Daven IV


"G-give me an honest break down," Daven said to Eryk. "What's the popular opinion in the barracks?"

"Your reforms have worked and the rangers are happy. I'd say it's a huge win. Those who weren't already completely dedicated to Skylar have shifted back to uncertainty. If you keep it up, you'll grow your influence further."

Daven sighed with relief. My plan's actually working. I'll stand a chance now. "Thank you Eryk. That's all I n-needed to know. Go enjoy yourself, you have the rest of the night off."

"Thank you my Lord." the ranger bowed and went for the door, turning back at the last moment. "You're very considerate to everyone around you. That's one of the greatest traits a leader can have."

Daven smiled as his most loyal follower left. This warm feeling in my chest makes all the struggle and hardship worthwhile. The joy of serving others with kindness and being rewarded with camaraderie is the best blessing of all. Daven found new purpose from building personal bonds and making others happy. At first, his reforms and policies had been a desperate ploy to staunch Skyler's rise to power. The Head Ranger had garnered significant influence over most of the garrison at the Lookout Keep, and Daven had started fearing that he would completely lose autonomy over the castle. But Daven was also glad for that sudden realization, otherwise he would have continued living oblivious to his own faults. The revelation had helped Daven understand how out of touch he had become with the very people he was supposed to rule over.

Since then, he had carefully planned out ways to regain favour among the subjects of the Lookout Hill. Little things to make their lives easier, to let them know that he sympathized with their struggles. Things like investing in better fences to keep wildlife out of the farmers' crops, or granting each ranger one day off every week. Daven understood that many initially saw him as an empty figurehead whose only purpose was to act as a poor stand-in for Joseph (and Otto before that). They thought his lordship only stemmed from personal connections to Otto, and while that was partially true, Daven now realized that there was more to it. Both Otto and Joseph had chosen him to rule as Lord of the Lookout Keep because they had seen talent and potential within Daven. He was sure of it. After feeling incompetent for the job and racking his brain for answers in a sleepless night, Daven had made that realization and ever since then he had approached his job with newfound confidence.

It was the little things that he enjoyed most. When people took time out of their days to thank him for the improvements he had worked so hard to deliver. Or when Daven could physically witness the miraculous effects of his leadership. One of the moments he remembered most fondly was helping a dissatisfied soldier find a better job. Larbert the Loaf, as he was known around the Lookout Keep, had been sorted into the garrison due to his large stature. The man was a giant among men and had been placed among the soldiers accordingly. However, he was a bit clumsy and slow-witted, which marked him as an easy target for the wrath of his fellow soldiers. It had gotten so bad that the others took to beating him for failing to carry out simple tasks like carrying weapons or cleaning out the armory. Daven had intervened in one such scuffle, corralling all the men back into his office to discipline them. He found himself sitting in judgement over them, as he himself had been judged by Otto months ago when he was first assigned to the post. Back when I fought Alex to defend Alysanne's honour. I knew all too well what it felt like to be on the receiving end of others' cruelty.

So despite his strategy of trying to win the garrison to his favour, Daven eventually resorted to punishing all the belligerents by sending them to the stone mines for a few days of hard labour. It would do no favours toward advancing his reputation and popularity among the soldiers, but Daven could not let himself be blind to injustice either. After all the attackers were gone, Daven had enjoyed a lengthy conversation with Larbert alone. The man was smarter than he first let on, but shy and insecure. Daven had been reminded of himself. So after some discussion, he had discovered that Larbert's true passions were in raising crops and livestock. Accordingly, Daven had reassigned him to the farmhouses on the outskirts of the Lookout Keep where he would hopefully have an easier and happier life. The joy that spread across Larbert's face was enough of a reward for Daven. To know that he had helped improve a miserable man's life was enough to compensate for any negative consequences punishing the rest of the soldiers might have incited. Daven was wondering how Larbert was doing now. It had been a few weeks since the incident but he hoped the gentle giant was faring better on the farm.

A sudden rasp on the door caught his attention. "Come in," Daven said.

It was Eryk who entered. Daven raised an eyebrow at him curiously. "Eryk, didn't I say you had the r-rest of the night off?"

"You did, sir. I was on my way to the dining hall when I stumbled into. . . well nevermind, just follow me."

Daven followed the guard out of his personal chambers to one of the meeting rooms in the Lookout Keep. Daven was thoroughly surprised to see Alys standing there. She was flanked by two other women, identifiable as argentavis riders by their aviator goggles and riding gear. A large group of survivors were gathered in the room, almost exclusively military. Skylar was there, along with many other veteran rangers and guardsmen. Daven pushed his way to the front of the crowd to see what the grand spectacle was all about. When Alys made eye contact with him, she gave a thin smile and then began.

"An announcement from the Hotspring Hold." Alys produced a scroll and cleared her throat. "One week prior, our rangers were attacked by and killed by enemies on our very own land. We do not know when the next attack will come, but we must be prepared for conflict."

That statement was met by a collective murmur. Daven stared at Alys with a mix of shock and fear. She continued on once the commotion had died down. "In order to be prepared for this inevitable attack, we have taken a tribe-wide initiative to reform our military. From this day forward, all allied castles and settlements shall be a part of the newly formed Northern Coalition."

