It was a small mercy that Ruemus had survived. The previous night, two Black Knights had stormed into his house. The entire private army of the estate had been mobilized to stop them, resulting in the death of six knights whom Ruemus cherished like brothers. Fortunately, the Black Knights seemed to have been called away by something and retreated on their own. The sacrifice of his knights had only managed to buy them some time.
As Ruemus appeared again at the council, a deep shadow loomed over his face.
One of the governors, Nondolin, had died at Romnor’s mansion.
Narbeni had disappeared, marked as a traitor. About half of the councilors had perished in yesterday’s indiscriminate terror attack, leaving many vacant seats. The fires had spread, and innocent citizens had suffered greatly, further spreading fear throughout Rock.
Meylumil stood before the council and explained what had transpired. The investigation into internal enemies trying to bring down Carnelock, the similar events in Irophis, and the actions of the Red Rose Count of Camort.
Though the councilors of Carnelock were swift in gathering information, few believed such absurd events could have truly happened. Now, realizing the truth and seeing it happen to them, the councilors were in shock. They took Lumil’s words seriously, relieved that the war preparation meeting had concluded late the previous night.
Kassel, believing Lumil to be more persuasive than himself, entrusted him with the task. Kassel, acting as an observer, sat with Tanya on one side of the council chamber, merely watching the proceedings.
The councilors were more shocked to learn that the invasion targeting Carnelock had been prepared for a long time and that the mastermind was the Lord of the Undying rather than the fact that Narbeni had betrayed them using demonic powers. However, Lumil delivered his report with clinical detachment, devoid of emotion.
Throughout his presentation, Lumil glanced at Ruemus several times. Although he had once belonged to the Wolf Knights and was acquainted with Deradul, Meylumil was, strictly speaking, an outsider to the council. Thus, it was not surprising if a governor decided to intervene at any moment. Yet, Ruemus was glaring only at Kassel, not at Lumil.
Kassel met his gaze head-on without flinching.
Lumil felt caught between the two.
‘It’s like the look of a knight ready for battle.’
Having often represented the Wolf Knights in his active days, Lumil was familiar with such looks. Since the days when Lofin still had both arms, Lumil had frequently insisted on the need for a spokesperson for the Wolf Knights.
‘Why is it necessary?’
Irene always retorted, disliking talkative men and advising against bringing such individuals into the Wolf Knights.
‘Lumil, you know.’
Lofin had no interest in such matters.
‘I don’t find it uncomfortable.’
Quain firmly believed there could be no better spokesperson than Lumil.
‘Do as you please.’
Master Grandol always remained a bystander.
‘If necessary, someone will come along.’
The queen was even more detached.
The Wolf Knights were regarded as legends everywhere but rarely made a strong impression. Unable to draw their swords and demonstrate their skills at quiet parties, the Wolf Knights were often underestimated even within Aranthia.
‘It’s necessary, indeed.’
Even after retirement, Lumil frequently thought so. He eventually found a perfect candidate in Camort. Lumil inwardly thought, ‘You guys are blessed,’ but could not tell if they shared that sentiment.
While Lumil and Deradul were investigating in Rock, Kassel had unexpectedly appeared from the Sky Mountains. Now, he stood directly against the council of Rock. However, this matter should not devolve into mere emotional conflict. Though concerned, Lumil decided to let things be.
‘Let things that can resolve themselves do so.’
Master Grandol always imparted this lesson to the four White Wolves. Lumil had internalized this, so despite noticing the strange exchange of glances between the two, he stuck to his speech and concluded his presentation.
☆ ☆ ☆
It was lunchtime and a recess was called. As everyone left, Governor Ruemus remained. Lost in thought, he placed his hand on his chin and closed his eyes. When he opened them, Kassel was standing before him, looking down at him quietly.
“Do you want to hear me say that you won, Captain Wolf?”
Ruemus’s eyes blazed, as if Kassel himself had killed his comrades and beloved knights the previous night.
“See? Because you didn’t listen to me, one governor is dead and another has betrayed the council. Do you want to say you won?”
Ruemus’s growling voice echoed in the empty chamber. Kassel shook his head and dragged a chair to sit in front of him. The two men, sitting three or four steps apart, folded their arms simultaneously.
“We both lost.”
Kassel said.
“What do you want to say?”
“I was late, and you couldn’t respond in time. I suspected you might be a traitor, and even Captain Deradul’s response was delayed due to such doubts. We all lost.”
“You think you’re so great. Do you want me to agree with you? That Carnelock is about to fall? Be honest, Captain. Do you think Carnelock will survive the coming battle?”
Both men already partly knew each other’s intentions. So, they skipped petty mind games and direct verbal attacks, choosing to confront each other head-on.
“Did you believe the news about enemies coming from the Sky Mountains?”
Kassel asked.
“Believe it or not, the result is the same.”
“Then you acknowledge Carnelock’s defeat, Governor Ruemus.”
“A thousand years ago, when Arok became Carnelock, they rose with the power of a dragon. But now, having lost the dragon, you want us to face and hope to win against such a colossal enemy? Nonsense. It’s much easier to believe it won’t happen at all.”
