Chapter 200: War is Coming

A chorus of gruff agreement met his declaration. The fatigue that had burdened them for weeks seemed to evaporate,replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. They had found their locations – the hidden valley, a potential refuge, and Hawksmoor Hill, their watchtower and future stronghold. With renewed vigor, they spent the next few days assessing the Hawksmoor watchtower. Its once sturdy walls were crumbling, the wooden beams rotted, and the roof a gaping hole exposing the sky. Yet, despite its dilapidated state, the strategic value remained undeniable. The view from the top encompassed a vast expanse of the western plains, a crucial advantage for spotting any approaching enemy force. Thomas, ever the pragmatist, pointed out the challenges. "Rebuilding the tower in such a short time will require a lot of manpower and materials. Lumber, stone, skilled laborers – we need to requisition them immediately." Lucian nodded, his mind already racing with solutions. "Upon our return to Haverbrock