"All the slaves are ready to depart, young master," Cooper called out as Aldric returned from the material area.
"This is their leader and a master craftsman, Klow," Cooper added, stepping aside.
"Hello, young master. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of us," Klow said in a respectful voice. He looked like a normal dwarf seen around the city, but his beard was longer, and he looked older and wiser than the others.
"Likewise, Klow. I expect great work from you and the others," Aldric replied with a smile.
There were twenty-one dwarves in total, including Klow.
"The total cost came to about 1,200 gold, young master," Cooper said in a calm, steady voice.
"It's all good. Now, Cooper, head to the material area and take some of the supplies I ordered. Go with the dwarves and wait for us just outside the eastern gate," Aldric said.
"Yes, my lord," Cooper replied. Since they no longer needed to hide, he stood tall and proud, then led the dwarves away.
With everything set, Aldric went back to the guest room to pack his things. He checked his bags, made sure the gold was safely hidden, and looked around one last time.
Before leaving the estate, Aldric asked one of the guards to tell the Viscount that he was ready to leave.
A little while later, the Viscount and Eleanor came out to see him off.
"You are leaving already?" the Viscount asked, his voice sounding a bit sad.
"Yes, I have things to do back in Windsor. I won't waste the gold you've given me," Aldric said with respect.
The Viscount nodded. "I know you won't. Be careful on the road."
"I'll keep that in mind," Aldric replied.
Eleanor stepped forward. "You didn't even say goodbye properly yesterday."
Aldric smiled a little. "I thought this would count as a goodbye."
She rolled her eyes, but smiled too. "Take care of yourself. And… write to me. Just so I know you haven't gotten yourself killed doing something foolish."
"I'll write," he promised. After a pause, he added quietly, "And thank you. For yesterday."
Eleanor didn't say anything for a second, but she nodded and looked him in the eyes.
After that, Aldric met up with Cooper and the dwarves outside the gate.
The dwarves were surprised to see the escorts wearing noble armor with a fancy crest.
Before they left, Aldric cleared his throat and looked at the group.
"Before we leave, I should tell you all something important," he said.
The dwarves turned and listened closely.
"I am Aldric Windsor, and the Count of Windsor County," he said. "You're not being taken to a mine or a random workshop. You'll be working for me. We'll rebuild my land together. You'll have good food, safe homes, and fair treatment. I just ask for your hard work and skills in return."
There was a short silence. Then Klow nodded deeply. "So you're a noble after all. That's good to know."
The dwarves looked at each other. A few let out small sighs of relief. It was better to work for a nobleman than for some rich merchant. Noblemen cared more about honor and wouldn't allow slaves to be treated badly. That meant they would be safer and cared for much more appropriately.
One dwarf whispered, "Could've been worse. At least we ain't stuck working in some dark pit, eating scraps."
Another one added, "If we're building something real, I'm good with that."
Klow stepped forward again. "You'll get our best, young master. We've worked in worse places. Knowing we'll be treated fairly and get to use our craft—that means a lot."
Aldric smiled. "Good. Let's leave right away."
They left the city early, while the streets were still quiet. Fog covered the roads as wagons rolled slowly forward. Aldric rode his horse at the front, with Cooper beside him. The dwarves sat in the wagons or walked nearby, talking softly or resting.
Each day on the road was peaceful. The sky was clear, and the sun was warm. Cooper kept things in order, making sure everyone ate and slept well. The dwarves started singing during the evenings, cheerful songs about mountains and home.
On the fourth day, they passed a wooden sign showing they had entered Windsor County. A faded flag of House Windsor waved gently in the wind.
The land felt calm and familiar. Aldric remembered the green fields, rolling hills, and thick forests. The air smelled fresh, and the sky looked wide and blue.
As they passed a few villages, people stopped their work and watched the group. Some waved. Others stood still and stared. No one had seen such a sight in years—wagons full of strong workers and tools headed toward the castle.
By the time they reached the gates of Valoria City, the news had already spread.
At the gate, a group of people stood waiting. Among them were Gale and Ronald, two of Aldric's most loyal men.
"You're back," Gale said with a smile, walking up to the horse.
Aldric got down from his horse and nodded. "Yeah. I brought help."
Ronald looked at the dwarves and wagons. "That's more than help. That's a whole workshop."
"Good. Because we have work to do," Aldric said.
The dwarves were already looking around. Some pointed at the old castle walls, whispering to each other.
Klow stepped forward and gave a nod to Gale and Ronald. "Seems like you've got a strong team here already."
Gale raised an eyebrow. "Who's this?"
"A master craftsman," Aldric replied. "He and his people are going to help rebuild Windsor."
"Then welcome," Gale said, giving a short bow to Klow.
Aldric looked around at the old walls of Valoria. The place was tired, but still standing. Now, with gold in his pocket and skilled hands at his side, he could finally begin.
"Let's go inside. We have plans to make," he said.
The gates of Valoria slowly opened, and the group entered together, bringing with them the first real hope the county had seen in years.