ã€ŠMy Fianc&#xE9; Is The Duke&#x27;s Disgraced Daughterã€‹


 Chapter 1 - The First Meeting

    "It seems you are about to be married, my lord."

    Kenric Wulf paused, the quill pen he was writing with suddenly coming to a stop. The words had been said so casually that he''d needed a moment to process them.

    "Excuse me?"

    "You are about to be married, Lord Wulf. What a joyous occasion," Gerard, Kenric''s butler repeated flatly. He was always like this, even-faced no matter what the situation was at hand. Gerard stroked his greying, yet well-groomed triangular beard as he squinted his wrinkled brown eyes over the opened letter in his hand again, "It seems your bride-to-be is Duke Filangris'' daughter: Elizabeth Filangris."

    Shaking his head and returning to penning his letter, Kenric asked, "I think I''ve heard her name on the maids'' lips recently."

    "Yes, as have I. Would you like to know why the esteemed Duke Filangris is sending his firstborn here of all places?"

    "You''re going to tell me even if I say no, won''t you?"

    "Well, the story goes¡­"

    <hr>

    Elizabeth Filangris dreamed. She dreamed of a man with wavy blonde hair and easy-going charming eyes. The man''s persona was always so filled with confidence and ease, how could any woman not fall in love?

    His Highness Albert Gwydon, Prince of the Kingdom of Yareth. And Elizabeth had been destined to marry him. Ever since they were both five, they had been promised to each other. A perfect love story.

    The only problem was, Albert and Elizabeth rarely got a chance to meet; she could count all their meetings when they were children on one hand. Thankfully, that would all change when they would attend the Royal Academy. All nobles, small and large, went to the Royal Academy in the capital for their education. It was there that they made connections with the other soon-to-be important figures of the realm, and built up knowledge from the finest minds Yareth had to offer. A haven for the nobility.

    But then, a backwater peasant from nowhere was allowed in. This was not so rare as to never be seen, but it was still an uncommon event, and this particular backwater peasant was different from the rest. She did not know her place. She seduced Prince Albert¡ªa promised man far beyond her station¡ªpretending all the while that she had done nothing.

    It chafed. For four years, it chafed.

    And then, on the eve of graduation, during the Great Rosebud Ball, Prince Albert confronted Elizabeth in front of everyone. Her attempts to oust the peasant from the Academy were brought to light, and the engagement was broken off.

    She still remembered Albert''s glare. Rarely had she seen him so serious. But the disdain¡­ that had steadily built up during their four years in the Academy. She had simply failed to recognize what it was until the very end, or perhaps she had simply tried to avoid recognizing it.

    "I''ve had enough! Leave!" He had said, his voice loud and booming, washing over the thousands of spectators that had made a large circle around them, "You are no longer my fianc¨¦!"

    The stares magnified, the whispers loudened, Albert''s glare burned, and worst of all, the peasant stared with pity¡ª

    Elizabeth awoke in her carriage with a gasp. She could feel the dampness of sweat in her clothes, and she pulled her long blonde hair aside out of her eyes. She used to maintain it every day, spending close to an hour just brushing it and making sure it was as straight and elegant as could be. But now¡­ what was the point?Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    She looked out the window, greenery passing by outside her carriage, and her mind took a moment to catch up to reality. Right, she was on her way to the northern border, to the city of Blaidd, where her groom-to-be awaited her. A few weeks after the debacle during the Great Rosebud Ball, her father had announced that she was to be married to a new man, a minor lord whose name she''d never even heard of before. Her father had seemed full of pity and regret, but he was a noble all the same. He did what had to be done.

    Almost out of habit, Elizabeth began straightening her hair. Despite everything, she could at least look slightly presentable. She judged herself with her slight reflection upon the window, but then she caught sight of her blue eyes, so like crystal, so like Albert''s¡­ she looked away. That was enough. There was no point in dolling herself further.

    This was the third day of the journey to the northern border, and if her scores in Geography at the Royal Academy had meant anything, then she estimated it was also the last. The cold had already settled in, and now it was just a matter of an hour or two before she reached.

    Perhaps it was just her mind, but the air grew colder and colder as time passed. The journey got rougher too, with the road getting bumpier and bumpier. She would have raged against these indignities once. Now, her dead heart could not find it in itself to care. Although, she had once idly wondered what her groom-to-be would be like. She knew how minor lords were like: quivering messes who bent over backwards to satisfy their betters. Only, now that she had been disgraced, would he hold it over her head, relishing in the turn of fortunes?

    The carriage pulled into the city of Blaidd, a city so unlike the capital or Elizabeth''s home. The people looked harsh, the buildings had been built with the bare essentials, and the roads weren''t even paved. Worst of all, the city itself was so tiny that reaching the small manor¡ªthat only slightly stood over the rest of the buildings¡ªtook no time at all.

    The carriage was allowed into the manor, its rickety gates opening with a loud groaning sound, and it stopped inside the barely-maintained courtyard. Even just through the window, Elizabeth could spot the dying shrubbery¡ªthe steward back home would have keeled over in horror.

    A well-groomed servant with a triangular beard opened the door to Elizabeth''s carriage, and she took a small breath before exiting to a man with short and messy black hair. The first thing she noticed about him was his dark eyes: they lived up to his namesake. Like a wolf''s, they were piercing and sharp, as though he was picking her apart weakness by weakness. There was a harshness to him so unlike Albert''s that it gave her pause. So overwhelming was his presence that it took her a moment to notice that he was leaning slightly on a cane with his left hand, which was strange as he looked to be her age: eighteen.

    "Do you have any luggage?" His voice was cold and to the point.

    "Y-yes, I''ve brought a trunk, it''s in the carriage," Elizabeth answered, feeling rather a lot like a soldier answering her commanding officer.

    The man turned to the servant, "Gerard."

    Apparently that was enough, because Gerard nodded, "I shall have Lady Finagris'' luggage sent to her room. Please make sure to show her around in the meantime."

    The man turned around, walking into the manor, with every step of his producing a sharp tok. When he noticed she wasn''t following him, he looked back, "Come along then."

    Elizabeth walked to him. As he opened the doors to the manor proper, she asked, "You are Lord Wulf then?" It was already obvious, but she couldn''t find anything else to say.

    "Correct," Kenric Wulf said, "And you are Lord Filangris'' consolation prize."

    "I''m sorry?" Elizabeth asked. They were walking through the halls now, well-maintained, but bare. There were no fineries upon the plain windows, nor the stone walls, nor the uncarpeted floors. This whole place felt¡­ cold, and the actual cold in the air did not help matters.

    "I asked him for soldiers and supplies, as I have countless times before," Kenric said, "And when he finally responds, he sends me a bride instead."

    "Soldiers and supplies?"

    "Yes," Kenric said, "Our territory is where our Kingdom of Yareth''s northern border meets the Wereion Empire''s southern border. If they ever want to invade, then going through our territory is the most efficient path, and they''ve made plenty of attempts."

    "Aren''t we at peace?" Elizabeth asked, "The King made peace with the Wereion Empire decades ago."

    "And?" Kenric laughed harshly, "All that means is that their attempts have gotten less overt. They denounce those we capture as traitors who acted on their own, dress their soldiers up in the clothes of bandits¡ªtheir excuses are endless, and because the King is so proud of his monumental peace, he ignores these attempts. After all, it''s not like a single one has succeeded yet."

    Elizabeth was not stupid, she knew what he was saying, "They haven''t succeeded because you''re here."

    "For now," Kenric said, "And not without sacrifices. Countless people here have faced their end against Wereionic raiding parties, including my father. And to help support our efforts, we get you. How magnanimous of Duke Filangris."

    Elizabeth found she could say nothing to that.

    Kenric smiled coldly, "Let''s continue our tour, shall we?"

 Chapter 2 - Sparring Ground

    Elizabeth stood behind Kenric as he opened a door to a room with a simple table with chairs around it. Though the whole manor was lacking decorations of any sort, there were paintings hung here. They were enclosed by simple wood frames, and they were portraits of men and women. One specifically looked very similar to Kenric.

    He noticed Elizabeth staring, "My father," he explained, "These are all members of the Wulf family past."

    Yes, Elizabeth thought, she could see that. There was a severity in all their eyes that matched Kenric''s.

    "Anyway, this is the dining room. Make sure to be here before nine in the morning if you want your breakfast hot," Kenric said, "The manor staff won''t be free all day just to cook for you."

    It felt like an indictment of sorts, a shot at all those nobles who asked for anything at any time with the expectation they would receive it. Elizabeth couldn''t exactly say she wasn''t the same either.

    The two left the dining room, with Kenric closing the door behind them. "Come," he said, "There is one last place to show you before taking you to your room." They walked the bare hallways once more before reaching the back doors to the manor. When they exited, they arrived at what seemed like a sparring ground. It was crude, just a circle fence made of wooden sticks with packed dirt inside. However, two people were duelling within, and several more people watched from the outside, cheering.

    "Today''s the day you get him, Noodle!" One of the spectators, a woman with her black hair tied up in a tight bun, yelled. The bald and stocky man beside her, missing an arm, laughed, "Yeah right!"

    When they spotted Kenric they bowed in greeting, "My lord."

    Kenric waved them up, "Noodle is trying his hand against Edward again?"

    "He learned a new move or something," the woman said, "Said he''s sure to win now."

    "He''s lost five times already," the man said, "Barely took Edward any effort. Look, Noodle''s going for his move again."

    Elizabeth and Kenric watched as Noodle, a rather thin-looking man, went for a high feint, and then in the same breath, fired off an incredibly quick thrust towards his opponent. His opponent, Edward, easily batted aside the move and kicked him square in the chest, sending him flying.

    "And¡ªmatch!" One of the spectators on the far end declared.

    Noodle clambered to his feet, "Once more, Ed! I nearly had you!"

    Edward, with his short and poofy black hair, had gentle features, and when he smiled, he seemed even gentler, like he was about to wrap you in a comforting hug, "I''m sure you did, Noodle. I welcome the chance to fight you again."

    "What a load of bull," the woman laughed, "Edward hasn''t even broken a sweat yet. Noodle''s dreaming if he thinks he can defeat Edward in this life."

    "His name is Noodle?" Elizabeth asked.

    "There was an incident with noodles," The man with one arm said, "We don''t talk about it."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    "His new move is good, but it doesn''t guarantee his victory," Kenric said sharply, "Especially if the opponent has seen it before."

    "I shall let him know," the woman said, "What about you, my lord? Have you come to spar?"

    "You can fight?" Elizabeth asked, surprised. She looked at the cane in his left hand, he had been using it to walk this whole time and was leaning slightly upon it even now.

    "You seem doubtful," Kenric said. He turned to the sparring ring, "Edward, I will be facing you now. Noodle, take a break."

    Noodle jolted at Kenric''s voice, "Huh? But, my lord¡ª!" The sight of Kenric''s glare was enough to make him forget whatever he was about to say, "I¡ªI mean, of course. Enjoy yourself."

    He exited the field, and Kenric entered. Edward bowed, "My lord."

    "Come, the match has begun," Kenric said. He didn''t look ready at all, leaning on his cane as he still was. He didn''t even have a weapon ready. Edward, however, did not hesitate to instantly charge forward. His expression had changed; it was filled with intense determination now.

    Edward''s speed was completely different than it had been against Noodle. He was like a blur now, and his sword swung like steel lightning¡ª

    ¡ªClang!

    As though it had taken no effort at all, Kenric merely raised his cane underneath the swing, sending it flying over his head. Edward did not stop, he spun and went for another swing, but this was easily batted aside. He grew quicker and quicker, leaping around the battlefield, trying to reach Kenric from any and all angles, but Kenric didn''t even move a step as he kept deflecting his attacks.

    Finally, Kenric moved to attack. He made to swing high, and to his credit, Edward quickly brought his sword up to deflect it. But then, almost as naturally as breathing, Kenric abandoned the swing and switched it up into a thrust. His cane struck Edward like a lunging viper, and he was sent flying back, saliva forcefully expelling itself from his mouth.

    Edward, now on the ground, coughed several times in pain, and Kenric looked to a spectator on the far side of the ring. "M-match!" The spectator declared.

    "You''ve improved," Kenric said to Edward, "Now use this battle to improve further." He left the sparring ring, using his cane to support his left leg with each step again, and returned to Elizabeth and the others, "Come, let me show you to your room now."

    He walked away, and as he did, Noodle ran his hand through his short brown hair, "Damn¡­ can''t even imagine fighting like the boss does¡­"

    "What are you talking about?" Elizabeth asked, tilting her head in confusion, "Lord Wulf used the same move you''ve just learned to end the battle. Wasn''t he showing you how to use it properly?"

    The woman with the hair bun, the one-armed man, and Noodle stared at her. Elizabeth felt suddenly put on the spot, "Wh-what is wrong¡ª?"

    "Do you intend to stay out here, Lady Filangris?" Kenric called, already at the doors.

    "Until next time," Elizabeth said to the three with a small nod, eager to use this excuse to get away. She caught up to Kenric, and they entered the manor proper again. As he led her down the halls, she realised, "That''s the first time you''ve called me by name."

    "If you''d like, I can stop," Kenric said unconcernedly.

    "No¡­ it''s fine," Elizabeth said. She looked at his cane again, "I thought you were injured. How did you fight like that?"

    "I am injured," Kenric said, "And unfortunately, every healer I have been to has said that this injury will never heal completely. I will have to rely on this cane till the end of my days. However, for just a short period of time, I am able to force myself to move without it. In other words, for a short period of time, I am able to fight."

    "But then¡­ how are you so strong?" Elizabeth asked.

    "Because I was already strong before," Kenric said, "Here we are." They were on the second floor now, and he opened the door to a clean, but¡ªjust the same as the rest of the manor¡ªbare room. There was a bed, a desk, and a few candelabras. That was it.

    "But you are correct in thinking that a person who cannot fight long enough to train can never grow stronger," Kenric said, "I am powerful, but since I cannot train, I will slowly lose my skills and my enemies will one day surpass me. Think of me as a metaphor from one of those fancy poems nobles love so much. I am this land. I will defend it as long as I can, but one day we will lose, and we will be overrun." He smiled coldly and bowed, "Welcome, Lady Filangris, to your place of exile."

    He left the room and closed the door behind him, the sound of it echoing like a grim bell as Elizabeth stared at it.

 Chapter 3 - Elizabeths Decision

    There was a window in Elizabeth''s room; it overlooked the courtyard and the city beyond. Almost as though in a daze, she stared out it, watching as the sun dipped beneath the horizon and the stars came out.

    A knock came from her door. She opened it and found herself face to face with Gerard, the servant from earlier. He was carrying her trunk, an impressive feat for one who looked as old as him.

    "Greetings, my lady, I have brought your luggage. May I come in?"

    Elizabeth nodded, and Gerard entered, placing down the trunk in the corner of the room, "I apologise for the delay, we had to check it for cursed items and such, but our appraiser is not so skilled an individual. Circumstances forced him to leave his education before it could truly even begin, you see."

    "Did you find any? Cursed items I mean," Elizabeth asked. It was automatic, this need to make polite, pleasant conversation. It was the training she had been engraved with after all.

    "None whatsoever," Gerard said, "Though, of course, we expected as such. These checks are simply basic procedure."

    "Of course, we had such procedures back home as well," Elizabeth said.

    "Many thanks for your understanding," Gerard made to leave, but then he stopped at the door, "I hope¡­ you were not too put off by my lord today. I can imagine how it went. Please understand, he does not hate you¡ª"

    "I know he doesn''t," Elizabeth said. She remembered his sharp, wolf-like eyes. They did not glare at her with hatred, rather¡­ " It''s likely that he doesn''t even consider me worthy of attention. He has too many problems in front of him to hate a woman he doesn''t even know. It''s true he''s frustrated, but he''s frustrated with my father, not me."

    Gerard smiled, "¡­Yes, that is correct. You have discerned the heart of the matter impressively quickly. He intends to leave you to do whatever you wish to do, so long as you don''t get in his way."

    Elizabeth looked down, "I see. That makes sense."

    "However, do you intend to leave it at that?" Gerard asked, "I know of your story, I know why you have been sent here. However, I also know of your ability. You were one of the best students in the Royal Academy in your time. Lord Wulf does not have any interest in you so he does not know this, but I believe you could be of great assistance to him."

    The pride that had been trampled by Prince Albert and the no-name peasant he liked suddenly burned like embers strengthening with wind, and Elizabeth looked him in the eyes again, "And why should I be of great assistance to him?"

    Gerard did not drop his smile, "Why not? This is your home now too, after all, and there is but one man in charge of defending it. Don''t you think it would behove you to help him?" He bowed, "Have a good night. If you should want for dinner, please come find me. My room is on the ground floor, closest to the stairs."

    With that, he took his leave.

    Gerard''s words echoed in her head for a long time after that. She turned them over in her mind, examining each word with increasing scrutiny. Everything that she was, everything that she thought she''d be, had been destroyed in a single moment back at the Royal Academy. Now she was here, in a place she barely knew anything about, and was being asked to¡­ what? Help?The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    It was stupid, but some part of her had once thought¡ªhoped¡ªthat Albert would realise his mistake and burst into her house, apologising and promising never to take her for granted again. If she began putting effort here, it felt almost as though she would be betraying the hope of that future once and for all.

    Perhaps one day a letter still might arrive, perhaps¡­

    Round and round it went, and Elizabeth did not know when sleep overtook the deafening worries in her mind.

    <hr>

    The sunrise was a late, but beautiful thing in the Wulf territory. Kenric Wulf awoke at the same early time he usually did, and after breakfast, he began his paperwork in the dark. Reports upon reports always awaited him no matter the time, and he had to look through each one, lest he miss something important. He had letters to write too, and budgets to check, and a million more things that he attended to with perfect diligence.

    By the time he''d finished his daily work, three o''clock had already rolled around, and he stretched as he made his way to the sparring ground (his favourite part of the manor). Edward and Liam were fighting today. Liam had lost his arm in battle a year ago, but he had not given up, even now he kept up his training.

    It was an admirable thing, and Kenric had said as such, but unfortunately, he had lost too much skill to be anything but a liability on the battlefield. Kenric had told him this as well, which was why he was currently working as a cook in the manor.

    The spar between him and Edward was more of a training session than anything. Edward was moving deliberately slow enough so that Liam could keep up and train at an effective level. Kenric watched silently, there were no notes to give in this instance. Edward was a skilled enough individual to execute this perfectly.

    Aida walked up to him, bowing slightly, "My lord." She had worn her black hair in a long ponytail once, but then in one of their many spars, Edward accidentally chopped off a part of it. Ever since then, she''d worn her hair in a tight bun, a style she announced she''d grown to like.

    Aida said conversationally, "Lady Filangris didn''t show up for breakfast this morning."

    "I see."

    "Nor did she attend lunch."

    Kenric didn''t even spare her a glance, "If she doesn''t wish to eat, that is of no concern to me."

    Suddenly, Aida clapped her hands in excitement, "But she''s your bride-to-be! Why didn''t you tell us that yesterday? We would have introduced ourselves to her! I had to hear who she was from Gerard!"

    "Introduce yourself now, if it bothers you," Kenric said dismissively.

    "I''ve heard the rumour, you know?" Aida said, "She was supposed to marry a prince, but then she took things a little too far against someone he liked in the Royal Academy, and her engagement was broken for it. Do you think she''s waiting to be called back? Her father might have a change of heart, you know?"

    "I don''t care."

    In the sparring ring, Liam was beginning to breathe heavily, and his movements were starting to slow down. After a while, Kenric called, "Enough! Training anymore won''t do you any good, Liam."