“How can you say that without even knowing the size of the enemy? Carnelock could have prevented Lontamon if we had reacted quickly ten years ago.”
“Are you implying the Wolf Knights stopped Lontamon? How old were you then? Seventeen? Fifteen? Considering when Emil kidnapped Dalia, you must have been only about twelve.”
Ruemus deliberately used the word ‘kidnapped.’
“I stood in the middle of that battlefield. I saw Captain Welch’s power up close and witnessed the army of Excelon kill the dragon. How many people know Captain Deradul was knocked off his horse by a young, unknown knight?”
Ruemus’s voice grew louder. There was no roar to scare off enemies or a hungry predator’s savagery.
“Vuharol, Selphantom, Denelmaioni, Ashark… We lost all four dragons and over half of the Dragon Knights. But on that sacrifice, we eventually broke half of Lontamon’s forces. Only half of that remaining army went to Aranthia. Aranthia rose like the legendary knights and crushed that small army. Am I wrong?”
Ruemus’s eyes and voice had the determination of a master defending his domain.
“Ten years ago, with a few sword strikes, they robbed Carnelock of its honor. Now, without lifting a finger, they send one captain to control the council?”
‘I must not defeat this man…’
Kassel approached him with this assumption. This man was now the last strength of Carnelock’s council. Its pride. Breaking him would also break the council. Kassel also knew he could not defeat such a strong warrior with his own power and wisdom.
Kassel had learned firsthand that lies to suppress someone did not last long. Lies told to thieves or bandits in Camort or to the Rose Knights did not last even a few hours.
Falcon saw through Kassel’s lies instantly, yet he let it slide. Perhaps he saw Kassel himself rather than his lies.
The Black Lion Count was cunning enough that he wouldn’t have fallen for Kassel’s words without the backing of the White Wolves’ reputation. Ultimately, Kassel couldn’t maintain the lie until the end. It wasn’t the title of Captain Wolf that finally swayed the Count but Kassel’s own conviction.
Ruemus, who stood at the pinnacle of Rock, had ascended to the position of governor amidst many competitors and held authority even over the other two governors.
Among the individuals Kassel worried about the most while gathering information in Rock, Ruemus was both the greatest concern and the least prepared. He was the highest authority in Carnelock, standing shoulder to shoulder with Aranthia’s Queen Sanadiel.
‘No one can defeat Her Majesty Sanadiel on Aranthia’s soil. Likewise, no one can defeat Ruemus on Carnelock’s soil.’
Kassel steadied his wavering heart. It was surprising to him that he could still feel such emotions towards a human after meeting the goddess of the Sky Mountains.
“I met Captain Welch too.”
Kassel began.
“Did he happen to pass by the rural village of Lurun?”
Ruemus asked sarcastically.
Kassel shook his head.
“A month ago, on Aranthia’s soil.”
“That’s absurd!”
“He was resurrected from death, broke through the Gold Gate, and advanced to the White Gate. He maintained chivalry until his final moments before entering the path of death. He wasn’t there for the battle ten years ago. Instead, I was there.”
Ruemus remained silent. Having seen Narbeni’s Black Knights firsthand, he wasn’t entirely dismissive.
“At that place, I saw the Lord of the Undying stand before Her Majesty Queen Sanadiel. Just witnessing that immense power was enough to strike terror into everyone. I saw part of that power from the Sky Mountains collapse Lutia, kill the Lemifs, and slay the dragons. Yet they cannot attack Aranthia. Do you know why? Because Carnelock stands in the way.”
“Are you trying to soften the mood by mentioning Carnelock? How childish.”
“If it’s childish, tell that to the enemy. The Lord of the Undying has already tested this using Lontamon. The formidable army that attacked Aranthia was instead defeated by the supposedly crushed Carnelock. You’re right. Do you remember the Battle of Nenadros Plains? A thousand years ago at the Battle of Yellow Gate, the enemy was ambushed by the knights of Arok, whom they thought they had already defeated. The Lord of the Undying surely remembers that.”
Ruemus couldn’t possibly know the details of a war from a thousand years ago, but he knew well why the nation’s name changed from Arok to Carnelock.
“Now, he will make no more mistakes. He will ensure Carnelock falls and turn this land into a land of death before turning his army towards Aranthia. Aranthia, having lost its ally Lutia, won’t be able to withstand that massive army alone without Carnelock. If Aranthia falls, the Sky Mountains will collapse, and if he enters the Sky Mountains and regains the ancient power he lost, it’s over. Nothing will be able to stop the Lord of the Undying. Governor Ruemus, if Carnelock falls, the entire continent falls.”
Ruemus silently glared at Kassel. He wasn’t so small-minded as to dismiss Kassel’s words as nonsense, but he wasn’t going to be easily swayed either.
“Don’t think you can intimidate me into agreeing with Meylumil’s words like the other councilors.”
“Do I need you to be on my side?”
Kassel laughed. Ruemus, unshaken by strong rhetoric, was unsettled by this small laugh. Kassel spoke slowly.
“In Camort, in Aranthia, those who sided with me did so on their own. I don’t have the ability to make my enemies my allies.”
