Chapter 5 – Rise of the Ember Banner
Morning sunlight filtered through my curtains, warm and golden. It felt like the first real dawn in weeks. I stretched, bones popping, and took a slow breath. The scent of dew and blooming meadows drifted in—evidence that the land itself was waking.
I stepped out of the mansion and took a leisurely walk around the estate.
The gravel path sparkled faintly with morning dew, and birdsong laced the breeze. My boots crunched with each step as I moved past the front garden, where the servants had started replanting herbs and trimming wild branches. Some of the manor staff bowed or nodded as I passed, with expressions more hopeful than obedient.
I didn't head for the village immediately. Instead, I wandered toward the western ridge, where the hill overlooked the valley. The view was different now. The once-sullen fields bore hints of green. Trees seemed fuller. And below, movement—a merchant caravan making its way toward the village gate.
They came. Word was spreading.
When I returned to the estate, Benwick stood waiting under the main archway, a scroll in one hand and a smug smile on his face.
"Milord," he said with a slight bow. "The soil's being praised as blessed. A small crowd has gathered near the granary asking to work voluntarily. And Eloise—she's returned."
That caught my attention. "Send her in."
Moments later, the door creaked open. Eloise entered, arms crossed, posture taut like a coiled whip. Her clothing was rough but cleaner than before, and her golden eyes never wavered.
"You've thought about my offer," I said.
"I have," she replied, stepping closer. "But I want a few things clear."
"Go ahead."
"First, I answer only to you. Not the steward, not any puffed-up knight. Second, if anyone touches me without permission, I'll put them down. Noble or not."
I gave a half-smile. "You drive a hard bargain. But I agree."
There was a pause. She extended her hand. I took it.
But just as I was going to shake it, I paused, "But there is one other condition..."
"Hmm? What is it? I won't accept it if its too outrageous."
I chuckled and continues, "Not at all, but you shouldn't be so naughty no? I'm sure I'll tame you soon enough anyways."
She paused- took a good look at me an realized I was serious.
"Whatever milord, just don't go overboard, and don't think I'm that easy to handle."
She extended her hand finally, and I took it.
"Welcome to the fold," I said. "From this day, you're the Ember Hand."
But just as she was about to pull away, I activated my skill, sending pulses of horniness through her sexy body.
"Dramatic," she muttered, but there was a flicker of amusement... and something else.
Benwick looked unconvinced. "Milord, she—"
"Is exactly what I need," I interrupted. "Fire. And we're in the business of lighting torches."
-----
Later that evening, I didn't summon the whole village—just those who mattered most. The smith, the healer, the baker, two scribes, Benwick, and Eloise. We gathered in the courtyard beneath the open sky, a single brazier crackling between us.
They sat on wooden benches arranged in a circle. A bottle of mead passed slowly between hands. Even the breeze felt respectful.
"This Baronetcy is no longer what it was," I began. "But that's a good thing. We aren't patching up ruins. We're building anew."
No applause. Just silence. Expectant eyes. Sharp minds.
"I don't want blind loyalty. I want belief. In the land. In each other. In what we can become."
I gestured to the folded parchment beside me. Something I prepared beforehand, a constitution of sorts.
"This," I said, "outlines what we'll do. How we'll rise. Fair taxes. Local councils. Rights to appeal. No more silencing voices for convenience."
I looked to Eloise. "She'll handle security. Internal matters. She has my full authority."
The smith grunted. "That girl's fire could burn half the village."
"She'll burn only what needs cleansing," I replied.
"Hah! She'll definitely do good to the village." The baker replied with some excitement.
One by one, they signed. Ink for some. A thumbprint for others. No ceremony. Just quiet resolve.
As the final name dried, I raised the scroll.
"This is our banner. The cloth will come later. But tonight, this fire—we lit it together."
Eloise glanced at me, one eyebrow raised. "Was that a speech?"
I grinned. "You'll know when I give one."
She laughed, short and sharp. It was the first time I'd heard it.
When the others departed, I remained seated, staring into the brazier's dying flames. The warmth lingered, but the fire was low. Just enough to keep the night at bay.
-----
The next morning, the estate hummed with energy. I stepped out into the open air, heading straight into the village.
The scent of bread mixed with the earthy smell of hay. Chickens clucked somewhere behind the thatched houses. Children darted between alleyways, laughter on their lips.
Near the granary, a group of farmers paused their work as I approached.
"Milord," one called out, wiping his brow. "The land's been good to us this week. And we've you to thank."
"I just helped lift the stone," I replied. "You've carried it."
A chorus of chuckles followed.
An older woman stepped forward. "It's true, though. The ditches are working better. Water flows right, crops feel stronger."
"And the sickness?" I asked.
"Less of it," she said. "The herbalist thanks you for the new supplies."
I gave a nod, then continued down the path.
At the smithy, the ring of metal on metal echoed. The blacksmith looked up, sweat streaking his face.
"That bar of steel you funded? Worth every coin. I've got two lads working under me now. One's even showing real promise."
"Keep them sharp. We'll need strong hands when winter comes."
He nodded solemnly.
Near the market square, I spotted a caravan being unloaded. One of the merchants—a lean man with sharp eyes—noticed me and approached.
"Lord Cedric, is it? I was told trade would be possible again. Didn't believe it until I saw the guards at the gate were actually alert."
"We're open to good business. Honest business."
He grinned. "That's all I need to hear. If your taxes stay fair, you'll see me again. Actually, I was planning to set a Merchant's Outpost here, looks like a promising place, with a promising leader."
I chuckled and replied, "Haha, we're the best hosts you'll see for miles. I'm sure you'll be itching to come back."
He smiled and continues, "I'll take it as a yes for permission?"
"Of course, my good sir. We'd be honored to have a member of the Association here."
We finished up some formalities and lip-service, not that I paid much attention, Benwick would iron the details out.
As I walked past the bakery, a familiar face leaned out.
"Fresh loaf for you, milord," the baker said, tossing a warm bundle into my hands. "Don't get used to it. But... thank you."
I broke off a piece and smiled. "Still the best crust in the county."
-----
By midday, I returned to the estate. Benwick met me at the steps.
"The merchants brought more than goods," he said. "News from the capital. The King's envoy may arrive within the month."
My smile faded slightly. "Then we'll be ready. Let them see what we've built."
'Hmmm, I wonder what they are coming for... Would our sudden increase in prosperity be good or bad in the eyes of the King's court? I hope they dont create more trouble.'
That night, as the stars emerged overhead, I stood at the highest balcony of the manor.
Below me, the torches of the village flickered like fireflies. Laughter rose in waves. Bells rang out. There was music somewhere—rough and clumsy, but joyful.
This wasn't just survival.
This was rebirth.
And I was at its heart.
The ember had caught.
Now, it would burn.
...
Is what a really ambitious man would've thought... And although I did share the same sentiments, only one thing remained in my mind.
'When can I next fuck a busty MILF! Maybe I should revisit Victoria? She's a High Knight now, so she should be able to handle some more rough play.'
"Ahh." I groaned, what a pain this was.
'I should try to tame Eloise next, her bubble butt definitely needs some fucking. Anyways, the more feisty they are, the more submissive they are in bed.'
Giggling to myself with fantasies about Eloise, I let myself go into slumber.