    Edward and Liam instantly came to a stop and bowed towards Kenric. "Aida, you''ll be sparring with me next."

    Aida made a face, "Ugh."

    "Now," Kenric ordered. They replaced Edward and Liam in the ring, and Aida took her stance. She preferred spears to swords, and used them incredibly well.

    "Begin," Kenric said.

    Aida waited in a ready stance, pointing her spear at Kenric, and they slowly circled each other. "Today might be the day I finally defeat you, my lord!" Aida taunted.

    "I would welcome that outcome," Kenric said, "However¡ª"

    It was speed surpassing speed. It looked like a step, but in an instant, Kenric was in front of Aida, his cane striking her right in the stomach. Aida flew, and Kenric watched with an impassive expression, "¡ªIt seems I won''t get to see it anytime soon."

    Aida, now flat on her back on the ground, let out a wheezing groan in response. He looked to the spectators, and Edward swallowed, "Er¡ªam I to be next, my lord?"

    Kenric paused for a moment, then he shook his head and leaned on his cane once more, "No, I''ll save the rest of my time for emergencies."

    Edward looked at Kenric''s cane, a solemn look on his face.

    "I think I have a solution for that, Lord Wulf."

    The words had come from the entrance to the manor from someone unexpected: Elizabeth Filangris.

 Chapter 4 - Elizabeths Solution

    Ever since Kenric Wulf had injured his leg in battle, every healer, magical or otherwise, had said the same thing: it could never be fully healed. The best he could make of the situation was that he could use it for a short while before it collapsed. It took time and rest to heal it to a point where he could once again use it to its full capacity for a limited time.

    So, Elizabeth Filangris'' claim that she had a solution for it was a laughable notion at best. However¡ª

    "How?"

    ¡ªKenric was a man who refused to deny people their chance. If someone claimed something, then he would give them the opportunity to prove themselves.

    Elizabeth hesitated, but then she squared her shoulders and stepped forward, "To be clear, I cannot heal your leg. If it hasn''t been healed by now, then it is beyond my ability to heal. But you said last night that your problem was that you can''t train. You said that your skills would deteriorate, and your enemies would surpass you one day. I believe I can do something about that."

    "And that something is?"

    "I can put your leg in a stasis of sorts," Elizabeth explained, "So long as I''m here and casting my magic, you can use your leg without it deteriorating." She looked nervous, like she wasn''t sure what his reception would be, like he might even be angry that it wasn''t the perfect solution he had been hoping for.

    And it wasn''t a perfect solution, but it was better than what he could do now, and that was worth trying.

    "Show me," Kenric ordered.

    Elizabeth blinked at the sudden request, before nodding. She unsheathed a wand from her dress sleeve, dainty and white, the pointed stick made of wood shined more like marble, and in the small pommel¡ªlike all wands¡ªsat a glinting blue crystal.

    She pointed her wand at Kenric''s left leg and made a slow, twisting motion. A band of blue with deeper blue arcane sigils within neatly formed into existence around his leg. Kenric moved it, and as though he was wearing that band, it moved with his leg. He experimentally moved his cane through the band, but it passed through like the band wasn''t even there.

    Most importantly though, he didn''t feel any different.

    "Aida¡ª" He began to call, before realising that she was only just now getting to her feet, still recovering from the strike to her stomach as she was, "¡ªNo. Edward, you will spar with me."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Edward, who had been watching from the sidelines beside Liam, nodded, "Understood, my lord."

    Aida let out a sigh of relief, muttering, "Oh, thank the Parents¡­" Kenric gave her a look, and she said quickly, "Right, leaving."

    As Edward took her place in the ring, Elizabeth said meekly, her wand still raised, "You wish to test the magic by fighting?"

    Kenric looked at her, "Do you lack confidence in your magic?"

    Elizabeth hesitated, "N-no, but¡­"

    "Then we proceed with this," Kenric said. Edward took a ready stance, and Kenric stared him down. He was ready to begin, and was about to declare as such, but then he glanced at Elizabeth''s nervous expression and sighed, "Edward is a fine knight who can stop at a moment''s notice, and I know my abilities well enough to get away safely should something happen."

    Elizabeth looked surprised, and Kenric turned his gaze back to his opponent, "Begin."

    Edward circled Kenric, and Kenric held up his cane in front of him like a sword and bent his knees: he was putting pressure on his leg and his cane was no longer supporting him, it was time to find out how long he could make that last.

    Edward flew at him, as was his style, and swung ferociously. He rained his attacks down on Kenric, one after another, and Kenric deflected each one smoothly. Kenric began twirling around Edward with each deflection, experimentally putting more and more pressure on his left leg, and it held firm throughout it all.

    A savage grin began forming on his lips, he could feel the excitement thump in his heart. Batting aside Edward''s latest swing, Kenric switched to attack. He struck quick, and he struck hard. Again, and again, he attacked, and Edward desperately tried to stop each swing from reaching him. Breaking through his defence was like moving aside rocks with a stick: laughably easy. But never did he go for the winning stroke.

    Kenric''s heart soared and his attacks got fiercer and fiercer, he was more batting around Edward by his sword than being deflected away, and he could feel the other man wilt underneath his attacks, and¡ª

    "My lord!"

    Kenric stopped abruptly, his cane raised high for another swing, and Edward was on the ground now, his sword held fearfully in front of him. Kenric stepped back, his eyes wide, "My apologies, I¡­ lost myself."

    He had not expected that. It had felt so good to not have to hold back from stressing his left leg, it had felt so good to unleash a hint of his true power and skill again... He took a breath to master himself.

    "Edward, go rest for a while," he ordered before turning to Elizabeth, "Your spell works, Lady Filangris."

    "Would you like to test the magic some more? I can hold it for a while yet," Elizabeth said.

    Kenric glanced at Edward, who was shakily standing up, "No. That was enough for now."

    Elizabeth put down her wand, and the band on his leg disappeared. He pushed some of his body weight on it, and could once again feel it getting weaker by the second. Stifling a sigh, he put his cane on the ground again, and the weakening stopped.

    Suddenly, Aida cheered loudly, "Whoo! Are you back in business now, my lord?"

    "In a sense, perhaps," Kenric said, "Thank you, Lady Filangris." Once more Elizabeth looked surprised, but he had more to say, "You said this stasis spell of yours only lasts as long as you keep it cast?"

    Elizabeth took a moment to recover from her surprise, before nodding, "Yes, it''s a spell I have to maintain, and it takes energy. I can''t keep it activated forever."

    "I see," Kenric said, "Very well then. I expect you to meet me out here at seven in the morning tomorrow. Good day."

 Chapter 5 - Magic and Vassals

    Punctuality was a vital skill for the nobility. Not just having it, but knowing when to wield it. Arriving late, or early, or on time, to an event all sent different messages, and this lesson had been taught to Elizabeth Filangris a long time ago.

    Kenric Wulf was someone you always arrived on time for, which was why she was on the sparring ground at seven the next morning, just as he had instructed. Kenric was waiting there, a frown on his face.

    "Good morning, is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked.

    "Gerard has reminded me that I have been unreasonable in my excitement," Kenric said, "Would you like to eat something first before we begin?"

    It was strange. For how severe Kenric was, he was also just as willing to accept responsibility when he felt he had done something wrong. Elizabeth was beginning to understand that he was just as strict with himself as he was with everyone else.

    She shook her head, smiling slightly despite herself, "I don''t need any breakfast right now. I don''t feel very hungry this early."

    "We''ll be out here for at least an hour," Kenric warned, "And I''ve heard using magic takes physical stamina of sorts."

    "It does," Elizabeth confirmed, "It''s like using a group of muscles. You can''t touch them, but they tire the body all the same when used."

    "And that stasis spell of yours?" Kenric asked, "Is it difficult to cast?"

    Elizabeth gave it some thought, "It''s¡­ difficult to learn to cast. Once you get enough practice, casting it is a simple matter. Maintaining it too."

    "And how long can you maintain it?" This wasn''t idle curiosity or polite conversation. Kenric was gathering information about his new resource, identifying where and when he could put it to use. Elizabeth could tell.

    "At least two hours, I''d say," Elizabeth calculated. She thought of more information he might find useful, "I need you in my line of sight to cast the spell, but then after, as long as my wand is pointed at your general direction I can keep maintaining it, even if I can''t see you."

    "I see," Kenric said, "We will discuss your other spells later then. For now, please cast that stasis spell on me."

    Elizabeth pulled out her wand and engaged the invisible function within her. She clearly imagined the formula in her head and guided down the energy down the required path. The spell took shape within her, and like a magnet, the wand pulled it into itself. Then, slowly and carefully, she expelled the spell upon her target: Kenric''s left leg.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    A band of blue with deeper blue arcane sigils appeared around it. Those same sigils had been part of what she had had to clearly picture in her mind while casting the spell. Kenric flexed it experimentally, and even though Elizabeth knew she had cast the spell perfectly, she felt a flash of nervousness.

    "Yes," Kenric smiled slightly, "Well done."

    Elizabeth bit the insides of her cheeks to hide just how weirdly happy that small amount of praise made her feel. He picked up a wooden sword from a basket nearby¡ªthe first time she had seen him with an actual weapon aside from his cane¡ªand swung it a few times. After getting the feel for it, he settled into a disciplined stance and repeated the same few motions again and again.

    It was strangely hypnotic watching him train. He never deviated, and never did his expression shift. If it wasn''t for the slowly brightening sky, it would have almost been like watching the world caught in a loop.

    Kenric glanced at the sky, "Approximately an hour has passed. That is enough for now." His expression was still the same, impassive, and yet he seemed refreshed somehow. He closed his eyes for a moment before speaking again, "Tomorrow we will try more intensive movements." He paused, "Does this stop you from your own training?"

    Elizabeth shook her head, stopping the flow of energy into her wand, "This is also a sort of training for me. I said using magic is like engaging a group of muscles, and growing it is the same. The more magic I use, the more my capacity increases for next time."

    Kenric nodded, "Good.

    <hr>

    Elizabeth and Kenric''s early morning training sessions became a daily thing, and as Elizabeth grew more comfortable, she began making conversation. She learned quickly that it was better to be direct with him rather than engage in the artful dance of hinting, and giving, and taking that most nobles revelled in.

    It was in these conversations that she learned about some of Kenric''s vassals.

    "You called Edward a knight."

    "Yes."

    "You have knighted him then?"

    "Yes."

    "Does he know what becoming a knight means?" Elizabeth asked.

    "You mean, does he know that he can never serve another lord unless I strip him of his rank?" Kenric said, "Yes. I warned him of it. He wanted to become one nonetheless."

    "He must be skilled then."

    "He is, he makes an excellent knight," Kenric said, "Aida is his equal, but she rejected my offer to knight her, she claims that she cannot stand being called a knight."

    "Why not?"

    "That is her story to tell."

    As the second week since her arrival here approached, Elizabeth found that she had grown increasingly close to Kenric''s butler, Gerard. He spoke like some of the servants back home, and talking with him reminded her of simpler times.

    "Gerard speaks well. Has he served a noble closer to the capital before?" Elizabeth asked Kenric during one of their morning training sessions.

    "Yes, he used to be a servant of the Ravenstar family," Kenric said, performing a powerful series of moves.

    "The Ravenstar Rebellion¡­" Elizabeth remembered.

    "Yes," Kenric said, "After it failed, Gerard apparently wandered the Kingdom until my father took him into his service. He has served our family faithfully ever since."

    "Everyone in your service has some sort of story, huh?" Elizabeth mused.

    "Including you," Kenric reminded her, "And besides, even elsewhere, I doubt there are any people with absolutely no story to tell of their lives."

    Elizabeth found there was nothing she could say to that.

 Chapter 6 - The Trumpets of War

    It was on Elizabeth''s third week in Blaidd that the trumpets of war rang.

    She had been speaking with Gerard in the hallways of the manor when the faint sound of a trumpet horn washed over them. It seemed to come from somewhere high and afar, as though it was sounding throughout the whole city.

    Gerard''s demeanour shifted instantly, "Come," he said, "Let us go to Lord Wulf." Elizabeth was glad she was with Gerard right now, because she wouldn''t have been sure what to do otherwise.

    When they entered Kenric''s office, he was finishing up giving orders to what seemed to be a messenger, "¡­And tell Aida she''s staying behind. She''ll be in charge of the garrison in the city this time."

    The messenger bowed and raced away. Kenric wasted no time in turning to Gerard and her next, barking out more orders, "Gerard, I''ve made Edward commander of the Intercept Team, he''s already in the barracks¡ªI''ve sent a message. Go and help him organise our forces. Prepare for a raiding party. Lady Filangris, you''re with me."

    Gerard bowed as well and left the room, and now it was only the two of them. Kenric grabbed a sheathed sword leaning against his desk and fastened it to his belt. Elizabeth stared for a moment, events moving too fast for her to keep up, "You¡­ want me to come with you?"

    "We will be testing out your spell in a proper combat scenario today," Kenric said, "Besides, this is a common occurrence here, it would be better for you to get used to it sooner rather than later."

    A maid was waiting in the courtyard with a chestnut horse, and Kenric leapt upon it with ease, despite his injured leg. He held out his hand for Elizabeth, and she took it to climb on behind him. She held tightly onto him, and, after putting his cane in a leather holster, he snapped the reigns once, urging the horse to begin moving. They rode through the city, people poking their heads out of their houses and stalls to cheer as they passed. The barracks were close by, and a large group of troops were already assembled on the open grounds, infantry in front and cavalry behind. They were sounding off, and Edward stood at their head, looking over them.

    Kenric and Elizabeth waited at the entrance of the barracks as the squad captains announced their squad numbers one by one. Elizabeth asked as she watched, "Where are we going?"

    Kenric pointed to the north, to the mountains that stood in the distance, "Our scouts spotted the raiding party coming from the mountain pass that way. We''ll be intercepting them before they can make it too far inland."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    The sound off was completed, and the soldiers began exiting the barracks in an orderly fashion, some of them noticing Kenric and giving a short bow as they passed. The barracks were almost emptied, but Edward had stayed behind, and he looked troubled as he spoke to Liam, the bald one-armed cook.

    Kenric entered, "Edward, why are you still here?"

    Edward hesitated, "Liam¡­ he wants to come along too."

    "I''m ready, boss!" Liam said, "You saw me fight! I''m more than ready to take on some Wereionic pricks!"

    "Go to your troops, Edward," Kenric ordered. Edward slowly nodded and left, turning to look back once, but realising he had no more say here.

    "Come on, boss," Liam said, "You know I''ve got this."

    "Go back to the manor, Liam," Kenric said without hesitation.

    "But, my lord¡ª!"

    "You''re not ready yet, you''ll just be a burden on the battlefield," Kenric looked down at him from his horse with iron in his voice. Liam looked pained, and it took him a few moments to give a tiny, defeated nod. He left, and Kenric rode out onto the streets again.

    "Was that really alright?" Elizabeth asked quietly.

    "Don''t underestimate him. Liam isn''t weak, he won''t lose heart from something like this," Kenric said, "And when he is ready to enter the battlefield once more, he''ll be a valuable asset."

    Elizabeth glanced back at the rapidly fading barracks, Liam''s hunched frame flashing through her mind. She shook her head, now was not the time to think of such things.

    "I-if the Wereion Empire is attacking, why are we going out to meet them?" Elizabeth asked, "Wouldn''t it be better to let them lay siege to the city? We''d have an advantage that way."

    "The Wereion Empire isn''t here to take Blaidd. Not yet, at least. They''re here to weaken us by laying waste to our farms and villages. We have no choice but to ride out to defend them," Kenric explained.

    A messenger on a horse caught up to them, saying, "My lord, a report from the scouts! The enemy raiders have split into three groups. Two of them seem to be heading around Blaidd from the east and west, and the last has taken position at the mouth of the pass."

    "The two heading around the city will be going for the farms and villages behind us then," Kenric said, "And I assume their leader is with the last group?"

    "Yes, my lord! We''ve identified him as well: this raiding party is being led by the mercenary Targur."

    "An invitation," Kenric said quietly, "Very well then, I accept. Return to your post."

    The messenger broke off, and Kenric caught up to Edward and his soldiers soon enough. Edward was behind them, watching as they flooded out the front gate.

    "Edward," Kenric called, "Did you get the report from our scouts?"

    "Yes, my lord," Edward said, "What shall we do?"

    "We split our forces into three as well. You take command of one of them, give another to Gerard, and I will take the last. You intercept the enemy to our east, and Gerard will take the enemy to our west," Kenric ordered.

    "You intend to fight Targur?" Edward asked.

    Kenric scowled, "Ever since he attacked a few months ago, he''s run wild over our lands. It''s time to end him once and for all."

    Edward nodded, "Understood, I will relay your orders to Gerard. He is organising the troops outside right now."

    Edward took off into the mass of soldiers, and Kenric watched silently. Then, he closed his eyes and took a deep, long breath. Once he opened them again, he said in a deep, cold voice,

    "Come, Lady Filangris. We ride to battle."

 Chapter 7 - Wulf on the Battlefield

    Kenric rode, leading his troops through the green fields, Elizabeth''s arms tightly grasped against his chest. The mountains that always stood just beyond Blaidd were getting closer, along with the mountain pass, and most importantly, the enemy.

    They came into view from afar. It wasn''t like they had been hiding. The enemy forces were standing with the mountain pass behind them, infantry with their spears, cavalry with their horses, and archers with their bows. They were waiting.

    "That doesn''t look like Wereionic armour," Elizabeth said from behind Kenric. She must have learned of this in the Royal Academy, and indeed she was correct; instead of the well-maintained silver and green armour that defined the soldiers of the Wereion, these soldiers were wearing ratty black armour. It had the appearance of being scavenged from various battlefields, but was too good of quality to have been found in such quantity.

    "It''s not," Kenric confirmed, "They''re mercenaries hired and supplied by Wereion. Attacking in this way allows them to maintain the fa?ade that they''re still abiding by the peace treaty."

    "I see," Elizabeth said, "No matter who we defeat or capture today, they will be denounced by Wereion as mercenaries who acted on their own."

    "Correct."

    Kenric could see Targur within his sea of soldiers now. Exceptionally tall, dark, and muscular, he sat upon his strong black horse, his dual short swords strapped to his back. The only hair he sported was in the form of a buzz cut, the colour of which revealed that it was unusually white.

    Kenric had his forces approach the enemy until they were within running distance, and then had them stop. For a moment, both sides stared each other down, two thousand strong each, by Kenric''s estimate.

    "LORD CRIPPLE! WHAT AN HONOUR TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Targur shouted. His voice was strong and deep, carrying over the distance between them with ease, "HAVE YOU COME TO SURRENDER?"

    Kenric didn''t even justify that with a response.

    "I THOUGHT NOT! YOU''VE ALWAYS BEEN A STUBBORN PIECE OF WORK!" Targur laughed.

    "YOU CHALLENGED ME," Kenric bellowed. His voice was not as loud as Targur''s, but he knew it reached him all the same, "COME ON THEN, LET''S MAKE IT QUICK! A DUEL¡ªJUST YOU AND ME!"

    Targur laughed even harder at that, "AND WHY WOULD I ACCEPT THAT? IF YOU WANT TO FIGHT ME, YOU''LL HAVE TO REACH ME FIRST!"

    "Cast your spell now," Kenric muttered to Elizabeth.

    "R-right!" Elizabeth said in a shaky voice. He could feel her take out her wand and begin casting her spell. She was slower than she usually was during their usual morning training sessions, but he did not hold it against her: this was her first time on a battlefield.

