The White Wolves arrived at the Gray Gate to find three carriages parked near the walls. One of them was so extravagant that even its doors were decorated with gold, and the handles seemed to be ornamental pieces in their own right. A substantial number of soldiers stood guard around the empty carriages. Initially, Kassel thought they were the regular guards of the Gray Gate, but they were dressed differently from the gate’s usual sentries.
“See that emblem? Isn’t that Lord Talrund from Blue Gate?” Sheyden asked with a grin.
“He does visit Nadium every summer, so it’s about time for him,” Azwin replied with a chuckle.
‘Why are they both finding this so amusing?’
Kassel pondered as he quickly reviewed what Sheyden had previously told him about the aristocratic hierarchy of Aranthia.
In Aranthia, there were essentially two types of nobility. Just like in Camort, there were lords who owned land. These lords might have tenant farmers working their fields, and while they were treated as masters of their domains, they were still quite distant from true nobility. Nevertheless, they too were referred to as “Lords.”
Above these lords were the High Lords, each in charge of one of the five gates. There was Talrund of the Blue, Qudinor of the Gray, Aradil of the Red, Vinoclas of the Gold, and Sanadiel of the White.
The territories between each gate were independently ruled by these five High Lords. The most central of these High Lords, the Queen, consolidates the power in Aranthia by receiving the allegiance of the other High Lords. Her mighty reign was maintained by the loyalty of these four powerful High Lords, each commanding vast military forces.
While Azwin had explained that the political structure was based on the theory that the elderly lords would naturally be loyal due to Queen Sanadiel’s charisma, Kassel saw it differently. The Queen had an invincible force by her side – the Wolf Knights. As long as they guarded the White Gate and the Queen, no High Lord would dare rebel.
Sheyden agreed with Kassel’s view. Historically, disputes among the High Lords were not uncommon, and there had been bloody battles between gates. In every instance, records showed that the Wolf Knights had intervened to restore peace.
From the way the White Wolves spoke, it was evident how revered the Wolf Knights were. They discussed High Lord Talrund, who owned all the vast lands between the Blue and Gray Gates, including the Nenadros Plains, as if he were an amusing old neighbor.
Considering the White Wolves’ nonchalant attitude even towards the King of Camort, it could just be a quirk in their personalities. Some servants even grumbled that when stripped of their White Wolf title, they were merely arrogant ruffians.
‘So, it would be interesting to see how Talrund reacts to the White Wolves. That would surely give away Captain Wolf’s standing.’
Kassel suddenly felt a tightening in his chest.
“Loyal!”
A man, dressed in fluttering white robes with wolf insignias on the chest and arms, stepped out from within the gate. Over his robes, he wore a circular steel armor, and a large sword hung by his waist. His long legs ensured that even though his sword was long, it didn’t touch the ground. With jet-black hair cascading over his dark eyes, he looked both impressive and neat. Kassel’s heart skipped a beat. Without an introduction, he instantly knew who this man was.
He was a Wolf Knight. Excluding the White Wolves, he was the first active-duty Wolf Kassel had met.
“I had a feeling you’d return around this time, but never expected to see you here! How did things go in Camort?”
He reached out and shook Loyal’s hand.
“Good enough. I hope you haven’t been slacking off in your training?”
“If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have been offended! I’m ready to draw my sword right now, how about it?”
He seemed genuinely eager to unsheathe his weapon right then and there. But Azwin stepped in, lightly bumping the man’s shoulder with hers.
“This is where the High Lord is, Barol. Don’t start something,” she chided.
“Would someone actually concern themselves with every little thing like that? They’d likely be more delighted by the presence of spirited young folks,” Barol confidently remarked.
“Let’s see if they welcome or resent us, shall we?”
Azwin shouted loudly into the gate.
“Talrund! Azwin’s here!”
A soldier, who had been inspecting another traveler at the gate, handed his duties over to a fellow soldier and ran over.
“Welcome, Azwin Wolf! Murphy will greet you himself,” the soldier said.
Azwin shook hands with a man who sported a thick black mustache.
“As always, it’s you who greets us, Murphy. Where’s the High Lord?”
“I’m up here.”
A voice from the upper floor chimed in.
“May we come up?”
“Why not? This old man’s rear is too heavy to come down.”
“Then let the light-bottomed boys and girls come up,” Azwin joked.
“Come on in, everyone!”
Murphy hurriedly ushered everyone toward the staircase leading to the second floor.
Barol fist-bumped with Gerald as a greeting, gave a light nod to Dunmel, and slapped hands loudly with Sheyden. As Kassel entered next, Barol hesitated.
