Gary stood at one of the narrow windows on the castle’s second floor. Early sunlight fell across the courtyard, where a handful of guards walked their morning rounds. A soft breeze drifted in, carrying the smell of dew and the faint odor of hay from the stables. Despite the calm scene, Gary felt a knot of worry in his stomach. Every day brought new challenges for Arya, and he did not know if he could keep up the pace.

He had slept poorly after hearing Sir Alden’s report the evening before. The clash on the border showed that threats were close, too close. If only the kingdom had more resources. If only they had more skilled fighters, or more solid walls. But wishing would not fix anything. He had to act, no matter how uncertain he felt inside.

He left the window and headed to the corridor that led to the main hall. Torches in rusty brackets still flickered here, though a few had burned out during the night. A servant passed by with a broom, quickly bowing before continuing on. Gary nodded in return. He was learning that small signs of kindness—like a brief nod or a polite word—helped remind these workers that he did not see himself as above them.

At the end of the corridor stood a large wooden door, slightly warped with age. Gary pushed it open to enter what had once been a grand hall. Now, only a few tapestries remained on the gray stone walls. The rows of benches were half-broken or dusty. A long table near the front had been covered with charts, letters, and half-finished notes. Jenny was already there, leaning over the table with a quill in her hand. She looked up and gave Gary a small smile.

“Good morning,” she said. Her tone was calm but carried a hint of tension.

“Morning,” Gary replied, stepping closer. He noticed the dark circles under her eyes. “Did you manage to rest at all?”

She shrugged. “A little. I spent part of the night updating our trade records. More merchants visited the guild hall, asking about road safety. They want proof that the paths will be guarded. And we have so few knights.”

Gary rubbed the back of his neck. “We did strike that deal with the guild, so they’ll provide some guards. But I know it isn’t enough for every route.”

Jenny touched a small ledger on the table. “I’m hoping we can focus on the biggest roads first. That should help bring in enough goods to keep us afloat. Then, if trade picks up, we can afford to expand security.”

Gary nodded, though the weight of worry still pressed on him. “Yes, one step at a time.”

Before they could speak further, the door opened, and Sir Alden entered. He wore a new bandage wrapped around one hand—evidence of the clash at the border. His face was drawn, but he bowed respectfully to Gary.

“Your Majesty, I have come to give a full report from the border,” Alden said. He noticed Jenny standing there and gave her a courteous nod. “Lady Jenny, I believe you should hear this as well.”

Jenny placed the quill aside. “Please, go on.”

Alden cleared his throat. “The village remains under our protection for now. We left two knights there to train volunteers among the villagers. They have a few able-bodied folk willing to stand guard and help chase off intruders. But they lack proper weapons.”

Gary frowned. “We’ll have to send spears and maybe a few extra swords. I know we don’t have much, but leaving them defenseless isn’t an option.”

Alden agreed. “Yes, sir. Also, some villagers mentioned that a few local nobles have not paid much attention to their plight. One villager said he sent letters to these nobles, asking for help, but never received an answer.”

Jenny’s face hardened. “The nobles are too busy bickering over court privileges while real people suffer.”

Gary placed both hands on the table, leaning forward. “I can’t force them to care, but I can make it clear that ignoring their own lands is not wise.” He paused, remembering how some nobles were quite wealthy, at least compared to the crown’s current funds. “Maybe we should call a council meeting,” he said. “I want to hear from these nobles directly. If they have resources, they can share them. We’re all part of the same kingdom.”

Jenny’s eyes flickered with an idea. “We could encourage them by explaining that if the farmland fails, they lose any share of taxes or goods that keep their estates running. It’s in their interest to protect these places.”

Alden ran a hand over his bandaged knuckles. “I doubt all of them will listen. Some might even see this crisis as a chance to seize more power. I’ve heard whispers in the halls.”

Gary’s jaw tightened. “Then I will remind them that I’m still king. They may not like me, but for the sake of Arya, they must help.”

Jenny pulled a rolled parchment from under a leather-bound ledger. “Here,” she said, spreading it flat. “These are names of noble families who control farmland near the main roads. Each one could provide at least a little coin or manpower. If we get enough of them on board, it might strengthen our borders and boost trade. Otherwise, we risk losing more villages to Rodrik’s men.”

Gary scanned the list. He recognized a few names: Lord Elliot, rumored to be wealthy but stingy; Baroness Clara, who seldom left her estate; Sir Hugo, who had a reputation for bragging about old battles. Gary sighed. Dealing with them could be a headache, but ignoring them would be worse.

“All right,” he said, straightening up. “We’ll call a meeting here in three days. Send messengers now. Let these lords and ladies know that I request their presence in the hall. I’ll speak to them directly.”

Jenny wrote a quick note to that effect, then folded it neatly. “I’ll make sure the messages go out today.”

Alden glanced at Gary’s face. “Is there anything else you wish for me to do, Your Majesty?”

“Continue to oversee the training of the villagers,” Gary replied. “When you have time, check on the blacksmith as well. We need to know how many weapons can be made or repaired. If we must arm people quickly, I want to know what we have.”

Alden bowed. “It shall be done.” He departed quietly, leaving Gary and Jenny alone with the charts and lists.

Jenny’s gaze fell back to the table. “If we can unite the nobles, at least for a while, we might give Arya some breathing room. But it won’t solve everything. The farmland is in rough shape. The mines might be tapped out. And Rodrik… well, he’s not going away.”

Gary tried to steady himself. “No, he’s not. But if we show strength and unity, maybe he’ll think twice before sending large forces across our borders.”