    As soon as he saw the blue band spring to life around his left leg, he turned to his deputy, a man covered head to toe in steel armour, holding a spear, "Charge."

    The deputy raised his spear high, "CHARGE!"A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Kenric''s forces began their advance, slow at first, but then quickly gaining speed. Within moments, his soldiers crashed against the enemy, and the battle was begun in earnest. The cavalry skirmished on the wings, the infantry vied for dominance in the middle, and the archers shot arrows from behind.

    Kenric''s horse was currently on the backlines, behind even the archers, beyond the range of the enemy archers. A circle of troops surrounded them, the typical commanding officer''s position and his guard. Normally he would have charged alongside his troops, but right now, he had Elizabeth to worry about as well.

    "Under no circumstances allow your spell to deactivate," Kenric ordered her.

    She looked confused, but he had no time to explain. He unsheathed his sword and jumped off his horse with a soaring leap, running and weaving past his troops with ease. The battle line approached, and the first enemy soldier died before he even had a chance to realise who was upon him.

    Kenric entered the enemy''s side of the battle, hacking and slashing his way through their infantry, never stopping. He couldn''t even spare a moment to look behind him, but from the sounds of it, he could tell his infiltration had created a weakness that his forces were exploiting.

    He had to keep moving, he had to keep killing, if he stopped for even a single moment, he would be caught and skewered in a flood of spears. The grip on his sword grew slick with blood, but he kept a tight hold on it.

    For a split second, Targur''s eyes caught his, and they widened, and the fact that he could see this was close enough for Kenric. He cut through three more soldiers in the blink of an eye and leapt upon a fourth. Using him as a springboard, Kenric leapt higher into the air. His instincts had guided him perfectly, he was on course to colliding directly with Targur upon his horse.

    Targur bared his teeth and threw one of his dual short swords at Kenric, and Kenric was forced to deflect it, losing his balance. His centre of gravity thrown off, he was only able to slice through the legs of Targur''s black horse as he landed.

    He rolled and launched forward, slicing his way through as Targur and his horse fell behind him. He was well and truly behind enemy lines now. He swung and swung, his arms tiring, but he kept his eyes focused on the next target. Movement was the only way to survive now. Every nerve in his body twitched, spears stabbing where he had been just a split second ago. The attacks were getting closer and closer, and soon¡ª

    Suddenly, the resistance around him lightened. It wasn''t a drastic thing, but it was enough for him to sense, and he took full advantage of it, turning on the spot and beginning a mad, blood-soaked dash the way he had come.

    It seemed his initial charge hadn''t amounted to nothing. He could see that the chaos he had caused had given his forces a good weakness to exploit, and like a hammer and nail splitting wood, the enemy infantry was breaking into two groups.

    Targur was a tall man who stood head and shoulders above his soldiers, even on the ground, and that made him easy to single out. Kenric made sure to keep him within his vision as he killed his way to him, his sword flashing wildly in a deadly charge of death.

    The screams and yelling alerted Targur to his approach well before Kenric reached him, and he turned to ready himself. He''d found and recovered the sword he''d thrown by now, and was holding them in front of him defensively.

    Several soldiers tried keeping their distance while surrounding Kenric. It did not matter. The circle was broken instantly, with two dead before they''d even realised it, and Kenric finally reached Targur, their blades resounding in a loud CLANG!

    Targur looked panicked, "Y-your leg! You shouldn''t be able to fight any longer!"

    "Did you count on that to save you?" Kenric asked, his voice ice. He twisted his blade, shifting Targur''s defence and landing a powerful kick on his chest. Targur flew through the air, and Kenric chased, closing the distance once more.

    Targur collided with his soldiers, stopping his flight. He made to raise his blades once more, his eyes wide and his expression twisted in fear, "Wait¡ª!"

    Kenric sliced through his neck before he could even finish, lopping off his head in one smooth stroke.

    A sudden silence fell upon the battlefield. The enemy, still surrounding Kenric from all sides, froze. They stared at him as though seeing something unthinkable, something completely alien.

    And then, Kenric raised his sword high, "TARGUR IS SLAIN! VICTORY IS OURS!"

 Chapter 8 - The Threat to the North

    "The enemy forces that circled to our east and west have been repelled as well. However, Aber Village was caught in the battle and burned to the ground," A messenger reported to Kenric as his troops tied up the enemy. After the death of Targur, some of them had tried to flee, but most had surrendered.

    "I see," Kenric said, "Tell Gerard and Edward to return to Blaidd. We''ll discuss the rest there."

    The messenger bowed and took off, and Kenric took a seat on a nearby rock. He glanced at his leg, the magical blue band was still around his leg. Almost as though the thought of magic had summoned her, Elizabeth rode in on his horse, her wand raised towards him.

    "You did well to maintain your spell while I was behind enemy lines," Kenric told her as she came to a stop in front of him.

    "Th-thank you, Lord Wulf," Elizabeth said embarrassedly, "Are you all right? You just jumped in, and¡­" She didn''t seem able to describe what had happened next.

    "I am fine. You may release your spell now," Kenric said.

    "Yes, of course," Elizabeth lowered her wand, and the band disappeared. She seemed distracted, looking around at the blood-soaked land, taking in the corpses and the enemy being made prisoners.

    "Is this your first time seeing people die?" Kenric''s voice was not gentle, but he did try to make it as gentle as he was capable of.

    Elizabeth shook her head, refocusing her attention on Kenric, "No. I''ve witnessed executions before. Most nobles are shown such things at least a few times in their youth."

    "I see," Kenric said, "A wise policy. In my case, it was never necessary; this land has always been at war. Corpses are plenty."

    "Yes¡­ still, I cannot say this sight is easy to get used to," Elizabeth said quietly.

    "No, it is not," Kenric agreed. He stood, and Elizabeth rushed to pull his cane from its holster and hand it to him, "Lord Wulf!"

    Kenric chuckled silently, taking the cane and supporting his left leg once more, "A few seconds won''t do me any harm, Lady Filangris." He looked to the mountain pass, "Come, since we are already here, I should show you something. Would you like to walk, or is riding preferable to you?"

    It was a simple, inconsequential question, and yet Elizabeth seemed put on the spot, as if there was a right answer here. She glanced at cane and said, "I should like to walk, provided you will be walking as well?"

    "I will," Kenric stifled his annoyance, making sure to keep his voice even. Nobles, always obsessed with image. Elizabeth had probably chosen to walk because riding while another noble walked was improper or something.

    She got off her horse with ease, proving she had trained in riding horses before, and they set off.

    "Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked.

    Kenric pointed at the mountain pass, "There. That would have been my first question if someone asked me if I wanted to walk or ride." Elizabeth blinked, and Kenric moved on to more important matters, "You''ve studied in the Royal Academy, tell me of the Kingdom of Yareth''s history."

    "What about it?" Elizabeth asked slowly, as though he were leading her into some sort of verbal trap.

    "Tell me of our expansion, and of our borders," Kenric specified.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    They walked, and Elizabeth began, "Well, in the time of our previous King, Alfred Gwydon, the Kingdom of Yareth was a small nation surrounded by many Kingdoms of similar size. Then, on the 14th of the First Month, 977, our western border was invaded by the Kingdom of Feren using the land route of¡ª"

    "Not that specific, I''m looking for a more general overview," Kenric said.

    "Oh," Elizabeth said. She gave it some thought, "In that case¡­ The Kingdom of Yareth used to be a small nation of no note, but then His Late Majesty Alfred began a war of expansion after the Kingdom of Feren provoked us. He defeated Feren, subjugating it, and then went on to do the same to all the other Kingdoms that surrounded us."

    "And then?"

    "Our borders expanded until we became large enough to rival even the Empire of Wereion, and then His Highness Alfred died of illness. Our current King, His Highness Alvin Gwydon, took the throne, and he realised that not only had our wars gone on for too long, but also that we were perfectly geographically situated to establish peace, so¡ª"

    "What about our geography made it so perfect to establish peace?" Kenric asked leadingly.

    "Our southern and eastern borders are coastlines," Elizabeth answered, as though reading from a textbook right in front of her, "To our west is the Cere Republic, and though they may span almost the entirety of the western half of the continent, they are constantly occupied by civil disputes. And to our north are the Rommi Mountains¡ªit stops the Wereion Empire even further north from committing to a full invasion."

    "I figured that''s how it would be taught," Kenric said, they were at the mouth of the pass now, and they stopped. Mountains rose to the skies from their left and right, but a wide path remained ahead of them, curving right and out of sight in the distance.

    "Is it wrong?" Elizabeth asked.

    "I can''t speak for the other borders, but when the King decided he wanted to stop our expansion and make peace with the Wereion Empire, my father protested. It is true, Yareth''s north is protected by the Rommi Mountains, however, this pass exists. It has no name, but it serves as a perfectly viable access point for both sides. The only problem is that, further in, in the centre, there is wall that spans the entire horizontal length of the pass. It is called the Grey Gate."

    "The Grey Gate¡­" Elizabeth repeated.

    "The Grey Gate is constantly manned by Wereion, and it serves as the perfect launching point for any and all incursions into our lands," Kenric explained, "My father told the King this, he begged for just a little more time to conquer it. With the Grey Gate in our hands, the north would be secure¡ªthe only way around it are the treacherous mountains, after all. But the King thought he understood everything. He called my father a warmonger, eager for glory at the cost of human lives, and ignored his pleas."

    "And that''s where all these mercenaries supplied by Wereion attack from," Elizabeth realised.

    "Correct," Kenric said, "Peace on its own is not a bad thing to want. However, the King should have thought of the future before mindlessly establishing peace as soon as he could. Because of him, our northern border, specifically my lands, remains shaky and under constant threat."

    "Why doesn''t the King do anything?" Elizabeth asked, "If Wereion has been so brazen all this time, then surely he''d do something."

    "What does he care?" Kenric said darkly, "He hasn''t lost any territory yet. He doesn''t want to risk war for the sake of tiny border skirmishes. The only time he''ll move is when Blaidd falls. He doesn''t understand that if Wereion takes Blaidd, they''ll have a powerful staging point for future invasions into Yareth."

    "If your family has resisted Wereion for this long, then why don''t they just go around Blaidd and attack another city?" Elizabeth asked.

    "We''re too close to the pass," Kenric explained, "If Wereion goes around and tries to conquer another city, they''d always have to worry about us attacking from behind. And say they do succeed in their attempt, we''d always be here to disrupt their supply lines. They need Blaidd to fall before any attempt at invasion can be made in earnest. However, they want to be sure they can defeat us quickly enough before the rest of Yareth arrives with reinforcements. That''s why they''re whittling us down by going for our farms and villages so often. If they succeed, we lose supplies, and even if they don''t, we lose soldiers. Like I told you when you first arrived here, it''s just a matter of time until we fall."

    "Th-then maybe a barricade in front of the pass? That would work, right?" Elizabeth suggested desperately.

    Kenric smiled wryly, "We''ve tried that a few times, but somehow an overwhelming number of well-equipped mercenaries always manage to attack at just the right time. And now, we don''t even have the resources to attempt something like that anymore." He sighed, "Don''t forget, I am the lord of a small land trying to fight the machinations of an entire nation."

    Elizabeth stared, she clearly did not know what to say. Kenric took one last look at the pass and turned, "Come, let us return."

 Chapter 9 - Debriefing

    "My humblest apologies, my lord. I failed to protect Aber Village," Gerard said, bowing. When Gerard bowed in apology like this, it was solemn and low, despite his age.

    "You did all you could," Kenric said.

    The troops from all three groups had returned to Blaidd now, and the commanders (Kenric, Edward, and Gerard) had all gathered in Kenric''s office¡ªincluding Aida and Elizabeth, that made five people.

    "Once again, none of them went for the city," Aida said, lounging on the couch at the side of the room, "Had a nice time of it, staring out into the vast nothing in the distance."

    Edward ignored her, turning to Gerard curiously, "Did your enemy have someone of renown in their ranks?"

    Gerard looked ashamed, "I''m afraid not. The enemy commander was simply quicker than me."

    "Considering our remaining resources, each village lost hurts dearly," Kenric said, "However, killing Targur was a significant blow to their side as well. It will take Wereion several months at least to organise a raiding party of today''s strength."

    "We shall stand ready," Edward said.

    "For now, Aida, I need you to organise the relocation of the surviving villagers," Kenric said, "Gerard, you will work with Edward to construct a plan to rebuild Aber Village tomorrow."

    "I can begin doing that tonight, my lord¡ª"

    "No. Tomorrow," Kenric said. His tone brooked no negotiation, "Now, it''s getting dark. Everyone except Aida, go get some rest."

    Aida looked unenthusiastic, "Yeah, stick me with the humanitarian stuff. Suits me real nice¡­" She caught Kenric''s glare and gave a nervous bow, "I-I mean, on it, boss! See you tomorrow!"

    She rushed out of the room, Gerard and Edward in tow. Once they closed the door behind them, Kenric tiredly closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, "¡­He''s losing a step."

    "Excuse me?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

    "Gerard¡ªhe used to be my most reliable asset," Kenric said, looking out his window at the rapidly darkening sky, "He still is, but now¡­ he''s begun slowing in places. If I could keep him from the battlefield, I would."

    "You can''t?" Elizabeth said.

    "I have no other commanders," Kenric said, "Had anyone else been in Gerard''s place today, we would have most likely lost more than just Aber Village."

    "What about Aida?" Elizabeth asked, "You put her in command of the city''s garrison."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    "True enough. While Gerard may be my most valuable asset overall, as a commander, she stands above both Edward and Gerard. She is the wiliest of them all," Kenric said, "But that is precisely why I couldn''t send her to defeat the enemy to the west of Blaidd. Even if I''m sure that Blaidd won''t be attacked right now, if I''m ever wrong, and it is indeed attacked, then I need the commander who can work miracles with the smallest amount of forces defending it."

    "Then¡­ Liam?" Elizabeth asked.

    Kenric raised an eyebrow, "Are you just listing all the people you know here? Will you recommend Noodle next?"

    Elizabeth flushed, "My apologies, not Liam then."

    "Liam is more a warrior than a leader," Kenric explained, "Putting him in command might lead to victory, but it will also lead to heavier casualties. I cannot afford that, especially not when I have so few troops left."

    Elizabeth looked down at her feet, "I¡­ wish I could help, but I have no experience in leading an army either."

    "Nor would I ask you to," Kenric said, "Instead, tell me of your father."

    "I''m sorry?"

    Kenric flattened a piece of parchment on his desk before taking out his quill pen and dipping it in ink, "I intend to write another letter asking for soldiers and supplies to your father. He hasn''t accepted so far, but recently he sent you, so perhaps I''m getting somewhere. Tell me about him so that I can make my letter even more persuasive."

    Elizabeth stared at the piece of parchment on his desk, her eyebrows furrowed in thought, "¡­I''m sorry, Lord Wulf, but I don''t think he will accept. My father didn''t send me to you because he''s beginning to listen to you, he sent me to you to silence you. Now, any time you ask for anything, he will say, ''I have already sent you my daughter, and yet you ask for more? Your request is denied.'' Something along those lines."

    Kenric narrowed his eyes, "He sent you to me because your name had been disgraced in the capital, no? Even knowing this is public knowledge, he would use that as an excuse?"

    Elizabeth flinched, the reminder of what had landed her here seemed to still be fresh in her mind, "E-even so, I am the daughter of a Duke. No matter my reputation, letting a minor lord marry me is more than reason enough to refuse any future requests in my father''s mind. This was his plan when he sent me to you, two birds with one stone: rid himself of the daughter who disgraced herself, and quiet the uppity minor lord who keeps asking for things."

    Kenric clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Then writing this letter will be useless."

    "Yes," Elizabeth paused, "But¡­ you shouldn''t stop sending letters asking for aid anyway. He may reject you, but keeping him aware that you are still in need of these things can perhaps be helpful in the long run."

    Kenric tapped his fingers upon his wooden desk, giving the idea some thought, "I don''t pretend to know how sending letters that I know will be refused will be helpful, but I admit, I am out of my depth when it comes to politics. For now, I will take your advice."

    Elizabeth blinked, "Just like that?"

    "Do you doubt your own proposal?" Kenric asked sharply.

    "N-no, that''s not it," Elizabeth said, "It may fail, but having that need constantly announced can be beneficial in various ways should an opportunity present itself. Some of the other lords might even offer you what you need in exchange for something else."

    "Then why the surprise?" Kenric asked.

    "I just¡ªI didn''t expect you to take my suggestion into account so quickly," Elizabeth said quietly. Her shoulders had hunched. Kenric had read some of Gerard''s report of what had happened in the Royal Academy, and it had painted Elizabeth Filangris as a haughty and confident individual. This woman was a far cry from those reports, it seemed her fall from grace had impacted her dearly.

    "Don''t misunderstand," Kenric said, "I will be asking Gerard for advice as well. As I said before: he is my greatest asset." That seemed to take some of the pressure from her shoulders, and she straightened a tiny bit. Kenric gestured at the door, "Now, go get some rest. It''s getting late."

 Chapter 10 - Three Months Later

    It had been three months since Elizabeth had arrived to the city of Blaidd, and by now, she felt she had finally begun properly integrating herself. The good thing about being sent to a territory so far away from the capital was that very few people actually knew what she had done to earn the condemnation of the rest of the nobility. There were rumours, of course, but after being whispered a few times, they faded into silence. The people here simply had too many problems to be concerned with the fact that a prince had denounced her.

    She''d settled into a new routine. In the mornings, she trained with Kenric, and then for most of the rest of the day, she was assigned to work with Gerard on all kinds of paperwork. Just three months in, and she felt she knew far more about the Wulf territory than she had ever known about her father''s lands. Having to constantly read reports on timber yields tended to do that.

    It wasn''t as though she hated this work though. On the contrary, being put to work made her feel useful, like she wasn''t dead weight that Kenric was just tolerating because his superior had told him to. Besides, anything she didn''t understand, Gerard was quick to explain and help with.

    One fine afternoon, as Elizabeth walked the halls of the manor, tightening the rough cotton shawl around her shoulders to stave off the cold, she spotted Aida from the window. She was drinking wine straight from the bottle, leaning against the manor outside.

    "Aida, what are you doing?" Elizabeth asked dryly.

    Aida coughed in surprise, accidentally spitting out a bit of wine, "Crap." She hid the bottle behind her and smiled innocently, "Hey! Didn''t expect to see you here, what are you up to?"

    Elizabeth gave her a look.

    "Okay, look, I''m just relaxing for a bit. I''ll get to work, I swear," Aida said, "Please don''t tell Lord Wulf?"

    "You know I can''t do that," Elizabeth said instantly.

    Aida made a face, "I hate the devoted types¡­" She muttered.

    "Shouldn''t you be at the barracks?" Elizabeth asked, "What are you doing here?"

    "Nah, I''m on duty as a manor maid right now," Aida said, and what a surprise learning that had been. Aida was both a maid in the manor and one of Kenric''s highest ranking officers, though she seemed to take both jobs rather loosely. "You hungry?" She continued, "I could get Liam to whip something up for you. It''d be out of schedule though, so don''t tell the boss man."

    "No, I don''t feel that hungry today," Elizabeth said. Aida shrugged, leaping through the window and into the manor. Her eyes caught the roll of parchment in her hands, "Headed to Lord Wulf?"Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "Yes," Elizabeth said. They began walking down the hall, "The news is¡­ not good."

    "Pretty standard, as far as news here goes," Aida said.

    Elizabeth knocked on the door to Kenric''s office, and entered once his voice allowing them to came through.

