It had been almost four months. In that time, I established a camp near the river, nestled between forested hills. The location was naturally well defended, with an abundant water supply, an ideal place to settle. Everything had been going smoothly but somehow, though, I had also become the cult leader of more than a thousand people.
The devotion they showed me was frightening, especially the free slaves and it was all because of the man standing next to me: Father Basil. Every time he spoke, something absurd happened. I had met crazy people before, but never a true lunatic. I believed I had finally found one.
Noticing my stare, he smiled.
"Lord, how can I help you? Don't hesitate to order the servants. Your word is my command," he said eagerly, pulling out a pen and paper.
"Can you stop with the 'Lord'? Just call me by my name," I said, my face serious.
"You are truly humble, my Lord, but I am merely your servant. It would insult God if I addressed you by name. Why are worthless kings, nobles, judges, and greedy men who suck the blood of their own people called 'Lord'? None of them deserve it—but you, my Lord, are the only one who truly does. We believe that you will..."
I raised my hand to stop him. His words were so deranged they barely made sense.
"Forgive me, my Lord. I could not fulfill your command. I deserve death for my failure," the priest said, bowing his head.
The same answer as always. Why did I even bother asking? I gave up. I was getting used to being called "Lord" now...anyone would, after hearing it hundreds of times a day.
"Enough. Give me today's report," I said.
The priest raised his head, his eyes nearly brimming with tears.
"Your mercy knows no bounds, my Lord. I am eternally grateful for the grace you have bestowed upon this worthle..."
My sword rested loudly on the table.
"Report. Please."
He nodded quickly and lowered his gaze to his notes.
"Y-yes, my Lord. The council will meet today. Construction of the wall is complete, and our Angel Blood communities are now well defended. Issues with electricity and agriculture are being addressed, and progress has advanced significantly. Further details will be explained by the council members. Lastly, more than thirty people joined Angel Blood this week."
"And the search team?" I asked.
"They will arrive today to report their findings," he replied.
It had been months, yet there was still no sign of Clementine. I had sent hundreds of people to look for her, but they found nothing. I desperately hoped Molly would bring good news this week.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed the council members arriving.
Because of the sergeant's betrayal, hundreds had died at the hands of the undead. Many more would have perished if Michonne hadn't warned them in advance. When the communities fled the horde, abandoning their camps, everything was destroyed. With nowhere else to go, they joined Angel Blood—and I made their leaders council members.
There were six council members in total.
Robert, the Herald, managed supplies.
The Moonshine brothers—Bob and Harry—served as Quartermasters, responsible for food.
Nicole was the Warden, enforcing rules and overseeing defense and combat.
Michonne was the Marshal, responsible for justice and punishment.
I had wanted Michonne to oversee defense, but she lacked experience. Justice suited her better...she was harsh but fair; which was exactly what the role required.
The last member was the priest beside me. He handled… something. I honestly wasn't sure what. All I knew was that he makes my public image good and delivered a daily report. Most of what he said went over my head, so I didn't dwell on it. I kept him close because he was reliable most of the time and fiercely loyal also because people trusted his words, even if I thought they were nonsense.
All five placed a fist over their chest and spoke in unison.
"My Lord."
My eyes drifted to the priest, who smiled proudly. He was the reason I heard that word hundreds of times a day.
"Everyone, have a seat."
They sat. Robert spoke first.
"Two windmills have been built and will be operational in a few days. However, we're facing a lumber shortage. If this continues, housing construction will stall."
I had already reviewed the paperwork two days ago. At the time, we were short on manpower.
"Nicole, send twenty men to gather lumber until the shortage is resolved."
Before she could reply, I added, "I know you need them to clear the area, but I'll join the extermination group for a few days. That shouldn't be a problem."
She considered it briefly, her hand clenched.
"That won't be an issue."
"Thank you, my Lord," Robert said, smiling.
I turned to Nicole.
"All supplies from the previous camp have been transferred. We also discovered a new community far north...about fifty to sixty people."
That caught my attention.
"If they're friendly, establish trade. If not… you know what to do."
Nicole smiled faintly. "I'll investigate and report back."
I turned to the Moonshine brothers.
"Okay, kid... sorry, ahh Commander," Bob said. "We've built greenhouses and are ready to plant, but walkers have been spotted in the forest. It's making foraging dangerous. If they're cleared out, it'll be much safer."
"Coordinate with Nicole," I said.
Bob nodded. Harry remained silent. Ever since their youngest brother died, he had withdrawn often ignoring even Bob.
I then looked at Michonne.
"Everything is stable, but there have been several fights between the believers and the others. It's becoming difficult to control."
Slowly, I turned to the priest.
"What did you do?"
"Everyone should kneel before the Angel of Death, not wicked and greedy kings. You, my Lord, are worthy of reverence. We believers simply wish for all to kneel before you as a sign of—"
I raised my hand.
"I don't want to hear this complaint again."
The priest nodded reluctantly. "As you wish, my Lord."
After the reports, we discussed future plans, electricity, settlement defenses, and long-term sustainability. A few hours later, the council dispersed, Especially the priest.
I stared at the stack of documents on my desk and began reading them one by one.
Suddenly, the office door burst open.
"I found a clue about Clementine," Molly said.