“Stop. You’re about to boast about your achievements in becoming a captain in Camort, aren’t you?”
Kassel was momentarily taken aback.
“Did I ever say I became a captain in Camort?”
“It’s not hard to deduce. I saw Meylumil greet you before the meeting, saying it was the first time since he met you in Camort a month ago. A former farmer from Lurun suddenly talks about the resurrection of Captain Welch a month ago, suggesting you were appointed captain within the last month or two. Our council’s information didn’t mention a Captain Wolf in Aranthia until recently.”
Ruemus continued calmly and unwaveringly.
“Ultimately, Kassel, you’re saying you ‘accidentally’ became a captain in Camort. Her Majesty’s joke that Aranthia’s personnel politics are quite radical compared to Carnelock wasn’t a joke.”
Kassel’s mouth was dry with tension he hadn’t felt in a while. His heart began to pound again, but it felt refreshing, as if he had regained a lost sense.
‘Come to think of it, I wasn’t like this even in front of Her Majesty Sanadiel or the goddess Nadiuren.’
Kassel looked at his palm. Though he had never actually fought with a sword, his palm was covered in small scars. Among those scars, the long wound from the oath he swore as a captain faintly stood out.
‘From a village of refugees, to Camort, Aranthia, Larden, Tachisel, and now Carnelock… Have I grown, stagnated, or regressed?’
Kassel clenched his fist tightly and looked back at Ruemus, who was waiting for an answer. Ruemus’s eyes already said, ‘How dare someone who became a captain in a month speak so recklessly here?’ But Kassel couldn’t help but laugh.
That was all he could do now.
“If you can predict that much, it’s easy to say, Governor Ruemus. My words don’t change. I can’t make you my ally, nor do I intend to. In fact, those I tried to ally with never truly became my allies. That wasn’t for me to decide. When I dedicated myself fully to my cause, allies came.”
Sheyden, Dunmel, Azwin, Gerald, Loyal, Jaymer, Tanya, Rai…
“And as a consequence, enemies arose.”
Count Johnstein of the Red Rose, Count Lumerier of the Black Lion, Captain Welch, Ka-Guanil, and the Lord of the Undying…
“All I could do was fight alongside my allies against my enemies.”
Ruemus unfolded his arms and stood up. He looked down at Kassel, his white clothing reflecting in the window, making him appear stronger and larger, like Rai’s white wings.
“You persistently try to convince me. Stop it. Carnelock’s council is not as weak as you think.”
“I have no intention of convincing you, Governor Ruemus. Do your job. I’ll do mine.”
“Your job? Don’t you realize your job might harm Carnelock? The moment an Aranthian captain exerts power in the council, its authority will crumble, just like when your father brought down the Senate.”
“Again, I told you to do your job, not to cooperate with me. I trust the governors of Carnelock. Protect Carnelock, no matter who the opponent is.”
Not long after lunch began, a scribe hurriedly approached the governor. Ruemus brought his face close to Kassel’s and spoke in a low voice.
“Then my first job will be to remove Captain Wolf of Aranthia from the council.”
Kassel also lowered his voice.
“Officially block my entry. If that’s your judgment to protect Carnelock and Rock’s council, I’ll comply. Then my task here is done.”
“A promise?”
“A promise from Captain Wolf. Trust me.”
They glared at each other until the scribe arrived, and they stepped back from each other.
“What’s the matter?”
Ruemus asked.
“Governor, there’s urgent news. Leofio has fallen.”
The scribe’s words shook everyone, but Ruemus nodded as if he already knew. He turned back to Kassel and asked,
“Your task has been delayed because of ‘me.’ Do you have anything more to say?”
Kassel replied lightly,
“Haven’t you already prepared for battle? That’s enough. Earlier, we debated about winning and losing, but in this regard, I’ve won. You are ready for battle, and that’s what I wanted.”
Ruemus scoffed dryly.
“That’s not something you say when you’re being kicked out of the council.”
Kassel ignored the last remark and turned towards the exit.
“Kassel!”
Ruemus called, not using his title but his name. Kassel turned back to see Ruemus, who hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“Councilor Romnor was the person I respected the most. If you lost a grandfather, I lost a father.”
Kassel smiled weakly.
“Someday, tell me about him.”
Ruemus nodded, and Kassel left the chamber.
After closing the door, Ruemus’s voice could be heard giving orders to the scribe,
“End the lunch break! Call the councilors back to assembly.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Kassel, meeting Ruemus alone, still hadn’t emerged from the chamber.
Tanya engaged in a dull conversation with Meylumil. They seemed to be discussing past events, the Lord of the Undying, Tailed, and other such topics. Suddenly feeling melancholic, Jay left the council chamber alone.
Rai stood by a window overlooking the garden, admiring the lush trees. As usual, there were women watching him shyly from a distance.
‘Should I go to Rai? No, what would I do with him? I think too much nowadays.’
Before leaving for the council in the morning, Kassel had gathered Tanya, Jay, and Rai to discuss council politics, the nature of power, his position, and what everyone should do moving forward. Tanya talked about the magical tower located near Rock and the surrounding plains. Jay, however, did not try to understand these complex matters.
