Chapter 105
The abandoned hunting lodge stood deep within the forest.
Its broken walls and weathered roof made it appear forgotten.
Exactly as Bracken intended.
A fire crackled quietly inside while rain tapped softly against the windows.
Bracken stood before a large map spread across the table.
Small wooden markers had been placed across Emberforge Duchy.
Every mine.
Every village.
Every trade road.
Every supply route.
Nothing escaped his attention.
The door opened.
One of his spies entered, covered in mud and dust from several days of travel.
He immediately dropped to one knee.
"My Lord."
Bracken never looked up, "Report."
"The rescue continues."
Bracken slowly lifted his eyes, "So...They're still alive."
The spy nodded, "Yes, my lord. There are still voices being heard beneath the mountain. The rescuers believe many miners survived inside the lower tunnels."
Bracken's expression remained unchanged, "How unfortunate."
The spy swallowed nervously.
"They're digging day and night. Duke Owen refuses to leave."
Bracken gave a quiet laugh, "I expected nothing less."
His fingers traced Emberforge Mountain on the map.
"Owen was always sentimental. "He loves his people. That has always been his greatest strength..."
His smile slowly widened, "...and his greatest weakness."
The spy continued, "The King has returned to Emberforge Manor."
Bracken raised an eyebrow, "The mountain?"
"No, my lord. The former king advised His Majesty that the rescue already has capable leaders. So instead, His Majesty has been helping at the medical center."
Bracken looked genuinely surprised, "Helping?"
The spy nodded, "He carries supplies. He assists the physicians. He helps move the injured. He works beside the servants."
For the first time...Bracken's smile faded "Interesting."
He leaned back thoughtfully, "So...The boy is beginning to think for himself."
Silence settled over the room.
After a long moment he waved dismissively.
"It changes nothing."
The spy hesitated, "There is another matter."
Bracken looked up, "The palace has sent wagons filled with food, medicine, blankets, and supplies. The royal physicians remain in Emberforge."
Bracken nodded slowly, "As expected.But..."
The spy smiled, "It isn't enough."
That caught Bracken's attention, "What do you mean?"
"The rescue has gone on much longer than anyone anticipated. There are hundreds of mouths to feed. The injured. The rescuers. The soldiers. The miners' families. The palace supplies have slowed the shortages..."
He paused, ...but the duchy is still running dangerously low."
Bracken's eyes gleamed.
"Food?"
"Running low."
"Medicine?"
"Being rationed."
"Medical herbs?"
"Nearly exhausted."
A slow smile spread across Bracken's face.
"There it is."
The spy looked confused, "My Lord?"
Bracken tapped the map,
"People believe destroying a mine destroys a duchy."
He shook his head, "No. A duchy dies much more slowly than that."
He placed another marker on the map, "You don't kill a man with one wound. You let him bleed."
Another marker.
"You exhaust his food."
Another.
"His medicine."
Another.
"His coin and finally..."
He smiled coldly.
"...his hope."
The room suddenly felt colder.
The spy lowered his head.
"My Lord...What are your orders?"
Bracken walked toward the window.
Far beyond the forest lay Emberforge.
Even from this distance, he imagined he could see the smoke rising from the mountain.
"Do nothing."
The spy blinked.
"My Lord?"
"Nothing?"
Bracken chuckled softly, They're already exhausting themselves. They haven't slept. They're burning through supplies. They're emptying their treasury.....Why interfere with people who are destroying themselves?"
The spy slowly nodded, "I understand."
Bracken's eyes darkened, "But..."
The single word froze everyone in the room.
"If another opportunity presents itself..."
He turned, "...I want Aurora Ambrose dead."
Silence.
"Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord."
Bracken stepped closer until only inches separated them.
"I failed once. I will not fail twice."
His voice became almost gentle.
"That girl......is becoming far more dangerous than her father ever was and to destroy Owen, you destroy his most treasured item."
The spy swallowed hard.
"I'll inform the others."
Bracken nodded, "Go."
The spy hurried from the room.
Once the door closed, Bracken returned to the map.
His fingers rested upon the tiny wooden piece representing Emberforge Manor.
"Aurora..." he murmured, "You've impressed me. You should have been Eleanor's and my daughter"
A cruel smile spread slowly across his face.
"But every hero eventually reaches the point where they have nothing left to give."
He picked up the wooden marker......and laid it on its side.
"I wonder......how much longer before you break."
Outside...
Thunder rolled across the sky.
Inside the hunting lodge...
Bracken smiled.
Because he believed time itself had become his greatest ally.
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