“Salute him, Barol. He’s our captain.”
Upon Gerald’s introduction, Kassel stepped forward.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Kassel Wolf.”
“Captain… What do you mean by that?”
Barol’s tone was sharp.
‘I haven’t yet been acknowledged by the other Wolves.’
Kassel awkwardly smiled, searching for words.
“A captain is a captain, isn’t he?”
Gerald jumped in, seemingly explaining.
Barol surveyed Kassel from head to toe, then asked, “Did you come from the Kingdom of Camort?”
“Yes, I did.”
“One cannot bear the Wolf name without the Master’s consent, and Captain, at that? Sheyden, we need an explanation.”
Barol ignored Kassel and summoned Sheyden. Kassel was taken aback; he had anticipated some pushback, but not this.
“Explaining to every person we meet isn’t a brief tale. Once we reach Nadium, we’ll explain all at once when everyone’s gathered,” Sheyden succinctly responded, then disappeared up the stairs.
Standing beside the stairs, Gerald chimed in, “If all the White Wolves consent, even without the Master’s agreement, one can be recognized as captain.”
“Who said that?”
Challenged by Barol’s strong question, Gerald scratched his head, then yelled upwards.
“Who was it?”
Azwin, who had already ascended to the second floor, only peeked her long braided black hair below the railing.
“Hey, Barol. If you pick a fight with the captain, you’ll have to deal with me. If you have grievances regarding the authority the White Wolves hold, voice it without drawing a blade.”
Though Barol, ever defiant, would pick quarrels even with Loyal, he said nothing in the face of Azwin’s intimidating gaze. His entire demeanor radiated displeasure, but he refrained from further commenting on Kassel.
Kassel hurriedly ascended the stairs.
On the upper floor was High Lord Talrund, but his small stature, while seated, was obscured by the five towering individuals. Kassel took his place at the far left.
“The White Wolves pay their respects to High Lord Talrund,” Sheyden announced formally, bowing his head. The others followed suit, and Kassel did the same.
“It’s an unexpected pleasure to meet esteemed guests I thought I’d encounter in Nadium,” the elderly voice said. He was sipping steamy tea from an exquisite cup. It was evident from the cup’s quality that he had brought it himself. His face beamed with a kind smile, set beneath a long white beard and rounded hat.
As soon as the formal greeting ended, Azwin playfully inquired, sitting in front of him, “Are you off to meet Queen Sanadiel again? You visit her quite often, don’t you? How long do you plan on staying this time?”
Loyal and Gerald pulled up chairs and sat against the wall, but Dunmel and Sheyden stood tall behind Azwin. Kassel observed the stance of the five, learning how to address someone of the High Lord’s stature.
Formalities dictated that one should show respect to those of higher rank. However, Azwin, who was friends even with the Queen, had no reason to be obsequious towards Talrund. Loyal, often indifferent to most things, wouldn’t get excited just because he met a High Lord. Gerald, as always, did not stand on ceremony, while Sheyden remained serious, whether he faced the King of Normant or Kassel. Dunmel was his usual self too.
‘No matter whom they meet, they never change.’
Kassel envied their unwavering confidence.
“Ah, if I could see her more often, wouldn’t once a month be too infrequent? It’s such a pity that the journey is long, and I only see her once a year,” Talrund playfully remarked.
“It’d be great if you were in charge of the Gold Gate, right?” teased Azwin.
“Should I switch?”
Talrund and Azwin both laughed heartily.
“What’s that? It smells wonderful. May I have a cup?” Azwin asked, eyeing the aromatic tea.
“Of course,” Talrund nodded generously. “In fact, I was about to offer. Servant, please prepare five cups. No, wait.”
Talrund instructed the waiting servant, only then noticing Kassel and widening his eyes in surprise. The innocent look in his black eyes beneath his white eyebrows seemed childlike.
“Why am I seeing six White Wolves when there should be only five?”
Kassel bowed once more.
“Greetings. I am Kassel, the newly appointed captain of the Wolf Knights, visiting Aranthia this time.”
“Captain? Wasn’t Sheyden the captain of the Wolf Knights?”
Sheyden’s eyebrows arched.
“When did you start having such a grand misconception?”
“I asked if Master Quain was the captain of the Wolf Knights, and I was told that, in practice, it’s Sheyden.”
‘That’s what Barol’s resentful look meant. He acknowledges Sheyden as captain.’
Kassel already dreaded facing Barol again downstairs.
