Inside the rooms of the Westwind Inn in the fortified city, a tranquility permeated the air, a stark contrast to the bustling lower levels.
Glenhill, Tal Salin, Lylarion, and two young elven scouts—the agile Iser and the perceptive Firal—sat together.
The room was simple, but the cleanliness emanating from the elves seemed to dispel the dust in the air.
“Lyra Ryan, Iser,” Glenhill’s voice was deep and clear, like a spring in the forest.
"The target is clear: Lind Truk. We need to understand him like we would understand a strange tree that might bring a storm."
Go downstairs and immerse yourself in the noisy streams, letting their sounds become our eyes and ears.
Key points: his background, source of power, influence, and... his views on nature.
Lyra Ryan nodded slightly, the shimmering light around her fingertips adjusting the details of her and Iser's appearances, making them look more like weathered but still scholarly attendants.
Iser, however, toned down his shrewd gaze, becoming somewhat wooden.
The two went downstairs and blended into the bustling noise of the tavern.
The strategy is effective.
With her gentle demeanor and just the right amount of curiosity, Lyla Ryan quickly attracted a number of casual drinkers.
After a few cups of cheap beer and a few rather heavy silver coins, many people started talking.
Information came in fragments, one after another:
"That Lord Linde?"
An old mercenary with flushed cheeks slammed his fist on the table.
"Hey! That's a member of the Truk family! The second son of Bruce Truk, the old Earl of Kerry! Pure noble blood!"
“That’s right,” a man who looked like a small vendor chimed in, lowering his voice.
"I heard he was originally unremarkable in the Earl's territory, but somehow he was exiled to this godforsaken Blackrock Territory. Tsk tsk, who would have thought..."
"Exile? Gold always shines!"
Another mercenary, who looked younger, had a look of admiration in his eyes.
"Blackrock Territory wasn't very populated before! But how long has Lord Linde been there? He first made great contributions on the Sutherland front! I heard that he led a small team and managed to break through the Sassians' defenses, saving Viscount Lillens' life!" (The information here is obviously exaggerated and confusing, but the core events have been remembered).
"That's right!"
The old mercenary took a swig of wine, his voice booming, "And he even killed a big shot from the Grand Duchy of Oak! I don't know his name... but his achievement was terrifying! The king even personally issued a decree to grant him a viscountship!"
“That place is quite different now,” the peddler interjected. “I heard it has attracted many free people and opened up trade routes. It’s bustling with activity. Lord Linde’s rule is quite effective.”
"What's most bizarre is his relationship with the orcs!"
A well-informed patron said mysteriously, "Orcs! Those fanged, hairy, incredibly strong guys! They used to kill on sight, but now?"
“Yes! I heard about it too!” another person chimed in. “The caravans said they often see orc caravans at the Blackrock Pass! Carrying ores and magical beast materials, they come and go openly! They trade with Lord Linde’s men, and they’re even chatting and laughing! I heard they’ve made contact with the ‘peace faction’ of the orc kingdom, and there’s supposedly a fox clan noblewoman there too…”
"A noblewoman of the fox clan?"
Someone scoffed, "It's probably Lord Linde's... hehe..."
This elicited a knowing, unspoken burst of laughter.
Lyla Ryan frowned slightly, but noted the key points: a stable and open trade relationship had been established with the orcish peace faction, and there might even be high-ranking figures residing there.
"That's not all!"
An elderly man who looked somewhat devout spoke with a tone of reverence.
"Lord Linde is still the favorite of Luciaos, the Lord of the Light Veins! He has been officially ordained a 'priest' by the Church! His status is extremely high!"
"A priest?" someone asked, puzzled. "What does that mean?"
"Idiot! He's a big shot in the church!"
The old man explained, "He can represent the gods, preside over ceremonies, and bless believers! I've heard that the prayers he presides over in Blackrock Territory can even make plants sprout in the dead of winter! That's a miracle!"
“Yes, yes, yes!” someone echoed, “‘Lind the Chosen One’! That’s what so many people call him now! Even the church acknowledges it!”
Lyla Ryan and Iser listened patiently, guided, and collected information.
They keenly observed that whenever Lind was mentioned, these human mercenaries, merchants, and even ordinary citizens spoke with not only awe and curiosity, but also an almost blind trust and admiration, especially when the identities of "miracle" and "priest" were mentioned.
A few hours later, the two returned to their room on the third floor with a mind full of fragmented information.
The atmosphere in the room gradually became heavy as Lyra Ryan and Iser gave their low but clear reports.
Tal Salin crossed his arms, his brow furrowed; Glenshire sat by the window, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the windowpane; while Philar scribbled down key information on specially made bark paper.
Finally, they pieced together a picture of Linde as seen through the eyes of outsiders.
Son of a Kree Count: He possesses a deep aristocratic background and political potential, and is not a rootless drifter.
Military Elite/Powerful Lord: Rewarded by the king for outstanding military achievements (killing Overseer of Oak? saving the viscount?), he owns his own territory (Blackrock Territory) and demonstrates strong governance capabilities, attracting people and boosting the economy.
The Orcish Kingdom's allies have established stable and open trade relations with the Orcs (especially the high-ranking Fox Clan), potentially involving deep political cooperation. This breaks with the long-standing antagonism between humans and Orcs, demonstrating remarkable skill and audacity.
A priest of the Holy Church / "Chosen One": Officially ordained by the Holy Spirit, possessing extremely high religious status and prestige. The miraculous legend of him leading prayers and causing the "Winter Oasis" is widely circulated and recognized by both the people and the Church. This signifies his powerful appeal to the faith and divine blessing.
“These identities… individually might not be surprising,” Glenhill said slowly, breaking the silence, his amber-gold eyes flashing with a complex light, “but when they are all concentrated in one person… this Viscount Lind Truk is no longer an ordinary border lord.”
"He is a newly emerging powerful nobleman in the Kree Empire, holding military power and territory."
Tal Shalin's voice carried the sharpness of a warrior, "His alliance with the orcish peace faction means he may have a stable rear and even military support from the orcish kingdoms, while also opening up a lucrative trade route. This greatly enhances his independence and strength."
“The most troublesome thing is church identity,” Lyla Ryan added, her tone worried.
“The priests hold a high position, especially in this land where people believe in the Lord of the Light Vein. The aura of being a ‘favored one’ makes him almost invincible.”
To question him is, in a sense, to question the church and the will of God.
The people's fervent worship is even more unshakeable. If we were to question or even confront him on the grounds of 'distorting the laws of nature,' we would likely be labeled 'blasphemers' or 'destabilizing the kingdom.'
"Well-connected, deeply rooted, and possessing divine authority..."
Glen Hill concluded, his brow furrowed.
“He is like a giant tree with roots deeply embedded in the soil of power, military, economy, faith and many other things. We were too simplistic before, Tal.”
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