She drew a small, shaky breath. “Let’s hope so.”

They worked through the morning, refining a list of requests for each noble family. Some would be asked to provide funds for road repairs, others to send extra men to guard farmland. A few could spare livestock or seeds to boost failing farms. Gary felt a faint spark of optimism as he imagined the possibilities. Still, a nagging doubt lingered in his mind, warning him that not all nobles would be eager to give up their wealth.

By midday, Gary heard the dull rumble of a carriage outside. He looked through a nearby window to see a covered wagon roll in, escorted by a pair of hired guards in the guild’s livery. Jenny stepped out to greet them. Gary followed, stepping into the courtyard’s mild sunshine.

A tall man in a dusty coat climbed down from the wagon. He introduced himself as Marik, a merchant who had just traveled from a town near the southern border. His guards stood behind him, their faces stern.

“Your Majesty,” Marik said with a slight bow. “It’s an honor. I bring a small shipment of dried goods and cloth. I hoped to sell them here, but I also bring news.”

Gary motioned for him to continue. “What news?”

Marik rubbed his chin. “I heard that a group of unknown riders has been spotted near the south as well. They wear dark cloaks, keep their faces hidden, and ask questions about trade routes. Some folks fear they might be Rodrik’s spies, or men for hire.”

Gary exchanged a worried look with Jenny. More signs that trouble surrounded them. “Thank you for telling us,” Gary said. “We’ll keep watch.”

Marik nodded, seeming relieved that Gary took him seriously. “As for my goods, I can offer them at fair prices, if you wish to stock up. I admit, the roads were not kind. We had to avoid certain paths to stay safe.”

Jenny studied the wagon’s contents. Sacks of dried beans, jugs of oil, bolts of rough cloth. Simple items, but they could help supply the castle and local folk. “We can buy some of these,” she told Marik, “and maybe arrange a bigger deal if trade becomes steadier.”

Marik brightened. “I’d welcome that. Many of us merchants want to see Arya strong again. A safe kingdom means profit for everyone.”

Gary forced a smile. “Indeed. Let’s hope it lasts.”

They spent a while bargaining over the sacks of beans and cloth. Jenny showed her skill at negotiation, securing a decent price. Marik’s guards looked restless, but they stayed polite. Once the deal was made, a few castle workers appeared to haul the goods inside. Marik took his coins and thanked them both.

Before departing, he glanced around the courtyard and lowered his voice. “If you don’t mind a bit of advice, Your Majesty… The best way to keep us traders coming is to fix the roads. When we see patrols, when we know bandits won’t rob us blind, we’ll spread the word that Arya is open for business. That alone can help you far more than you might guess.”

Gary nodded, feeling the truth in those words. “Thank you, Marik. We will do our best.”

The merchant tipped his hat, climbed back into his wagon, and soon rolled away under the watchful gaze of the castle guards.

Inside the hall, Jenny and Gary added the newly bought items to the inventory. Though small in quantity, it was a start. At least the castle would have extra food in reserve. Gary felt a mix of relief and unease. Every small step forward was overshadowed by the risk of outside threats—Rodrik’s men, suspicious riders, and local bandits who found profit in chaos.

Later in the afternoon, Gary paused to check on the blacksmith as Sir Alden had requested. He found a stout man named Royce hammering away in a cramped forge near the back of the castle grounds. Sparks flew with each strike of his hammer on glowing metal. The heat made the space stifling.

Royce wiped sweat from his brow when Gary entered. “Good day, Your Majesty,” he said, sounding a bit surprised. “I don’t often see the king here.”

Gary smiled faintly. “I want to know how many swords or spears you can make. Our knights need better gear, and we might soon arm villagers as well.”

Royce frowned. “I’d do more if I had better iron. Some of what we have is low quality. I can forge maybe ten decent spears and a handful of swords right now. Beyond that, I’ll need fresh supplies.”

Gary sighed, thinking of Jenny’s hopes for the northern mines. “We’re working on that. If we can secure new ore routes, you’ll have better metal. For now, do what you can.”

Royce returned to his work. “Aye, sir. I’ll do my best.”

Gary watched the metal glow under the flames, the sound of the hammer echoing in the small space. Each blow felt like a pulse, reminding him that time was short and the tasks were many. He thanked the blacksmith and stepped back into the cooler air of the yard.

Nightfall found Gary, Jenny, and Sir Alden gathered in a small side chamber for a simple meal of bread, cheese, and watered-down wine. They shared the day’s updates. Jenny had sent out the summons to the nobles, who were expected within three days. Alden had dispatched a wagon with spare spears to the border village. They spoke briefly about the suspicious riders in the south, deciding to assign more watchers if possible.

Gary chewed a piece of bread, lost in thought. He glanced at Jenny, who looked just as tired as he felt. Their eyes met, each reflecting the same concern. So many problems pressed down on Arya: empty coffers, roving threats, farmland on the verge of collapse. But if they could persuade the nobles to help, if the trade routes opened safely, perhaps there was still hope.

“Thank you both,” Gary said at last, his voice low. “I know none of this is easy, but your help keeps me going.”

Alden dipped his head respectfully. “We serve for the good of Arya, Your Majesty. That is all we can do.”

Jenny managed a small, supportive smile. “We’ll see this through. One way or another.”

They finished their meal in shared silence, the steady glow of lanterns their only comfort. Beyond the thick walls, the kingdom lay under a starry sky, both peaceful and fragile. Gary promised himself he would not fail these people who looked to him for guidance. Even if his doubts ran deep, he had to stand firm. A single misstep might spell disaster, but for now, they still had a chance to keep hope alive.