“I still can’t believe it,” Kassel said with a forced smile to Talrund. “Perhaps once more people recognize me, I can confidently refer to myself as captain. But right now, being recognized as captain by Acrand’s five top knights is proof enough for me.”
With a wide grin, Talrund stood, extending his arms.
“At ninety, all I have is my discerning eye for people, and it’s clear you’re quite the figure, Captain Wolf. It’s a pleasure.”
He then changed his instructions to the servant.
“Prepare six cups.”
As the servant headed downstairs, Talrund invited.
“Sit, everyone. Though we have a busy journey ahead, let’s sneak a taste of the drink dedicated to the Queen of Aranthia.”
Everyone took a seat. Even Sheyden and Dunmel sat now, and Kassel settled beside Azwin.
“From my understanding, anyone can become a Wolf Knight if all the White Wolves agree. It’s not an issue outsiders should interfere with, but is there a reason you brought in a captain from outside?”
“If I were to write that story, I could knock you out with the sheer size of the tome,” Azwin said with a chuckle. “But to simplify, let’s just say ‘we were all charmed by the captain’s allure.'”
“I recall a lengthy discussion with Master Quain and Master Meylumil on what makes a captain,” Talrund reminisced. “Quain argued it’s charisma that subdues all, while Meylumil believed it’s the audacious decisiveness in any situation. I, however, saw it as a captivating humanity. Do you agree with my perspective, Knight Azwin?”
“To some extent, yes. But it seems you’ve had many conversations with previous White Wolves. What did Irine have to say on this matter?”
“Irine? Who’s that?”
Azwin’s eyes widened, reminiscent of a snake eyeing a frog.
“Ah, the drinks have arrived. This is one of my favorites.”
Talrund poured a drink for her, explaining, “At my age, it becomes harder to remember names. I meet Quain every year, and Meylumil writes to me annually, so I remember them. But the others? I haven’t seen them since the war ended. You’ll understand when you’re my age.”
“I don’t plan on living as long as you,” Azwin retorted cheekily. “Honestly, hoping to live till fifty in our line of work is a luxury.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back, so you’ll live long,” Gerald interjected, downing his drink in one go.
“See? It’s because of him. If he dies at forty-nine, I die at fifty,” Azwin teased.
“If having a knight like Gerald by my side ensures I live until a hundred and fifty, I’ll be more than happy,” Talrund chuckled.
“I apologize, but my expertise is in protecting ladies,” Gerald replied with a smirk.
“Too bad. I was considering hiring you after I retire. Pour another drink,” Talrund said.
As Gerald refilled his drink, Azwin took a sip, “What ingredients did you use? This aroma is extraordinary.”
“If food is truly delicious, it’s best to keep its ingredients a secret,” Talrund replied with a soft smile, pouring a drink for Kassel.
“As a welcoming gift for our new captain, let this drink be the first among many to come.”
‘Ah, so it was alcohol and not tea,’ Azwin realized, its distinct aroma unlike any other.
“This drink alone suffices as a gift,” Kassel said, but Talrund waved him off.
“You’re from Camort, right? Here’s something you should remember about Aranthia. If a lord offers a gift, you must accept. It’s a pure gesture of goodwill. Refusing, even out of humility, is considered highly impolite. But don’t worry, this isn’t a burden.”
With that, Talrund raised his glass, “To the jolly Wolves of Aranthia and their new captain.”
The drink tasted better than any they had before. Kassel couldn’t resist requesting another.
“Would you like to accompany me to Nadium?”
As the group stood up, preparing to depart, Talrund extended his offer. But Azwin declined, “We’re too restless to travel with someone at your… leisurely pace.”
“Don’t you ever wish to take a leisurely journey through Aranthia, enjoying its beauty, like me?”
Before Talrund could coax further, Sheyden interjected, “The honor of escorting the High Lord falls to Barol Wolf downstairs.”
“In that case, I’ll head to Nadium first and wait for you. Oh, Gerald, that joke you told me last time was hilarious. Looking forward to the next one.”
Gerald beamed, “I can share one right now. So, a rabbit meets a frog…”
But before he could continue, Azwin pushed him downstairs, and Talrund laughed heartily.
‘Some people do find his jokes amusing,’ Kassel realized with newfound appreciation.
Barol, who had been chatting with Grey Gate’s gatekeeper Murphy, came out to bid them farewell.
“Leaving so soon?”
“We can’t accompany Talrund on a month-long tour, can we?” Sheyden explained, and Barol looked genuinely disappointed. Spotting this, Loyal teased, “Developed any useful techniques lately?”
