CHAPTER 74 Wren
Wren
‘At the commencement of her reign, Elwren Embervale, Queen of Delmira, ordered hundreds of fields of silvertide roses to be planted across her kingdom’
– A New History of Delmira
LORD LUCIAN DEVEREUX died 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 for the 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.
Torj was the first to speak. ‘He’s got a point. And years from now, when the kingdom has regained its footing and been built up again, you’ll be glad for defensive structures.’
Thea dipped her head in agreement. ‘You might not have the numbers to man the posts now. But one day you will, and when that day comes, everything will be in place.’
Wren sighed again. ‘Alright, Darian. Build your watchtowers.’
‘They’re your watchtowers, Majesty,’ the nobleman replied with a wry smile.
‘Anything else?’ she asked, eager to bring the discussion to a close.
‘We’re making good progress with the granaries and warehouses being built,’ Kipp answered, pushing Wren’s empty plate aside and smoothing a map flat before her.
‘Here and here,’ he pointed. ‘When the rubble has been completely cleared, we’re prioritizing the rebuild of the forge and tanners.
Land has been offered to skilled workers from neighbouring kingdoms should they wish to offer their services. ’
‘Clever,’ Wren replied. ‘And?’
‘Well . . .’ Kipp looked sheepish for a moment. ‘You might recall that we made a deal . . .’
‘I do indeed, Kristopher,’ she said, raising a brow.
‘Then, with your permission, I ask that I am able to collect that debt now.’
Much to everyone else’s surprise, Wren burst out laughing. And Kipp grinned.
‘Are we finally going to find out what your deal was about?’ Torj demanded.
‘In part, I suppose,’ Wren replied. ‘Kipp assisted me with something, and in exchange, I promised to give him land to build a tavern in Delmira.’
Thea’s brows shot up. ‘You mean you won’t be trying to take over the Flying Stag?’
‘Please.’ Kipp waved her off. ‘One day I’ll inherit the Fox, so I have no need for one of its sister taverns . . .’
‘So what, then?’ Cal asked.
‘I’ll be building my own from the ground up. It’s always been a dream of mine.’
Cal scoffed. ‘Since when?’
‘Since Wren asked me for a favour, and I decided I wanted to build a tavern from the ground up,’ Kipp replied. ‘It’s going to be called Professor’s Corner.’
For a moment, Cal blinked at him, before he burst out laughing. ‘Figures.’
‘If there’s nothing else,’ Wren started, hiding her own smile. ‘There’s one more item I want to add to today’s agenda . . . The reopening of Drevenor Academy.’
The tent went quiet, but Wren surveyed her companions with calm resolve.
Fate had steered her away from her lifelong dream of becoming a Master Alchemist, the title she’d once coveted above all else.
Yet while her own path had changed course, that didn’t mean others couldn’t continue where she’d left off – their success would be part of her legacy too, a different kind of mastery than the one she’d imagined.
‘Wren . . .’ Thea said gently. ‘Don’t you think you’ve got enough on your plate without adding the rebuild of an alchemy institution in another kingdom?’
Wren laughed. ‘You’d think so. However, I’ve spoken with the High Chancellor and the other masters .
. . I offered Delmira as a place to restart.
More specifically, the cottage where I used to live.
It would be small, nothing so grand as what it was, but .
. . it’s a chance to give back, and Delmira seems like the right place, in terms of its soil. ’
‘You’re sure about this?’ Thea asked, frowning.
‘It won’t be what it was,’ Wren assured her.
‘No loyalty tests or deadly gauntlets. Dessa will make sure of that – she’s going to continue her training with the masters so that she can become one of them.
We want to create a place for alchemists, a home – in the same way that warriors have always had a place at Thezmarr. ’
‘To the new Drevenor, then,’ Kipp declared, raising his flask.
‘To the new Drevenor,’ Wren and the others echoed back.