CHAPTER 93: MACHINES AND ARMIES

Marcus had taken a vacation day from Pressley Guns to focus entirely on Valdris preparations. He'd spent hours in the modern world studying online tutorials about basic clothing construction, drawing diagrams of shirt and pants patterns, and researching industrial sewing machine operations. Every piece of information could be crucial for establishing their textile business in a world without electricity or modern manufacturing.

When he returned to Valdris, Marcus brought detailed sketches and operational instructions that he'd carefully translated into medieval terms. The sewing machine prototypes sat in their warehouse workshop, waiting to transform theoretical knowledge into practical production capabilities.

"Sara, come look at these designs," Marcus called as he spread his drawings across the workbench. "I've figured out how we can operate the machines and what types of clothing will be most profitable to produce."

Sara examined the sketches with her characteristic intensity, quickly grasping the mechanical principles involved. "These make sense. The threading mechanism works like our printing press but with different materials. I think I can teach the gentelmens how to operate them properly."

"The key is starting with simple garments," Marcus explained, pointing to basic shirt and pants patterns. "Once everyone understands the processes, we can move to more complex designs."

They spent the morning setting up the textile operation in the warehouse space behind their shop. The sewing machine prototypes required careful adjustment and testing before they could trust them for production work. Sara demonstrated each step methodically, ensuring that Marcus's female relatives understood both the mechanical operations and the quality standards they needed to maintain.

"Aunt Mira, control the fabric tension here. Aunt Elara, the stitching speed needs to stay consistent," Sara instructed with patience that impressed Marcus. She'd developed real leadership abilities over the past months.

Meanwhile, the men began operating the thread making machine, learning to produce consistent raw materials for the sewing operations. The division of labor made sense culturally and technically, though Marcus was careful to ensure that everyone understood they were pioneering completely new manufacturing methods.

"This is remarkable," his mother Elara said as she guided fabric through the sewing machine for the first time. "We can make more clothing in one day than we used to produce in a week by hand."

"And the quality is much more consistent," added Aunt Mira, examining the straight stitching that the machine produced. "Customers will pay premium prices for this level of craftsmanship."

"No, we will sell lower prices. Cost is near zero anyways. I want people of Drakmoor to live comfortably in the winter." Marcus explained.

As the family worked to master their new equipment, Marcus felt satisfaction seeing his dual world knowledge create tangible improvements in their lives. But the pleasure was interrupted when Sara asked about Palwin's absence.

"Where's Palwin today? She usually helps with any new projects."

"She's receiving specialized training for her unique abilities. Tom is helping with that process," Marcus replied carefully, not wanting to reveal the Defenders' existence to too many people.

Aldric looked up from the threading machine with concern. "What about the Malachar attack information you mentioned? Have you learned anything more specific?"

Marcus gave vague explanations about gathering intelligence and preparing defenses, but he could see that both Sara and Aldric were growing frustrated with his evasiveness. They deserved more complete information, but revealing Celestine's cosmic warnings or the Defenders' military preparations could create problems he wasn't ready to handle.

"I'm working with people who take the threat seriously. When I have concrete information, I'll share it immediately."

The afternoon passed productively as their textile operation began producing its first finished garments. The clothing quality exceeded anything available in Drakmoor's local markets, and Marcus could already envision the profits they'd generate once production reached full capacity.

But his satisfaction was interrupted when he noticed movement outside their workshop. Looking through the window, he saw a figure approaching who wore the distinctive clothing of a Defenders messenger.

"I need to step outside for a moment," Marcus told the others, trying to appear casual while his heart rate sped up. Messages from the Defenders could only mean intelligence about Malachar's movements.

The messenger was a young woman with the focused intensity that characterized all the Defenders students. She approached Marcus with military efficiency.

"Message from Aluro Starweaver. Intelligence has arrived regarding the eastern threat. You're requested to return immediately for briefing."

Marcus felt his stomach tighten. The wording suggested that their scouts had confirmed Celestine's warnings about Malachar's approaching army. "How urgent is this information?"

"Extremely. The scope and timeline exceed previous estimates."

Marcus returned to the workshop where his family and friends continued their productive work. Seeing them focused on building their business while unaware of the military crisis approaching made his dual responsibilities feel even more overwhelming.

"I need to leave for important meetings," he announced. "Keep working on the production processes. Sara, you're in charge of technical training. Aldric, handle the business planning. I'll return as soon as possible."

Sara looked up from adjusting a machine setting. "Is this about the threat you mentioned?"

"Yes. And the meetings will determine how we respond to it."

Marcus made the journey back to the Defenders' hideout with growing anxiety about what intelligence their scouts had gathered. Celestine's warnings had been vague about timing and numbers. Specific military information would force him to make concrete decisions about defensive preparations and civilian evacuations.

When he arrived at the hidden village, he found unusual activity. More people were present than during his previous visit, and everyone moved with the focused urgency that preceded major military operations.

