Kassel couldn’t discern how long he’d sat in the barn, waiting vacantly. Anxiety swept through his mind that with each passing moment, the situation grew more perilous.
‘This place has witnessed some event. Waiting here aimlessly isn’t a wise choice. Sitting without pondering is even less so.’
Kassel decided to assess the situation. He started with the most pressing concern.
First, a horse was dead.
It wasn’t that his companions had grown so bored on a rainy night that they’d destroyed the barn walls and threw straw, causing chaos.
Second, there were signs of a fight.
He didn’t expect to decipher much by examining the traces, but with a slight hope, he scrutinized the floor intently. There were abundant signs. In fact, there were so many that it was difficult to discern what had transpired. Scattered straw and footprints were everywhere, and the ground bore scrapes and dents.
The presence of white stone dust indicated the traces were recent. However, the cause of such marks remained elusive. The signs resembled those made by dragging something heavy, yet there could be many culprits: weapons like swords and axes, or farming tools like hoes and shovels.
Kassel sat back on the straw. Even if they were ambushed, it was improbable that not a single soul remained. There were five knights, each with the capability to alter the fate of an army. What kind of ambush could possibly bring down all five? An entire army, perhaps?
Kassel could imagine Sheyden and Gerald fighting hundreds of soldiers, but he couldn’t envision all five White Wolves being taken down in an ambush. Nevertheless, he contemplated the worst-case scenario.
‘The White Wolves aren’t invincible. Suppose one of them was injured or even killed in a dire mishap. I don’t know what that mishap might be, but let’s say all five were defeated in battle. All the White Wolves are dead. Then where are the bodies? Were they killed and their bodies hidden?’
Blood was present on the floor, but it was the horse’s. No human bodies were found.
Kassel examined the horse’s corpse once more. Although it wasn’t distinctive, traveling with it for several days made it recognizable. It was Sheyden’s horse.
‘Where are the other horses? Why only Sheyden’s horse?’
The horse seemed to have been sliced with a colossal cleaver. Even if Gerald had swung his massive axe, such a clean cut seemed improbable.
Upon further inspection, he noticed that all wooden windows were shattered, with only one barely hanging by its hinge. The fragments lay outside the barn.
‘What kind of battle results in these traces?’
Kassel couldn’t imagine.
‘A battle without bodies or blood. A large-scale combat that leaves the barn in chaos.’
Kassel considered three possibilities.
First hypothesis: Nothing had happened.
Concerned about Kassel, who hadn’t returned despite the rain, the White Wolves had left the barn to search for him in the village, and paths had crossed. The traces of battle in the barn had nothing to do with the White Wolves. It was merely a coincidence… Accidents do happen. And the horse’s death was due to some trivial reason.
‘If only that were the case.’
Second hypothesis: The White Wolves had fought someone here. During the confrontation, Sheyden’s horse was killed. The enemy fled, and everyone pursued them…
‘In that case, at least one of them would’ve waited for me.’
Third: Someone attacked the White Wolves, and all five were overpowered. They were either taken hostage or disappeared simultaneously because the enemy took the bodies. Only the dead horse was left behind, perhaps deemed unimportant.
‘The third is most plausible. It implies my friends are all dead. God forbid.’
Amidst all these speculations, Kassel decided to first leave the barn as he initially thought. He returned to the village where he had spent the previous night to see if any of his friends had come looking for him.
“No such guests have been here.”
The only visitor from yesterday was Kassel, the innkeeper replied without a second thought. If the White Wolves had been here, their distinct appearance would surely have caught everyone’s attention. Yet no villager recognized them.
Kassel stood at the village entrance, gazing at the fields outside, now a mess due to the torrential rain. He spotted a few farmers, cursing their ruined crops and dragging their farming tools.
Reality began to sink in. And as he listened to the farmers’ curses, an answer emerged, one he hadn’t grasped in the barn.
‘Just as I had to make a decision yesterday due to the downpour, my friends also had to make a choice the day before. Some matter of great importance that forced them to leave me behind. They believed I’d act sensibly on my own.’
Facing the decision to move alone, Kassel hesitated for a moment.
He had already been given detailed directions to Nadium and knew the geography of Aranthia well enough. It wasn’t a complicated path, and even if he got lost, he could always ask for directions.
“Let’s go!”
Mounting his horse, he directed it towards the westward path. This wasn’t the lawless outskirts of Camort, plagued by bandits, nor was it Aranthia from over a decade ago, scarred by war. Moreover, it wasn’t like before when they hastily rode to Normant without the promised backup from Count Enoa. He could leisurely travel from village to village.