“Called the Loyal Destruction Technique. Don’t worry, I won’t tell the others. By the way, if you fall, I’m taking your place, okay?” Barol responded, laughing boisterously.
Kassel found his hearty laughter endearing. However, the gaze fixed on him lacked warmth, making it hard for him to share the laughter.
“See you in Nadium, Barol,” Kassel said, turning to leave. In that instant, Barol’s hand rested on the sword at his waist, his stance ever vigilant.
Kassel walked ahead, oblivious to what was happening behind him. However, when Barol made a move, the three White Wolves instantly reacted. Dunmel, who hadn’t uttered a word or gesture till now, swiftly moved to shield Kassel. Sheyden thrust his spear forward, blocking Barol’s path, while Loyal drew his sword, assuming a defensive stance similar to Barol’s. Although a moment too late, Gerald and Azwin, who had been outside the gate, swiftly turned back.
“Huh?”
Only then did Kassel realize his comrades had formed a protective barrier around him.
“There’s no need for you to be the first to test the captain,” Sheyden said sternly.
Barol, who had been bragging about besting Loyal in swordsmanship, immediately withdrew his sword when confronted by the combined might of the five White Wolves. Yet, he looked puzzled.
“But, shouldn’t a captain of the Wolf Knights naturally be tested…”
“We’ll discuss this in Nadium,” Sheyden said, cutting him off. It wasn’t a secret that needed to be kept from Barol, but there was no need to discuss Captain Kassel’s abilities in front of all the gate soldiers. Dunmel retreated, and Loyal sheathed his sword, but Azwin’s temper hadn’t cooled.
“Barol, didn’t I warn you not to pick a fight with the captain?”
Whatever had transpired between them before, Barol seemed genuinely fearful of Azwin’s words. As formidable as a Wolf Knight might be outside, in front of these five, he seemed diminished.
“Relax, Azwin. I’m fine,” Kassel said, smiling at Barol. “I apologize, Barol. I’ll not pass the first test you intended for me. We’ll have time to discuss this in detail.”
Barol neither pursued the matter further nor showed understanding. He merely turned and left.
“If you show weakness, Kassel, they’ll walk all over you,” Azwin remarked.
“I just find such situations awkward,” Kassel replied, quickly exiting the gate.
As they mounted their horses, Sheyden warned, “Remember this, Kassel. If those from the Wolf Knights think you’re weaker, they’ll start trouble.”
“Trouble?”
“They might genuinely challenge you with their swords, assuming that as a Captain Wolf, you’d naturally defend yourself,” Azwin chimed in, rolling his eyes. Kassel gasped.
“You should have warned me sooner!”
“Don’t worry. One of us will always be by your side. But just in case that doesn’t happen, if your opponent is a Wolf Knight and you need to reveal you’re Captain Wolf, always clarify that you can’t use your sword. Just like you told Barol.”
Back in Camort, Kassel had boasted of his swordsmanship skills as a means of survival. This was the polar opposite, and he felt disoriented. Even Gerald looked serious.
“Come to think of it, that makes sense. Even I would likely throw an axe to test any new Captain Wolf,” Gerald chuckled.
“Do you really need to add such terrifying details?” Kassel asked, a touch of humor evident in his voice.
Gerald laughed heartily. “Don’t worry. There aren’t many like that. Besides, we won’t leave your side until you’re safe.”
Kassel resolved never to leave the side of the White Wolves, no matter how frail or cowardly he appeared.
However, on a day of torrential rain, that resolve was put to the test.
☆ ☆ ☆
It wasn’t that they hadn’t anticipated the weather. Sheyden had mentioned the ominous-looking sky since morning. Dunmel had even pointed out that it would rain in an hour or two. But no one had expected such a deluge.
“This doesn’t seem like a brief shower. We need to take cover,” Sheyden said, pointing to a barn in a nearby field. Fortunately, the vicinity was lined with wheat fields, leading to many modest storage buildings filled with dry hay. These buildings were usually unlocked.
“How long do we need to stay here?”
Azwin spoke with a hint of annoyance, “Obviously, until the rain stops. But given the downpour, we might have to stay put for the night.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Azwin exclaimed.
“What’s so ridiculous? This is more than enough for shelter!” Gerald remarked, trying to make himself comfortable on the hay. However, the haystack collapsed beneath him. While he struggled beneath it, no one came to his aid.
Ignoring Gerald’s plight, Azwin said, “That’s not my problem. Our captain, who’s looking forward to a grand trip in Aranthia, is the one who’ll suffer.”
