Chapter 121: Nightfall''s Guest
Nightfall''s Guest
For tyrants, no sensation surpassed the thrill of wielding power over others and seeing theirmands carried out. Yet, this intoxicating sense of control was exclusive to the tyrant. For everyone else, this concentration of power and its rampant abuse proved to be detrimental, even to those closest to the despot. This dynamic made the situation perilous for all involved.
The inherent human desire for freedom meant that inevitably, all those under the tyrant''s rule sought to break free, striving to overthrow the despot. Ironically, this often led to them bing the new tyrants, perpetuating a never-ending cycle of power and resistance.
Despite a simr concentration of power, the situation in House Lansius was strikingly different.
After a grueling two-day march, burdened with heavy bags, the troops caught sight of the outer walls of Three Hills City, arriving almost three days ahead of schedule. Despite their exhaustion and difort, the group was buoyed by smiles andughter, astonished at their own marching speed.
For them, there was no greater validation for the Lord''s n than the oue itself. Moreover, there was no greater feeling for the troops than knowing the ones in power were thoroughlypetent in their nning and decision-making.
While power was concentrated in one individual in both scenarios, the situation in House Lansius'' volunteer-based army presented a stark contrast to that of a tyrant''s household.
The men were not fearful but were instead grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to serve under such apetentmander. Furthermore, Lansius'' approach to leadership was distinct from that of a tyrant. Before implementing any major changes, he spent time exining his ns to his men, convincing them with sound reasoning and arguments, and even leading by example.
The troops felt they were in good hands, governed not with a leash and whip but by a wise counsel and guiding hand.Now, with the sun low on the horizon, the vanguard had reached the city, where formalities ensued between the officers. More surprisingly, when the main army arrived, they were greeted by a sea of tents just outside the city wall.
"No need to pitch tents today," many eximed excitedly, pleased with the arrangement.
Soon, there were arrangements for a feast from the Lord of Three Hills, weing the victorious army from their conquest of South Hill.
Externally, everything seemed to progress wlessly. However, the machinations behind the scenes were moreplicated.
While Lansius had allowed the Nicopns to sleep in tents outside the city wall, he instructed his dragoons to camp further away in a much safer location. Even in the failing light, Servius and Farkas were building a securitywork of scouts as their eyes and ears.
The Lord hadmanded that he wanted no surprises, and while Lord Jorge was friendly, there was no guarantee that the rest of the Three Hills nobility was in line with their Lord.
...
A woman in traveling attire entered themand tent. "My Lord, My Lady," she greeted quickly.
"Lady Danie, it''s good to see you again," Audrey replied, seated beside Lansius, who slouched, looking too weary to engage.
"My apologies, the preparations I made were not adequate. I had anticipated two more days before the army''s arrival."
"No, that''s not on you," the Lord muttered. "You could even im that it''s because of your efforts that we arrived early."
"I never expected that equipping an army with bags would yield such results," Danie mused.
Lansius looked as though he was about to exin something but changed his mind at thest moment. Instead, he drew a deep breath and rested his head on a folded chair with supple, cushioned head support—one of the luxuries he had acquired from thest war.
Seeing Lansius so fatigued, Audrey decided to y his part, "Dame, you mentioned the preparations were inadequate. Yet, we''ve seen tents erected for the army, a feat I believe was orchestrated by you?"
"Indeed, My Lady, but the amodation must be insufficient. Isn''t that why, My Lord and Lady, didn''t sleep in the provided tents?"
Lansius mumbled something, and Audrey smiled understandingly. "Yes, I''m aware. Let me handle this."
Turning to Danie, Audrey exined, "We decided to camp here for security reasons. Lord Jorge''s failure to provide aid or support for our campaign to South Hill has led us to question his motives."
"But My Lady, the Lord of Three Hills sent words of congrattions, which I believe I forwarded to you through Sterling."
"Indeed, we received such a message from Sterling, but it arrived only after our victory, not before."
Danie nodded, understanding the situation. "I regret my inability to fulfill my role. I couldn''t rally the council of Three Hills to our cause."
Audrey offered a stiff smile. "Don''t me yourself. Even the Lord believes Three Hills'' politics might be too intricate for anyone, even for Lord Jorge. This is why we let the main army camp closer to town while the cavalry andmand structure stayed further away."
Danie nodded deeply. In contrast to Lansius'' previous approach, which kept his troops away from Three Hills to avoid disrupting the city, he now camped his main army directly outside the city gates, a visible show of force likely aimed at the nobles who might be deluded into thinking they could still do as they pleased.
"It''s a wise move," Danie said, then added, "I apologize for not thinking that far ahead and being cautious enough."
"Don''t be. Perhaps we''re simply overreacting, but the Lord felt it was better to be prepared. Even with arge army, we shouldn''t be overconfident."