    "Aida''s here as well I see," Kenric said as she closed the door behind them.

    "I caught her drinking outside," Elizabeth said.

    "At least ease into it!" Aida whined.

    Kenric did not seem surprised, he didn''t even look up from his work, "I''ll be docking your pay next time."

    Aida winced, "Yes, boss¡­"

    "Now, what have you come here for?" Kenric said.

    "We finally completed the recount of our granaries," Elizabeth said, "And after Gerard and I made a few calculations, we realised we''re too close to the line with our food."

    "What, we don''t have enough food?" Aida asked, "I take back that offer for a late lunch¡­"

    "Not exactly," Elizabeth said, "We have food to feed everyone in the Wulf territory, but we have absolutely no surplus. Should an emergency occur, we''d have nothing to fall back on." She handed the report Gerard and her had written on the subject to Kenric. He glanced at it and sat in silence for a few moments, his quill pen pausing mid-writing.

    Then, he began writing again, "I had an inkling that might be the case," he said finally. "Get back to work, worrying about this right now will do us no good."

    "Yes, my lord," Elizabeth bowed alongside Aida, and they both left the room.

    <hr>

    Now that winter was here, the skies darkened very early in the day. By the time Elizabeth was done with her work and had gone out to the sparring ring, the sun had already touched the horizon, bathing the world in orange light.

    Elizabeth joined Liam and Aida, who were watching Noodle and Edward spar.

    "He''s learned a new trick again?" Elizabeth asked.

    "Yep," Aida said, "Some sort of disarming technique. Hasn''t worked yet."

    And indeed, it was plain to see, Edward was easily batting aside Noodle''s attempts to clash their blades in a certain way. The spar couldn''t even be called that, it was an adult indulging a child.

    "I hear you haven''t had breakfast or lunch yet, my lady," Liam said, "I know it was a little cheese-heavy, but I didn''t know you were that against it."

    "No, not at all, Liam," Elizabeth said, "I just wasn''t very hungry today."

    "Well, that''s no good. You''ve got to eat to maintain your strength."

    "I will," Elizabeth assured, "I look forward to dinner."

    "Oho! I''ve got to bring my best tonight then!" Liam said, "How about that vegetable stew you like so much?"

    "Oh, thank you, I''d enjoy that."

    "Vegetable stew it is!"

    Noodle suddenly looked their way, shouting, "Are you guys even watching?"

    Aida smirked, "What? You getting your ass beat for the millionth time? Of course, how could we miss that?

    "Perhaps we should stop here?" Edward said. Noodle looked him up and down, no doubt noting just how unruffled he was.

    "Alright, sounds good," he said sullenly.

    They exited the ring, and Elizabeth suggested to Noodle, "Maybe you should practice the fundamentals more?"

    "And what would you know, Lady Filangris?" Noodle sniffed, "I know you''ve had some training, but there''s no way someone taught by hoity-toity nobility pleasers could ever defeat someone with real-world experience."

    Behind Noodle, Aida mouthed to Liam, ''Real world experience?'' Liam shrugged in response.

    "Perhaps not," Elizabeth said, "Shall we have ourselves a spar?"

    Noodle grinned, "Alright, you''re on!"

 Chapter 11 - An Offer

    Elizabeth felt the wooden handle of the training sword in her hands. It had been more than four months since she had used one: the last time had been for an exam in the Royal Academy.

    Opposite from her, Noddle bounced in anticipation. Elizabeth tilted her head curiously, "You seem excited."

    "I''m always excited for battle!"

    "Don''t let him fool you," Aida''s voice came from outside the sparring ring, "He just hasn''t won in a while and thinks it''s finally his time."

    "N-no!" Noodle stuttered, "Mind your own business, Aida!"

    "I see," Elizabeth said calmly, "Let''s begin then."

    She raised her blade, making sure to bend her knees and keep her front foot pointed at the enemy. For a few moments they circled each other, but then Noodle got impatient and charged in, striking at her with a heavy swing.

    The attack was basic, predictable, and she deflected it in a textbook manner. Her next series of attacks were methodical, designed to pry open an opponent''s guard, and Noodle succumbed to it quicker than even Elizabeth had expected. For a moment, she stared in surprise at Noodle, who was still recovering from his sudden imbalance. She regained her wits right after, and swung once last time, knocking him off his feet.

    "And that''s the match!" Aida announced, "Figured it might go something like that."

    "But¡­ how?" Noodle said, looking up at her disbelievingly, "You''ve only been taught in a school¡­"

    "The best school in the Kingdom for nobles," Elizabeth reminded, "The Royal Academy spares no expense: we''re taught by the best of the best, to be the best."

    A voice came from outside the ring, "A fighting style rooted in the basics." Elizabeth whipped around to look and saw that it was Kenric. Suddenly she felt very self-conscious, and wondered what he thought of how she had fought.

    Noodle piped up again, jumping to his feet and dusting himself off, "Y-yeah, the way you fight is too basic¡ª"

    "No," Kenric said sternly, "It''s a good thing. It''s a fighting style that emphasises her extremely polished set of fundamentals. It''s something you should be training for, Noodle."

    Noodle looked put on the spot, and he tried awkwardly laughing it off, "Come on, boss, you know basic isn''t my style."

    Kenric did not look amused, "No? The art of combat has been researched on and advanced for centuries. Do you think you can surpass it with just your experiences in your lifetime? If so, you''re delusional. Adding your own quirks and tricks is fine, but only after you master the basics, or else you''ll just remain a third-rate for the rest of your life."

    Noodle wilted under Kenric''s glare. Something told Elizabeth that he would not ask for another round right now.

    <hr>

    A few days later, Kenric called Elizabeth into his office. When she entered, she saw that Gerard was already there.

    "Ah, thank you for being so prompt, Lady Filangris," Gerard said.

    "It was no trouble," Elizabeth said. Gerard and her combined office was just down the hall, so it literally had been no trouble, but niceties like these reminded her that she was still a noble.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "We''ve received a letter from Lord Aubet," Kenric said, jumping straight into the matter at hand, "He claims he has an offer for us in regards to the requests we''ve been making to your father."

    "Lord Aubet¡­ the owner of the territory to our immediate east," Elizabeth remembered. She''d studied the geography of this whole region extensively in the past few months, "What is the offer?"

    "He hasn''t said yet. He wants to speak face-to-face," Kenric looked annoyed, "The timing is terrible, Wereion must have found a good replacement for Targur by now."

    "Am I to go in your place then?" Elizabeth asked, "Unfortunately, I think that will risk him withdrawing his offer, especially if he asked specifically for you."

    "Gerard said the same thing," Kenric said, "Which is why I will be going, and you will be coming with me. We leave tomorrow."

    "Me?"

    "Aida, Edward, and Gerard have years of experience working together," Kenric said, "If Wereion tries something, I want all of them here. You, on the other hand, understand politics, you are skilled in battle, and you have that stasis spell that will allow me to fight should things get too dangerous. It would be stupid of me not to bring you along."

    Elizabeth blushed, feeling the weight of his praise, "U-Understood, I will begin packing immediately." Kenric nodded, and she turned and left the room. As she closed the door behind her, she heard Kenric say to Gerard, "If only it had snowed¡­"

    "We cannot change what has happened," Gerard said, "Unfortunately the weather remains out of our control."

    As Elizabeth headed up to her room, her head swam. This was probably the first time she was being entrusted with something without Gerard''s help. If anything happened in Lord Aubet''s territory, she would be the one in charge of protecting Kenric.

    She shook her had to calm it a bit. No, this was just like when Targur had attacked. Back then, maintaining the stasis spell while Kenric was behind enemy lines had fallen solely to her as well.

    But back then, everything happened so quickly. Getting a day''s advance notice made it more nerve-wracking somehow.

    Once she was done setting aside everything she was going to be taking (it wasn''t much, Lord Aubet''s territory was a few hours'' ride away at most), she made her way back to Gerard''s and her office. She doubted Kenric would allow her to disregard today''s work just because of the sudden news of their imminent departure.

    After a while, Aida came bursting in, grinning from ear to ear, "Hey, hey! I heard someone''s going on a nice couple''s vacation!"

    "It''s not a vacation," Elizabeth protested.

    "Uh-huh, sure. Off to do some sightseeing, a little relaxing, a little high-stakes negotiation¡­ sounds positively romantic!" Aida said.

    "Does it now?"

    "Well, you''re going to have to make it romantic," Aida said, "Lord Wulf has no interest in these things, so it''s all going to have to come from your side. You''re technically his fianc¨¦, you know."

    "Technically," Elizabeth said quietly.

    Aida paused, then her bright grin gave way to something more serious, "Say, if a letter arrived today saying that your reputation had been cleared and that you were allowed to leave this place without consequence, would you?"

    Elizabeth was taken aback by the sudden shift in tone, and it took her a little time to answer, "I¡­ don''t know."

    "Well, that''s a better answer than you would have given a few months ago," Aida said, "A few months ago you would have given some sort of evasive answer and moved on."

    "Why are you asking this?" Elizabeth said.

    "Because I don''t think you understand yet," Aida said, "Gerard does pretty much everything around here. Politics, he''s the one to go to; civil administration, Gerard again; military, I''ll give you one guess. But recently¡­ he''s been slowing down a bit. His age has been catching up with him."

    "Yes, Kenric told me," Elizabeth said, "Are you sure you should be telling me this?"

    "It''s important," Aida said, "Before you came here, Lord Wulf was having Gerard groom Edward to take his place. But now that you''re here, and he''s seen your aptitude for politics, he''s split up the workload. Now, he''s having Edward study only the military, and he''s having you learn about the politics of this place. He''s hoping you two will take up Gerard''s mantle later on."

    Elizabeth took this in, stunned, "¡­But, what if a letter does arrive? And what if I do leave? What was Lord Wulf hoping to do then?"

    "Then he would start over," Aida said, shrugging, "We don''t have the luxury of choice here. He''ll take what he can get, when he can get it. I just needed you to know that. If you''re planning to leave, you have to tell us plainly. If you wait until later, Lord Wulf will have a lot more work to deal with. He''s already overworked as it is." Aida''s expression softened a tiny bit, "Just think on it a little."

 Chapter 12 - Setting Off

    In the dead of the night, in the desolate sparring grounds behind his manor, Kenric stared up at the stars. Their great shine from the vast distance had a way of calming him and facilitating his thoughts. He was so busy all throughout the day, so faced with herculean problems, that taking time to slow down like this was¡­ nice.

    He breathed deep, letting the chilly air fill his lungs, and then exhaled, like he was exhaling all the weight that had settled on his spirit.

    "You mustn''t be awake this late," an old, cultured voice came from behind, "You have a long journey tomorrow."

    Kenric didn''t even have to turn to look to know that it was Gerard. He''d recognise his voice anywhere.

    "Shall I brew you some tea?" Gerard asked, walking up beside him.

    "When have I ever drank tea?" Kenric asked.

    "It''s never too late to begin," Gerard said, "I strongly recommend it."

    "No thanks."

    "Very well. Now, what has you up, my lord?" Gerard asked.

    Kenric was silent for a long while, and when he did respond, it was not with an answer, "Gerard, you served the Ravenstars. You''ve never spoken of them, and I''ve never asked about them."

    "That is correct," Gerard said.

    "I find myself curious now: why did they rebel? They knew they were outmatched by the crown, so why fight?" Kenric asked. It was a question that had come to him very recently, and as time had gone on, the question had only become more prominent in his mind.

    "That is a rather odd question to ask at this time," Gerard noted.

    "I assume you have an answer."

    "I do," Gerard said. He paused before speaking again, "The Ravenstars¡­ they were once Kings. Like Feren, like Ceadal, like Yenla, they too were subjugated by Yareth during their expansion. It has not been so long since then, and this was even truer a few decades ago."

    "So they were fighting for the past," Kenric said, "They were fighting for the dynasty that their forefathers took pride in."

    "In a sense," Gerard said, "They were fighting for all they had lost, and all that they wanted to restore." He gave Kenric a sly look, "But you already knew that. The history books say as much."

    "I wanted to make sure," Kenric said.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    "Do you feel a kinship with them?" Gerard asked, "Fighting insurmountable odds for the sake of their predecessors¡­ do you recognise that feeling?"

    Once more, Kenric did not answer. Once more, after a long silence, he asked a question instead, "Was their fight hopeless?"

    Gerard gave it some thought, "Not¡­ hopeless, no," he said carefully, "No fight is truly hopeless. The Ravenstars were in too much of a rush. They wanted to fight, and they failed to realise the fact that they needed allies to do so. There were many who would have fought alongside them, had they taken the time to look."

    They sat in companionable silence for a while after that, until Gerard put a hand on Kenric''s shoulder, "Come, my lord. You must get some sleep."

    Finally, Kenric nodded, "Yes, good night."

    *

    "I must insist, please take one of us with you as well," Edward pleaded with Kenric, as he had been ever since he had heard that Kenric and Elizabeth were going to the Aubet territory alone. He, along with Gerard, Liam, Aida, Noodle, and several other members of the manor staff were all gathered in the courtyard to see Kenric and Elizabeth off.

    The carriage was ready, and the day was bright. Perfect weather for travelling, something Kenric had been hoping against. Turbulent weather such as snow meant that the soldiers from Wereion would be troubled as well.

    "As I''ve told you, I need every skilled hand here, just in case," Kenric said. He paused, an idea occurring to him, "I suppose that means you''re coming along as well, Noodle."

    "Wait, what?" Noodle looked around, startled, "I''m¡­ hey!"

    "You have your sword with you, don''t you?" Kenric nodded at the blade at his hip, "That''s good enough. Get in."

    "No¡ªwait¡ªbut I didn''t even pack anything!" Noodle protested.

    "Our destination is only a few hours away," Kenric said, "Precaution is the only reason we packed anything. You''ll be fine."

    "I guess I don''t deserve precaution, huh?" Noodle muttered as he entered the carriage. Elizabeth entered after him, and Kenric nodded to his vassals, "I leave my lands to you all. Do not fail me."

    They all bowed, with Aida saying flatly, "Inspiring as ever, boss."

    Kenric entered the carriage, and they set off. They exited the city, and headed east, to the territory of the Aubets. There was a sort of path between their territory and Kenric''s, but it was not well-maintained, for not many people used it.

    "Where are we going exactly?" Noodle asked as he looked out the window, where the vast greenery rolled by.

    "The city of Brio," Kenric said, "Similar to Blaidd, it''s the city from where Alain Aubet rules his lands."

    "Is it nice?" Noodle asked.

    "I''ve never been," Kenric said.

    "Have you checked all the information Gerard collected for us?" Elizabeth asked.

    "Information? What information?" Noodle asked.

    "Basic things like Lord Aubet is having trouble with bandits, or that he had a good harvest this year," Kenric said, "Apparently, according to Gerard, I''ll never know when knowing something might give me an unexpected opportunity."

    "He''s not wrong," Elizabeth said, "Negotiations are like battles, the more information you have about your enemy, the better."

    "Yes, I agree," Kenric said, "That''s why I memorised all the information he prepared for me."

    They fell into silence, but it did not last. Noodle seemed full of questions today, "So, uh, why did you bring me along, my lord?"

    Kenric smirked, "To be my bodyguard, why else?"

    Noodle looked bewildered, "Really?"

    "Are you saying you can''t do it?" Kenric asked.

    Noodle scoffed, confidence filling his frame by the second, "As if! It''s just that Edward''s a monster. Here, I can take anyone!"

    "I hope you won''t have to prove that," Elizabeth said.

    Kenric looked out the window, watching his domain pass him by in silence.

 Chapter 13 - Lord Alain Aubet

    The east-most village in Kenric''s domain, Rhyl, had been destroyed years ago, when his father had still been alive. It had not been feasible to repair it, especially since it took too long to reach in time to defend, and so had been left in its destroyed state ever since.

    Rhyl sat on a small hill, its mangled, blackened husk now overtaken by years of vegetation. Kenric could see it from inside his carriage, the barely-present path passed from right beside this hill. Livestock used to graze on the grass on those slopes. Now no more.

    Passing the corpse of Rhyl told Kenric that he was about to leave his territory. Soon, he would be in Aubet territory.

    The carriage rode on, and the greenery looked the same. A village passed, one that Kenric had never seen before, and then after some time, another village. The path rode straight through a third village, and just a short while later, city walls came into view.

    Alain Aubet''s city: Brio.

    Its stone walls were the same as Blaidd''s, the same as any city on the frontier: of modest size, but of solid make. They would protect well, but did not leave an impression that someone would write home about.

    Kenric''s carriage made its way to the gates, smaller than Blaidd''s, but with more care put into their polish. After checking the seal on their papers, the guards let them in. They entered into the streets, looking at the new city through their windows, and Noodle was the first to comment.

    "It''s¡­ nicer than Blaidd."

    He wasn''t wrong. The walls of the buildings stood straighter and fuller, rarely revealing the wooden slats within, there were more people out and about, and just the environment, from the volume to the tones of chatter, seemed more energetic. Even the roads were paved, not in any fancy way, but even the most basic of pavement was more than what Blaidd had.

    Noodle seemed to realise that what he had said might be interpreted as an insult towards Kenric, so he laughed nervously, "I-I mean, I still like Blaidd better! It''s¡­ homelier?"

    Kenric ignored him. Their carriage rode through the streets, the driver stopping multiple times to ask for directions. There was a castle that loomed above from behind most of the city, and that was apparently where Lord Aubet lived.

    They reached the castle, and after another round of checks at the gates, were allowed in. The servants stopped the carriage in the bailey, requesting them to disembark, promising that their luggage would be sent to their rooms. The carriage was led away to the stables, and Noodle, Elizabeth, and Kenric followed a servant to the keep.

    It was a fine castle by Kenric''s estimation. Very limited finery, practical, with dedicated workers who all looked focused on their tasks.

    "This is the lord''s hall," the servant leading them said, stopping in front of a heavy wooden door. He knocked, and a deep voice announced, "Come in!"

    The servant opened the door and let them enter. The lord''s hall was fancier than the rest of the castle: candelabras, a rug, and statues of the hooded Mother and the armoured Father. Certainly, there was more splendour here, but not by much. In the centre of the hall, at the massive table, sat a man in long and loose bright clothing. He had dirty blond hair and was quite handsome, but it was marred slightly by the emerging chubbiness on his cheeks.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Kenric himself only ever wore a leather vest with a white shirt underneath and trousers over boots, so they could not have looked more different when it came to clothing.

    "Ah, Lord Wulf," The man said, "A pleasure to meet you at last." He stood and approached Kenric, shaking his hand.

    "Lord Aubet," Kenric returned neutrally.

    "We live in bordering territories, yet this is our first meeting. Fascinating, isn''t it? You look very different from your father," Alain Aubet said, "Now, who have you brought with you?" He looked at his companions.

    "This is Elizabeth Filangris," Kenric gestured at her.

    Elizabeth curtseyed, evidently an experienced movement judging from the ease and smoothness she performed it with, "My Lord."

    "Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Lady Fliangris." Alain''s lips twitched, the smirk on his face barely hidden as he took her hand and kissed it. A minor lord like him should have been very nervous in front of the daughter of a duke, but his amusement told Kenric everything. He knew of her humiliation.

    To her credit, Elizabeth bore it with grace. She did not let anything but politeness show on her face.

    "And this is Ned, my bodyguard," Kenric said, gesturing at Noodle next.

    He saw Elizabeth blink out of the corner of his eye, and suppressed a smirk of laughter. He''d forgotten that she''d never even heard his real name until now.

    "You must be skilled indeed," Alain said, turning to Noodle, "To be appointed the sole bodyguard of the renowned Lord Wulf."

