though it was not needed he still have something to Rhea. A promise to see her arrangement ended with Prince Deamon without bringing any dishonour to her or her house.
Later That Night – Rodrik & Yobert
As the lords retired, the two cousins sat alone by the war table, maps now littered with marked plans and sigils.
Yobert exhaled deeply. "You moved them like a master player moves pieces on a cyvasse board."
Rodrik looked tired but satisfied. "They needed to know this wasn't a boy's war. And I needed to know they wouldn't run when it got bloody."
Yobert leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You've just united the Vale for war. The first time in a generation. Do you think you're ready for what comes next?"
Rodrik stared at the burning hearth for a long moment.
"I have to be," he said.