Danie could only nod her head again.
"Well, how about your other reports?" Audrey inquired.
"Yes, My Lady, the dealings for grain are—"
Lansius'' snore suddenly caught everyone''s attention. With smiles and grins, they motioned to end the meeting, allowing their Lord to rest without interruption. For his retinue, the politics in Three Hills held little significance, as their loyalty was squarely with Lansius himself.
Stolen story; please report.
Outside themand tent, Audrey gestured for Danie to walk with her.
"Please excuse the Lord. The march has left him utterly exhausted."
"Understandably, fast riding indeed wears on the body."
"The Lord wasn''t riding," Audrey corrected gently.
Danie furrowed her brows for a moment before her expression turned to one of surprise. She had connected the dots on how the Lord could convince the troops to march faster while carrying heavy bags. "My Lady, it''s unthinkable that the Lord would march on foot."
Audrey chuckled. "He insisted on inspiring his men. And he didn''t just march. Like everyone else, he also carried one of the bags you procured."
Danie shook her head in disbelief, yet her grin was undeniable. "It seems the Lord continues to do the unexpected."
"For a good reason. After today, no one can deny the results."
"Indeed." The Dame then shared what was on her mind, "Perhaps this is what the wise mean when they talk about the mark of a good leader."
"Undoubtedly," Audrey affirmed. "The Lord confided in me that it''s ideal to lead by example. He always advised never to demand of your men what you wouldn''t do yourself."
"One should never ask another to bear a weight one is not prepared to lift oneself," Danie echoed, citing her mentor''s words.
Audrey nodded, then stopped to face Danie directly. "One question."
It was a brief statement, but Danie understood from Audrey''s gaze that it carried significant weight. "Please, My Lady. As a knight of Korimor,mand me," Danie said, kneeling before her in the middle of the camp, conscious of the onlookers.
Audrey grabbed her arm and helped her to her feet. Unlike Lansius, who was unustomed to such formalities, Audrey was more prepared for her role. Without missing a beat, she asked, "Do you trust Lord Jorge?"
Danie answered without hesitation, "I trust the person, but not his judgment or his cohorts. However, I might be biased, having worked with him before serving Lord Lansius."
Audrey valued her candor. Then acting on her own judgement, she suggested, "Perhaps, it might be wise for Lord Jorge to act to regain Lord Lansius'' favor."
"Leave it to me, My Lady. I''ll do my utmost," Danie pledged, inspired by the Lord''s willingness to march with the men.
***
Dragoon''s Camp
After ensuring that everything was in order and Sir Harold along with thest of the supply train had joined the camp, Audrey returned to the main tent. Her hair basked in the golden sunset, momentarily casting her in the visage of a noble northern queen. The look was so captivating that Ca paused her chores just to stare at her master.
Audrey quickly noticed and returned her gaze.
"My Lady," Ca greeted her hurriedly, realizing herpse.
"Has the Lord awoken?" Audrey inquired, walking towards the inner part of thergemand tent.
"Yes, My Lady. I have also brought the meals for you both," replied Ca, following behind her.
"Gratitude. You should take a break and go eat," Audrey suggested.
Ca silently bowed her head and retreated to a corner near the entrance, where she could dine in peace while still keeping watch over the tent.
Meanwhile, Audrey entered the inner section and was greeted by Lansius with a casual "Yo."
His carefree attitude brought a smile to her face. "Feeling better?" Audrey asked, hanging up her traveling cloak.
"Yeah, a bit. Oh, sorry for falling asleep earlier. I hope Dame Danie wasn''t mad or anything."
"There''s no need to worry. Everyone is grateful. Because of you, we arrived in Three Hills faster than expected. The men are highly motivated and proud of this achievement," Audrey said, changing into fresh attire.
Feeling his gaze on her, she looked back at him, catching his look of admiration. "But you''re exhausted," she reminded him.
"Duty never ends," Lansius quipped, sending Audrey into giggles.
"You should carry fewer goods in the bags. You''re not a mule."
"Well, Sterling also carried a lot, and he just had his leg fixed. I can''t do less than him."
"And you imed I''m the stubborn one," she remarked with a grin.
Lansius smiled and gestured for her to sit. "Come, let''s eat before the stew gets cold."
Audrey quickly finished changing into a loose ck tunic and took a seat on a small folded chair. She broke her bread and dipped it into the stew.
The aroma of the stew and bread mixed with the sweet scent of honey wax—a distinction of the noble''s quarters from lesser establishments that used tallow-based candles.
They ate in peace. The rigors of marching and leading had been so taxing that the quietness became something to cherish. Without needing to say anything, he offered her a forkful of tenderly boiled vegetables, glistening with a hint of butter. She, in turn, passed him a slice of crusty bread, richly thered with young cheese.