    Noodle grinned, thumping himself on the chest, "Of course! That''s just what I do."

    "Indeed, indeed," Alain nodded. He refocused his attention on Kenric, "Now, let us speak of what you came here for. Come, sit." He took a seat behind his table again, and Kenric took a seat opposite of him.

    "You said you had an offer for me."

    "Yes, I do," Alain said, "I know you''ve been asking for reinforcements and supplies for a long time now, and I think we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

    "That being?"

    "I have a problem," Alain said, looking troubled, "And I could use the aid of your battle-hardened troops."

    "Bandits?" Kenric asked.

    "Bandits?" Alain repeated confusedly, "Oh, you''ve heard about that. Yes, I am having trouble with some bandits as well, one of the twelve bandit lords, in fact! But I can deal with that myself."

    "A bandit lord?" And suddenly Kenric was a lot more interested than he had been a second ago, "Which one?"

    And just as suddenly, there was a hint of steel in Alain''s eyes, "It does not matter, because I didn''t call you here for that," he said cagily, "I have another problem: there is something¡­ evil in the Forest of Antome."

    "Evil?" Kenric asked.

    "Yes, my soldiers first encountered it a few months ago. They were supposed to cut through the Forest of Antome, but a squad was lost," Alain said, "So several search teams were sent to find them. They were lost as well."

    "So you have no clue what this evil is or looks like," Kenric said.

    "Yes. But I keep losing soldiers to that forest, and I cannot afford to lose anymore right now," Alain said. He spoke like it was a matter of logistics, but Kenric thought he spied something else, an inkling of fear, as he continued, "I need your troops, men of skill who have faced armies of raiders and who knows what else. My soldiers are woefully lacking in experience in comparison."

    Kenric narrowed his eyes but did not say anything. Even the lord of a territory bordering his would not admit that these ''raiders'' were backed by Wereion.

    "And what will you give me in return?" He asked.

    "Well, as I said, I need my troops, so I cannot give you reinforcements," Alain said, "But I do have supplies. We have this amazing quarry¡ª"

    "Food. A year''s worth," Kenric cut in.

    Alain paused, and Kenric could see Elizabeth''s face twitch at his unsubtle interruption from his peripheral vision. However, he could not care less; they were making a deal now, and he had no patience for the whole circular dance routine that nobles loved indulging in.

    "A year''s worth?" Alain chuckled uncomfortably, "That''s a lot, are you planning on laying siege?"

    Kenric did not say anything, silently waiting for his answer.

    "Truth be told, we''ve had incredible harvests for the past few years..." he thought for several moments more, before nodding, "Very well, deal!"

 Chapter 14 - The Evil in the Forest

    "What do you mean you''ll go yourself, Lord Wulf?" Alain Aubet asked as Kenric, Elizabeth, and Noodle made to leave.

    "You want your problem dealt with sooner rather than later, right?" Kenric asked, "It''ll go much faster if we deal with this ourselves."

    "I wanted your troops, not you!" Alain said, "Can you even¡ªI mean, is it even possible for you to¡­?" He looked meaningfully at Kenric''s cane.

    Kenric noticed his gaze, "I can still fight, Lord Aubet. We''ll be back soon enough, if you could just lend us a few horses."

    "Yes, yes, of course," Alain said, still taken aback. As they turned to the door again, he remembered, "I''ll lend you a map as well; you can see what route my soldiers were taking."

    The three left the lord''s hall and a servant led them back to the bailey. He bowed and left the three there on their own to wait for their horses. Now confident that their privacy was secured, Elizabeth said, "Slay an unknown evil¡­ I did not expect a request like this."

    "He''s scared," Kenric said, "the Forest of Antome is almost right next to Brio. The thought of some inexplicable danger being this close to him terrifies him."

    "The thought of some inexplicable danger terrifies me¡­" Noodle muttered.

    "I thought ''that''s just what you do?''" Kenric said amusedly.

    "I''m a bodyguard, not a monster hunter!" Noodle said.

    "Well, I''m about to go face a monster, so guard me well," Kenric said.

    A servant came out with three chestnut horses, and Kenric patted the one handed to him a few times before hopping on. He tested the reins slightly, getting used to them and the horse itself.

    "Shall I hold your cane for you, my lord?" Elizabeth asked from her horse.

    "I''ll be fine," Kenric said.

    The servant handed them a map next, and Kenric took a look. "Come," he said, folding the map and securing it in his vest before snapping the reigns lightly, "Let us go find ourselves a nameless evil."

    They rode out of the castle and onto the city streets, slowly growing comfortable with their horses. Once they made it to the gates and exited the city of Brio, they found the path south and broke out into a full gallop.

    Kenric had been right, the Forest of Antome had not been very far at all. They veered from the path, entering it. The trees towered high here, clawing at the sky with brown, leafless branches. Most of the leaves had fallen on the ground by now, and as the horses galloped through them, it could be seen that the dirt and leaves were starting to become one.

    "It was brazen to ask for a whole year''s worth of food," Elizabeth said hesitantly, "I''m surprised Lord Aubet accepted."

    "As am I," Kenric said, "I thought he''d negotiate down. His stores must be vast," he added on thoughtfully, "I should have asked for more..."

    "Any more and you would have risked offending Lord Aubet," Elizabeth said, "Even asking this much risked offending him."

    Kenric did not argue. He checked the map again as they slowed. The horses could not move at full speed in the dense forest. "The disappearances occur somewhere near the centre of the forest," he said.

    The good thing was, the Forest of Antome was not very large. They rode for a bit before Kenric began smelling a familiar stench. It smelled of rot, of faeces¡ªa smell that clogged the nose and sat on the tongue. It was a smell that aroused a deep, instinctual disgust in any human.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The smell of death.

    Kenric dismounted his horse, tying it to a tree. Elizabeth and Noodle followed his lead. He followed the smell, having already gotten used to it long ago to recoil from it. Noodle had too, but Elizabeth seemed to be having some trouble. Kenric was not surprised, she had smelt blood before, but this lingering death was a different matter.

    They pushed on until they reached a clearing, and the source of the smell became obvious. Bodies in steel armour were strewn about the clearing, crushed and mangled to grim states. At their centre stood a creature of rock. It had the rough shape of a human: a head, torso, arms, and legs. It even had a face, with white light shining from the circular holes where its eyes should have been, and a great big crack separating its lower jaw from the rest of its face.

    It towered over them, both in height and width, and when it noticed them, the light in its eyes grew stronger, "Oh!" The crack on its face that should have been its mouth did not move, but it spoke anyway, its voice sounding echoey and strangely far away, "New challengers!"

    "It''s a golem!" Elizabeth said, her hands cupped over her mouth and nose to dull the smell.

    The golem pointed its stone fingers at Elizabeth, "Correct! None of these guys recognised my superior existence." It gestured at the corpses around it.

    "I''ve never heard of a golem being able to talk like you," Elizabeth said.

    The golem sounded like it was smirking, "Heh! I''m special. I was a living soul transferred into a golem. I can talk, I can think¡ªI''m basically the perfect existence!"

    "A living soul¡­?" Elizabeth looked horrified, "That''s inhumane!"

    The golem looked down at her, the circular holes that were its eyes narrowing, "Didn''t you just hear me? Instead of a fleshy body of disgusting weakness, I am made of impenetrable stone. I much prefer this."

    Elizabeth looked scared at the golem''s scrutiny upon her, and Kenric slammed his cane on the ground to bring attention back to himself, "You called us challengers. Why?"

    "Are you not?" The golem said, turning to him. It gestured once more at the corpses around it, "These squishy folk were. I was reactivated, but the person who reactivated me ran off, and I was left here with no direction. Some of these people found me, and when I tried asking them where I was, they attacked. Of course, their weak bodies of flesh could not withstand my brilliant stone power, and were crushed. More came. They too were crushed."

    Noodle gulped, "That doesn''t sound like they were challenging you¡­"

    "They attacked. It was a challenge," the golem said, "Now, surely you have some courage as well. Care to try your luck?"

    "You seem to want us to challenge you," Kenric noted.

    "Of course!" The golem exclaimed, "It''s why my master built me! I have to show off his greatest masterpiece!"

    "You were built to fight?" Kenric asked.

    "Golems are weapons of war," Elizabeth said, "Though they usually have no will of their own. I don''t know why a golem with sentience would want the same thing."

    The golem made a noise of disgust, "Listen, woman. I told you already, I am my master''s greatest masterpiece, I must show myself off to the world!"

    "Very well," Kenric cut in, "We challenge you. But let us relocate. The smell of this place is not pleasant." He could see Elizabeth had been getting more and more overwhelmed, and he could tell it was the smell that had been affecting her the most.

    "The smell?" The golem asked. It threw up its stone arms, "I forgot, you flesh creatures have all kinds of weaknesses. To be hindered by just being around a few dead bodies¡ªhonestly! Fine, let''s go."

    The golem began guiding them through the forest from behind, away from the site of its massacre, and Kenric said, "Were you not a flesh creature once too?"

    "Yeah, but I''m not anymore, am I? Besides, I don''t even remember my life before I was a golem."

    "Wait, so you don''t even remember what you left behind to become one?" Noodle asked.

    The golem gave a heaving shrug, "Eh, sometimes I get a glimpse of a memory or something. Doesn''t matter, I was told I voluntarily submitted to the experiment."

    "It''s easy to lie to someone who can''t remember the truth," Kenric said.

    "Maybe, still doesn''t matter," the golem said uncaringly, "I mean, I''m made of stone! What could be better than that?"

    They arrived at another clearing, where the air was much cleaner. Elizabeth had removed her hands from her mouth and nose, but still looked uncomfortable. Kenric knew from experience that the smell would linger within for a while.

    "All right, let''s do this!" The golem said to Kenric, "You ready?" It raised its arms in a fighting pose.

    "Me?" Kenric asked. He took a seat on a nearby rock, "Why would I need to fight you when my bodyguard is right here?"

    It took Noodle a moment to realise what he was saying, "Wait, what?"

    The golem looked Noodle over up and down, "¡­This guy? Really?"

    Kenric smirked, "I assure you, even the lord of this land praised him."

    "Wait, no¡ªseriously, wait!" Noodle stuttered.

    "Go on then, Noodle, show him¡­ her¡ª?" He looked questioningly at the golem,

    "I''m pretty sure I used to be a him," the golem said.

    Kenric nodded, turning to Noodle again, "¡ªShow him what you''re made of."

    Noodle looked like he had just swallowed a marble.

 Chapter 15 - Your Victory

    "Wait!" Elizabeth yelled.

    "Oh thank god," Noodle sighed. His sword, which he had very reluctantly raised in preparation for the imminent duel, was lowered immediately.

    "I have to tell you about his weakness!" Elizabeth continued.

    Noodle looked devastated that the duel was still going to happen, and Kenric stifled a laugh.

    "There should be a gem¡ªsome sort of crystal that allows his body of rock to move," Elizabeth said, "It''s the only weak part on his body."

    The golem made a sound of disgust, "You''re a mage, aren''t you?"

    "Yes?"

    "I hate mages! Always standing in the back, extra squishy, with their cowardly spells and stuff," the golem said, "Mages are the worst!"

    "But¡­ your creator was a mage," Elizabeth pointed out.

    "Yeah, the only cool one," the golem said, "The rest all suck."

    "Er¡ªLady Filangris, I don''t see any such gem," Noodle said nervously.

    "It has to be somewhere," Elizabeth said, "Even if he''s a unique golem, to move he absolutely needs¡ª"

    "Don''t bother searching, I''ll tell you right now," the golem said, "The gem is on the centre of my back. Break that, and I instantly lose."

    "You¡­ just told us your weakness," Elizabeth said, amazed, "Why?"

    "It''s a good weakness," Kenric said, still lounging on his rock.

    Though the only thing that moved on the golem''s face was his eyes, Kenric got the sense that he was smiling at him, "Isn''t it? It''s a weakness that doesn''t matter, because I will never show my back to my enemy."

    Elizabeth looked between them, "That''s¡­"

    "Come on, that''s enough talking!" The golem said, "Time to fight!" He raised his arms, and Noodle, white as a sheet, raised his blade again in response.

    "What if¡ª?" He began to ask, but he was interrupted when the golem suddenly charged. "I said enough talk!" The golem said as he swung his stone fists at his enemy. Noodle backed away just in time and tried to circle around to his back, but to no avail.

    The golem was not quick, but he had overwhelming power, and he moved well, anticipating whenever Noodle was about to try and go for his back. It was all Noodle could do to not be squished by him.Stolen story; please report.

    Barely a minute in and Noodle began to breathe heavily, his movements slowing. He was getting clumsier with his attempts, and Kenric finally deemed it time to say to Elizabeth, "Please go stop them."

    Elizabeth reacted instantly, she had been ready to spring into action this whole time after all, worriedly watching as Noodle barely escaped the deadly swings of heavy stone time and again. She flew forwards, unsheathing her blade and going for the golem''s back.

    "You''re joining in too?" The golem roared. He backed off to keep both enemies in front of him, which was exactly what Elizabeth had wanted. Now possessing distance from her enemy, she dragged Noodle back to Kenric, taking him out of range.

    "It seems there are more monsters out in the world than just Edward, aren''t there, Noodle?" Kenric asked almost lazily.

    "That''s an actual monster, boss."

    "Yes, and I need you to be able to defeat them anyway," Kenric said, "Especially when you have a sparring partner like Edward."

    "Hey!" The golem called, "What about our duel?"

    Finally, Kenric stood, "I will face you now."

    The golem paused, "I''m not going to say that you don''t seem like you have more bite to you than your bodyguard, but I thought I''d be facing that girl there next. I mean, you''re using a stick to walk." He turned to Elizabeth, "By the way, you use a sword as well? That''s perfect! Fight with that!"

    "No, better to end this quick," Kenric said. He pointed his cane at the golem, "Your name?"

    "Don''t have one," the golem said. It rushed at Kenric, "Don''t need one!"

    Kenric met his charge with his own, seeming as though he was committing to a swing. The golem, sensing where he was about to be, swung mightily as well to intercept him. If the strike hit, it would be over in one blow.

    But, of course, the strike would never hit.

    Kenric swerved around the golem''s swing at the last second, passing him by, and flicked his cane lightly at the shining red crystal embedded on his back. The golem did not have subtle movements like a human, but it still gave something of a jolt.

    "That''s a loss for you," Kenric said, leisurely turning around to face the golem. The golem turned as well, seeming stunned. It was a battle that had lasted a single exchange, and it hadn''t even taken five seconds for Kenric to establish his victory. "Your weakness is a good one, but you shouldn''t announce it if you can''t protect it."

    The golem continued staring, but then his eyes of white light flashed and he pointed at Kenric, "No! I haven''t lost yet! This is only over when I say it''s over!"

    The earth trembled, and the rocks packed tightly that made up the golem''s body began expanding. It rose, laughing, "I can increase my size as long as I''m standing on earth! Now¡ª"

    Kenric did not give him a chance to finish. Before the golem could get too large, he leapt up to his outstretched arm, and then leapt once more to land on his shoulder. The golem had reached half the height of the tall trees above by now, but it did not matter, because Kenric was already on him. He continued growing, and Kenric watched uninterestedly as the ground dropped further and further away.

    "It doesn''t matter how big you get now," he warned.

    The golem, who had been about to try and swat Kenric from his shoulder, stopped suddenly. They were looking at each other, eye to eye, and something in Kenric''s voice seemed to give him pause.

    "Your weakness has grown along with your size," Kenric said, looking at the proportionally massive crystal on the massive golem''s back. He looked back at the golem''s eyes and smirked, "Just try and make a move. You''re still in my range, you know?"

    Kenric doubted the golem could shiver, but the way it suddenly distanced its head from its own shoulder to get away from Kenric was a pretty analogous action by his estimate. He rested his cane on the rock shoulder, using it to support his leg once more.

    The golem finally said quietly, "It''s... your victory."

 Chapter 16 - Gordon

    "Serve me."

    It was the first thing Kenric said to the golem when it shrunk back to its original size. Everyone stared at him for it, but he had eyes only for the golem right now.

    "What?" Noodle exclaimed, "Boss, are you crazy? That thing isn''t a person, it''s¡­ magic!"

    Kenric spared him a glance, "Your point?"

    "That thing isn''t like Lady Filangris: it''s not a mage, it''s an inexplicable monster made of rocks! And you want to bring it with us?"

    "Inexplicable?" Kenric asked, "Weren''t you listening when Lady Filangris was telling us about golems?"

    "Yeah, but she said normal golems can''t talk and stuff, right? They just listen to orders," Noodle said. He turned to Elizabeth, "Come on, tell him how weird this is!"

    Elizabeth looked conflicted, "I¡­ must admit, I have never heard of a golem possessing free will and being able to talk, much less it being able to grow in size as well." She asked the golem, "I know you said you have sentience because you were a living soul transplanted into the body of a golem, but how can you grow so large?"

    The golem shrugged, "Magic."

    "Are there limits to it?" Kenric asked.

    "One of them you pointed out yourself," the golem said, "It''s not really a limit, but my weak point gets bigger as well, so I always have to think about that. The second, and way more important limit, is that the larger I get the less time I can remain operational. I have to stop moving for a while if I grow too big for too long. Also, I have to stand on earth to grow big, I can''t pull it off on any other surface. My master said it was because of resonance or something." He was speaking subduedly, volunteering information with no hesitation¡ªlosing must have come as a big shock to him.

    "I see," Kenric said, "And how big can you get?"

    "As in my maximum size?" The golem asked, "I don''t know the exact measurement, but it''s pretty dang big. I can get higher than these trees, at least. Of course, like I said, if I do get that big, I''ll only be able to move around for like ten seconds before shutting down for a while."

    Kenric smiled slightly, "That won''t be a problem at all. I repeat: serve me. Do so, and you''ll have plenty of enemies to show your superiority off to. That''s what you said you wanted, no?"

    Noodle pulled at his hair frustratedly, "Haven''t you been listening to me, boss? This thing is unnatural, how can we ever trust it? It even killed all those guys who came before!"Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "Hey, I haven''t even said I''ll accept yet," The golem protested.

    Kenric ignored him, "According to the golem, they attacked first."

    "And why wouldn''t they?" Noodle said, "Look at it! It''s a monster! It¡ª!"

    Kenric tapped his cane against the ground firmly. The ground was soft, so it didn''t make a loud sound, but even the soft thud was enough to stop Noodle in his tracks. He pinned Noodle with a cold, hard look, "Defeat him then."

    "Wh-what?"

    "Defeat the golem, and prove to me that you''ll make up for all that I''ll lose by discarding him," his tone brooked no argument, and Noodle knew it. He looked between them, as though trying to think of a new argument that might convince his mind, before finally sighing.

    Kenric said, recognising Noodle''s submission, "The matter is settled then." He turned back to the golem. The golem was silent for several moments before it spoke, its voice stronger now for some reason, "The way you do things is interesting. Alright, I accept. I pledge myself to your service."

    Kenric grinned darkly, he could already imagine all the ways he could use this golem''s abilities to his advantage, "Good. Now, you said you had no name. Simply calling you ''the golem'' will get troublesome, especially if we come across any other golems, do you have any names in mind?"

    The golem tilted his head in thought, "Not really, no. Call me whatever you like."

    "Go, then. From golem," Kenric decided immediately.

    "Er¡­" Elizabeth said.

    "Is there a problem?" Kenric asked.

    Noodle palmed his forehead, muttering, "The same thing happened with Aida¡­" He said accusingly, "That''s not a name."