“It’s okay. It’s just a journey, that’s all.”
Kassel murmured to reassure himself. Nadium was roughly a fortnight’s walk away. Riding, he could get there in five days, even at a leisurely pace. He hypnotized himself into believing that, as Azwin had said, this period would be a pleasant travel.
Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t much help.
☆ ☆ ☆
At first, he felt a bit anxious, but once he started moving, his spirits lifted. Physical movement cleared his mind, the weather improved, and so did his mood. Eventually, optimism led him to believe that his friends might not have faced grave danger.
He even began to leisurely admire the surrounding scenery. However, just an hour into this newfound tranquility, Kassel encountered a significant problem, one he’d completely overlooked while traveling with his friends but became glaringly obvious now that he was alone.
He had no money!
The only money he had was what he had brought to book a room for himself and his friends the previous night and a few silver coins as emergency funds. The group’s funds were split between Dunmel and Sheyden.
Kassel quickly began to calculate. Summer meant he could sleep outdoors. But what about food and other expenses? There was also a toll fee at the Red Gate.
Realizing the gravity of his financial situation, Kassel tightly gripped the reins, causing his horse to stop. An icy gust of wind struck him, and it felt as if the desolation in his heart was being swept away by it.
He couldn’t continue without money. Standing too long in the open plains without the sight of a single soul made him uneasy, so Kassel hastily organized his thoughts.
‘It’s approximately two days to the Red Gate. I have enough for tonight. After that, I’ll seek help at the Red Gate. If I reveal my identity as Captain Wolf, maybe they’ll escort me to Nadium. At the very least, they won’t turn away someone with Aranthia’s sword at his side.’
Kassel reasoned with himself and then immediately denied it.
“No. That’s not a good idea.”
Suddenly brandishing the sword of a nation and proclaiming, ‘I am Captain of the Wolf Knights’, would the guards greet him with ‘Welcome..’ or would they arrest him? Which outcome was more likely?
The gate soldiers weren’t fools. If he was to be arrested like this, it was better to hide his identity until reaching Nadium. At least, if arrested there, he’d be dealing with higher-ranking officials and would have a chance to explain himself.
Perhaps Nadium already had word of Kassel being Captain Wolf. What might be unknown at the Red Gate might be known at the White Gate. If luck favored, his friends, who disappeared from the barn, might already be there.
The more he thought about it, the more unnerving it became that within Aranthia, he had no surefire way to prove his identity. Every single person who could vouch for his possession of this sword was missing. To be frank, without the sword, he was nothing. He remembered his first encounter with Lumil in Ambrue.
“Maybe I should earn some money along the way?”
Kassel blurted out that thought, then shouted.
“Coward! Is that the best idea the captain of the strongest knight group can come up with? Go and die!”
He was also wary of walking around with this sword. Without anyone to protect him, if he lost it or if it was stolen, the consequences would be unbearable.
Kassel looked back.
‘What if I turn back?’
The Grey Gate would surely acknowledge Captain Wolf. The gatekeeper, Murphy, would likely lend enough to get him to the White Gate.
“No. That’s wasting another day. Better to hurry to the White Gate and explain there. If I get that far, everything will be fine, even without money…”
Upon thinking of the Grey Gate, another face surfaced in his mind. Beyond his friends, there was one more person who knew his face and title. And a high-ranking person at that.
“High Lord Talrund!”
He too had said he was heading to Nadium and unless he had sprinted ahead in his slow carriage through the rain, he was surely still behind Kassel. It seemed a better option than returning to the Grey Gate.
Kassel turned his horse around to retrace his steps.
☆ ☆ ☆
Finding High Lord’s procession wasn’t difficult. Three ornately decorated carriages shone brilliantly under the scorching sun, their massive banners fluttering high, making it easy to recognize them as the High Lord’s from afar.
Relieved, Kassel approached. Protecting the three carriages were about fifty soldiers, and leading them was Barol, the Wolf Knight he had seen at the Blue Gate.
With excitement, Kassel galloped toward them, but Barol immediately signaled him to halt. His gesture was authoritative, as if greeting an enemy.
Kassel stopped his horse and introduced himself.
“Hello again. It’s Kassel.”
Even after mentioning his name and showing his face, Barol’s stern expression didn’t change. Kassel hadn’t expected a warm welcome, but this cold reception was unexpected.
“You turned back for some business?”