Only after they were half-full did Audrey speak up, "You seem to enjoy marching. But I hope you''ll reconsider. Umbend is still another eight to nine days away."
"It shouldn''t be that far," Lansius replied thoughtfully. "Servius mentioned it''s closer than what the map conveyed, though the roads are poor and the terrain steep."
Audrey gave no response, choosing instead to continue with her meal.
Lansius drank from his goblet of water and suddenly admitted, "Don''t tell anyone, but I regret my decision to walk."
The admission and shift in tone made Audrey giggle, and Lansius couldn''t resist joining her.
"Oh, Lans, I told you—"
"You know me; I''m used to walking everywhere, but damn, those bags can carry a lot."
Audrey put her te on the table, unable to resistughing. Lansius, too,ughed at himself.
Afterward, she rose and proceeded to hug him. "My dear poor husband. Next time, you should be riding next to me. I''ll figure out some excuse."
Lansius chuckled. "No need for an excuse. It was a demonstration, not a new routine, at least not for themand staff."
She returned to her spot and said, "You should get more rest. I''ll take care of the camp."
"Has Sir Harold—"
"Done. We have all the supply train ounted for."
"Excellent. And the night watch?"
"No need to worry. Since we camped with the Dragoons, everyone is rtively fresh."
Lansius nodded, pleased. "That''s great to hear. I don''t feel like doing anything but sleep."
"I bet. You must be aching all over," Audrey ventured.
Lansius squinted his eyes and asked, "You don''t look surprised?"
Audrey smiled. "You reminded me of my first hunting expedition. Wearing ringmail everywhere inside a forest, trying to keep up with Isolte. I still remember vomiting my breakfast and lunch."
Lansius chuckled at hearing that.
"It''s good that you didn''t vomit."
"I''m not that weak anymore. Just a bit surprised by the weight."
Audrey finished her meal and said, "Anyway, you should be proud. The troops were celebrating this fast march. They liked it and came to understand their newfound ability."
Lansius chuckled. "Well, we cheated somewhat. I told Sir Harold to guard the slower supply carts so we could advance faster."
"Yet, you have proven that rapid march is achievable."
Lansius nodded while slurping more of his vegetable stew.
"I think you''d do better with duck egg broth," she suggested.
Lansius swallowed and looked her dead in the eyes. "No duck egg," he stated briefly but firmly.
Audrey grinned at his reaction. "How about if I spoon-feed you?"
"Interesting idea, but no." He shook his head.
They finished their meal and kept the leftover bread for next day, in case they encountered ate breakfast or someone got hungry at night.
...
As they prepared to rest, the conversation turned to their situation with their ally.
"The problem is Three Hills," Lansius stated. "I want to know where they stand... I wish I had someone as capable as thete Sir Cahan."
Audrey poured him some watered-down spice wine to dull the aching. "The Dame is trying hard. I''m sure she''ll improve with experience."
Lansius mulled. "Maybe it''s my fault. She''s adept with army management, but diplomacy might not be her forte."
"I''m afraid we have no one else, especially not one with experience. Unless you''re considering recruiting Lord Robert."
"Ah, the Lion of Londia," Lansius said with respect.
Noticing his tone, Audrey suggested, "Perhaps it''s time to summon Sir Michael."
"Oh, I''ve heard he''s newlywed. I wouldn''t want to bother him."
Audrey sighed deeply and quipped, "Yet our honeymoon has been ruined. You owe me another."
"Tonight is as good a day as any to start. Let''s call Ca for some mead," Lansius quipped back.
Audrey chuckled at his audacity and retorted, "I doubt you''re up for much with those sore legs."
Before they could continue, a voice announced, "My Lord, My Lady, an important guest has arrived."
Audrey cleared her throat, while Lansius rose and stepped outside to greet Ca, asking, "Who is the guest?"
"It''s Lady Danie, My Lord."
Lansius furrowed his brow. "Why is she here again? Did something happen?"
"Ah, she has returned," Audreymented.
"My Lord, she''s brought someone else with her."
From Ca''s tone, Lansius sensed the importance, quickly donned his doublet, and headed to the entrance. Audrey followed.
"Is our staff with them?" Audrey asked as they walked.
"Sterling and Sir Harold are with them," the squire informed.
At the entrance, they saw Lady Danie, Sir Harold, Sterling, and a figure in a brown hooded robe.
"My Lord, My Lady," Lansius'' retinue greeted, while the robed figure revealed a handsome face with lighter brown hair.
Lansius gasped, "Lord Jorge."
The Lord of Three Hills offered a stiff smile and greeted, "Lord Lansius, it''s good to see you in person again." The air crackled with anticipation. His unexpected presence undoubtedly heralded a shift in the status quo. Londia was on the brink of change, and nothing would be the same anymore.
***