"I am Captain Varek of the Red Tower Dominion," he called. "By order of Lord Herand, this territory and its resources are claimed for the Dominion's use. You are trespassing on his lands."
A ripple of unease spread through the villagers behind Adrian.
Adrian descended from the gate and walked forward until he stood a few paces from the horses. "Tell your lord that this land was dead before we came. If he wanted it, he should've built something on it first."
Varek's jaw twitched. "You mock the Dominion?"
"I build," Adrian replied coolly. "You claim. There's a difference."
The captain's men shifted in their saddles, hands inching toward their weapons.
Torren murmured, "Say the word, and I'll drop one of 'em before he blinks."
Adrian raised a hand slightly, eyes still on Varek. "Tell your lord we don't seek war. But we won't kneel to those who destroy more than they create."
For a long moment, no one spoke. Then Varek smirked faintly. "A builder with a soldier's tongue. Interesting. My lord will want to hear about you."
He turned his horse. "Expect visitors soon, 'Builder.' And they won't come to talk."
The riders galloped away, their red banners snapping like blood in the wind.
That night, the village gathered by torchlight. The air buzzed with fear.
"They'll come with soldiers!" someone shouted.
"We should flee into the forest!" cried another.
Adrian raised his voice above the panic. "Enough!"
The noise died instantly. He looked at them—farmers, hunters, children—all faces he'd fought to protect.