The morning sun cast long shadows across the eastern ridges as Alaric and his growing force descended upon the captured lands. Li Shou's men, once brash and chaotic, now moved with purpose under Alaric's watchful eyes. Discipline had replaced arrogance, and the first seeds of loyalty had taken root.
Alaric surveyed the terrain carefully. To maintain influence over the newly acquired region and prepare for further incursions toward Ashenfall, he needed a forward outpost. A small plateau near a natural water source would serve as both a defensive position and a hub for coordinating movements eastward. The site also allowed for early reconnaissance of Ashenfall's approaches and nearby settlements.
"Divide the men," Alaric instructed. "Half will construct fortifications. Half will patrol the surroundings and secure supply lines. Every structure, every patrol route, every sentry position must be precise. Mistakes here cost lives later."
The men moved with quiet efficiency. Alaric walked among them, inspecting every detail. Defensive palisades were reinforced with earth and stone, archers were positioned to cover blind spots, and traps were laid to deter potential raiders. He ensured that even minor details — the alignment of watchtowers, the positioning of stores, and the rotation of sentries — were optimized for both offense and defense.
Meanwhile, he personally trained Li Shou's former lieutenants. Many were hesitant at first, reluctant to accept orders from a younger commander, but Alaric's combination of demonstrated strength, strategic acumen, and subtle intimidation quickly earned their obedience.
"Discipline and foresight are stronger than brute strength," Alaric said during drills. "If you falter, you will die. If you adapt and follow, you will survive… and thrive."
By nightfall, the outpost was fully operational. Fires flickered atop watchtowers, signaling the presence of a new power in the region. Scouts reported back from minor villages within a day's ride, many expressing willingness to join Alaric's growing force. Others sent cautious messages, curious about the black-cloaked commander who now controlled a sizable force in the eastern plains.
Alaric allowed a small smile. Patience and strategy had always been his allies. Conquest was not merely about overwhelming enemies with strength, but about reshaping the political and military landscape to favor his rise.
As he stood atop the central tower, looking east toward Ashenfall, he mentally traced the steps that lay ahead: minor lords to subdue, villages to integrate, skirmishes to test his growing army. Each day brought him closer to the city, but he also knew that rushing would only invite mistakes.
> "The city is a prize, but it is also a crucible," he murmured to himself. "Every move we make now builds the foundation for its eventual fall. Every village, every lord, every man in this force… must be ready."
That night, Alaric reviewed the region's map, marking settlements, patrol paths, and potential hazards. Even as his men rested, he plotted the next series of strikes, ensuring that his influence expanded gradually, efficiently, and inexorably toward Ashenfall.
The winds of the Scorched Plains whispered through the fortifications, carrying the echo of an emerging power. Alaric Vardar was no longer just a commander testing his mettle — he was the architect of a future empire, slowly but surely bending the southern plains to his will.