Han greeted him at the forest entrance with uncharacteristic seriousness. "Marcus, the intelligence our scouts gathered is worse than we anticipated. Aluro is briefing everyone in the main hall."

Tom was already present when Marcus entered the meeting space, along with Palwin and approximately thirty Defenders students and instructors. The atmosphere felt like a war council preparing for immediate action.

"Thank you for returning quickly," Aluro said as Marcus took a seat. "Our eastern scouts have confirmed your warnings, but the scope exceeds what any of us expected."

She gestured to a hand drawn map showing the region between Malachar's territories and Drakmoor. Red markers indicated enemy positions and movement patterns that painted a clear picture of approaching invasion.

"Approximately ninety thousand troops are camped at fifteen days' marching distance from the city. Our scouts estimate this represents only about one tenth of Malachar's total available forces."

Han leaned forward with professional interest. "Why would he commit such a small portion of his army? Either he's underestimating our defensive capabilities, or this is a probing attack designed to test our responses."

Marcus thought about Celestine's assertion that Malachar himself was leading this campaign. "Maybe he doesn't think he needs overwhelming numbers. If he's confident in his mind control abilities and technological advantages, a smaller force might seem sufficient."

"Or this could be a strategic decision to leave most of his army defending conquered territories while he focuses on capturing the kingdom's capital," Aluro suggested. "Ninety thousand troops is still a massive force against our current defensive capabilities."

The numbers were staggering. Marcus had never seen Drakmoor's military forces, but he doubted they could field anywhere near ninety thousand defenders. Even if they mobilized every able bodied citizen, they'd be facing professional soldiers with superior equipment and magical support.

"What's our timeline for defensive preparations?" Marcus asked.

"Two weeks maximum before advance scouts reach the city's outer districts. Three weeks before the main force arrives," Han replied grimly.

Aluro stood and addressed the entire assembly. "This confirms our worst fears, but it also creates opportunities. Han, I want you to contact every former student, every ally, every person who owes favors to the Defenders. We need to call in every resource for the city's defense."

She turned to Marcus with determined intensity. "You need to convince the city's leadership to take immediate defensive measures without revealing our existence. The fewer people who know about us, the better. We need to remain a surprise element in both defense and potential offensive operations."

Marcus felt the weight of impossible coordination requirements. He had to warn Lord Hammond, Sister Korra, and potentially the King about an approaching army without explaining how he'd acquired the intelligence. He had to prepare his family and business partners for siege conditions without creating panic. And he had to coordinate with the Defenders while maintaining their secrecy.

"What about Palwin's training?" Marcus asked. "Has she made progress with portal abilities?"

Aluro nodded with cautious optimism. "We've found methods to help her harness portal opening without completely exhausting herself. She can now create small openings within our local area without fainting. It's limited, but it's progress."

"The mental connection with Tom has been crucial," Han added. "He can provide the directional focus she needs while she handles the magical execution. Together, they're developing capabilities that could prove invaluable."

Marcus looked at Palwin, who was listening with her characteristic focused attention. She seemed more present and engaged than he'd seen her before, as if the structured training environment was helping her function more effectively as an individual.

"How quickly can we expand her capabilities?"

"Unknown," Aluro admitted. "Portal magic theory suggests she should be able to transport people and supplies across significant distances. But pushing too hard could damage her ability permanently. We're balancing development speed against safety concerns."

The meeting continued for another hour as they discussed logistics, communication protocols, and contingency plans. Marcus left with detailed instructions for coordinating with city authorities while maintaining operational security about the Defenders' involvement.

After the meeting Marcus saw Palwin at a bench under a tree gazing upwards. He aprroached her and sat beside her. Palwin turned her focuse to Marcus but didnt say anyting.

"When we first met I saw you as a burden I admit that but ..."

Tom was walking towards them with a music instrument.

"I am sorry for that" marcus continued "I want you to feel comfortable with us with yourself. You dont have to push yourself"

Tom reached them "What do you guys talk about?"

"Nothing just take care of Palwin, Tom. I have to go to city now."

"Palwin was gonna play some music for us stay for a while brother"

"Next time"

As he walked back through Drakmoor's streets, Marcus saw the city with new eyes. In less than three weeks, these walls could be under siege by an army of ninety thousand soldiers led by a dark wizard with mind control abilities. Most of the people around him had no idea that their world was about to change forever.

The weight of cosmic responsibilities suddenly felt less important than the immediate challenge of saving everyone he could see. Celestine's missions and world seeds would be meaningless if Malachar conquered the kingdom and enslaved or killed everyone Marcus cared about.

Two weeks to prepare for the largest military crisis in the kingdom's history. Two weeks to coordinate resistance efforts while maintaining multiple cover stories. Two weeks to train portal magic, establish supply lines, and somehow find ways to counter mind control abilities that had defeated armies before.

Marcus returned to their workshop where his family continued their peaceful textile production, completely unaware that their new business might not survive to see next month. Soon he would have to tell them the truth about what was coming. But for now, he let them enjoy these final moments of hope and normalcy before everything changed forever.