Chapter 9: The Dark Tower
This medieval tower was incredibly large, enormous to many. Its crypts were the most surprising feature, as beneath the tower lay forges that could be utilized using dragon fire.
But these were just the things Haldor had heard from people while he inspected his axes. Once he set that aside, he walked toward the entrance connected to the path by a metal bridge.
Toad led the way for Haldor, explaining, "As you've seen on your way here, the Dark Tower stands imposing and solitary in the center of a vast expanse of land, surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountains over the raven-horn-shaped mountain. Its structure is tall and massive, built with dark, heavy stones that reflect the light somberly, giving it an almost supernatural appearance."
"The tower's walls are fortified with iron reinforcements and decorated with gargoyles and heraldic shields displaying the emblem of the icy dragon, which is, of course, your emblem."
"At the base of the tower, a deep and wide moat filled with water that doesn't freeze connects with the crypts containing hidden dangers surrounding the structure, with a single reinforced wooden drawbridge with iron chains as the only access."
Toad paused and pointed. "The main entrance is a massive wooden gate with metal reinforcements, adorned with carvings of dragons and mythical creatures."
Listening to this explanation, one might fall asleep, but Haldor was wide awake, interested in knowing all that this tower hid from those who considered it merely a defenseless tower.
What he heard about this tower went from mundane to impressive. The best part was the interior layout. Ignoring the crypts where the forges and Azazel's resting place were located, the lower level of the tower also housed the dungeons and cells.
In the lowest section of the tower are the dungeons, with damp and dark cells. These are equipped with shackles and chains, and the atmosphere is oppressive and desolate, designed to drive enemies to madness in a short time.
Also in this area are the storerooms, isolated from dampness and cold. Here, there are large depots where food, water, and essential supplies are stored to withstand a prolonged siege. There is also an armory filled with weapons and armor.
In the second section of the lower tower is the first level, where the guardroom is located.
Here is a large space where guards and soldiers gather and prepare. It is equipped with benches, tables, and a central hearth where they can warm up and cook.
On the upper floors, in Section 1, is the watchroom.
From here, the guards have a clear view of the surroundings thanks to narrow shooting windows and observation platforms.
Then comes the second section of the tower, one of Haldor's favorite places to which he would dedicate much time.
On the upper floors, there is the main hall, a large room decorated with dark tapestries, torches, and iron chandeliers. In the center, there is a long table for banquets and meetings. The walls are adorned with hunting trophies and ancient weapons.
Following this, higher up, is the council chamber.
A smaller and more private room where the lord can meet with his advisors and plan strategies. Here is a large map of the region and shelves filled with books and scrolls.
Haldor then reached the third section, which was the library and study room. At first glance, he saw a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and grimoires. This space also includes a large, comfortable desk where the lord can study and write.
Walking to the upper floors, there is the guest room. On this land, there are several small but comfortable rooms to accommodate important visitors or allies in times of need.
In the fourth section of floors are the Lord's quarters, the room that rightfully belongs to Haldor.
The lord's private suite, decorated with dark and sumptuous luxury. Here is a large canopy bed, carved wooden furniture, and an ever-lit fireplace. From the high, narrow windows, the lord can observe all his domain.
One might think that this tower would be neglected, but inside it was much more luxurious than any other place Haldor had been since he took over the body of its owner.
"What follows after this is a private chapel," said Toad, who was out of breath.
Haldor then saw a small and austere space dedicated to meditation and prayers, with symbols and reliquaries reflecting the lord's faith and superstition.
Lastly, they reached the upper section, where the upper combat posts were located.
Here was a watchtower, the top of the tower, where the battlements and watch posts are. This level provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings, allowing any threat to be detected well in advance.
Equipped with ballistae and archery stations, the tower is ready to launch heavy projectiles and arrows at approaching enemies.
As for the defensive systems of this tower, there are the drawbridge and reinforced iron gate.
These levels of defense were controlled from within by complex mechanisms, making unwanted access difficult.
Additionally, there are openings in the walls to pour hot oil, throw stones, or shoot arrows at attackers.
The way they hinder the advance of invaders and force them to expose themselves is through coordinated defensive attacks from the defense floors.
"It takes more than five hundred men for all the defenses to be effective against invaders. Moreover, the dragon-slaying crossbows are not working." Haldor had heard all the problems now in the tower.
He considered everything in silence, walked to his room, and asked to be left alone for a few moments.
Toad walked away to attend to other matters, leaving Haldor alone.