Kassel managed to pull out a straw while Gerald, with great effort, tossed off three at once and stood up. Catching his breath, he said to Azwin, “I’m alright, Azwin.”
“You’re alright?… Oh, right! If there’s a barn like this, there must be a village nearby. Since the rain isn’t too heavy yet, I’ll go check for an inn. It’s more efficient for one person to move in this case rather than all of us suffering. I’ll quickly locate it and then we can all head there together. What do you think?”
“That’s a good idea. But I’ll go,” Kassel offered, standing up swiftly.
“You idiot, it’s because of you that I suggested going. It won’t make sense if you get wet.”
“Just let me do this. I really don’t want you getting wet in the rain, more than I want to spend a night in this barn. This is an order. All of you wait here. I’ll find the village and return!”
Azwin made a fuss, “Hey, everyone, something big just happened. The captain just gave an order. And it wasn’t even a cool one!”
Kassel, not wanting to indulge in this banter, simply exited the barn. It seemed no one was too concerned, as they just let him be. Laughter echoed from inside the barn as Kassel left.
Mounting his horse, Kassel sped off. He thought if he didn’t find a village soon, he would just return.
Surprisingly, he found a village rather quickly and located a small inn. With the inn being unoccupied, he easily secured rooms for the six of them. However, as he left the inn, the rain intensified. The drizzle had turned into a torrential downpour. His horse, spooked by the rain, ran for cover.
The innkeeper stepped out, looking worried as the rain pounded on the roof, creating rivulets on the once dry path. Kassel, though under the eaves, was drenched from the splash.
“You might want to wait for your friends inside. It’s going to be tough for them to come in this downpour,” the innkeeper suggested.
“I have to go back. My friends are in a barn in the fields. I came ahead to find lodging,” Kassel explained.
“Why would you split up in the first place?”
“It just happened that way,” Kassel dodged the complicated explanation.
“In all my years, I’ve never seen rain like this,” the innkeeper mumbled before heading inside.
“They must be waiting,” Kassel anxiously hoped for the rain to let up. But even if it did, reaching the barn now seemed a perilous task. The fields were flooded, and walking through them on foot risked drowning.
Of course, if the situation was urgent and of utmost importance, he would’ve braved this risk. He remembered riding alone in Camort and encountering a wild dog; this seemed a lesser danger compared to that.
“They’ll manage on their own.”
Kassel’s primary concern was that they might be worried about him. Considering they were five fearless White Wolves, there was no way they could be in any danger in this rain. They also had emergency rations, so there was no fear of hunger.
“I came out to take on the hardship, but now I’m the only one in comfort,” Kassel mused, feeling guilty as he lay alone in a bed.
He woke up early at dawn to find the rain had ceased. Aside from the newly formed streams, the damage to the village seemed minimal.
“The barn they’re in looked sturdier than this inn,” Kassel thought, preparing breakfast for everyone before leaving the village.
The path he had ridden on the previous day was a complete mess, making it impassable. He had no choice but to take a longer route. From a distance, he spotted the barn, but one side of it appeared to be damaged.
‘The barn must have collapsed due to the torrential downpour…’
As he got closer, something seemed off. If the rain had caused the damage, the roof would have caved in, but the walls were shattered. Kassel ran towards the barn.
Before opening the barn door, he noticed fresh footprints on the ground. From their clarity, it seemed they were made after the rain had stopped. Kassel felt a bit relieved.
‘If the barn had collapsed during the downpour, these post-rain footprints wouldn’t exist. So, there wasn’t an accident due to rain.’
Upon opening the barn door, Kassel found it empty. A sinking feeling overwhelmed him.
‘Did I come to the wrong place? Right, there are many similarly looking storage buildings around here,’ Kassel hoped, examining the surroundings.
The damaged wall looked even worse from the inside. The scattered wooden debris and hay made it difficult to discern if this was the barn they had sheltered in the previous night.
‘Bloodstains?’
The sight of the bloodstains unnerved Kassel.
The trail of blood led to one corner of the barn, where a headless horse lay. Its head was several steps away.
‘What on earth?’
Suppressing a groan, Kassel took in the grim scene. The five horses they had were reduced to one, and that one was gruesomely beheaded. But most disturbing was the absence of the five White Wolves that should have been with those horses.
Kassel stood desolately, unable to move. Something had transpired the previous night amidst the downpour. And the five White Wolves had vanished, leaving their captain behind.
“Why does something terrible always happen when it rains?”
That was all Kassel could muster.
–TL Notes–
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