He missed the Wolf Knights, where there was always something to do, and the knights never left him idle. That suited Jay perfectly.
“Is your mother by any chance Lady Anasha?”
In contrast, only unpleasant events seemed to happen in Carnelock. Just yesterday, he had barely forgotten his father’s face appearing in the head of a Black Knight, and now a random person had mentioned his mother’s name. Jay responded reluctantly.
“How did you know?”
It was Brander of the Dragon Knights, wearing the same silver armor adorned with a red dragon emblem as when they first met. He smiled faintly, unfazed by Jay’s hostile gaze.
“It’s amusing to call it a coincidence… It was about a month ago, wasn’t it? Thanks to you capturing the bounty hunter Trego, we met.”
Jay only remembered the nickname “Hell Axe” and had forgotten the name Trego or Tego.
“When I returned to the office here, Captain Deradul had tasked me with identifying candidates suitable for the next captain. The requirements were strict, so I had to review records from twenty years ago. And there, Jaymer, your name appeared.”
“You must have seen it wrong.”
Jay said.
Brander was certain.
“I saw it clearly.”
“I’ve been to Rock before, but I have no ties with the Dragon Knights. Twenty years ago, I was too young even to run errands to buy bread. I was this tall.”
Jay gestured below his waist.
“I said I looked through records from twenty years ago; I didn’t say your record was from twenty years ago.”
Brander tapped his temple with his finger.
“I have a pretty good memory, friend. When I asked if you had any connection with the Dragon Knights, your expression changed. You said you didn’t, but your face said otherwise.”
“Did I?”
Jay started feeling uneasy about Brander’s ability to remember his expressions from a month ago.
“Do you know a knight named Kar?”
Jay staggered as if struck. If he hadn’t grabbed the nearby railing, he might have embarrassingly stumbled or fallen back.
Brander was taken aback by Jay’s honest reaction.
“What about him?”
Brander answered Jay’s sharp question calmly.
“I don’t know the details, but Knight Kar officially listed you as a trainee in the order. Then the war broke out, and all the trainees died in battle, leaving you the only survivor from that batch.”
On a snowy winter night, waiting for Kar to return, Jay saw the gap in his first sword fight, and his mother fell ill with a fatal disease. She cried, thinking Kar had forgotten her, and later wept again when notified of Kar and her father Ufer’s deaths.
‘If Ufer were alive, would I have met my grandfather like Kassel met Romnor?’
Jay recalled Kar kneeling and weeping before his mother. He still hadn’t resolved his questions.
‘Why didn’t he come back? Why didn’t he take us? Things could have been different. Why, Kar, you bastard! And then you die alone?’
On lonely hunting nights, unable to forget his mother, Jay often shouted at Kar’s invisible ghost, but the ghost never answered.
“Kar…”
Jay said softly.
“Kar…?”
“Why didn’t he take me with him? He listed me as a trainee but didn’t take me? I mean, that was before he died. He put me on the trainee list.”
“I don’t know the exact reasons, but I have a rough idea. You were living in the countryside then, right? Kar didn’t want to bring you to a battlefield where even trainees would die. He probably intended to take you after the war.”
Jay clutched the railing tightly, remaining silent. Brander let the silence comfort him.
Finally, Jay spoke.
“What kind of knight was Kar?”
“He was one of the most renowned knights in our world. Stronger and more valiant in battle than anyone. I’m not saying this lightly. When he died, Captain Deradul mourned him as a lost successor.”
“Dead men always become greater. Tell me more. How many hundreds did he kill and save with his heroics?”
Jay spoke without turning his gaze from the garden. Brander smiled bitterly and patted his shoulder.
“Jaymer, we’ve kept this secret out of shame, but I want to clear the misunderstanding. Kar was truly a great knight. He led twenty Dragon Knights on a mission to escort councilors south of Rock. A part of Excelon’s forces blocked their way, just five knights. All twenty Dragon Knights were killed by those five.”
Jay remembered Billy, the knight from Excelon he met in Aranthia. Billy was strong, but not to the extent that five could defeat twenty. Brander continued.
“Despite that sacrifice, they succeeded in evacuating all the councilors, yet Kar returned. He took up his sword to fight the strongest among them. Some would call it great courage, others a needless sacrifice. Kar fought Nathan of Excelon.”
Jay’s eyebrows twitched.
“Who? Say that again.”
“Nathan. He was quite young back then too. Do you know him?”
As Jay remained silent, Brander continued.
“More than thirty Dragon Knights lost their lives to that man, and the number of Rock’s guards who died is countless. It was Nathan who knocked Captain Deradul off his horse. He was also the one who drove a massive iron spike through the necks of the dragons Vuharol and Ashark! While his name isn’t as renowned as Captain Welch’s, it’s partially because we didn’t publicize it. Why elevate the name of an enemy knight? Regardless, that man…”
“Enough about Nathan. What happened next?”
Jay interrupted, looking ready to grab Brander by the collar.
“Well… Ultimately, the operation failed. The councilors Kar thought he had saved were all killed in an ambush by other Excelon knights. Councilor Ufer, Anasha’s father and the previous governor, also died.”