    "Have you any suggestions then?" Kenric asked.

    "How about¡­ Gordon?" Elizabeth said, "It incorporates the Go."

    "Gordon it is," Kenric said, "Any problems with that name?"

    "Gordon¡­" the golem nodded, "Gordon works."

    "Good," Kenric said, "Now, can you decrease in size as well?"

    "No, I can''t get any smaller than this," Gordon said, "I can only grow bigger. Besides, why would I even want to get smaller? That''s dumb."

    "That means we can''t take you back with us," Kenric said, "In that case, you will go that way¡ª" he pointed north, "¡ªuntil you see a city. There should be a road there, you will follow it west¡ª"

    "West?" Gordon asked.

    "You will turn left while facing the city," Kenric explained, "Then you will follow that path until you see a destroyed village on a hill. You will wait for us there. Will you have any problems with this?"

    "Uh¡­ straight, city, left, and then destroyed village," Gordon recited, "Nope, I should be all good."

    "Excellent," Kenric said, "Make sure not to let anyone see you. Do golems need sleep?"

    "Sort of," Gordon said, "But I can keep going for several days if I have to. I just need to shut down for a bit to charge up the magical energy that lets me move from time to time."

    "I see," Kenric said, "That''s why you can''t move for long when you grow larger, because you use up all your magical energy."

    Gordon shrugged, "That''s my best guess."

    "In that case, travel primarily by night," Kenric ordered, "You''ll have a better chance of remaining hidden."

    "Got it," Gordon gave his best attempt at a bow, "See you soon then."

    "Tomorrow, most likely," Kenric said. He gave him a nod before turning to leave, "Come, let us return to Lord Aubet and tell him his threat is gone."

    "And what are we going to say?" Noodle asked, "We don''t exactly have proof."

    "A good point," Kenric said, "Noodle, get me something from one of Lord Aubet''s soldiers'' corpses. Something like a pendant will do. The rest he can confirm himself when he sends his people to retrieve their bodies."

    Noodle sighed at the thought of returning to that scene of horrors, "Yes, my lord¡­"

 Chapter 17- Noodles Task

    Lord Alain Aubet stared at the rough amber pendant in Kenric''s hand. He looked between it and Kenric a few times.

    "¡­Already?"

    "Yes," Kenric said, "It was a creature with a strange form, but it has been defeated now. I will send a few of my own troops to help escort the food, if you wish."

    Alain took the amber pendant, setting it aside, "But it''s only been a few hours! How could you possibly have slain it already?"

    "You called me ''the renowned Lord Wulf'' before," Kenric said, "Do you have so little faith in my abilities?"

    "No, no!" Alain said in almost a panicked manner, "But¡­ what was it? What did you kill?"

    "A creature of magic," Kenric said, "I cannot describe it, but you may imagine a hulking warrior. You may send your people to check to see if I am lying. If the creature remains, I will return to slay it."

    "I¡­ please rest for now, it''s getting late," Alain said finally, "You will be shown to your rooms."

    A servant was called, and he led Kenric, Noodle, and Elizabeth through the halls to where they would be spending the night. All three of them had received a room, and they looked comfortable.

    Once the servant left, bidding them to call for him if they needed anything, Kenric had Elizabeth and Noodle join him in his room.

    "You did well to omit any information about Gordon, but you shouldn''t speak so directly, my lord," Elizabeth said, "When you said he could send his troops to check whether you were lying, it must have sounded to him like you were challenging him."

    "He doubted me. I pointed out that there was a way for him to make sure," Kenric said.

    "Yes, but you should not have phrased it so harshly," Elizabeth said, "Nobles have a lower tolerance to being spoken in such a way. You could have caused a diplomatic incident. We are lucky Lord Aubet seems to understand that you mean no harm."

    Kenric narrowed his eyes in annoyance, but he couldn''t deny that what she said had merit. No matter how troublesome he found it, the reality of the world was as she said, and he had to play by its rules to navigate it.

    "¡­ I will keep that in mind." He turned to Noodle, "Now, moving on, I have a task for you, Noodle."

    Noodle pointed at himself, "Me? Now?"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    "Yes, now," Kenric said, "You have a talent for sneaking around, I have need of that talent now."

    Noodle''s eyes shifted, "I, er¡ªI don''t know what you mean."

    "Do you think I don''t know about how you hide whenever something needs to be done in the manor?" Kenric asked, raising an eyebrow, "But, good for you, that skill of yours will come in handy now. Lord Aubet claimed that he''s currently in conflict with a bandit lord, but he won''t tell us which one; I need you to find the identity of that bandit lord."

    "That sounds really dangerous," Noodle said weakly.

    "It is, but it''s something I need done anyway," Kenric said, "And make sure not to let anyone know what you''re looking for. I imagine Lord Aubet must have reports mentioning this bandit lord on his desk, perhaps you could wait until he leaves to check there."

    "Yep, sounds real easy," Noodle said sarcastically.

    "Good," Kenric''s voice was dry, "Get to it then."

    Noodle gave a defeated wave and left the room. Elizabeth muttered thoughtfully, "A bandit lord¡­"

    "Do you know of them?" Kenric asked.

    Elizabeth nodded, "When I was a student in the Royal Academy, we used to go on these trips to different cities. One time, we were attacked by one of the bandit lords: the Mare. He wanted to kidnap us and ransom us back to our families."

    "What happened to him?"

    "He was repelled by Prince Albert, and his friends, and¡­" she trailed off. The slightly dark expression on her face gave Kenric the inkling that the last person in that group had been the girl with whom she had feuded with, and had ultimately led to her disgrace. Elizabeth shook her head slightly, "Anyway, the Mare escaped, and Prince Albert was lauded as a hero."

    "I see," Kenric said simply.

    "Why do you want to know which bandit lord Lord Aubet is fighting with?" Elizabeth asked, "Surely you don''t mean to try and recruit a bandit lord as well, do you?"

    Kenric shrugged, "Depends on the bandit lord."

    <hr>

    Noodle walked along the hallways of the castle, faking a calm he definitely did not feel. Lord Wulf got a kick out of asking him to do things he absolutely hated, he just knew it. There weren''t even any nooks or crannies to sneak here! This castle was as basic as it got.

    His first obstacle had come in the form of the servant who had led them to their rooms. He had been waiting just a short distance away, and Noodle barely had a moment to think of the excuse that he was searching for the privy. The servant had tried tagging along to show him the way, but Noodle had insisted that he remain behind in case Lord Wulf wanted him for something.

    The devoted subject act had worked, because here he was, all by his lonesome. He made his way back to where the lord''s hall was, and waited behind a corner. After some time, he heard the doors open, and he took a peek to see Lord Aubet yawning as he disappeared down another corridor.

    Stifling a curse underneath his breath, he steeled his nerves and crept into the lord''s hall. Thankfully, it was empty, and he rushed to Lord Aubet''s desk. He looked over all the parchment on top, making sure not to touch a single one.

    ''Tax Report'', ''Tax Report'', ''Quarry Maintenance'', ''Construction Project'', ''Battle Report¡ª''

    Noodle stopped, reading through the battle report more closely. The bandit lord in question had attacked one of Lord Aubet''s villages yesterday, and a skirmish had taken place between them and the guards stationed there.

    And¡­ there it was! The bandit lord''s name, clear as day.

    Now done with his mission, Noodle hurried back to the doors, but before he could push them open, to Noodle''s terrible surprise, they suddenly opened on their own.

 Chapter 18 - The Veneer of Diplomacy

    Noodle''s heart dropped into his stomach. He was in front of the door and there was no place to hide. Lord Aubet would find him snooping around in his hall for sure, and only execution awaited him, he just knew it.

    The door opened fully, and Noodle felt a brief moment of relief. It was not Lord Aubet who had opened the door, but one of the servants¡ªa woman with brown hair and freckles holding a wooden bucket and a mop.

    His relief was short-lived, for she narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "You''re one of the lord''s guests. What are you doing here?"

    Words abandoned him, and all he could do was stammer out the excuse he had used last, "Th-the privy¡­"

    The woman''s eyes narrowed further, "This is not the privy."

    And then, Noodle''s brain leapt to life. He''d always been good at excuses; he could do this!

    "No, I, er¡ªI was just returning from the privy, and I wanted to speak to Lord Aubet¡ª" Details! He needed details! "¡ªLord Wulf brought me along at the last minute, you see? I don''t have a change of clothes."

    "A change of clothes?" The woman said disbelievingly, "You''re not a noble, you can''t bear wearing the same clothes for more than one day?"

    Noodle put on a hapless smile and shrugged, "What can I say? I''ve been spoiled for the finer comforts in life."

    "Okay¡­" The woman said slowly, "But why did you enter then?"

    "Sorry?"

    "Why did you enter the room?" The woman asked, "You presumably saw that Lord Aubet wasn''t here when you opened the door, so why did you enter anyway?"

    Noodle resisted the urge to tear out his hair; why was this woman so unusually sharp? Didn''t most servants just go about their work, not caring what was happening around them? He surreptitiously glanced around the room, and the statues at the side wall caught his eye.

    "The Mother and the Father," he said, gesturing at their statues, "I was here earlier, but I couldn''t pay my respects then. When I saw them again, I decided to do it now."

    The woman frowned and cast an eye over the whole room, as though searching for anything that might be out of place. When she didn''t spot anything, she said, "Okay. Please leave now, ser. You''re not allowed to be here."

    "I understand, my apologies," Noodle said, sheepishly bowing his head a few times as he rushed to leave.

    "Before you go though, I must say," Noodle froze, waiting for the woman to finish, "You''re a pretty boorish subject, entering halls without being invited and asking the lord of a whole territory for clothes of all things. You''ll cause a lot of trouble for your lord acting like this."

    "I''ll work hard to improve myself," Noodle promised, finally leaving and letting the doors close behind him.

    <hr>

    "The Hog," Noodle said annoyedly as soon as he entered Kenric''s room. Elizabeth was gone by now.

    "The Hog," Kenric repeated thoughtfully, "I see, so that''s the bandit lord Lord Aubet is chasing."

    Noodle sighed, "Why would he even hide this? What does it matter if you know which bandit lord it is or not?"

    "Glory, I imagine," Kenric said, "He wants the glory of bringing in a bandit lord himself, and he doesn''t want to risk sharing the credit with anyone else."If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Right¡­" Noodle said, "I was caught, you know?"

    Kenric gave him a sharp look, "Explain."

    "A servant girl. She probably came to clean, and she caught me in the lord''s hall," Noodle said, "And she wouldn''t stop asking questions! I had to pull one excuse after another out of my ass! I barely got away! The guy outside was curious why I took so long as well, but I just told him I got sidetracked and he didn''t ask anything else."

    "Does this servant girl still suspect you?" Kenric asked.

    "I think so, but I gave valid enough excuses so we should be good," Noodle said, "Do you know what she said as I was leaving? That my behaviour will cause trouble for my lord! Yeah, it''s me! I''m the one causing trouble for you!"

    Kenric smirked in amusement, "And yet I put up with you." He looked out the window, at the dark sky, "Go get some rest. Let us see how Lord Aubet greets us tomorrow."

    Recognising the dismissal for what it was, Noodle bowed and left the room. He''d done as asked. The rest was Lord Wulf''s problem.

    <hr>

    The next morning, Kenric, Elizabeth, and Noodle were led to the solar, where Alain Aubet awaited them with a table full of food.

    "Ah, good morning, Lord Wulf! Lady Filangris." He said when they entered, "Come, join me for some breakfast."

    Kenric was about to say that he would prefer just talking about the deal they''d made yesterday, but perhaps Elizabeth was getting used to the way he did things, because she jumped in, "Certainly! You are a most gracious host, Lord Aubet." She took a seat, and after a moment, Kenric nodded and followed her example.

    He remembered what she''d said to him yesterday evening, and what he''d realised. Even if it was annoying, diplomacy was an art he had to practice.

    Alain turned to look at Noodle, who had remained standing, as was expected of him, "I''ve been informed that your bodyguard was found in my hall after I''d left."

    Kenric remained silent, and Elizabeth suddenly gasped as though hearing this for the first time, "What?" She looked angrily at Noodle, "You went inside Lord Aubet''s hall? Without permission?"

    Kenric had already told her of everything this morning, so this was act was undoubtedly for Alain. And, judging by the surprised expression on his face, it was working.

    "You¡­ didn''t know?" He asked.

    "No! He didn''t tell us anything!" Elizabeth said, sounding scandalised, "How could you do such a thing, Ned? And then to keep us in the dark after? Despicable!"

    Noodle caught on quick and bowed remorsefully, "A thousand apologies, my lady. I went to go ask Lord Aubet if he could spare any extra clothes for the night, and I was about to leave when I saw that his hall was empty, but when I saw the Mother and Father, I felt I absolutely had to pay my respects. It will not happen again."

    "Of course it won''t!" Elizabeth said sternly, "Don''t think you''ve escaped punishment with your apology! We''ll decide your sentence once we return so you never forget your mistake!"

    Noodle bowed obediently once more, "I understand."

    The matter had moved too fast for Alain, and it seemed he''d gotten swept up in the pace of Noodle and Elizabeth''s act. Sensing the resolution of the matter, he said to Kenric, "You''ve got quite the brazen bodyguard, Lord Wulf."

    "¡­Yes," Kenric said. He very much abhorred lying, but he had been the one to send Noodle on this clandestine operation, and he would follow it through till the end. That was his responsibility, "I apologise on his behalf as well."

    Alain waved his apology away, "No matter, no matter. Nothing was stolen, so I''m inclined to believe your bodyguard''s explanation." He grinned at Noodle, "Do be a little more sensible with your zealousness next time, and observe propriety."

    "Yes, my lord," Noodle said, bowing apologetically once more.

    "Now, onto the matter of our agreement," Alain said, turning back to Kenric, "My soldiers have confirmed that the evil in the Forest of Antome is slain. They are currently in the process of recovering the corpses of all those who fell to it. You do fine work, I would be overjoyed to have you as my vassal."

    "I apologise, but I cannot accept that offer," Kenric said.

    Alain laughed heartily, "Don''t take it so literally, my boy! It''s simply praise. Now, as we bargained, I will send over a year''s worth of food to Blaidd. Don''t worry, I will send my own troops to guard the delivery. You just need to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your efforts."

    "Thank you," Kenric said simply.

    He took a plate of eggs and began cutting into them. As he did, he glanced up and noticed Alain''s thoughtful frown.

    "Can I help you?" He asked.

    "¡­I met your father, you know?" Alain said, "It was only once, and it was long ago, but it''s still a meeting I remember."

    Kenric paused, "Is that so?"

    "Yes, and whenever your father spoke of his territory, he had this¡­ shine to him. A great pride, a great love. Had he secured a year''s worth of food as you have just now, he would have been aflush with joy right now."

    "I apologise, I am not my father," Kenric said, focusing on his food once more.

    "No, I know," Alain said, he peered at Kenric as though trying to see through him, "I sense none of that from you. Tell me, Lord Wulf, do you even love your land?"

    Kenric had been as diplomatic as he could be, hiding his harshness behind a fa?ade of civility. But that question broke through his already painfully thin veneer, and he smiled coldly, "Not even a little bit."

 Chapter 19 - Return to Blaidd

    "Do you think he''ll be there?" Noodle asked.

    Kenric, who was idly watching the green scenery pass by through the carriage window, said impassively, "We''ll see."

    They were on the way back, and Kenric remembered giving Gordon the golem directions to what had once been Rhys Village. Whether Gordon had been able to follow those instructions was a separate matter entirely.

    In a short while, the hill that Rhys Village had once stood on came into view, and Kenric peered to see if he could spot Gordon. He could not, so he bid the driver to stop and climbed the hill up on foot.

    The elements had largely claimed Rhys Village, but the blackened, broken-down structures still remained, an echo of just one more place in his territory destroyed by the Wereion Empire.

    Kenric looked through the once-buildings closely, and there he spotted him; in a house whose burnt walls still somehow stood, Gordon sat on the ground. It was a good hiding place, Kenric felt; unless someone passed through Rhys Village as he was doing right now, those upon the road below would not be able to see him.

    "Boss!" Gordon said, spotting him as well. He stood, and even from the front, Kenric could see that his bottom had been coated in soot, "Destroyed village, you said." He gestured around, "I figured it had to be this one."

    "Were you spotted?" Kenric asked.

    Gordon scratched at his stone head, sounding sheepish, "A farmer or two might have seen me, yeah. But it was really dark, and they didn''t get a good view, so we should be fine."

    Kenric frowned, but he could not fault Gordon. Unexpected things like this were bound to happen.

    He paused in thought for a moment, "We don''t want to add any strength to any rumours, and I can''t hide you in my carriage¡­"

    "So I guess running beside your carriage is a no-go?" Gordon asked, "I bet I could keep up."

    "Like I said, we don''t want to add any strength to any rumours," Kenric reminded. He came to a decision, "Wait until nightfall here, and then continue following this path west until you find a city. That place is Blaidd. Come to the main gate, I''ll be waiting there."

    "More sneaking, huh? All right, I''ll rest until night then; I''m running pretty low on juice," Gordon said. He tilted his head curiously, "By the way, before you go, what should I call you? My lord or boss?"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Whichever one you prefer," Kenric said, "My subordinates usually bounce between the two. I''ll see you in Blaidd."

    "Right, see you, boss."

    <hr>

    Once Kenric, Elizabeth, and Noodle reached Blaidd, they made directly for the manor. The carriage came to a stop in the courtyard and the main doors to the manor slammed open to a grinning Aida.

    "I saw you from the window!" She greeted, "So, how was your little field trip?"

    Kenric had scarcely stepped off his carriage, and he took a moment to shoot her a dry look, "Why are you out here and not working?"

    "Ah, they won''t miss me," Aida waved his thinly veiled admonition away, "Now come on, how was it? Did you have fun?"

    Kenric felt a small smirk pull at his lips as Elizabeth and Noodle disembarked as well, "A year''s worth of food has been secured. And a new ally. Take our luggage."

    Aida skipped over to the driver''s seat, and pulled the trunk with all of Kenric and Elizabeth''s luggage off from beside him. Kenric dismissed the driver, and he rode off towards the stables outside the manor.

    "Nicely done," Aida said, carrying the lightly packed trunk into the manor without issue, "And a new ally, you say?"

    "A freak of nature," Noodle shivered. He waved, splitting off from the group, "I''m going to go get changed."

    As they climbed up the stairs, Aida asked, "A freak of nature?"

    "A golem made of magic," Kenric elaborated, "He can speak and grow in size."

    "Did you just say he can speak?"

    "Yes. He even has free will. He''s an abnormality, even amongst golems," Kenric said. They reached his room, bare as the rest of the rooms in the manor, and Aida put down his trunk. She opened the trunk and placed his clothes in his wardrobe before pulling out Elizabeth''s.

    They went to Elizabeth''s room next, and Aida said, "And it¡ªhe, you said¡ªcan grow in size as well? How interesting."

    "You''ll get to meet him tomorrow," Kenric said as Aida finished placing Elizabeth''s clothes in her wardrobe. He paused for a moment, "I need to speak with you tomorrow morning. Come to my office then."

    Aida gave a casual bow, "Yes, my lord. More work for the invaluable Aida, huh?" She took her leave, and Elizabeth suddenly asked, "Are you two family in some way?"

    Kenric raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

    "The way you speak to each other, she almost sounds like your sister," Elizabeth said, "I thought she might perhaps be a distant cousin of yours."

    "I already have a sister," Kenric said. He thought on her words, "But¡­ you might not be wrong in a sense. Aside from Gerard, Aida has served me the longest."