‘What would he say if I asked him, like this, to escort me to Nadium?’
After a moment of hesitation, Kassel replied,
“I got separated from my group due to an accident. I wish to seek temporary refuge. Could I see the High Lord?”
Kassel followed Sheyden’s advice. There was no need to lie here, and there was no point in arguing with a Wolf Knight he’d soon be journeying with.
“Were you abandoned by your subordinates?”
Barol asked with a tone that was hard to interpret, a mix of jest and sarcasm. Kassel was displeased with Barol referring to the White Wolves as subordinates, but he didn’t challenge it.
“I wasn’t abandoned. There were… some circumstances.”
“To think a captain, wandering aimlessly because he’s alone… Do you really need to seek refuge just because you’re alone?”
Barol continued with his prickly tone. Kassel was taken aback and couldn’t find an immediate response. Fortunately, Barol didn’t press further.
“Follow me. The rest, continue moving.”
Barol gave commands to the trailing soldiers and led Kassel to the central carriage of the three. Gently guiding his horse alongside the carriage, he knocked on its window.
“Lord Talrund, there is a visitor for you.”
The curtain of the carriage window was drawn, revealing the kindly face of the elderly man Kassel had seen just two days ago.
“Isn’t this Captain Wolf?”
Talrund immediately broke into a warm smile and issued an order.
“Halt the caravan for a moment.”
“Do we need to stop?”
“Can we continue moving while greeting Captain Wolf?”
“Understood.”
Barol relayed the order, and the fifty soldiers under his command stopped seamlessly. Kassel dismounted and bowed in greeting.
“I promised we’d meet again in Nadium, but I did not expect to block your path like this. I apologize, Lord Talrund.”
“Meeting someone, good or bad, isn’t a matter of apologies for me. If a child on the road comes to meet me, I’d be glad. And if it’s none other than the captain of the Wolf Knights, it’s only natural to stop, no matter how busy. But what happened?”
“It’s a long story.”
Kassel said with an awkward smile.
“A problem for Captain Wolf?”
The old man asked with a curious smile.
“Shall we discuss it? First, would you like to hand over your horse to the soldiers and join me in the carriage, Captain Wolf?”
“Thank you.”
A soldier with a brown beard approached and extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Captain Wolf. My name is Harler, the captain of High Lord’s guards.”
Kassel shook hands but didn’t offer his horse’s reins.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to entrust it to the captain of the guards.”
“Not at all. It’s an honor.”
The handsome middle-aged soldier gently took the reins from Kassel’s hand. Kassel nodded in thanks and also gave a slight bow to Barol, but Barol turned away, his cold gaze unchanging.
It was a hostile attitude. He had reacted the same way back at the Grey Gate. It reminded Kassel of the knight Bading from Camort. A cold demeanor shown to Captain Wolf, from a highly skilled fighter like Bading. If that was the case, his next move was evident.
‘He’ll challenge me!’
Azwin’s warning flashed in his mind.
‘One who would truly draw a sword to test… Thinking that Captain Wolf would surely defend…’
Kassel desperately hoped he’d have the chance to tell Barol before any confrontation that he barely knew how to wield a sword.
‘I’ll tell him as soon as I leave Lord Talrund’s carriage.’
As Kassel climbed into the High Lord’s carriage, the procession started moving again. Inside, Kassel briefly recounted the events of the rainy day to Lord Talrund.
Talrund listened intently and then made an unexpected remark.
“Given how captivating your story is, I wonder if you’re not originally a storyteller. How do you tell it so intriguingly?”
‘I’m worried sick, and he finds my story entertaining?’
Kassel was slightly taken aback.
“I’ve always loved stories since I was a child. My father was a great storyteller; perhaps I was influenced by him.”
Kassel steered the conversation back.
“I’m deeply concerned about my friends. But there was nothing I could do back there. I felt overwhelmed traveling to Nadium alone and thought of seeking refuge. Apart from High Lord Talrund, I couldn’t think of anyone else.”
“To think Captain Wolf sees me as a sanctuary. It’s an honor. Worry not, journey with me to Nadium. In about a fortnight, the White Gate will be receiving not one, but two esteemed guests.”
It might not be ideal to take such a leisurely journey, but it was a relief.
‘I hope my friends are alright.’
With his friends possibly facing hardships, Kassel felt guilty for traveling comfortably.
☆ ☆ ☆
Kassel was eating a chicken leg for lunch, feeling the weight of the soldiers’ scrutinizing gazes. At first, he wasn’t sure if they were staring at him or the chicken leg he was devouring. Their glares weren’t friendly. Was it because of Barol’s apparent hostility? Whatever the reason, the soldiers’ stares felt menacing.