Jay was gripped by an unidentifiable rage and regret. He muttered to himself,
“So the one I fought in Lutia… he was the one who killed Kar?”
Jay suddenly punched the wall hard. Brander, sensing there was more to the story, hesitated before asking.
“So why are you telling me all this? What about the trainee list?”
Jay glared at him with bloodshot eyes and demanded,
“Speak only what’s necessary!”
Brander nodded.
“Alright. Your mother was Councilor Ufer’s daughter. Ufer himself was the son of the councilor before him. Your family is an impeccable noble lineage for several generations. Since you’ve been on the trainee list for over eight years and your skills have been proven, it’s a simple matter of formalizing your position.”
Brander continued in a pleading tone,
“What do you say, Jaymer? If you’re not going to become a Wolf Knight, then don’t ignore my proposal this time. Join the Dragon Knights.”
“Check more about my father’s side, not just my mother’s,”
Jay replied, not wanting to continue the conversation and turned to walk down the hallway.
“I probably don’t meet the qualifications.”
Brander called out to his retreating back,
“Are you referring to the fact that your father raped your mother?”
Jay drew his sword in fury. Brander, however, did not draw his own weapon.
‘He’s deliberately not drawing his sword. With the skills he demonstrated in the garden before, he could easily defend himself.’
If Brander had drawn his sword, Jay would have swung without hesitation.
“How much have you investigated me, Brander?!”
“That’s all. It was just that one line,”
Brander replied, approaching Jay who had his sword drawn.
“You think I’m casually offering you a knight’s position? Your father’s crime was erased in the last council. Captain Deradul wanted to reinstate him, but circumstances left you as you are now. You are already a Dragon Knight… You should have always been where you belong.”
Brander walked up to Jay’s outstretched sword. Jay nearly stepped back in surprise.
“Are you the one holding onto it? Tell me, Jaymer. How long have you lived as a hunter? If you haven’t forgotten this after all this time, then maybe you need to join the Dragon Knights to move past it.”
“Yes, I am holding onto it. I thought I had forgotten… but I haven’t.”
Yesterday’s events flashed in Jay’s mind. Faced with a Black Knight who alternated between his father and mother’s faces, he had been paralyzed and even knelt. It was shameful and agonizing.
Jay sheathed his sword and stepped back. Brander, turning to walk away, called out to his back,
“You don’t have to atone for your father’s sins.”
Jay hesitated for a moment before continuing to walk away.
☆ ☆ ☆
Meylumil was sitting in a field of green grass that waved like the sea, eating grilled sausages. Beside him, Deradul declined the offered sausages and was instead puffing on his pipe. The place, once a resting spot for dragons and a meeting ground for humans and dragons, now felt desolate, with only the wind filling the void. Deradul’s horse and a few hunting dogs from the knights roamed around, filling the emptiness.
“Are you finally going to mobilize the Dragon Knights?”
Lumil asked.
“There’s no rule saying I shouldn’t.”
Deradul replied, moving his pipe to the other side of his mouth. Even the evening glow was fading.
Kassel had informed Meylumil that he would no longer be able to attend the council meetings. Although Lumil didn’t know the full story, he complied. He later learned from Deradul that it had been decided officially that Kassel would step back from the council.
The council, led by Ruemus, quickly began discussing the fall of Leofio. According to the messenger, there was hardly any battle at Leofio. The administrator, Seresmus, had prepared for an evacuation, so as soon as the enemy appeared on the horizon, he evacuated the villagers. When the attack started, even the guards had retreated, resulting in minimal casualties.
Initially, the councilors were highly critical of such a response from the administrator. However, this discontent soon dissipated when the messenger described the scene, still seemingly in disbelief, saying, “Strange creatures filled the plains as far as the eye could see.”
Even if they had gathered all the nearby forces to defend the walls, they might have only lasted a few minutes. Hence, Seresmus had issued the retreat order. The messenger couldn’t give an exact count of the enemy but estimated that there were at least 20,000, though it seemed there were even more.
Twenty thousand.
The council was in an uproar. The force that had overwhelmed Rock’s defenses ten years ago had been only five thousand. Moreover, this time, the enemies weren’t even human.
Governor Ruemus immediately summoned generals capable of leading Rock’s defense forces and ordered them to form the most mobile cavalry unit to defend Anbaldi. At that moment, Deradul objected. He proposed sending the Dragon Knights instead of the cavalry. Ruemus flatly refused.
Lumil, having heard up to this point, interrupted Deradul.
“Indeed, losing Anbaldi would be a significant blow. But it’s not wise to deploy the Dragon Knights. Governor Ruemus is right. The Dragon Knights should be reserved as our last line of defense.”
Lumil said. Deradul, exhaling a long plume of smoke, responded.
“Forming a cavalry unit from Rock’s garrison? Even with exceptional measures, they won’t be ready until tomorrow morning. And even if they push their horses to the limit, it will take more than three days to reach Anbaldi. But we can make it in two.”
“How many will you take?”
“A hundred. We’ll leave the remaining hundred and fifty here in Rock.”
“The enemy will reach Anbaldi in three or four days after passing Leofio. What can you do with that number?”