    "You have a sister?" Elizabeth asked, sounding surprised.

    "She no longer lives in Blaidd," Kenric said, and before she could ask any more questions, he made to leave, "Get some rest."

    Before he was fully out the door though, Elizabeth asked in a rushed manner, "May¡ªmay I join you when you go to the front gate tonight?"

    Kenric looked back at her and properly considered her. He had expectations of her, as with any of his other subordinates, but she had proven immensely useful in the three months she had been here¡ªmore so than he had expected.

    And despite all that, she had asked for nothing in return. He could not quite tell, what was it that she wanted? Or had she just been thrown by the shock of her disgrace and was now just wandering through life with no purpose? If he wanted her to take up more vital aspects of his work he needed to understand her better.

    "All right," Kenric said finally.

 Chapter 20 - The City at Night

    Kenric, flaming torch in hand, stared up at the starry night sky at his manor¡¯s main gate as he waited for Elizabeth to join him. As usual, it calmed him, making him feel less tethered to his problems. He sucked the freezing air into his lungs, and then he heard footsteps. He expelled the air, expelling some of his stress along with it, and turned.

    She¡¯d come dressed in a frilly shirt and trousers over boots, her long blonde hair elegantly braided behind her. It was different from the usual sort of look she went for.

    ¡°Why are you dressed like that?¡± Kenric asked.

    Elizabeth blushed, ¡°I thought I¡¯d try something new.¡± Kenric wasn¡¯t sure, but he thought he saw her glimpse at his own clothes, so similar to hers, for a moment.

    ¡°Very well. Come, let us go to the gate,¡± Kenric said. They left the manor and walked through the quiet streets of Blaidd, Kenric¡¯s torch staving off some small portion of the winter cold. There were still a few people about here and there, but on the whole, it was far more silent than during the day.

    Kenric remembered when he had been a child, and he¡¯d first walked through Blaidd at night. It had been a strange experience, as though peeking into a world where he¡¯d acted differently. What if instead of sleeping during the night and going out at day, he did the opposite? This was how the world would be, no? This was the reality he¡¯d live.

    Those were the whimsical thoughts of a child that had been erased years ago. Now he¡¯d been out in the city at night countless times, and none of it seemed very special anymore. However, that was most likely not the case for Elizabeth. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as she looked around.

    ¡°Is this the first time you¡¯ve been out here at this hour?¡± Kenric asked.

    Elizabeth¡¯s gaze snapped to him, and she self-consciously rubbed the nape of her neck, ¡°Y-yes. Although, I can see some of the city from my window.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Kenric said. She was usually rather conscious around him, as though trying to make sure she wasn¡¯t disappointing him. He wondered, was that the training of nobility, or was that because of what she had suffered before coming here?

    They walked, and Elizabeth suddenly asked, ¡°I¡¯ve wondered this for some time now, but since everyone who lives here is in such constant danger, why don¡¯t they just leave? I understand that Yareth would be threatened if Blaidd falls, but does every single citizen here feel that same responsibility?¡±

    ¡°And where would they go?¡± Kenric asked. He continued sardonically, ¡°Perhaps to Lord Aubet¡¯s territory? Maybe they could set up a farm and live in peace there?¡± Elizabeth looked down at her feet, and Kenric explained, ¡°Leaving is not so easy. Setting up any manner of livelihood in a new place with barely any funds is a near-impossible task. Besides, this is their home. You were forced to leave yours, can you not understand how terrible that feels?¡±

    ¡°Home¡­¡± Elizabeth repeated softly. They walked in silence for a bit and, while looking at the stars as though wanting a reason to avoid his gaze, she asked, ¡°Back when we spoke with Lord Aubet¡­ you said you didn¡¯t love your land even a little bit.¡±

    The question took him to a darker, heavier place, and his voice reflected that, ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ why don¡¯t you leave?¡± Elizabeth asked, finally meeting his eyes.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    The question took Kenric by surprise, ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. A capable warrior such as yourself would have no trouble finding work. You could even choose who to serve, someone you respect, and someone who listens to you.¡±

    ¡°Are you asking me to defect?¡± Kenric asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m asking why you haven¡¯t already abandoned Blaidd and left? Surely you realised that you had that option long ago?¡±

    Kenric brought up his cane to display it before putting it on the ground again, ¡°For one, I cannot fight for long. I doubt that makes hiring me any easier.¡±

    ¡°But those few minutes in your hands mean the world in others¡¯,¡± Elizabeth said doubtfully, ¡°And besides, you¡¯ve got experience as a commander as well. You¡¯d be taken in in a heartbeat¡ªWereion might even make you a noble if you went to them now. I¡¯m certain you know this.¡±

    Kenric remained silent for a few moments. It was not something he had ever put into words, and picking out the greatest reason for him staying in this land he did not care for took a little thought, ¡°It¡¯s my duty.¡±

    ¡°Because you are the lord of Blaidd?¡± Elizabeth asked.

    ¡°Because my father loved this land, and he left it to me,¡± Kenric said, ¡°That is all.¡±

    Perhaps recognising the finality of his statement, Elizabeth fell silent. They arrived at Blaidd¡¯s main gate, and the guards on duty, clad in steel armour, bowed in greeting. They waited for a while until, from the darkness, the hulking form of Gordon came into view.

    The guards readied their weapons, but Kenric told them to stand down, and once Gordon reached them, he said, seeming to grin proudly despite his lack of a mouth, ¡°No one noticed me this time, boss! Although, now that I think about it, I think I had to sneak past way less people than last time¡­¡±

    ¡°Well done,¡± Kenric said, ¡°You¡¯ll be staying in my manor for tonight. We¡¯ll see about introducing you to everyone tomorrow. Come.¡±

    They returned to the manor, giving Gordon the sparring ground to recharge in should he wish, and turned in for the night.

    The next morning, Kenric awoke early as always to train with Elizabeth, while Gordon watched.

    ¡°So you do this every day?¡± Gordon asked, sounding fascinated.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t, my body will begin to forget how to fight, and then I will lose to you,¡± Kenric said matter-of-factly as he swung his wooden blade in forms he had memorised intimately long ago.

    ¡°Ah, flesh¡ªalways so packed with all kinds of weaknesses,¡± Gordon said shaking his head.

    Elizabeth, who was sitting as she maintained her stasis spell on Kenric¡¯s leg, pointed at the shining red crystal on Gordon¡¯s back, ¡°Don¡¯t you have that large weakness as well?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s only one weakness, and a good one at that,¡± Gordon sniffed.

    The sun continued to rise, along with most of the manor staff, and as they spotted Gordon, they pooled out onto the sparring ground to gawk. Once enough people had gathered, Kenric put his wooden sword down against the makeshift fence and announced, ¡°Everyone, meet Gordon. Gordon, these are some of the people who work for me here.¡±

    Gordon raised a hand at the crowd, ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°Er¡ªwhat is this¡­ Gordon?¡± Liam asked, scrutinising him with a disbelieving look on his face.

    ¡°A golem. He will serve under my direct command,¡± Kenric said, ¡°Liam, once you¡¯re done cooking breakfast, take him with you to the barracks and get the soldiers used to him. Have them make a hut for him there.¡± A thought occurred to him, ¡°And take Noodle with you.¡±

    ¡°Understood, my lord,¡± Liam said. He returned back into the manor, and Kenric turned to Gordon next, ¡°Speak with who you wish while you wait for Liam, but don¡¯t hurt anyone,¡± he levelled Gordon with a dangerous look, ¡°If you do, you won¡¯t survive the day.¡±

    If Gordon could gulp, he seemed as though he would have in that moment. He gave a small bow and echoed Liam, ¡°U-understood, my lord.¡±

    Amongst the manor staff gathered here was Aida, and Kenric said to her, ¡°Come, let us speak in my office.¡± They entered the manor again, and Kenric realised that Elizabeth had automatically followed them.

    ¡°We will be speaking about matters sensitive to Aida, so I¡¯ll have to ask you to leave us for now,¡± Kenric said.

    ¡°Matters sensitive to me?¡± Aida asked, pointing at herself.

    ¡°Your past, specifically.¡±

    Aida scratched her head, looking troubled before settling on something, ¡°Nah, it¡¯s fine, let her come. She¡¯s bound to find out eventually. Most people here already know.¡±

    ¡°Know? Know what?¡± Elizabeth asked.

    Kenric opened the door to his office, revealing that Gerald was already waiting within, ¡°We¡¯ll speak of it inside.¡±

 Chapter 21 - Aida Revealed

    Elizabeth nervously closed the door to Kenric¡¯s office behind her as Kenric took a seat behind his desk, Gerard at his side. She wasn¡¯t sure what to expect, but even Aida, who usually seemed so carefree, seemed a little more subdued now.

    ¡°So?¡± Aida asked, ¡°What¡¯s this all about?¡±

    ¡°Lord Aubet is currently in conflict with a bandit lord,¡± Kenric said, ¡°The Hog.¡±

    Aida frowned, her eyes narrowing, ¡°The Hog¡­¡±

    Elizabeth hesitantly raised her hand, ¡°Excuse me, but what does this have to do with Aida¡¯s past?¡±

    Aida looked at her, her lips pursing. She took a moment to speak, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ well, I used to be a bandit lord as well. They called me the Viper.¡±

    Elizabeth stared at her. She remembered the Mare, the bandit lord that had attacked their class during her time as a student, she remembered how obviously evil he had been, eager to kidnap children and sell them back to their parents. It had been several years, so his face had grown fuzzy in her memory, but she still remembered his grin, with his lips stretched so wide, revealing his ruined yellow teeth.

    For a long time after, she had equated the image of evil to that wide grin¡ªperhaps she still did now. To hear that Aida had once been a bandit lord as well¡­ it did not seem possible. If Gerard was the person she was most comfortable with in this place, then Aida probably came in right under him.

    ¡°I was defeated by Lord Wulf, and then taken into his service,¡± Aida said. She turned to Kenric, ¡°But what¡¯s this about then? Do you think he¡¯ll trouble us next?¡±

    ¡°It might be better if he tried,¡± Kenric said, ¡°But no. For now I think he¡¯ll be stuck dealing with Lord Aubet for a long time. I called you here because I have a task for you: I need you to infiltrate Lord Aubet¡¯s territory, track down the Hog, and convince him to enter my service.¡±

    The wide grin of the Mare once more flashed through Elizabeth¡¯s mind, and she jolted. She glanced at Aida; right, he had already taken in one bandit lord, what was another to him?

    Aida seemed dismayed, ¡°You want me to go now?¡±

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Kenric asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯ll miss the ageing ceremony,¡± Aida said.

    Kenric assured, ¡°We will take your name.¡±

    Aida was not assuaged. She said, her voice sounding a little weak, perhaps even a little pleading, ¡°But¡­ you¡¯ll be turning twenty.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Elizabeth would have been immensely touched to hear something like that. But Kenric simply said, ¡°This is more important.¡±

    Aida looked like she very much disagreed. However, she held her tongue and nodded, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±

    She made for the door, and when she opened it, Kenric added, ¡°And, Aida, don¡¯t let anyone know that I sent you; it seems Lord Aubet wants the Hog all to himself,¡± he paused for a moment, ¡°And above all else, don¡¯t forget: you must return alive. If convincing the Hog seems impossible, retreat. Returning safely is your number one priority.¡±

    Aida smiled and nodded, she was almost out of the room when she stopped and said, ¡°Aida.¡± Kenric waited silently, and she continued, ¡°When you take my name, I want you to use Aida, as always.¡±

    Kenric closed his eyes and nodded, something about him softening, ¡°I understand.¡±

    Aida left, and after a moment of hesitation, Elizabeth followed, giving Kenric a quick bow and closing his office door behind her. She caught up with Aida quickly, but suddenly, she did not know what to say. They hadn¡¯t built a particularly deep bond, but Elizabeth had gotten the sense that they had been getting there for some time now. Only, now there was a sort of wall between them, a curtain that caused her to be wary.

    Aida glanced at her, ¡°Yes?¡±

    Elizabeth gave in to her curiosity, ¡°Why did you ask that last bit?¡±

    ¡°I had to be sure,¡± Aida said. She opened a room containing several beds where many of the manor staff slept at night, ¡°This will be the first time I won¡¯t be here for the ageing ceremony.¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s important for them to know to use your name?¡± Elizabeth asked, confused.

    Aida stopped, turning to look at her directly, and Elizabeth had to resist the urge to step back. She wasn¡¯t afraid¡­ but neither was it easy to forget the revelation she¡¯d received just now.

    ¡°I was known as the Viper,¡± Aida said, ¡°It was the only name I¡¯d ever known because I was raised to take that name by the previous Viper.¡± Her eyes gained a glassy sheen, as though she was looking at something nostalgic that Elizabeth could not, ¡°That was until I met a boy. He had a sword in his hand, and he looked down at me in the snow. He asked me to serve him. I said yes.¡±

    Elizabeth could picture it in her mind¡¯s eye. A younger Kenric looking down at a defeated Aida as the snow fell around them. He could imagine him reaching an arm out to her.

    ¡°The boy later asked if I still wanted to be called the Viper, and for some reason, I said no,¡± Aida said, ¡°So, he gave me a new name,¡± she stifled a chuckle, her expression brightening, ¡°He said he needed an aide, and that¡¯s what I would be, so my new name would be Ai. Gerard talked him out of it, suggesting Aida instead, and thankfully he saw the sense in that.¡±

    Elizabeth stifled her own laugh, almost being able to see the curtain between them fall away, ¡°He was about to name Gordon Go in Lord Aubet¡¯s territory. Noodle had to talk him out of it there too. He¡¯s not very good with names, is he?¡±

    Aida grinned, ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me twice.¡±

    <hr>

    Kenric stared at the papers on his desk, unable to focus on his work at all. ¡°Did I make the right choice?¡± He asked Gerard.

    ¡°In sending Aida in search of the Hog? Why do you ask?¡± Gerard said.

    Kenric tapped his finger against the table in thought, ¡°Wereion still hasn¡¯t attacked. Sending her at this time of uncertainty¡­¡±

    ¡°Even so, we do not have any other choice, do we?¡± Gerard reminded, ¡°We have to take all the chances we can get, or else we¡¯ll be gradually ground down to nothing.¡±

    ¡°It might amount to nothing. We might be putting ourselves at risk for nothing.¡± Kenric said.

    ¡°And yet, it is a chance we cannot afford to give up.¡±

    Kenric scowled. On that, he could not disagree.

 Chapter 22 - Aidas Quest

    A day had passed since Aida had departed, and as Kenric trained with Elizabeth¡¯s help the next morning, Elizabeth said, ¡°I thought you were my age. I didn¡¯t realise you were one year older than me.¡±

    ¡°You are eighteen then,¡± Kenric said. He vaguely remembered reading her age in the report on her.

    ¡°That¡¯s the age we graduate from the Royal Academy,¡± Elizabeth said, ¡°Speaking of age though, where will the ageing ceremony be conducted? Is there a church in Blaidd?¡±

    ¡°There is,¡± Kenric said, ¡°Although, it¡¯s not a very large one, so many people gather outside to get a glimpse of the priests.¡±

    ¡°And how many priests do you have?¡±

    ¡°Only two. One for the Mother and one for the Father,¡± Kenric looked at her, ¡°I believe nobles receive special privilege and have their name read no matter what.¡±

    Elizabeth nodded, ¡°It was that way back home as well.¡±

    Kenric performed a few more swings before glancing at the sky and stopping, ¡°Come, that¡¯s enough training for now.¡±

    <hr>

    Aida stared at the vast expanse of green in front of her, adjusting the spear slung on her back. She had avoided taking the road, so she couldn¡¯t be sure, but she had the sense that she had finally left Kenric¡¯s territory, and was now in Alain Aubet¡¯s domain.

    She pulled out the map given to her, and headed in the direction of the village she had been making for all this time. She had been given no carriage to maintain the secrecy of her mission, so her own two legs were the only form of transport she had.

    When the village in question came into view, she breathed a sigh of relief. She¡¯d been walking since before the sun had even come up. The village was a common one, with houses made of clay, and farms, and livestock covering the land.

    Aida approached a couple who were attending to their pig pen as the villagers pointed and whispered to each other about the newcomer.

    ¡°Hello, excuse me, can I talk to you for a moment?¡±

    The couple turned, dirt on their clothes and faces after having presumably worked all through the morning. They looked at her suspiciously, with the man saying, ¡°Yes? What do you need?¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°I¡¯m a wandering warrior in search of foes to defeat,¡± Aida lied, ¡°I¡¯ve heard this land is plagued with bandits. Do you know anything about them?¡±

    ¡°Bandits?¡± The woman asked, ¡°You¡¯ve come to the wrong place then. It¡¯s true, bandits have come to this land, but they wreak havoc down south. They haven¡¯t attacked us yet, thank the Parents.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll ask you to move on now,¡± the man said brusquely, ¡°We don¡¯t want any of your kind here, especially with you inviting trouble the way you are.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Aida accepted. She nodded in thanks and set off. She thought on what she¡¯d just learned; if the bandits were harassing the southern portion of Alain Aubet¡¯s fief, then their staging ground was probably somewhere there too.

    The sound of soft footsteps behind her stopped her in her tracks. She looked back and saw a small boy covered in dirt. He was carrying a stick and had a defiant expression on his face. Aida was almost out of the village, so she looked at him with a raised eyebrow, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Coming with you. You want to take down bandits, right? So do I.¡±

    Aida looked around, there were still villagers staring at her, but no one came to take their kid back. ¡°What?¡± She asked the boy.

    ¡°I hate bandits,¡± the boy said. And yet, he sounded perfectly calm and emotionless, ¡°So I want to help you kill them. I need to come with you to do that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think your parents will be very happy about that.¡±

    ¡°My parents are dead.¡±

    He spoke matter-of-factly, too matter-of-factly. Aida frowned, ¡°Bandits killed them?¡±

    The boy nodded.

    ¡°Who do you live with now then?¡± Aida asked.

    ¡°My aunt and uncle.¡±

    ¡°Well they won¡¯t be very happy then.¡±

    ¡°My aunt¡¯s right there,¡± the boy pointed to a woman in the whispering crowd. When she saw the boy pointing at her, she slinked behind a few other people, ¡°They don¡¯t want me here. I¡¯m just one more mouth to feed.¡±

    ¡°If you come with me, you¡¯ll die,¡± Aida said.

    The boy shrugged, ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Aida stared at the boy, something seeming to string her insides up tightly. She knelt to get eye level with him and put a gentle hand on his dirty black hair, ¡°Look. If you come with me, I¡¯ll do worse against the bandits because I¡¯ll have to protect you as well. You don¡¯t know how to fight, do you?¡±

    The boy slowly shook his head. Aida gave him a soft smile, ¡°Stay here with your aunt and uncle. Grow up strong and live well. Let me deal with the bandits.¡±

    The boy, who had been so impassive this whole time, finally trembled under her touch, and he looked up at her with watery eyes, snot beginning to drip from his nose, ¡°You¡¯ll beat them up, right?¡±

    Aida¡¯s insides tightened further, and she forced a grin, ¡°Of course!¡±

    Suddenly, the woman the boy had pointed to was there, and she grabbed the boy¡¯s hand, ¡°Thomas! Stay away from her! You¡¯re not going anywhere!¡± The woman looked on the verge of crying as well, and the act of coming here had clearly strained her, judging by her flushed face.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Aida said. She grabbed a few coins from the pouch on her belt and forced a handshake with the woman, surreptitiously handing them over. She said quietly, ¡°This should cover most of the boy¡¯s costs until the harvest.¡±

    The woman looked touched, but she was wise not to thank her out loud. She gave the tiniest nod she could and ran off with Thomas in hand. Aida watched them go for a bit before she too turned and exited the village.

