The Way of the Knight
Chapter 42 – Helbrecht's Envoy
A thin mist covered the Eisenwald marsh that morning. Cranes glided over the shimmering waters as golden sunlight broke through. Life was slowly returning to normal after the brutal war against Klausen. Yet Fenrir knew peace was only the surface—beneath it, storms were brewing.
News of Klausen's fall had spread far beyond the marshes. Merchants gossiped in taverns, nobles debated in grand halls, and soldiers whispered the name "Crimson Wolf" with both awe and dread.
Fenrir sat in the great hall of the captured fortress—once Klausen's residence, now the seat of Eisenwald's new power. Maps sprawled before him, fresh red lines marking the territories he had seized. A soldier entered, bowing.
"My Lord Baron, an envoy from Marquis Helbrecht has arrived at the gates."
Fenrir closed his eyes briefly, exhaling. So it begins.
---
The fortress gates opened wide. A modest procession entered—two carriages adorned with the golden lion crest, flanked by a dozen silver-armored knights. At their head walked a stern man in his fifties, clad in a purple cloak with a silver chain of office:
Sir Gerhard von Altenberg, a well-known diplomat of Marquis Helbrecht.
Fenrir greeted them in the courtyard. He wore only light armor and a plain black cloak—no excess, only authority carried in his gaze.
"Welcome to Eisenwald, Sir Gerhard," Fenrir said coolly. "I trust the journey through the swamps was not too harsh."
Gerhard inclined his head, voice steady with diplomatic courtesy. "Marquis Helbrecht sends his greetings and recognition to the new ruler of these lands—Baron Fenrir Eisenwald, who claimed victory over Rottweil."
Some of Klausen's former soldiers bristled at the phrasing, but Fenrir gave no reaction. He merely nodded and led his guest inside.
---
Within the hall, torches flickered against stone walls still scarred by war. At the high table sat Fenrir, with his weakened father Celdric, his mother Elena, and trusted lieutenants Armin, Dieter, and Sofia.
Gerhard unfurled a scroll sealed with golden wax, reading aloud:
> "By this decree, Marquis Helbrecht of Luminaria recognizes Baron Fenrir Eisenwald as rightful ruler of Eisenwald and the former lands of Klausen, under these conditions:
1. Baron Fenrir swears fealty to Marquis Helbrecht.
2. An annual levy of taxes and troops must be provided when the crown calls.
3. The trade routes across the marsh shall remain open to merchants under Luminaria's protection."
The hall grew silent. All eyes fixed on Fenrir.
The young baron leaned back, tapping his fingers against the table. His gaze locked on Gerhard's.
"Recognition is valuable," he said slowly, "but these terms are heavy. Eisenwald has just risen from ashes. If Helbrecht wishes my loyalty, I demand guarantees."
Gerhard arched a brow. "Guarantees?"
Fenrir leaned forward. "Full autonomy in internal affairs. Unrestricted trade rights for marsh goods—salt, fish, timber. And one more thing: a permanent envoy from Marquis Helbrecht stationed here, so there is no room for misunderstanding or false accusations."
Whispers rippled among his officers—such bold demands from a seventeen-year-old baron.
Gerhard studied him for a long moment, then allowed a faint smile. "You are young, Baron Fenrir… yet your tongue cuts sharper than most swords. I cannot grant all of this now. But I will bring your demands to Marquis Helbrecht. If he deems you useful, you may find more doors open than you expect."
---
Once the envoy withdrew to rest, Fenrir summoned his council.
Armin, the captain, spoke first. "My lord, we need Helbrecht's recognition. Without it, other nobles may brand us rebels."
Sofia shook her head. "But yielding too much makes us pawns. Better to bargain hard while we're still seen as dangerous."
Celdric coughed harshly before rasping, "Fenrir… Helbrecht is cunning. He will use you while it suits him. But you were right to demand guarantees. Don't let them treat you as a vassal-slave. Use them—before they use you."
Fenrir nodded, recalling the lessons of his past life: politics is war without swords, but its wounds cut deeper and last longer.
---
While nobles negotiated, the people felt change more directly. Light taxes brought the markets back to life. Burned fields were replanted. Even some of Klausen's former soldiers smiled when they received fair wages as guards.
Fenrir ordered the construction of plank roads linking three key villages to the fortress. "Trade will flow faster, and our troops can march without sinking," he explained to Sofia.
The policy earned him growing support among his people, but also stirred envy among neighboring barons who heard that Eisenwald was prospering faster than their own lands.
---
Two days later, Gerhard returned with a sterner face and a fresh scroll.
> "Marquis Helbrecht accepts Baron Fenrir Eisenwald's rule over Klausen's former lands, under revised terms:
Eisenwald shall swear nominal fealty, but retain full autonomy in internal governance.
Taxes shall not be levied for two years, allowing recovery.
The marsh trade routes are recognized as open commerce zones, free from interference by other barons.
A permanent envoy shall be stationed in Eisenwald."
It was nearly everything Fenrir demanded.
Cheers rippled through his officers. Elena covered her mouth in disbelief.
Gerhard lowered his voice, adding, "The Marquis calls you 'the dangerous wolf cub.' He prefers to bind you now, rather than wait until you are grown enough to bite."
Fenrir's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "Then we are agreed. Eisenwald will bend the knee… but only as far as the parchment says."
Their eyes met—an envoy of the old order against a young baron forging his own.
---
That night, Fenrir stood on the fortress balcony, watching the campfires below as his soldiers sang and laughed. The marsh breeze carried their voices across the water.
But his thoughts were far darker.
Helbrecht may recognize me now. But I will not remain his subordinate forever. Someday… it will be I who sits on the throne as Emperor.
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