Chapter 473: Sulyvhan the Conqueror (4)
Three years had passed since the battle of the Black Plain. At the place where Sulyvhan had defeated the three-horned demon, the humans had built a small fortified village. This outpost served to monitor the movements of demons in the region. Solid palisades surrounded the houses of wood and stone. A watchtower stood in the center, from where sentinels observed the horizon day and night.
The village now had around a hundred permanent inhabitants. Soldiers, artisans, farmers and a few families had settled there. They cultivated protected fields and maintained simple roads that connected the outpost to the hinterland. Every week, patrols left to inspect the surroundings. They reported any suspicious movement of demonic forces. Thanks to this control, incursions had greatly decreased.
Under Sulyvhan’s protection, the number of humans had increased significantly. At the beginning, only a few hundred survivors lived around him. Today, several thousand people depended on his authority. Refugees from distant lands had joined his ranks after hearing of his victories. They found here safety, work and a chance to rebuild their lives. The villages and hamlets placed under his guard had multiplied. The population grew steadily thanks to births and new arrivals.
One year ago, Sulyvhan had received the solemn baptism. In front of the main military chiefs and the representatives of the communities, he had taken the name Alexandria. He had become Sulyvhan Alexandria, king of the kingdom of Alexandria. The ceremony had taken place in the great hall of the main fort. A priest had poured the sacred water on his head while the generals stood by his side. Ashborn and Stavenger had sworn an oath of loyalty that day. Since then, the name Alexandria symbolized the unity and recovered strength of the humans.
The kingdom was organizing little by little. Sulyvhan had established a clear structure. At the top was the king. He made important decisions with the help of a small council composed of his most faithful generals. Ashborn managed military operations in the north. Stavenger took care of training and logistics. Other competent officers directed the supply and construction sectors.
The armed forces had experienced significant development. The army now numbered several thousand well-equipped soldiers. The regular troops wore light and solid armor. They handled the sword, the spear and the bow with discipline. An elite corps, trained directly by Sulyvhan, brought together the most talented fighters. These men mastered the basics of combat and learned to use their inner energy effectively.
Forges had been built in several villages. They produced weapons and armor in regular quantities. The artisans worked tirelessly to equip the new recruits. Training camps welcomed young volunteers. Every day, they repeated the basic movements. The instructors emphasized discipline and cohesion.
Sulyvhan stood that morning on the ramparts of the village of the Black Plain, now called Alexandria Outpost. His long silver hair was tied simply. He wore a practical armor, without useless ornaments. His gaze swept the calm plain. An officer approached and saluted.
"Majesty, the eastern patrol has returned. No sign of major demons. Only a few isolated creatures that we eliminated."
Sulyvhan nodded. "Good. Double the sentinels tonight. We must not relax our vigilance."
The officer bowed. "At your command. The harvests are good this year. The granaries are almost full. The families from the south ask if they can send more children for training."
"Accept them," replied Sulyvhan. "But make sure they first receive basic education. A soldier must know how to read an order and count his rations."
Down below, in the main courtyard, soldiers were training. The sound of wooden swords clashing echoed regularly.
In the large tent that served as the council room, Ashborn was discussing with Stavenger.
"Sulyvhan has changed many things in a short time," said Ashborn.
"You should be careful how you address him now, he is the king" reprimanded Stavenger.
"When I met him, we were barely a handful. Look now. Villages, roads, a real army." recalled Ashborn.
Stavenger smiled. "He does not speak much, but his actions speak for him. People follow him because he wins battles and protects the weak."
Sulyvhan entered the tent. The two generals stood up. He signaled them to sit down.
"The reports are good," he began. "Our borders are stable. We must now consolidate the interior. I want a new road built to the west before winter. This will facilitate the transport of grain and weapons."
Ashborn approved. "We have enough men for that. The villagers will participate willingly in exchange for reinforced protection."
"Perfect," said Sulyvhan. "And for the new recruits?"
Stavenger replied: "Two hundred young people have completed their basic training. They are ready to join the regular units. Some show talent for handling energy. We could train them according to your method."
Sulyvhan thought for a moment. "Select the best. I will personally take care of their instruction once a month. The rest will follow the standard program. We cannot afford weaknesses."
The conversation continued on the needs of the kingdom. More healers, more artisans were needed, and above all to maintain cohesion between the different groups of humans. Some came from very distant regions and brought their customs. Sulyvhan insisted that everyone respect the same simple laws: protect the group, work honestly, obey orders in time of war.
In the late afternoon, Sulyvhan went down into the village. Children were playing near a fountain. A woman holding a little girl by the hand approached and bowed.
"Thank you, Majesty. Without you, we would be dead or slaves. My daughter grows up in safety thanks to your protection."
Sulyvhan placed a hand on the child’s shoulder. "Continue to work hard. The kingdom needs every person."
He resumed his walk. The inhabitants greeted him with respect. Some murmured among themselves. They vowed an unequaled administration to Sulyvhan.
When evening came, around a campfire, soldiers spoke in low voices.
The flames danced. In the distance, the sentinels on the ramparts kept watch. The kingdom of Alexandria was growing slowly but surely. The foundations were solid. The armed forces were improving every month. The administrative structure, still simple, allowed quick decisions. Sulyvhan knew that the real work was only just beginning. It was necessary to protect what had been conquered and prepare the future.
In the coming months, new forts would be built. Alliances with other human groups would be sought. The population would continue to increase under his protection. The name Alexandria already echoed beyond the plains. Sulyvhan, sitting alone on a stone apart, looked at the stars. His face remained calm. He thought of the future battles and the responsibilities that awaited him. The kingdom lived. And he would ensure that it continued to grow.
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