‘Is it because I’m the only one eating meat? But that’s not the case?’
The food Kassel and the ordinary soldiers consumed was the same. True to the enormous wealth of the High Lord of Aranthia, the quality of the meal was excellent. It wasn’t like Kassel was receiving special treatment by eating chicken. While it was just a personal theory, if the quality of food that the High Lord consumed was reduced by one grade, the quality of food available for all the soldiers increased by one grade. Having seen numerous nobles do the opposite, Kassel began to think more highly of the elderly Talrund from these small details.
‘Did I eat too greedily?’
Compared to Barol’s voracious eating, Kassel was modest.
‘Are they disappointed? That this young man is all there is to Captain Wolf?’
The overtly hostile gazes of the soldiers were more intimidating than their whispers. As soon as Kassel stepped out of the carriage, he wasn’t given a chance to speak to Barol. And missing that chance multiple times made it increasingly awkward to approach Barol directly.
‘When should I speak? I should do it today. Or should I just stick close to the soldiers or the High Lord to prevent him from challenging me?’
Kassel swallowed the chicken, unsure if he was chewing or just swallowing whole, and set down his plate. Hearing a rustle beside him, he turned to see Barol standing there. Hand resting on the hilt of his sword, he looked down at Kassel disinterestedly.
“Finished your meal?”
Kassel tried to respond with a natural smile, but it came out awkwardly forced. Barol took a seat beside him.
“You saw me eat.”
Kassel had expected Barol to discuss something significant, but the man remained silent. It wasn’t easy for Kassel to speak about his inability to use a sword, given the many prying ears around.
‘Maybe I should tell him? He’s the High Lord’s guard, not an enemy.’
Barol’s silence was discomforting. Kassel doubted Barol would challenge him in such a public setting, but recalling the unpredictable nature of his other friends, he felt it was a possibility.
He needed to broach the topic first. But how?
“Are you really the captain?”
Barol initiated the conversation.
“Yes, I am.”
Kassel responded cautiously.
“I’m curious about the process. How did you convince those five, who without their pride, have nothing left? I don’t believe you possess an overpowering skill.”
‘Thank goodness, he brought it up first!’
Kassel let out a sigh of relief.
“It’s not about lacking overpowering skill; I can’t use a sword at all.”
“Quit the nonsense and just answer the question. Did you cast a spell on the White Wolves? Did you hypnotize them to recognize you as captain?”
“Hypnotize? If I had such a method, I would have used it on you as well.”
Kassel managed a retort. Barol seemed taken aback, as if hit by a striking revelation. Kassel raised his hand to placate him.
“I truly cannot wield a sword. But the reason I became the captain… If I were to explain, as Sheyden once put it, it’s a long story.”
“Cut the rambling. The captains of the Wolf Knights were Loyal, before him it was Master Quain, and before that, it was Grando. They were all the best of the Wolf Knights and they still are. Captains are chosen among the best. And now you expect me to believe you without any proof?”
Kassel whispered, holding out both hands.
“Barol, you’re speaking loudly.”
“So what if I am?”
“Then let’s move to another spot.”
“We can discuss it here.”
Barol insisted.
“I don’t want to tarnish the reputation of the Wolf Knights.”
“Who’s tarnishing?”
“It’s me.”
While Barol had a stern face similar to Sheyden’s, he wasn’t as good at masking his emotions. His tough demeanor cracked.
“You aren’t afraid just because we’re alone, are you?”
Kassel asked. Barol showed his anger much quicker than intended. Kassel became worried seeing Barol’s face turn excessively red from words he had assumed would be received calmly. Suddenly, Kassel remembered when Barol had been verbally abused by Azwin at the Blue Gate.
‘I shouldn’t provoke him.’
Immediately, Kassel adjusted his approach and stood up. Though Barol looked irritated, he quietly followed. When they reached a distance where no one else could hear their conversation, Kassel sighed in relief.
“Thank goodness. I got an opportunity to speak with you. I was worried about what would happen if we just passed without discussing this.”
Kassel tried to smile, but Barol’s eyes were overflowing with suspicion.
“Just answer me. If you can’t even use a sword, how did you become the captain?”
“Well, you see…”
Kassel quickly formulated a condensed version of his long tale.
He had prepared a longer version, likely for a grand meal with the Wolf Knights in Nadium. But now was not the time.
