Outside, flames danced atop the iron braziers, casting long, flickering shadows across the camp. The orange glow etched grim patterns onto the faces of several dozen soldiers, each man moving with mechanical precision as they assembled the Dragon Head ballistas under strict orders. Lord Commander Alec Lyon stood behind them, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes hard as tempered steel.
None dared falter under that gaze.
Though now a noble, Alec had not been granted ownership of the Grand Aegis Legion by default, as lords in other domains often were. His authority was limited, not inherited.
Asher—once a man of Earth—had seen what unchecked military autonomy could do to a kingdom. He had known warlords, factions, coups. Because of that, he forged a different path. In his realm, all elite forces reported directly to House Ashbourne. Power remained at the core, loyal and consolidated. Rebellion, in such a structure, was not impossible—but far less likely.
