Stronghold
Author: Bluemaca
last update2025-07-08 19:00:39

After examining him for far too long, the guard vanished into the estate.

The gate moaned open after a few minutes.

Baron Atkins sat in the hall in a chair that looked like a throne.

Each finger had a ring.

A plump goblet of wine remained unopened, quivering a little as he moved around in his chair.

Atkins said, feigning laughter. "Has House Talvace really dropped this low? Mercenaries are now coming and demanding people."

Steven did not bow or make any small talk.

He just moved forward and met his gaze. "I am here to see Rosina Talvace released, the young lady that you locked away."

Laughing, the Baron said. "Her family owes me more money than you or individuals like you could ever imagine."

Steven curled his mouth a little. "Then your dreams might be too insignificant."

The room became quiet.

Baron Atkins giggled and leaned forward. "You have self-confidence, I find that appealin
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  • Return

    The lantern flickered softly, illuminating Steven with gentle glows. He was staring at the map spread out on the table. Pins with symbols on them were placed at different points throughout Headow.There was a knock on the door, and Rosina entered first, then a tall, wiry man with a half-burned ear and a cheeky smile. The bandit who had given up following the hillside skirmish was Beaver."Lord, you sent for me... Beaver, his eyes bright with interest, bowed slightly.Steven gestured to the seat on the other side. "Yes, sit down."Twyford raised his eyebrows but remained silent. Steven remarked. "You have smuggled weapons, led men through the woods, snuck past soldiers, and stolen from nobles. You are familiar with the inner workings of a city."Beaver smiled. "Commander, you flatter me. Even so, all of that is accurate.""I need information," Steven uttered. "I want names, not speculation. The secret meetings, bribes, and dark whispers."

  • Stronghold

    After examining him for far too long, the guard vanished into the estate.The gate moaned open after a few minutes.Baron Atkins sat in the hall in a chair that looked like a throne. Each finger had a ring. A plump goblet of wine remained unopened, quivering a little as he moved around in his chair.Atkins said, feigning laughter. "Has House Talvace really dropped this low? Mercenaries are now coming and demanding people." Steven did not bow or make any small talk. He just moved forward and met his gaze. "I am here to see Rosina Talvace released, the young lady that you locked away."Laughing, the Baron said. "Her family owes me more money than you or individuals like you could ever imagine."Steven curled his mouth a little. "Then your dreams might be too insignificant."The room became quiet.Baron Atkins giggled and leaned forward. "You have self-confidence, I find that appealin

  • Rage

    "You believe that debts disappear like mist?" the man mocked. "Lord Atkins is owed thirty gold marks by your family. Thus, this is your fate until your family reimburses him." One of the battered men screamed, "Please! We paid the dues last week, and we need more time to gather the money." Pinel scoffed and poured his wine over the man, saying, "Try selling your niece, and a gold mark will be obtained." Steven gritted his teeth. He felt a quiet rage burning in his chest. Clinton already reached for his sword as he asked. "Should we get involved?" Steven moved forward without saying a word as he walked through the crowd. He kept his gaze on the nobleman. Steven remarked in a composed yet firm tone. "You appear to take pleasure in torturing the weak." Pinel squinted as he spun. "And who are you t

  • Headow

    A blood-soaked, bare-chested man barked at his men. "Cowards, get up and fight." Steven moved forward with his sword ready. "Who is he?" He saw Twyford beside him, breathing heavily. "He is called Murdac, one of the five captains. He fought in border conflicts before going missing five years ago." Murdac gave a loud roar. "Come, die like the others!" Calmly, Steven raised a hand to stop his men and said, "Hold." He spoke in a clear voice. "Twyford. Do you recall that you said two strikes?" Twyford let out a sigh. "Yes, I did." Steven nodded a little. "Show it." Twyford walked onward toward the captain of the bandits. Murdac gave a mocking grin. "Are you sending your dog to confront me?" Twyford gave a smile. "The blade that cuts at his command is me." Murdac took a defensive stance, forcing Twyford to take a step back.

  • Victory Favors the Bold

    Clinton made a double-watch post. They moved with grim precision. Sitting close to the fire, Steven prodded at a scorched pork on a tin plate. Twyford groaned and sat down next to him, massaging his shoulder. A shout, however, came from the edge of the camp before the warmth had subsided. "East side, movement!" In a moment, the camp came alive. Swords drawn. The second attack was less coordinated. The bandits were chased away in a matter of minutes. Steven had battled once more. There was no freezing this time. He made no hesitation. The men witnessed it. Clinton, too, nodded curtly as he went by. The following afternoon, it occurred once more.

  • Fight!

    The droning DREAM machine and the weak light of monitors showing a young man's vital signs. A pale body lay motionless within the translucent pod, his upper body moving up and down with deliberate breaths. Two people were standing close by, their faces illuminated by the monitors' flicker. Justin, Steven's father was at the bedside and the other was the chief medical officer, Dr. Adeyemi, who was in charge of Steven's health as well as the machine. "It is amazing," the doctor muttered faintly. "We weren't prepared for the level of integration with his physiology. His vitals are steady, which is much better than anyone could have anticipated for a guy with his condition. Justin clasped and murmured slowly. "How much time can this go on? How much longer is the DREAM able to suspend him in this manner?" Silently, Dr. Adeyemi said as she looked over the readings. "Weeks, maybe even months. The machine anchors his consciousness inside the simulatio

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