Chapter 145 – The New Eisenwald I. Cities & Markets
Two years had passed since the great victory in the War of the Three Barons. Back then, Eisenwald was nothing but swamps and misty wetlands—a land scorned by most nobles. Now, the panorama stretching before the eye was drastically different. Wide cobblestone roads, broad enough for four wagons side by side, ran straight from Citadel Eisenwald toward five satellite cities formed from the conquered baronies: Rottewil, Falkenrath, Hohenberg, Falkenhain, and Drachenfels.
Along those roads, new houses rose. The once-crumbling pinewood roofs were replaced with stone tiles. Merchants from Luminaria's capital built permanent stalls. The scent of baked bread mixed with the heat of smelted iron filled the air—a sign of new life unimaginable to the border folk of the past.
Rottewil became the hub of grain trade. Massive granaries stood by the roadside, tightly guarded by Eisenwald troops. Farmers, who once grew crops only to survive, now sold their harvests in markets at stable prices. The light taxes set by Fenrir kept the economy spinning freely.
Falkenrath, center of lumber and carpentry, echoed with saws and hammers. Forests nearby were logged in cycles, then replanted by administrators to ensure sustainability. Carpenters supplied planks and beams for houses, warehouses, and even river barges.
Hohenberg, with its red clay soil, grew into a center of pottery and ceramics. Its marketplace bustled with vendors selling jars, plates, and fine urns, some even shipped to the capital.
Falkenhain, the busiest border town, became the main northern gateway for foreign traders. The marketplace was a cacophony of tongues: Verdentian traders with their coarse accents, Emberhold merchants in red cloaks, and emissaries from Radiant Vale peddling exotic wares.
Meanwhile, Drachenfels emerged as a hub of iron and coal mining. Thick black smoke rose from great forge-chimneys. Miners who once lived in poverty now received steady pay under Eisenwald's administration, their lives far more secure than under the old barons.
At the heart of it all stood Citadel Eisenwald, the grand castle now completed. From here, all roads converged, all taxes collected, and all decisions decreed. The Citadel was more than a fortress—it was the very heart of Luminaria's northern frontier.
II. Iron Industry & Innovation
Under Calder's leadership, Eisenwald's armory workshops had grown into a sprawling industrial complex. Built on the edge of Drachenfels near the main mines, rows of blazing forges roared day and night, hammers clashing against red-hot iron without pause.
From here were born the famed Eisenwald blades, known across Luminaria: pure steel edges sharp enough to slice ordinary armor like paper. Eisenwald's armor, too, became highly sought after—crafted with an innovative lightweight steel, half the weight of traditional plate yet equally strong.
But Fenrir laid down strict orders: the lightweight steel armor was not to be sold outside. It was Eisenwald's military secret. Standard weapons could be traded, but the most advanced technology was reserved solely for Eisenwald's troops. In this way, Eisenwald secured both economic profit and strategic superiority.
Calder was proud but also careful. He organized Eisenwald's blacksmiths into a guild, where new apprentices trained under seasoned masters. Every blade leaving the forges bore the crimson wolf sigil—proof of quality.
"If one day people see this mark," Calder told his apprentices, "they will know it is more than a sword. It is the symbol of Eisenwald on the battlefield."
III. Administration & Governance
Fenrir knew battlefield victories meant nothing if governance failed. Thus, he established a transparent administrative system.
Each conquered barony was assigned an official administrator, chosen from Eisenwald's most loyal men. These administrators submitted weekly tax reports to the Citadel, overseen by a small council led by senior advisers, including Darius Holt and Selene Aestra.
Taxes were set fairly:
Farmers paid light land tax, but also received seed and tools as compensation. Families of fallen soldiers were granted gold and farmland. Merchants paid fixed, unchanging tariffs, ensuring stable trade.
Fenrir had no tolerance for corruption. His decree was clear: if any official was caught embezzling taxes, their land rights would be stripped, and they would be exiled.
Within two years, results showed. Common folk lived more prosperously. Markets thrived, warehouses stayed full, and official records praised Eisenwald's administration as the most efficient in northern Luminaria.
IV. Political Reputation
But Eisenwald's rapid rise did not escape the nobles' notice.
Rumors spread among aristocrats:
"Viscount Eisenwald rules like a Count."
"In two years, he built cities, markets, roads, and fortresses."
"His army now numbers 18,000, trained with discipline and structure."
Northern Counts grew uneasy. Some sent envoys offering alliances, but many harbored jealousy and fear—that one day Eisenwald might devour their lands.
Whispers reached beyond Luminaria. In Verdentia, forest nobles spoke warily: "If they keep growing, one day they will march into our woods."
In Emberhold, the red-fire generals called Eisenwald "a small ember that could become a blaze." They began sending spies disguised as merchants to probe the secrets of lightweight steel.
In Radiant Vale, word of Eisenwald's weapons spread among the church lords. "If the wolf is not tamed, it will bite all of us," they whispered.
Fenrir knew all this. Lyra and her network of scouts had captured many spies. Some were released back across the border carrying a subtle message: "We know you are watching." Others were interrogated, then turned into double agents feeding false intelligence.
V. Conclusion
That night, Fenrir stood on the high balcony of Citadel Eisenwald, gazing at the capital city bathed in lamplight. The cobblestone roads glowed like golden veins, connecting the satellite cities to the heart of power.
Two years ago, this was nothing but swamp. Now, Eisenwald was a great power. Though officially still a Viscount, both people and nobles knew—his strength equaled that of a Count.
Fenrir gripped his sword, letting his thoughts drift. He knew Eisenwald's meteoric rise had stirred envy, awe, and fear—not only within Luminaria, but far beyond its borders.
And in his heart, he resolved: a turbulent future was coming. Eisenwald must be ready for anything.