Alysanne's lieutenants unfurled two banners, revealing a striking design of a white direwolf howling against a black background. "Every man, woman, and child will be issued a steel knife for self-defense purposes. Furthermore, those serving under any branch of the military will also receive a spear and shield, the new standard for any soldier of the Northern Coalition. Anyone who prefers using another weapon must apply for inspection and if they show proficiency, they will then be permitted to use that weapon as a sidearm. We do not have enough armour for everyone, so better equipment will be issued out based on merit and skill."

The news was met with a mix of disapproval, but also understanding. Alysanne continued. "Finally, all men and women of fighting age will be trained and drilled every second day. We are no longer solely fighting the creatures of the Island, but now its people too. These exercises are meant to prepare you for that. They will also test different skills and determine your new position in the military. For instance, those skilled in marksmanship shall receive additional specialized training to become archers. Anyone skilled in riding shall go on to join the cavalry. Everyone else will remain in the infantry."

"Those of you gathered in this room are already veteran soldiers who know the horrors of the Island first hand. Your experiences and skills already set you on the track to become leaders of the Northern Coalition's new army. Please be kind and patient toward the new recruits, and offer them guidance. We are all in this together."

"So it'll be war then?" One ranger shouted.

Alys pursed her lips. "Nothing is certain yet, but we are preparing for the worst."

"We'll be ready then," Skyler said. "I'll start reorganizing my rangers and guards right away."

"Thank you," Alys nodded. "If there are no further questions, then I'll be on my way. You may eventually receive further instructions from the Hotspring Hold depending on how negotiations with the enemy tribe go."

Alysanne made her way out of the room, followed by her two fellow argentavis riders. Along the way out, she walked near Daven and motioned for him to follow her. The rest of the gathered soldiers talked among themselves, discussing the new policies. After a moment of hesitation, Daven followed his friend out of the room.

"Lily, go prepare the birds for takeoff. We fly to the Wolf's Den next. Deliah, go deliver the training regimen and banners to Daven's chambers." The two women peeled off to the rooftop, presumably where they had left their argentavis. Alys turned to Daven and smiled. "It's good to see you again despite the circumstances."

"N-nice to see you as well." Daven smiled back. "What's all this news about w-war and a new nation?"

"I'm sorry I couldn't debrief you beforehand but we're trying to make up for lost time. It already took far too long for us to get all the details and come up with a response." She pressed another document into his hands, along with a quill. "I'll need you to sign this as well before I go."

Daven looked at a document titled "The Northern Coalition" and quickly understood the gist of it by skimming over its contents. It was a trade and mutual defense pact meant to bind several tribes together. At the bottom was an area for signatures. So far only Jeyne's graceful handwriting was there. Daven brought the scroll over to a desk, smoothed it out, and then added his own name to the document on behalf of the Lookout Keep. Daven handed the document back to Alys with a grim frown. "Things are moving fast."

"Indeed." Alys sighed and tucked the scroll away. "Walk with me back to the roof."

Daven followed her down the hallway and up the spiral staircase. "What did you find out during your journey to the mountains?"

"We met a seer who could see the future. She warned us of what was to come."

"Oh?" Daven was mildly surprised, but then again there were many strange circumstances on the Island that nobody could explain. "It at least must be relieving to know the f-future. It takes away uncertainty."

"In truth, I'd rather not know. The old woman told me that my fate would be worse than death if I took the wrong path. I'm terrified of what that could mean."

They had reached the roof by now. All three argentavis were saddled and ready to take off. The other two riders were seated on their birds, waiting patiently for their leader to rejoin them. Daven turned back to Alys. "If I know you at all, you'll be j-just fine in the end. You're a fighter and you always keep p-pushing forward no matter what. Don't worry too much. That's what I'm good at."

Alys smiled at him, perhaps a bit more at ease thanks to his words. "Thanks Daven. I can always count on you to be the sensible one." She pulled him into a warm hug, then grudgingly let go and walked over to Crimson.

Daven wished the moment could have lasted longer but he understood that time was against them, and Alys needed to make more stops and deliver more messages to the other castles. When Alys was saddled on her argentavis, she wheeled the bird over to the lip of the rooftop. "I'll see you soon Daven. Probably with more instructions, but maybe one day I'll get a chance to stop by for just a visit."

Daven hoped so too. But then again matters were already pressed and everyone's resources were stretched thin these days. He waved halfheartedly as Alys flicked her reins and took off from the rooftop, quickly followed by the other two. Daven watched the three large birds soar off into the distance.


Author's Note: Happy New Years!

Nateman364, Spot on with the analysis as always, you'll be able to see many of your predictions play out in the coming chapters.

DinoNerd89, Glad you enjoyed the chapter! And yes they're on the same page for now!

Ricardo753, Ooh that was a really nice monologue do you mind if I adapt it into a speech for the story? Thanks for the review.

Thunder, Glad that you're enjoying the story! The southerners are indeed worried about the giga but they have a plan to deal with it.

Caleb R. Watson, I agree, ambassadors probably won't do the trick alone. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my work, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Feel free to comment, ask questions, or criticize my story, review is always welcome! If you liked what you saw, make sure to check out the other ARK stories on this site! Have a great day!

- DaRumpyBurr