Without a proper ruler for the past two years, Michael doubted the current quality or discipline of that garrison.
Then there was the steward.
The territory had been under the stewardship of the manor's chief retainer since the last ruler's removal. Thornvale was a non-heritage territory, meaning its viscountcy wasn't tied to bloodlines. Previous lords came, ruled, and left—taking their families and their assets with them. No roots, no permanence.
It made the transition cleaner, but it also left the land vulnerable to internal decay. With each turnover, the common folk grew more detached, the minor lords more independent, and the stewards more… comfortable.
Michael didn't doubt there would be hidden rot waiting to be uncovered.
There were many reasons he had chosen Thornvale, but few—if any—had to do with the territory itself. It was remote, yes. Dangerous, certainly. But that was precisely why he picked it.
A place like this gave him room.
