chapter 32: Seeds of Empire
After returning to Silas's tavern, which smelled of old wood and tobacco, Edward and Silas began auditing their spoils. The bags of gold gleamed under the dim candlelight, and the liberated men stood in the backyard, awaiting their new orders.
Amidst the hushed commotion, the man who had led the slaves requested an audience with Edward. He was granted entry and found Edward and Silas sitting around a heavy wooden table covered with maps and coins. Edward asked him calmly, "You asked to see me... what is on your mind?"
The man replied with a steady gaze, "Sir, you have freed us and given us a purpose. Now, I want to know, what is your grand plan?" Edward answered, his eyes reflecting a boundless ambition, "The plan is expansion. We will grow our strength until we control the entire underworld."
Realization gleamed in the man's eyes, and he said, "Then allow me to take my liberated brothers to form our own team. We will work to increase our strength, gather allies, and build our own network under your command." Edward fell silent for a moment, weighing the gravity of the decision, then nodded in approval. He asked, "And where will you begin?"
The man answered confidently, "I will start in France. I will build us a foothold there, while England remains in Silas's expert hands. We will surround the underworld from both shores." Edward was impressed by his foresight and said, "A clever plan. However, you must come to me twice every month and send me news and reports constantly. I want to know every breath taken in the alleys of Paris."
Edward pulled out a heavy bag containing a thousand gold coins and thudded it onto the table: "Take this. Prepare yourself and your men. Work hard, grow the wealth, and impose authority. I don't want mere followers; I want an army of shadows." The man bowed before Edward with absolute respect and swore an oath of eternal loyalty, confirming that he would remain obedient until his last breath. The man turned and left the room, calling out to his chosen group.
Within minutes, the departure was a solemn sight; the man mounted his horse, followed by a wagon loaded with hardened men, heading toward the harbor to cross the channel to France, carrying with them the seeds of Edward's new empire.