Haldor didn't have time to consider many things because his time was short, so besides focusing on his training, he would design many things, especially weapons.
The people of the north need better armor, better houses, better architectural designs, and better methods to harness the cold.
"My Lord, the slaves have arrived at the tower as you requested. They are accompanied by more soldiers and supply carts. Would you prefer to speak with them now or later?" Lucian knocked on the door of Haldor's room as he was unpacking his things.
"I'll come down now. This is important." He never thought the slaves would arrive so quickly; the first half of them were killed in the attack on the way here.
But now that they've arrived, he had to address this issue that was on his mind.
His plan begins now.
Descending the tower via the iron elevator, he found himself facing at least a hundred strong slaves. They all belonged to Haldor, each with different aspects.
"Alright, since you're gathered here, I don't want to waste any more time talking about the weather. From today onwards, you are all free citizens of the Shadow Tower territory, and as lord of this place, I pardon your slave sentences. You're all welcome to stay, and I will receive great rewards in the future when I ascend to my father's crown. But if you wish to leave, I won't force you."
Haldor's words had a profound effect on the over 100 slaves, among whom were hidden northern barbarians near the wall who originally planned resistance. Many opened their eyes wide in surprise at this young lord.
Originally, they thought their lives would be horrible upon arriving here as slaves, and their only way to survive would be through rebellion. But after seeing that Haldor wasn't playing a trick on them, dozens of people kneeled down, continued bowing, and spoke kind words of gratitude.
After accepting their thanks, Haldor rewarded the warriors who would continue serving him and ordered a feast to be prepared using elk meat.
At this point, his reputation in the town beneath the Shadow Tower had reached its peak.
Yes, it was that simple. Thinking about this, Haldor couldn't help but mock the benefits one could obtain in this strict era. After eating and drinking enough, Haldor, like everyone else, finally felt that his strength had significantly improved.
When he knew that everything would be fine, he walked towards the library, where he met Lucian.
"I didn't expect to find you in a place like this, Sir Lucian."
Lucian looked at Haldor and said, "It's curious. I never expected you to be so well-mannered compared to your father's other sons. I suppose your mother taught you well; after all, she's not from these lands."
"She never wanted to tell me where she came from. What right do you have to do so?" Haldor asked, obviously interested, but Lucian's authority had to be respected, so he questioned Lucian as any young lord should.
"Let's go."
Without Haldor's signal, Lucian was already walking ahead with a longsword in hand. Despite the cold, his leather armor didn't seem to bother him, and his expression remained calm.
"Your mother feared you would be curious about what lies beyond Silver Isle, but now that we are near the wall and the lands of the Free Folk, I have been evaluating and believe you should know the truth of everything." Lucian had confirmed that Haldor was the potential heir with the greatest potential.
"Lucian, then tell me, how did we end up in a place like this, having a dragon and a powerful army?" Haldor saw Lucian stop on the top floor of the tower, where there were only crossbows, arrows, and a huge empty space in the center.
Both pairs of eyes looked out at the snowy field beyond in the extreme cold, where wolves tread on the snow and polar bears protected their territory; nothing could be heard but the howling wind and falling snow.
Haldor felt he was close to a truth he had always wanted to know, so he remained silent, awaiting Lucian's response, who merely smiled slightly.
"Yes, sir."
After seeing Haldor's methods, Lucian became more respectful and stopped any transgressive behavior that only elders could have.
He also didn't know much about what was beyond the wall, but he knew the story accurately.
"Where do you think our magic came from?" Lucian's questions became more serious as he delved deeper into the history of their conversation.
Haldor fell silent; he didn't have a clear answer, so he said, "Our ancestors taught us water magic; once we were greater and more powerful, but now we're here amidst the cold and oblivion."
"The sorcerers are direct descendants of the Rhoynar, who faced the Valyrian Feud in its prime power, but as you can see, we were expelled but never defeated." Lucian looked up at the sky as if the memories of ancient stories had brought him some kind of nostalgia.
"So, our history comes from the lands beyond the wall."
Lucian smiled and said, "All signs point to you being the chosen one. I don't like to speak of visions, but everything is coming together to take our power back."
Haldor fell silent; he didn't fully understand what Lucian meant by this.
"Our history began when..."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
SrCuervo
SrCuervo Thank you for reading. If you want to support me, read original novels and read 30 extra chapters of this story, you can visit my Patreon: SrCuervo
New account: SrCuervo2
New Novel: Teen Wolf: Hunter, Don't Shoot My Friend
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone