A small transport ship descended with a rhythmic hum, cutting through the clouds as a huge facility came into view. It was humongous and lay on a cliff like a giant resting and looking over the land. Multiple banners of House Voss were floating rapidly in the strong winds.
Unlike most facilities scattered across the planet, the Voss Stronghold was unique, not only was it a fortress but was a symbol of ambition and technology prowess. Built into the spine of Velmora's northern highlands, the base combined brutalist design with sleek modernity.
Snow settled in gentle drifts across the broad landing pads, partially melted by residual heat of docked aircraft. Metal walkways crisscrossed the facility like arteries linking key areas together. Blue lights pulsed beneath the grated floors, and hidden sections hummed with energy.
This was not just a home, but a war machine clad in steel and stone.
Uniformed personnel stood around, in all places of interest, all armed with weapons and diligent. The transport ship landed carefully, and Wein stepped out. His boots landed with a quiet crunch on the frozen platform, his long coat fluttered in the breeze.
A pair of aides met him immediately, offering a salute. Wein could see it in their eyes, their respect and diligence.
"We greet you, lord," said the older of the two, a steward named Halric. He was hand chosen by Wein himself after reading his report. He was mostly impressed by how diligent he was said to be which would complement his inexperience as lord. "Welcome home."
"Feels strange hearing that," Wein said, returning a brief nod. His gaze swept the perimeter, turrets lay dormant, guards ever watchful and a few drones flying above. It was serving its purpose as a stronghold well.
The aids guided him inside through a vaulted corridor. At its heart passed many columns the Voss family banners lay resting. In-between was a huge door, so huge Wein had to physically tilt his head to see the top.
The door was decorated with many intricate patterns and style adding to the dignity of the base and owner.
Despite the huge appearance, the door opened easily with a hiss and mechanical whirr.
Beyond it lay a long corridor, with a thick red carpet running straight through its centre. On side of the wall was transparent, revealing the stunning views of the northern ridge, snow swept forest, jagged rocks and a faint glimmering of the river far below.
"This way, my lord," Halric said as the turned and walked towards the residential wing.
The suite was spacious, with dark wood panels and youthful décor more befitting of a younger man as opposed to Neilson. There were shelves of military texts and a living space to match. Adding to that was a window overlooking the northern ridge.
"Everything has been prepared just as you requested my lord," Halric spoke.
Wein nodded, noticing a few medals and old hollow images. The base was solely Neilson's home but it was evident that Tarin has made himself at home. His images from his battles and medals were everywhere and in the centre lay a huge portrait of a patriotic man.
Tarin loved the Voss name and more so his people and in turn he was loved by the people too. He had heard stories from the troopers, the reverence and respect with which he was spoken with.
"All the servants and personnel have settled in. As ordered, there will be no communication with the outside world. The personnel have been thoroughly vetted and can be trusted" Halric continued.
"Good" Wein replied.
He moved to a nearby window, overlooking the frozen ridge. The silence here was different from the estate in the capital. Out here, he had no neighbours, the closest cities was too far away. All he had was the silent reprieve of nature.
This was his safe place, invasion was difficult. The airspace was restricted, land assault could be spotted and the base housed the most secure system in the entire territory.
"For the coming weeks, I don't want any unauthorised exits and entrances" Wein ordered. "Also ensure that the personnel do not wander into restricted areas".
Halric bowed his head. "At once, my lord"
The steward left, his boots echoing down the hallway.
Wein lingered alone in the suite, eyes once more on Tarin's portrait. Silence fell in the room, then a soft hiss broke it. Astra's voice resonated through the room.
"Incoming message," she said.
"Speak," Wein replied.
"Data from the operations have been compiled. Waiting for report briefing"
Wein tapped his chin. Soon he would have to convene with the military personnel and administration to deal with this. The data from the criminal syndicates they attacked was compromising. For long, corruption was a thing in Velmora though suppressed. There was without a doubt, numerous officials involved in the crimes.
Black market trafficking to outer districts, bribes and blackmails. And above all, there was evidence of outside interference, enemy houses.
…
Later that night.
Wein sat, legs crossed on a chair of a small room. In front him were the two siblings, the Vornkir, Zaelith and Zaya. Unlike before, they were cleaner, bandaged and wounds attended. Sitting across from him as if equals though they knew their worth. But despite that, they carried resignation. Zaelith sat with his hands flat on his knees, answering only when spoken to. Zaya had not looked up once, shrinking to her brother's side.
Wein had secretly transported them to the base. Beside them was Halric and two other troopers, he trusted.
The room was modest in size but too clean. There were no windows, no exit but one door and cameras in every corner. There were the daily necessities, befitting for two people to live.
Zaelith and Zaya stood across from him, silent. They did not dare meet his gaze, being tormented by visions of Neilson's abuse every time they saw the insignia on Wein's chest. He noticed that.
"We… we did not get to speak much last time," Wein began, his voice low and calm. "I am Wein Voss, the new lord of the House".
Zaelith blinked but said nothing. Zaya kept her eyes on the floor, using her brother as a shield.
Wein continued. "I have read up on who you are. I… am aware of how my predecessor treated you and I can understand your reluctance. But I won't follow in his footsteps. You have my word".
The siblings did not believe him, obviously.
"….Thank you, my… lord" Zaelith replied finally, his voice dry. Zaya shrunk even more behind her brother.
Wein could tell, the distrust in his voice but he did not press. He knew he could not buy their trust so easily especially after everything they went through. For them, he needed patience.
"I have come to ask for your cooperation" Wein began. "I am of common birth and was granted the title from the former lord. Being of common birth means I am at a disadvantage compared to other nobles. To bridge that gap, I need skilled people helping me such as yourselves."
The siblings were silent, only listening. Wein pressed on seeing it better to get it over with.
"I propose we work together. I will give you a better life than you currently have and in return, you obey everything I say. Think about…"
"You will stay here, for the time being. The room is secure, secluded and monitored. Your background has placed me in a lot of pressure but I believe we will be of assistance to each other. Stay here and heal, no funny movement. After all you are Vornkir, many want vengeance on you".
He stood.
"One last thing," he said as he turned to leave. "You are no longer lord Neilson's prisoners but you are still under my grip. Do not abuse my generosity".
He left them with that.
The door hissed closed behind him, the troopers followed him.
"Astra keep, close guard and watch in regard to this room," he ordered. "Keep medical checks and nutrition to keep them healthy. Do not let their existence leak".
"Yes, my lord" she replied.
…
Underground training chamber.
The training chamber was quiet save for the soft hum of energy coil lining the walls. A faint artificial wind stirred through the air, pumped from a ventilator on the wall. Accompanied was a woosh sound.
In the centre of the room, stood Wein. He held a wooden practice sword, a sleek slightly thick weapon, marked with traces of scuff. He held just like a swordsman, standing in position, knees bent and with both his hands.
He took a step forward and woosh.
A downward slash. It was strong, forceful but not stable. He stepped back, aligning into position. He exhaled slowly.
This time he stepped forward, slashed. A vertical strike and then followed by a diagonal strike, left-up then right-up. After Wein lunged back into position and repeated the steps.
Again and again. After getting the first basic steps, he added new moves. Ones where he threw area sweeps, diagonal slashings and back to the basics. He practices each motion perfect so his body knew.
The repeated slashes caused his body to sweat, his hands were red from the tightened grip on the sword. His training clothes became more damp and his breathing was getting heavier.
Still he did not stop. He continued each movement, and with each motion, his thoughts wandered. Back to the earlier briefing.
"…the trafficking ring operation from Sector 14 wasn't independent. It is clear now that they were being funded and protected by House Ulix" a high ranking officer had said.
Wein was surrounded by high level members in the military that he trusted, along with the Marshal.
"The cause of most of these incidents including the criminal syndicates is mostly House Ulix" said General Orlan, once a superior he respected. "My lord, they are being antagonistic. We need to respond".
Another swing. Wein stepped forward, his sword snapping in a diagonal slash before he drove it forward like a needle, with a strong thrust. The stab was quiet. He brought it back by spinning back with a downward slash. Stronger.
"They are not just testing the waters anymore," Alexandria spoke. "House Ulix have expanded their influence too far. Were it not for optics, they would instigate war with the house."
"We need to send a message. At the very least avenge our people" the rest of the officers had said.
Wein's sword sang through the air again and again, as his jaw tightened. Each swing growing in force and strength.
The intelligence report, he received a few days ago had been overwhelming. With the wealth of information they now had, Wein could see the state of House Voss. Most of the issues within were the direct cause of enemy houses, mostly House Ulix.
The Black market trafficking, bribes and corruption. Data theft and blackmail to increase criminal activities were in part caused by House Ulix. The solution, Wein knew. War.
And with his strongest swing yet, he cut through the air being brought to resoluteness. He brought it to a stop by his side, sweat running down his face. He understood the near future he would face, he could only prepare.