“Do you, a former Wolf Knight, discuss numbers?”
“At least we never charged at thousands.”
“Should we shatter your order’s reputation by doing it ourselves?”
“That’s a serious statement… hard to counter.”
Deradul placed a hand on Lumil’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry. I don’t plan to do more than slightly slow down their advance. Anbaldi is a city as large as Rock. If the Dragon Knights can buy time for the people to evacuate, that’s enough.”
“Deradul, it’s not like you to speak with such sad eyes.”
“Look at me, Lumil. See how old I’ve become? Quain, who’s younger than me, has grown to the point where he could be called a master among all swordsmen, though he dislikes the title. Yet here I am, still captain of the Dragon Knights, clinging to power so much that people say I refuse to name a successor.”
“Who says such things? Without you, the Dragon Knights would have faltered from the roots.”
“No, I should have stepped down when I was defeated by that young knight from Excelon.”
“Don’t worry. Fortunately, it’s known outside that you lost to Welch. And what does it matter? All the knights respect you and want to follow you. Don’t weaken.”
“I don’t even have the freedom to weaken?”
Deradul laughed, blowing out a puff of smoke.
“If it bothers you, appoint a successor quickly. There’s no shortage of capable candidates.”
“I have a few in mind. Lucius, Brander, Tendros, Gracus… all good choices. But the captain of this order has always been appointed by the dragons. And since we no longer have dragons, how do we circumvent this rule? I have someone in mind, but these rules… Ah, sometimes I truly envy Grandol.”
Lumil chuckled. “What’s there to envy about living in solitude, turning your back on the world?”
Very few knew Grandol’s whereabouts. Only Lumil and Deradul were aware. Queen Sanadiel once said, “If I knew, I’d want to visit him, so I’d rather not know,” while covering her ears.
The strongest swordsman in the world.
‘Neither the former White Wolves nor the current ones could match Grandol in his youth.’
Lumil acknowledged. This wasn’t merely an idealized view of his mentor. Technically and mentally, Lumil had never seen anyone surpass Grandol.
After retiring out of guilt for failing to properly support Queen Sanadiel, Grandol lived in a small village near the border between Carnelock and Aranthia. It was a log cabin with a view of the highest peak of the Sky Mountains and a river perfect for fishing. When Lumil asked him, “Are you happy?” Grandol’s ambiguous reply was, “I miss the company of women,” though his expression was endlessly bright.
Despite being over fifty, Grandol still had the skill to best Lumil with a fishing rod. Yet, his eyes, gazing at the sunset over the fish he’d caught and cooked himself, held a deep loneliness.
‘Go to Nadium. No one holds you accountable, so why live with this guilt?’ Lumil asked before leaving Grandol’s home.
‘When you meet Deradul, ask him why he’s still active. He’ll probably say he doesn’t know. I’m the same. Why live like this? I don’t know either,’ Grandol replied, looking very old as he bid farewell.
“Frankly, Deradul, you are much more impressive still being active.”
Lumil said. But Deradul shook his head.
“That’s what I envy. Such a mischievous friend. Not a single letter about how happy he is living retired. I plan to follow him and bother him until he dies when I retire.”
“I heard you were close in your youth.”
“We were good rivals. It’s a fun story, but let’s leave it as a memory for us old men.”
“Old men? You’re only in your mid-fifties!”
Lumil teased playfully.
Deradul stared at him with a twinkle in his eye.
After a brief pause, Deradul suddenly mentioned a name.
“Kassel.”
“Yes?”
“He doesn’t seem to have the force or leadership you mentioned. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t experienced much yet.”
Lumil smiled.
“I recognized him just for holding onto Aranthia’s treasured sword. If you had been there, you’d have seen the same.”
“The Wolf captain is chosen by the Wolves themselves, right? If you chose him, it’s settled. That’s enviable. But I feel more suited to the strict rules of the Dragon Knights. That’s why I stayed in Carnelock when Grandol chose Aranthia.”
“I think you made the right choice. Without dragons, Captain Deradul is the Dragon Knights.”
“Thanks for the kind words.”
Deradul stood up slowly, grumbling,
“Now my knees hurt when I stand.”
“Do your old injuries ache when it rains too?”
“Aren’t you the same?”
“My back does…”
“My knees.”
One of the Dragon Knights approached them. It was Brander. He removed his helmet and gave a nod to Lumil before speaking to Deradul.
“Captain, we are ready to depart for Anbaldi.”
“Did you finish talking to your friend, Brander?”
Brander scratched his forehead and replied,
“We’ll talk again later.”
“Who’s leading the squads?”
“Tendros will lead the vanguard, I’ll lead the rearguard, and Lucius will stay in Rock to guard the rear.”
“Did Tendros win the coin toss again?”
Brander replied formally,
“Lucius still claims it was rigged, as usual. He never accepts a fair loss.”
Deradul burst into laughter.
“I wonder when Lucius will realize both sides of the coin are the same.”
“If he knows and still complains, he’s ready to take over as captain,”
Brander said.
“So do I.”
Lumil laughed silently at their serious conversation.
‘No other order can match the Dragon Knights in banter,’ he thought.