‘If the story is too long, it’s boring and loses credibility. However, I haven’t prepared a short and powerful version. What to do?’
Kassel pondered, seeking a way to deflect the impending confrontation. He had a method to dodge the conversation with intensity.
“Why aren’t you speaking?”
Barol urged.
“It’s hard to explain.”
Kassel sighed.
“It was magic that made the White Wolves my friends and made me their captain. Yes, magic.”
“Magic?”
Barol took a step back, positioning his right leg for a potential sword draw. Kassel recognized the stance immediately, one practiced for a flashy sword draw. Before things escalated further, Kassel quickly clarified.
“It’s not the kind of magic from Lutia you might think of. I just called it magic because I can’t even explain it myself.”
“It’s best if you refrain from making such jokes in front of a Wolf Knight.”
“It’s not a joke.”
Kassel emphasized with a serious tone.
“Do you think the White Wolves you know would submit just because of some magic I supposedly cast? Do you think I could make them submit so easily? Come on!”
Barol remained silent. Kassel considered this a victory, having prevented an immediate sword draw.
“In reality, being the captain of the Wolf Knights without even knowing how to wield a sword is strange, even to me. And to truly be a captain, I think I should be recognized by everyone, not just the White Wolves. I will use my magic once again in Nadium. Of course, it might not work. And if it doesn’t work, I might not be accepted as the captain and might be expelled. But that’s okay. I’ve faced death several times already. You’re not going to kill me, Barol.”
Kassel spoke with outward calmness but inward desperation.
‘So, after saying this much, he won’t immediately pull out his sword, right? Surely, he won’t just kick me out. What do you think?’
Barol did not challenge Kassel’s words. Barol didn’t back down but didn’t escalate either. An uncomfortable silence ensued. Barol’s face was full of dissatisfaction, hesitating, seeming to want to speak.
“I don’t understand a word you said.”
Barol finally spoke. Hearing this, Kassel realized he might have said something wrong.
‘Right. He’s not my enemy. He’s not some shrewd calculating noble. He’s a knight of the Wolf Knights, a group known for their expertise in swordsmanship and not much else.’
Kassel felt relieved.
He had been too preemptive due to fear of Barol possibly drawing his sword. Only now did he understand all of Barol’s actions. The deliberate anger, the challenges, the staring, approaching first but not speaking… When he considered Barol as someone who only knew the way of the sword and nothing else, everything made sense.
‘He came to be friends with me!’
Barol grumbled and asked.
“So what? You brought me here just for that? Whether you go to Nadium and use magic or not, what do you want?”
Despite Barol’s harsh tone, Kassel now felt completely at ease.
‘Engaging in a meticulous and calculated conversation might be disrespectful. He’s a Wolf Knight. Just like the White Wolves, he’s one of those I wanted to see!’
Kassel drew out the sword of Aranthia.
“It’s more about this.”
Holding out the sword, he said.
“Why this?”
Barol looked down at the sword and questioned.
“To give it to you.”
“To me?”
Barol showed an instinctive refusal. Kassel calmly explained.
“As I told Talrund, due to an accident, I got separated from the White Wolves. But, as I mentioned, I don’t have the skills to guard this sword. I considered going to Nadium alone but came to Talrund because of this sword. So, please take care of it.”
It wasn’t a lie. Sheyden had told him not to easily give up the sword he once held, but now seemed like an appropriate time to let go for a while.
Barol took the hilt but didn’t pull it immediately, instead, gauging Kassel’s reaction.
“A real…sword of legend.”
“Originally, Loyal had it. Due to a series of events, it came to me, and now I’m its guardian.”
“The White Wolves don’t care that you have this?”
“At some point, it just became natural.”
“Then why hand this precious sword to me so freely? As a captain, you should hold onto the sword till the end! And normally, you’d request a subordinate like me to guard you, wouldn’t you? Even Master Quain, when holding something important, has the protection of the Wolf Knights.”
“I can’t do that. I’m not your superior, and I haven’t earned your respect yet. Looking at things, it might take months for my magic to work on you.”
Kassel said with a joking smile.
“Keep it. Once we return to Nadium, return it to either me or Master Quain, whichever you prefer.”
Barol pondered for quite a while on whether to pull the sword or let go. Either decision was fine with Kassel. While losing his sole proof of captaincy, with the High Lord by his side, he didn’t necessarily need that proof. Instead of being a shield, it might attract danger.
Barol would guard it more safely than if it were in Kassel’s hands. If anything happened, Barol would even risk his life!