    The boy¡¯s tearful gaze burned itself into her mind, and her heart felt twice as heavy. She had made a false promise. The guilt swirled within her; her mission was to recruit the Hog, not to kill him.

    She tried not to dwell on it. If she did, she did not think she would be able to take another step.

 Chapter 23 - Closing in

    Aida traversed the land with practised ease. Ever since she¡¯d entered House Wulf¡¯s service, she¡¯d been granted the right to use horses, but before that she¡¯d only ever had her feet. Her band had been small back when she had been the Viper, and any horses they¡¯d found had only ever been used as food, for none of them had ever trained in equestrianism.

    She kept her bearings, and making sure to keep any paths and signs of civilisation in sight, she moved south. The most difficult part was anticipating where the Hog¡¯s forces might be hiding. They could be anywhere, concealed and lying in wait. Thus, she was forced to move in secrecy, always making sure her steps were silent, and her body was at least somewhat concealed by her surroundings. The fact that there were many forests in Alain Aubet¡¯s land made that particular task easier for her.

    When night began to fall, Aida located a plot of dirt at the base of a tall tree with good cover from the surrounding foliage, and ate some of the dried meat prepared for her. She did not start a fire, nor did she set up a tent. She would sleep in the utmost dark tonight with only the buzzing of insects and the occasional howls to keep her company.

    <hr>

    It had been two days since Aida had left in search of the Hog, and Kenric sat upon the roof of his manor, his gaze turned east as the manor staff below ran around in a frenzy. On top of their usual duties in the manor, they had also been tasked with collaborating with the church to get everything ready for the Ageing Ceremony tomorrow, and were swamped with work.

    As was he, to be honest, but he could afford a small break every now and then.

    ¡°My lord,¡± Gerard¡¯s flat voice came from below. Kenric looked down and saw Gerard there in the courtyard with an unamused expression on his face. Beside him was Elizabeth, looking worried as she held a stack of papers. ¡°I think it¡¯s time for you to come down now.¡±

    Elizabeth seemed to be about to nod emphatically, but she stopped herself midway through, possibly fearing criticising her lord so openly. Nobles were sticklers about stuff like that.

    Kenric sighed, gripping his cane tightly and stepping off the roof. Elizabeth stifled a shriek as he fell through the air, and he landed smoothly, used to pulling such stunts.

    ¡°Do go ahead, my dear,¡± Gerard said to Elizabeth, ¡°We¡¯ll be with you shortly.¡±

    Elizabeth nodded and scurried into the manor. Gerard raised an eyebrow at Kenric, ¡°May I ask what caught your attention so dearly, my lord?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kenric said impassively, ¡°I was just admiring the view.¡±

    ¡°You were looking toward Lord Aubet¡¯s land,¡± Gerard said, ¡°Are you having second thoughts about sending Aida?¡±

    ¡°We need allies. We already spoke of this,¡± Kenric said.

    ¡°Then I hope you realise the die is cast. Worrying will solve nothing now,¡± Gerard said.

    Kenric frowned before turning on the spot, entering the manor with Gerard in tow, ¡°Give me an update.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Gerard nodded, ¡°Lord Aubet¡¯s convoy has arrived, we¡¯re currently in the process of moving the food to our granaries.¡±

    ¡°Any trouble?¡±

    ¡°None whatsoever,¡± Gerard said, ¡°The convoy encountered no interruptions on the way, and based on our estimations, the amount they¡¯ve brought is correct. We are conducting a more detailed inspection right now as we move it.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Kenric said, ¡°And what about the ceremony?¡±

    ¡°Preparations are going well,¡± Gerard said, ¡°We are nearly all set to greet the new year tomorrow. Speaking of which, I had some clothes made for you. They are made of silk. You must wear them for the ceremony.¡±

    Kenric resisted the urge to click his tongue in irritation, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°We cannot have you wear your usual clothes, you must look dignified for the ceremony. Your old formal wear no longer fits you,¡± Gerard said sternly. He then turned to Elizabeth and said with an apologetic expression on his face, ¡°I beg your pardon, my lady, but tailors coming to Blaidd is a rare occurrence indeed, and no one arrived in time for me to have a silk dress made for you as well.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s all right,¡± Elizabeth said. Somehow, Kenric got the feeling that Elizabeth was not lying. It may have been because he remembered when Aida had been placing Elizabeth¡¯s clothes in her wardrobe after they had returned from Lord Aubet¡¯s fief, and how the wardrobe had been chock full of silk dresses.

    ¡°I thank you for understanding,¡± Gerard said. He fixed Kenric with a stern look again, ¡°You, however, have new clothes, and you must wear them.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Kenric said dismissively, recognizing that this was a fight he would not win, ¡°Now, let¡¯s move on to the next issue: guard patrols during the ceremony.¡±

    <hr>

    Aida stopped suddenly, recognising the tell-tale signs of human tracks in the dirt in front of her. By the shallowness of the indentation, she could tell it had not come from a heavily armoured person.

    She scanned her surroundings, taking note of the broken branches and bent foliage, and began following where the signs led. A person with light armour in a forest¡ªnot a bad lead when searching for bandits.

    She moved stealthily, even more stealthily than she had been before, and in time, she spotted a lone individual in leather armour sighing tiredly with a spear slung over his shoulder as he trudged onward.

    A patrol.

    Aida scoured the area first, and seeing no signs of anyone else being nearby, she crept up on the lone individual and grabbed him in a chokehold. He flailed, but before he could scream, she gagged him with bundled-up cloth, stifling it to dull panicked noises.

    Subduing his limbs and tying him up was a simple matter after that. Once certain that his bonds were secure, Aida entered his line of sight, and he watched her with fearful, wide eyes. He was breathing rapidly, but the cloth was almost suffocating him.

    Aida gave him a moment to calm down a little, and when his breathing began to even, she said, ¡°I¡¯m going to ungag you now, if you scream¡­¡± She took his own battered spear and pointed it at his throat. The man watched the chipped spearpoint intently.

    ¡°Okay, one, two, three,¡± Aida slowly pulled the cloth from his mouth. She saw that his first instinct was to shout anyway, but she was faster, and she pushed the spear against his neck with a calm, cool smile on her face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try it,¡± she said, ¡°Worst case, I can escape. You can¡¯t.¡±

    A sort of understanding dawned on his face, and he asked in a trembling voice, ¡°Wh-who are you? What do you want?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the questions, thank you,¡± Aida said, ¡°Your name.¡±

    ¡°V-Vince.¡±

    Aida nodded, ¡°I see, nice to meet you, Vince. I doubt you can say the same to me. Now, first question: you work for the Hog, do you not?¡±

    Vince nodded slightly and Aida pushed her spear closer to his neck, ¡°Words, Vince. I need you to say it.¡±

    ¡°Y-yes, I work for the Hog.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Aida said brightly, ¡°Next question: where is he right now?¡±

    Tears welled up in Vince¡¯s eyes, ¡°I can¡¯t tell you that! We¡¯ll be killed anyway if the lord of this land catches us!¡±

    ¡°Take a good look at me, Vince,¡± Aida said, ¡°Do I look like one of Aubet¡¯s soldiers?¡± She gave him a moment to take a proper look at her, allowing him to notice her lack of armour and her travelling clothes. She smiled, even though all she wanted to do was grit her teeth from what she was about to say next, ¡°I¡¯m no stooge of the Crown¡ªI am the bandit lord known as the Viper, come to speak with the Hog. I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t have to tell you this, but you¡¯re in my territory.¡±

    Vince¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and Aida knew she had him.

 Chapter 24 - The Viper and the Hog

    As Aida followed the nervous Vincent through the forest, she knew at least several of the Hog¡¯s lookouts had already caught sight of her. She didn¡¯t see them, but she¡¯d bet any amount of gold that Vincent had led her down a route which intersected with these lookouts.

    She was proven right when they arrived at a small cave deep in the forest, and the two rough-looking guards posted outside simply let them in without issue. They had to bend a little to enter, and as they descended underground, Vincent glanced back at her at that, her claim of being the Viper probably gaining credence in his mind.

    Aida looked around, this place was more a foxhole than a cave, but it went quite deep. The corridor opened up to a large cavern with torches, and the place echoed with hundreds of overlapping voices. Bandits were everywhere here, eating, drinking, working on armour, sorting through pilfered gains¡ªand at their head, sitting on a chair like a lord, was the Hog.

    Bandit lords were lords in name only. The original bandit lords had sprung up almost four decades ago; the most notorious criminals then had all gotten together and come to an agreement to divvy up their spheres of activity. In a sense, it was simply a method to keep from stepping on each others¡¯ toes.

    People could be strangely perceptive though, and they noticed that each region had its own brand of criminals running around, led by a sort of head, and they began calling these people bandit lords. The bandit lords accepted this appellation, some taking to it better than others. For example, the old Viper thought of it as a real title, something that must be passed down, which was why she took in Aida and made her her heir. On the other hand, you had people like the Hog, someone who simply earned a reputation due to their exceptional banditry, and was thus invited into the fold so as not to clash with the bandit lords by accident somehow.

    The bandit lords did not meet often, so Aida had only seen the Hog once, and they had barely spoken. Back then, an offer had come for them from a mysterious source to harass Yareth¡¯s northern border in exchange for payment. Now, that area was known to be troublesome: the people had learned to fight for themselves, and guarded very little of actual value. So, most of the profit would come from these payments.

    It had taken a little digging, but the bandit lords soon learned that the offer had come from Wereion, and most of them decided to steer clear of the request. In Yareth, Wereion was known as the Great Dragon of the North, dealing with them was not done lightly. And yet, Aida had not cared and had accepted anyway. She had not cared for much back then, she had simply done what the previous Viper had taught her like an unthinking machine.

    In the end, she hadn¡¯t even gotten paid. She¡¯d barely conducted a few raids before the local lord caught her band in an ambush. In the ensuing battle, the lord¡¯s son, a young boy with the eyes of a predator, duelled and defeated her, taking her in after.

    That was to say, Aida barely remembered the Hog, but she knew this person was not him. But she did also barely remember seeing this person; he had been one of the Hog¡¯s deputies, just a child back then. He was still quite young, probably only twenty, compared to Aida¡¯s twenty-seven, and his childish features still hadn¡¯t gone away yet.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    His face still had a roundness to it, but his dark eyes were sharp and narrow, like daggers. ¡°Viper,¡± he greeted, his voice strong and boyish.

    ¡°Hog,¡± Aida greeted back with a curious tilt of her head. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Vincent look at her again with a stunned expression on his face. It had been an outlandish claim, and she hadn¡¯t given much proof, so to have the truth of it confirmed must have come as a surprise.

    And then she saw something else in his expression, a great flash of fear. The cavern was large, but the voices here bounced around everywhere. Those who had overheard (and a large portion of them seemed to have indeed overheard) eyed her warily. It was strange, this wasn¡¯t mere caution, they seemed too nervous¡ªeven for people witnessing two bandit lords in one place for the first time.

    The Hog grinned, and it was wide and savage, ¡°Well this is a surprise, you disappeared off the face of the Earth. We thought you¡¯d been cut down.¡±

    ¡°And I thought the title of the Hog belonged to someone else,¡± Aida said, ¡°What happened to your captain?¡±

    The Hog shrugged, ¡°You know how it goes, he began slacking, so we went and had ourselves a little mutiny.¡± He leaned closer in his chair¡ªhis throne, ¡°But what about you? Surely you haven¡¯t come to complain about me barging into your territory. You haven¡¯t been active for years now.¡±

    ¡°Why are you here anyway?¡± Aida asked, ¡°This place has nothing to pillage.¡±

    ¡°I disagree,¡± the Hog said, ¡°Alain Aubet¡¯s doing pretty well for himself lately, and I can use his territory as a staging ground to take a few scores from further south. Most of the lands under Duke Filangris are called for by the other bandit lords, but they all steer clear of this far north.¡±

    Aida raised an eyebrow, ¡°All the profitable parts of Duke Filangris¡¯ lands were divided up long ago. They all just barely stop short of the northern border,¡± a realisation struck her, ¡°You steal into the other bandit lords¡¯ territories! Do they know? Is that why you¡¯ve been staying here, despite Lord Aubet having begun an entire campaign to hunt you down?¡±

    The Hog¡¯s smile dimmed slightly, and his sharp eyes narrowed further. His voice seemed to grow several times steelier, ¡°I repeat: why are you here?¡±

    Aida relaxed slightly. This was a dangerous situation, but this much leverage was more than enough for her to work with, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not here on behalf of the bandit lords. I¡¯m here on behalf of Lord Kenric Wulf. He has an offer for you, if you¡¯ll hear it out.¡±

    Learning of the pressures the Hog was probably facing from both the bandit lords and Alain Aubet alike was an unexpected windfall, but some part of Aida had hoped she would never receive an opportunity like that. Even now, some part of her hoped he would say no to her right now.

    It was the boy, Thomas. His face would not leave her mind. All the people the Hog and his men had hurt¡­

    Aida crushed these rebellious thoughts. She had once been the same. She had once caused the same tragedy these people did, she didn¡¯t have any right to judge them for it. Besides, Lord Wulf needed all the allies he could gather, no matter who they were. It was why he had taken in that talking golem, and it was why he had taken in her.

    She would do anything to help him, even swallow her own guilt.

    The Hog¡¯s grin widened once more, and he said almost excitedly, ¡°Viper¡­ you sold out! We all thought you¡¯d died, but instead you entered the service of a genuine noble!¡±

    Aida nodded without hesitation, ¡°I did.¡±

    The Hog seemed to have been expecting a rebuttal of some kind, so he only gazed at her with that bewildered wonder of his as he thought on what to say next. ¡°All right then,¡± he decided finally, ¡°Let¡¯s hear this offer of yours.¡±

    Aida smiled coldly to smother her sigh. It was time to get to work.

 Chapter 25 - The Dusk of the Year

    ¡°Fight for Lord Wulf, and not only will you have a home, but you¡¯ll also be paid,¡± Aida said, ¡°Simple as.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not really enticing me with that offer,¡± the Hog said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to make it persuasive?¡±

    ¡°Is it not?¡± Aida asked, ¡°If I were you I would think of this as the perfect chance to get away from all of my problems scot-free.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making a lot of assumptions there, Viper.¡±

    Aida shrugged, ¡°Maybe, but even then, it¡¯s payment to do what you do best. Is that really so bad?¡±

    The Hog was silent for a time, ¡°And who would we be fighting?¡±

    ¡°The Great Dragon of the North.¡±

    She said it casually, like it was just an errand, and it seemed to take the Hog a moment to reconcile her tone with what was actually being said. ¡°Are you serious?¡± He laughed, ¡°You want us to replace two packs of hunting dogs with a dragon?¡±

    ¡°Lord Wulf is still alive, isn¡¯t he? As is Blaidd, despite that massive dragon trying to crush us for years now,¡± Aida said, ¡°I think it¡¯s a good opportunity. Besides, it¡¯s not like you¡¯ll be fighting on your own.¡±

    ¡°¡®Us?¡¯¡± The Hog raised an eyebrow, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve assimilated completely, Viper.¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Aida said, ¡°And my name is Aida now.¡±

    The Hog smirked amusedly, ¡°Is that so, Viper? Did you beg your new master for it? Or did you lie and pretend that that had been your name all along?¡±

    Aida ignored his provocation, ¡°I¡¯d like to hear your answer now.¡±

    Once more the Hog was silent for a time, though he seemed far more amused this time. Finally, he decided, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll need some time to think. I¡¯ll get back to you with an answer tomorrow. Until then, feel free to relax in the room we provide you.¡±

    Aida knew that wasn¡¯t a request. They weren¡¯t going to just let her leave so easily, ¡°¡­Fine.¡± The Hog made a gesture, and a few of his followers came up to her and led her away into one of the tunnels connected to this cavern. A little ways down, a wall and a door had been constructed of wood, and the bandits let her inside.

    The room, if it could even be called that, was as barebones as it got. There wasn¡¯t even a mattress, just a torch and a bucket. Aida made a face and thanked her past self for not having eaten too much before setting off on this journey.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    She took a seat on the hard, rocky ground, and made herself comfortable against a wall. It seemed she was going to be spending the night here.

    <hr>

    The final day of the year was here, and Kenric sighed as he examined himself in the mirror. A dark turquoise capelet, a long black coat underneath, and a white silk shirt. These, along with smoothened black trousers and fine shoes of the same colour, made him look wildly different from how he usually did.

    The silk shirt was comfortable, but the rest of his clothes weighed him down, and he didn¡¯t want to ruin Gerard¡¯s efforts by wrinkling his clothes, so he walked stiffly.

    Deeming himself presentable, Kenric descended the stairs and made his way out to the courtyard of his manor. The manor staff were waiting there, all straight-backed and stone-faced. They were arranged in two lines, making a corridor for him to walk through to the exit. At the end awaited Gerard, and he had not changed out of his usual sharp tailcoat, a fact that Kenric found very unfair.

    Kenric heard a sudden squeak behind him, and he turned and saw Elizabeth. She¡¯d dressed in a flowing crimson gown with even more frills and designs upon it than her usual fare, and more importantly, she had a strangely excited look on her face.

    ¡°M-my lord,¡± she trotted up to him with surprising ease. Her experience in wearing such burdensome clothes was serving her well, ¡°You look so sharp!¡±

    ¡°As do you,¡± Kenric said.

    Elizabeth pouted, ¡°My lord, for a woman you must call them beautiful!¡±

    Her expressions were usually so muted that Kenric felt he was finally seeing a hint of her true self at this moment. It was¡­ an interesting sight.

    ¡°I see,¡± Kenric said, ¡°You look very beautiful then.¡±

    Elizabeth sighed, ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean much when you¡¯re made to say it¡­¡±

    ¡°I would not have said it if I did not mean it,¡± Kenric said, ¡°Come.¡± He held out his arm, and she stared for a moment, a small smile forming on her cherry-red lips as she looped her arm around his.

    They walked to the exit, and Gerard said, looking him up and down with wet eyes, ¡°You are a man now.¡±

    ¡°I became a man at fifteen,¡± Kenric reminded, ¡°Every boy does.¡±

    ¡°And yet you¡¯ve grown,¡± Gerard said. His voice got rough, ¡°You look the part now, and act it too. I could not be more proud.¡±

    ¡°¡­I had a brilliant mentor.¡±

    He wanted to stop speaking now. He wanted to get on with the stupid ceremony. He pulled Elizabeth along as Gerard stepped out of the way, not at all liking the way her eyes shined at him with a delighted sort of understanding.

    They exited out onto the street, with Edward, in colourful robes and holding a sword up in the image of a model knight, waiting for him on the left, and Gerard taking his place on the right. Kenric heard someone step behind him and saw Noodle. He was dressed in his own set of colourful robes as well, and the three together made a sort of triangle around him.

    Kenric stared at Noodle, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m taking Aida¡¯s place!¡± Noodle said excitedly, ¡°I¡¯ve never been to the ceremony from here before, this feels amazing!¡±

    Kenric to consider that, ¡°Though Aida served me the longest, I suppose when it comes to how long you¡¯ve served my family, you¡¯re second to Gerard. All right then, that spot is yours.¡±

    Noodle clenched his hands into fists, ¡°Yes!¡±

    Kenric faced forward again, and, quenching his burgeoning thoughts of Aida, took his first step into the dusk of the year.