Deradul mounted his horse with a smooth movement and took the reins.
“Let’s see what those ‘strange monsters’ look like.”
He spurred his horse energetically, and Brander followed after bidding Lumil farewell again. Lumil watched the two horses cross the field and spoke softly,
“Deradul, you are the greatest knight.”
☆ ☆ ☆
The sun was just setting on the western horizon. Kassel saw a troop of knights departing through Rock’s southern gate. The dust raised by about a hundred horses blurred the gate.
“The Dragon Knights are mobilizing,”
Kassel said, rubbing his eyes.
Staring at the sunlight had hurt his eyes. The eye injured by a rock fragment in the cave still pained him when he woke up or looked at sunlight. Fortunately, his vision was unaffected.
Tanya was sitting cross-legged in the center of the round room, eyes closed. Her neatly arranged eyebrows and long hair draping over her cheeks made her look beautiful.
They were in the top room of Arok’s Tower. It was a small space, barely five steps from one end to the other, with a ceiling that almost touched Kassel’s outstretched hand.
Tanya opened her eyes and smiled gently at Kassel. Kassel scratched his head shyly and looked outside again.
“Governor Ruemus is acting faster than I expected. Is this what you hoped for?”
Tanya asked.
“More than I expected. Captain Deradul’s influence must be significant. Even without me, those two would have responded swiftly to the invasion of Leofio. Yesterday’s disaster was practically handled by Deradul and you. I didn’t save the councilors with my strength…”
Kassel stopped, realizing he was about to speak melodramatically in his grief for his grandfather.
“Sorry, Tanya. I’m rambling again.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Kassel. Never say sorry in front of me. You always think you did nothing. But if you hadn’t been there, none of it would have been possible. You are that kind of person. So don’t lose your confidence.”
“Confidence, huh? It’s not easy.”
Kassel murmured, watching the Dragon Knights disappear.
“That’s a task I haven’t finished yet. What makes a captain? Master Quain said it’s charisma that subdues everyone in an instant. Lumil said it’s bold decisiveness in any situation. High Lord Talrund claimed it’s a humanity that inspires everyone. I still don’t know which is right.”
“Well then, I’ll give you the answer.”
Tanya said.
“You will?”
Kassel was surprised by her sudden statement.
“The best leader is the one who does nothing when he has capable subordinates.”
“Really?”
“The worst leader is the one who keeps capable subordinates idle and does all the work himself.”
“It’s a bit strange, isn’t it? Saying that the hardest worker is the worst leader?”
“Think it over. My master told me this story. Master Grandol, who raised the previous White Wolves, was precisely that kind of captain.”
“What kind of captain was he?”
“Grandol was the greatest knight anyone had ever seen. But with four White Wolves under him, he did nothing. He didn’t intervene in wars…”
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces about the previous White Wolves. I didn’t hear anything about those before them. Do you know, Tanya?”
“No, that’s all I’ve heard as well. But it’s natural you don’t know. Retired Wolf Knights live as if they were never Wolves.”
“Still, I would like to meet him someday if the opportunity arises.”
The Dragon Knights quickly reached the southern road, leaving only a cloud of dust in their wake.
Kassel looked down from Arok’s Tower. Having never seen Lutia’s Tower, and apart from Nadium, he had never been in such a tall building. In fact, he hadn’t explored all the buildings in Nadium, so this was probably the highest he had ever been.
The first time he climbed up, his legs trembled so much that Tanya had to support him. But later, he felt exhilarated seeing people below look as tiny as ants.
Tanya, who had ridden on the shoulders of a dragon, said he had no right to talk. Kassel couldn’t admit that he had been too scared to keep his eyes open when he was on Sa-Knadil’s shoulder.
“So, how exactly do we use this tower?”
Kassel asked.
“A thousand years ago, when this place was still called Arok, it was a magical school for sorcerors across the continent, much like Lutia now. Although the Grand Rock Society was created later, modeled after Kainswick, Arok’s magical school was the precursor to Lutia.”
Tanya pointed to the floor and continued explaining.
“This is Arok’s Tower, and to the northeast is the Tower of Wrath, and to the northwest is the Tower of Blessing. If we imbue these three towers with magical power, we can protect the space within this triangle completely. The sorcerors here call this protected area the Rock Zone. Of course, it only works against evil entities.”
“Even Mozes?”
“If successful, yes. Mozes cannot enter the Rock Zone because they are neither human nor beast. If you’ve seen the White Mystery of Lutia, it might be easier to understand.”
“I heard the White Mystery was turned against us.”
“That’s true. But it can’t be used that way here. Unlike the White Mystery, which is a single powerful catalyst, this barrier requires the combined effort of dozens of sorcerors. If someone betrays us or one of the towers falls, the Rock Zone will collapse, but at least it can’t be turned against us.”
“Both situations are things we can’t let happen. Once completed, could it even stop a dragon?”
“Yes. If the three towers combine their power, the magical force would rival the holy power of the White Gate. Not even the Lord of the Undying could enter the Zone.”
“That’s impressive. So why wasn’t this power used a thousand years ago when Arok fell to the dragons?”
“They did use it. But the Tower of Blessing was destroyed.”