“It’s better if you keep it since it was originally yours.”
Barol let go of the sword. A reaction expected from a Wolf Knight, especially since even the White Wolves couldn’t hold this blade.
“Then please ensure I safely carry this sword to Nadium.”
“Safe? Inside Aranthia, there’s no need for such words to a Wolf Knight. Remember that.”
Barol swiftly turned and headed to the carriage. Kassel sheathed the sword.
‘Once in Nadium, will I have to do this fifty times? Perhaps I fit the role of a stable keeper for the Wolf Knights more than their captain.’
Kassel nodded at the thought of a fitting position.
☆ ☆ ☆
The procession of High Lord Talrund’s carriage went on tediously safely. Kassel felt anew how every moment of his journey, when he rode with the White Wolves, was filled with tension. Gerald would stir up trouble if nothing happened for more than an hour, and Azwin had an innate ability to create events out of nothing. Even that sensible Loyal would remark, “Aren’t there any bandits in this borderland?” if a day passed without incident. Because of their quirky antics, Kassel was always on edge, even in his sleep.
Kassel stealthily asked Harler.
“Is it always this safe?”
“Huh? What an odd question,” Harler responded.
“It’s nothing.”
“The most dangerous thing would probably be… hmm, the downpour from the day before.”
“Oh, that was intense.”
“If we look further back… the scariest incident might have been a lost wild bull charging towards the carriage until Barol intervened, startling it to flee.”
“Wow, that sounds quite risky.”
“It was a sight. Other than that, it was fairly dull. But it’s expected, being the High Lord’s procession.”
Kassel hoped the rest of the journey would continue this dull.
The soldiers of Talrund were still wary of Kassel. When they referred to him, it felt like they were begrudgingly calling him “captain” only because Talrund had so ardently called him that.
“They’re afraid,” explained Captain Harler, who had consistently treated Kassel with utmost respect since their first meeting. He would periodically check if Kassel needed water, or if he was uncomfortable, or if there was anything else he wanted. Kassel always replied that he was fine, but Harler would come back every hour and ask the same things. Kassel pondered how many times he would hear this question during the fortnight it would take to reach the White Gate. It seemed like a way to pass the time.
“Of me? With this plain face?”
Kassel asked with a chuckle.
“No, Captain Wolf. We’ve seen numerous Wolf Knights while guarding the High Lord. There are many that look weaker than you. Seeing the captain who leads those knights… wouldn’t any soldier be afraid?”
Harler whispered with a chuckle, “Between you and me, I actually wanted to apply to the Wolf Knights once. I lacked skill and as a married man, couldn’t embark on adventures, so I chose a stable life. But I haven’t completely given up that dream yet.”
How could he respond? Don’t envy me. I don’t just look weak, I am weak…
Honesty could be hurtful in this context, yet he didn’t want to lie in response to such sincerity.
“I believe that guarding the High Lord is an honorable task,” Kassel could only offer that much encouragement.
“Thank you,” Harler smiled faintly.
‘How many more like him will I meet? Everyone probably imposes on me their idealized image of Captain Wolf. Will I always have to respond like this?’
He remembered the days when he was always thinking of how to exaggerate his abilities to survive. But now, his struggles were different. Kassel did not want the Wolf Knights to be dishonored.
He needed Sheyden’s advice, though he’d already received similar guidance countless times.
In the end, with a personal pep talk, Kassel decided to push these worries aside.
Everything seemed manageable until a knight stood in High Lord’s way. The vague hope that once he reached Nadium, he would meet his friends and all these issues would be naturally resolved shattered right in front of him.
“Stop the carriages now!”
A booming voice commanded, powerful enough to halt an army. Some stopped in surprise, while others continued moving since there wasn’t a direct order to halt, causing the formation to become slightly disrupted.
Barol calmed the soldiers.
“Who is this insolent fellow blocking the way of the High Lord’s carriage?”
Barol’s voice was as commanding as the other’s. Kassel peeked outside the carriage, but from the distance, he couldn’t quite discern the face of the opposing knight.
Regardless of the other party’s intentions, the current position of their halted carriage was unfavorable. To the right was a hill, and to the left a dense thicket. Both obstructed the view, providing ample cover to hide a significant force. Recent lessons in strategy made him aware of such details.
Kassel hoped both Barol and Harler were aware of this.
“This feels like a fight’s brewing,” Talrund remarked in a surprisingly casual tone.
