Page 140 of Silver & Smoke
– A New History of Delmira
LORD LUCIAN DEVEREUXdied two days later of natural causes. To Wren, his death felt both too easy and well earned – a quiet end for a loud man who had caused so much pain. His influence lingered in the confusion of his men, in the trust that had to be regained as Darian took his father’s place as the lord and master of the Devereux fortune. The nobleman had played his part masterfully. During his absence, he’d convinced Lucian that he had orchestrated Wren’s downfall from within, and at long last he’d gained access to the accounts, documents and contracts in the Devereux name, transferring power piece by piece.
When it came, the poison was elegant, untraceable, its victim dying with the belief that he had won.
The depth of Lucian’s treason emerged after his death: the evidence of his dealings with Silas, his plans to use Wren’s power only to dispose of her at the opportune moment, the orders forthe assassination of Torj Elderbrock, not to mention the proof of decades of manipulation of the Tverrian kingdom.
Wren did take one central idea from the dead nobleman, though. She opened Delmira to the people of the midrealms, inviting those struggling to farm elsewhere to take a parcel of land for themselves in her kingdom and cultivate crops and livestock. It was Darian who impressed upon her just how vital agriculture would be to the economic development and sustainability of Delmira.
Before Talemir and Drue had left for Naarva, she had offered them the same – should any shadow-touched folk wish to make a fresh start, they would be given land in her kingdom and would be treated with the respect that they deserved. Talemir had been touched and vowed to pass on her offer to any who would hear it.
Unlike their mothers’ fragile alliance, Wren and Zavier had forged something stronger in the crucible of scholarly pursuits and war. As newly crowned rulers of Delmira and Naarva, they were already drafting a new treaty – one built not just on mutual protection, but on genuine cooperation and trust.
Cal had surprised everyone by accepting Zavier’s invitation to serve as Naarva’s liaison to Thezmarr, overseeing military training and ensuring direct communication to the rest of the kingdoms.
‘It’s the end of an era,’ Kipp had sighed, slinging an arm over his friend’s shoulders.
‘And the beginning of a new one. Hopefully with less regrettable tattoos,’ Cal had quipped.
The inter-kingdom relations were just one of the countless responsibilities now weighing on Wren’s shoulders, with the internal affairs of Delmira demanding even more of her attention and dedication. Whether Silas’s claims about her mother’s betrayal held truth or not, Wren suspected she might never know for certain. Regardless, she was determined to rule more fairly than her predecessors, forging her own path forwards for the kingdom she had inherited.
‘You need to appoint regional governors or lords, and from there,establish the best trade routes,’ Darian said over a meal one evening.
‘Delmira was once the most prosperous kingdom in the mid-realms,’ Wren answered, sipping from a full goblet of wine. ‘Can we assess the original routes and go from there?’
Darian nodded. ‘I was going to suggest the same. Do you have anyone in mind for regional governors?’
Wren pushed her plate back and rubbed her temples. ‘I don’t want lords or noblemen from other kingdoms. I want the Delmirian people to elect them.’
‘That’s a dangerous game,’ Darian started.
Wren shook her head. ‘It feels right. We’re in this position because of the corruption of the nobility and the rulers. We need new leaders – leaders who have the people’s best interests at heart, who understand the plight of the common folk. Delmira will adhere to the laws of the midrealms and the laws of Thezmarr.’
‘Well, then I look forward to seeing this new world. May it be a rebalance of power and change for the better,’ Darian said. ‘I have the funding for the roads and bridges in place, with planners arriving by the end of the week to start work on infrastructure. Kipp assessed the previous layouts and made improvements, but for the most part, we are able to follow the design from the maps of the kingdom. We may even find foundations we can use.’
‘Good.’
‘What about defence forces? You’re in a vulnerable position, with all this prosperous land but no military...’
‘I don’t even want to think about that right now,’ Wren muttered.
‘You should. You, more than anyone, have seen how quickly power changes hands when there is wealth at stake. At least allow me to have some defensive structures built – watchtowers, walls and the like.’
‘The priority should be the people—’
‘You barely have any people,’ Darian argued.
‘They will come,’ Wren told him. ‘Vernich tells me that those who lived in the Warren plan to return to the lands above.Delmirians who fled decades ago wish to come home, and there are plenty of people throughout the midrealms who long for a new beginning. Delmira will give that to them. We will welcome everyone.’
‘A noble sentiment, but what if the kingdom is attacked—’
‘Are we expecting an attack? Have you had word from Kipp’s sources? Your own?’ she pressed.
‘No. But being prepared is the best defence.’
Wren sighed and looked up from her clasped hands. She sought the four Warswords seated in their midst. Torj, Thea, Wilder and Cal were all part of the negotiations and planning, and she valued their input more than anyone’s.
‘What do you think?’ she asked.