“So, the towers themselves aren’t included in the Zone?”
“That’s the weakness of this absolute magic. Arok’s Tower is within the Zone and thus safe, but the Towers of Wrath and Blessing are exposed outside the Zone. The ‘Kaguanil of that time’ knew this and destroyed the Tower of Blessing first.”
“Naturally, the current Kaguanil knows this too.”
Kassel now understood the situation clearly.
“Yes. And when the Tower of Wrath fell, the sorcerors guarding it were exposed to the evil forces and turned to the enemy’s side.”
“You mean our allies became enemies? Why?”
“That’s a characteristic of the Tower of Wrath.”
Kassel was about to ask what that meant when he spotted white wings in the distance.
It was Rai. He was supposed to fly from the Tower of Blessing to here once preparations were complete. However, his poor sense of direction made him zigzag several times along the way.
“Rai is flying.”
Kassel had stayed by the window, not to watch the Dragon Knights depart, but to signal when it was time. Tanya nodded and placed her hands gently on the floor. The tower began to tremble slightly, and Kassel grabbed the window frame in surprise.
“Don’t worry, Kassel. It only shakes at the beginning.”
A shimmering blue aura rose from the tower, wrapping around Arok’s Tower and stretching across the darkening sky like a rainbow towards Rai’s direction. Kassel, not understanding what was happening, was simply moved by the beauty of the light. Before he knew it, it was over.
“It worked. At least this tower still functions after a thousand years. But…”
Tanya trailed off.
“The problem with the other two towers being exposed outside the Zone?”
Kassel asked.
“It’s a more immediate issue. There are three towers, and as you saw, I can operate Arok’s Tower. The Grand Rock sorcerors can combine their efforts to activate the Tower of Blessing as we just did. But we can’t activate the Tower of Wrath.”
“Are we short on sorcerors?”
“Essentially, yes. Even if there was another mage like me, we couldn’t operate the Tower of Wrath. How do I explain it…?”
Tanya shrugged and continued.
“Just as there are trends in fashion and swordsmanship, there are trends in magic. When Lutia was established, many dark arts were deemed evil and nearly vanished, only a handful remain. To operate the Tower of Wrath, we need about a hundred sorcerors proficient in dark magic. Alternatively, we need a single dark mage as powerful as me. In Lutia, only Master Golbein and the late Master Dethain could meet that criterion.”
“So what do we do? Should we bring Golbein here?”
“I’ll look for a solution. Don’t worry about the magic. Kassel, you have plenty of other concerns.”
Kassel sensed that Tanya was forcing herself to be reassuring.
After a while, the blue light from Arok’s Tower faded, and darkness fell.
☆ ☆ ☆
During the night, Tanya transformed into a wolf several times, running between the Tower of Blessing and the Tower of Wrath, distances that would take hours to cover on foot. She issued various instructions to the sorcerors, seeking a way to activate the towers. Rai flew tirelessly through the night skies of Rock, becoming a spectacle for the citizens. Although they misunderstood it as “an angel on our side,” it eased the terror that had gripped Rock after recent horrors.
Kassel could only quietly welcome Tanya back, drenched in sweat. Tanya insisted that his welcome was enough, but Kassel felt an immense guilt.
Jaymer was nowhere to be seen.
By morning, Tanya had found no solution. The Grand Rock sorcerors were still trying to find dark magic users. Even Metzel from Blackfoot reached out to her “industry” contacts. Despite mobilizing all available criminals with dark magic backgrounds, they barely found ten suitable candidates, all of whom were below Tanya’s standards.
At this point, it wasn’t a matter of time. Finding a hundred dark sorcerors across the continent was impossible.
Just as they were beginning breakfast, news arrived that armies from various regions were arriving or about to arrive. The gates of Rock had been fortified or repaired, and the movement of soldiers was active. However, Kassel knew that even if he combined the numbers of all these armies, it would still be less than a fraction of the Mozes coming up from the south. And among them were the gigantic monsters Kagua-nil and Kagua-ra, the sorcerer Ruskin, and the Excelon First Knights. Most notably, there was the Lord of the Undying.
As the armies gathered, Kassel felt more despair than hope.
‘No matter what, it’s not enough.’
Even if they gathered the armies of the entire continent in Rock, it wouldn’t be enough. But to achieve such a monumental task, it would take months. Sending envoys, explaining the situation, persuading them, it could take years to bring those armies.
‘Should I consult with Ruenmus? No, if he were worried, he’d be even more concerned. Meeting without a solution would only burden each other.’
In the midst of this, an unexpected army appeared from the north. It was a small force, barely numbering a hundred, but it was enough to alarm the sensitive army of Rock. The cavalry alerted an emergency, and the gates were firmly shut.
Ruenmus, who came riding in haste, saw Kassel and asked without greeting.
“What’s happening?”
“I don’t know either.”
The two of them, without giving way to each other, ran up the stairs to the northern gate tower. The army coming down from the north stopped at a position that did not pose a threat to Rock. A messenger from that side, carrying a large flag, was riding towards the gate. Kassel uttered a low exclamation.
The flag bore the image of a red rose.
–TL Notes–
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