“Don’t worry, Captain Wolf. In Aranthia, no group of bandits would dare attack a force this size. Plus, we have two Wolf Knights with us.”
Kassel was taken aback, wondering if this elder really placed such faith in him.
From afar, the man who halted the carriage spoke, his voice echoing.
“My name is Billy Matney. Do you have a Wolf Knight with you?”
“Here,” Barol responded confidently.
The man introduced as Billy continued, “It seems you’re not Captain Wolf. Do you have Captain Wolf there?”
For a moment, Barol glanced back. Kassel, who had been peering out the window, was startled by the mention of his title. After a brief contemplation, Barol replied, “We do.”
Kassel felt an ominous foreboding that the situation was about to take a sinister turn.
“Send him to me. I have words for him,” Billy said.
“If you’re going to order Captain Wolf around like that, it seems unlikely that our conversation will be conflict-free, doesn’t it?”
“Alright, Knight Barol. I’ll clarify my intentions. I, Billy Matney, formally request a duel with Captain Wolf…”
“I refuse,” Barol interrupted before Billy could finish his sentence. Billy, taken aback, reiterated, “I’m proposing a duel.”
“Don’t repeat yourself,” Barol retorted without hesitation. Billy clenched his jaw, visibly irritated. Another voice chimed in as a man appeared beside Billy. His face was handsome, but his voice matched any man’s in vigor.
“Since when did the Wolf Knights concern themselves with formalities and procedures, Barol Droi?”
Barol’s eyes widened, “Suvel? Suvel Lefman?”
“Yes! The knight who should have had the title of Wolf instead of you. It’s been 5 years, but it’s an honor you still remember this humble face.”
Scratching beside his eye, Barol replied, “How could I forget such a unique face?”
Suvel spoke with a mix of amusement and annoyance, “Let’s not discuss what goes beyond my face. Regardless, I can’t believe it. How did someone who lost to me five times get the title of Wolf? Tell me!”
In a growling tone, Barol replied, “Someone who didn’t pass the second test wouldn’t understand its meaning, so there’s no need for me to explain.”
“Oh, I know very well! How to pass that test and what it signifies.”
“Then why did you fail?”
Suvel stepped forward, past Billy, and said, “What does that matter now? Isn’t the core issue who’s stronger currently?”
Exhaling heavily through his nose, Barol agreed, “Fine. That’s better than accepting a pointless duel. Wait there, Suvel. If you run, you die.”
With that, he turned and headed back to the carriage where Kassel and Talrund were.
“Lord Talrund, I’d like to delegate my command to Harler and act independently now, if that’s alright?”
“What are you planning?” Talrund asked in surprise.
“I intend to accept the duel between knights.”
“Risking your life?”
“He seems like someone who won’t be satisfied until he sees blood.”
“A Wolf Knight shouldn’t back down from such a challenge. I’ll allow it. But shouldn’t your Captain have the final say?”
Talrund naturally turned his gaze to Kassel.
‘He’s asking for permission after already deciding?’
Kassel felt the pressure, but decided to address his earlier concerns.
“Don’t show your wolf fangs.”
Barol blinked several times, “What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t go all out. I sense more than just those two.”
Barol cocked his head, looking puzzled. Kassel was equally perplexed.
“Somehow, you’re speaking like the Captain,” Barol noted. Talrund, not comprehending the exchange, chuckled.
“Interesting exchange. Shall we continue?”
Barol nodded, “My apologies, Lord Talrund.”
Turning to Kassel, Barol gave a peculiar smile, “We’ll talk when I return.”
Barol dashed midway between where Billy stood and the carriage. Kassel initially decided to stay put but changed his mind and exited the carriage. When Talrund inquired, he offered no response.
Suvel was already waiting. Kassel cautiously approached. Harler, perhaps concerned, followed.
The incredibly handsome man, Suvel, inquired, “Did you learn much from Master Quain, Barol Wolf?”
Without rising to the bait, Barol responded, “Not much. He rarely teaches us directly. But what brought you back, Suvel?”
“A failed candidate can’t visit Aranthia?”
Kassel drew closer to catch every word.
“Dropping out was regrettable, considering your skills. However, if you wish to return, you might be given another chance at the test,” Barol said diplomatically.
“Stop pretending you’re stronger just because you’ve become a Wolf Knight. But I am curious, is that truly your Captain?”
Suvel suspiciously eyed Kassel.
“Does it matter if he is or isn’t?”
At Barol’s retort, Suvel clenched his fists, “Fine. You’ve become cocky now that you’re a Wolf Knight. I’ll thrash you here, and once you’re down, your Captain will step up, won’t he?”
“You’re suggesting a duel, not a match?”
Flipping his hair back, Barol sought clarity.
“Once swords are drawn, it’s both a match and a battle.”
Suvel unsheathed his blade, and simultaneously, Barol did the same. It didn’t feel like a duel between knights but more like two thugs about to brawl.
“Don’t regret not sending your Captain for this match.”
Signifying the beginning of their duel, their swords lightly clashed. In an instant, Suvel aggressively swung his blade. Barol, who had been on the defensive, swiftly retreated. The blade narrowly grazed his cheek.
“Why would I have any regrets?”
Barol counterattacked. However, Suvel adeptly evaded and struck from the left. If Barol defended the left, Suvel was suddenly on the right, and vice versa. It was an incredibly fast-paced exchange. Watching from afar, Kassel couldn’t even discern Suvel’s movements.
In a brief moment of vulnerability, Suvel thrust his blade towards Barol’s chest. Barol narrowly evaded the blow but couldn’t dodge the following kick. He rolled backward and got up, his once white clothes now smeared with dirt.
Suvel didn’t show any sign of triumphant celebration. Instead, he seemed angered.
“If the Wolf Knights are only this capable, I wonder why I even bothered training so hard in the past.”
Brushing off the dirt on his chest, Barol responded, “Indeed, you were a talent fit for the Wolf Knights. I still question the meaning of the second test. Why did you abandon it?”
“I didn’t want to join some mediocre knight group. Satisfied? Don’t question me during a fight.”
“Eh, I wasn’t really asking out of curiosity.”
Barol swung his sword at Suvel again. Suvel, with overwhelming speed, dominated his opponent. Barol, after another powerful strike from Suvel, found himself on the ground once more, dusting off dirt. To Kassel, this situation was far from a minor humiliation, especially considering Barol’s reputation as a Wolf Knight.
Kassel, concerned about the soldiers’ morale while watching the duel, took a quick glance behind. At that moment, he noticed a face peeking from the bushes on the left.
‘There’s an ambush!’
Immediately, Kassel called out to Harler.
“Captain Harler?”
“Yes, Captain Wolf?”
“Without shifting your gaze or responding further, listen closely. There’s someone lurking in the bushes. Do not react but inform the soldiers.”
Harler, heeding Kassel’s words, discreetly alerted the soldiers. Kassel, checking again, noticed that the soldiers, with unchanged expressions, maintained their formations while continuing to watch the duel.
“Hey, Barol. What happened? If I didn’t become significantly stronger, it seems you’ve weakened since five years ago. Are you holding back? If you have a move, better use it before you die!”
Suvel shouted, yet unexpectedly, Barol calmly admitted, “I am indeed holding back. You’ve become stronger.”
“What?”
“But Suvel, I have something to say. If you really believe training alone made you stronger than joining the Wolf Knights, you made the wrong choice. Such talent wasted alone.”
“You…”
Barol subtly shifted his sword stance.
“Until now, I was Barol Droi. From now on, I am Barol Wolf. I’ll show you the meaning behind the second test of the Wolf Knights.”
Barol’s stance subtly changed, a nuance Kassel couldn’t discern.
“Don’t get cocky!”
Suvel shouted as their clash resumed. Although Barol hadn’t appeared faster or stronger, the tide seemed to turn. Suvel, despite his aggression, ended up with cuts on his arm and shoulder.
Suvel’s eyes flickered with shock. To Kassel, it appeared Barol now had the upper hand. From afar, Billy’s surprised expression confirmed Kassel’s assessment. With sweaty hands, Kassel intently watched the fight’s progression.
“You bastard, you didn’t move your right foot earlier!”
Stopping his assault, Suvel unexpectedly exclaimed.
“That was an old habit of mine. Barol Droi used to fight like that. Convincing, wasn’t it?”
Now it was Barol who taunted. Suvel’s moves became more desperate and aggressive, but Barol calmly parried each attack.
“No matter how much Barol Droi trained on his own, he wouldn’t have broken that habit. Because he was strong enough even with it.”
‘Anyone hearing that might think it’s arrogant. But if Barol is a Wolf Knight, a threat even to the White Wolves, then it isn’t wrong.’
“Can’t you shut up, Barol?”
Suvel pushed Barol back with force. Going with the push, Barol calmly continued his thoughts.
“Yet, those Wolf Knights always targeted that habit of mine first. I had no choice but to break it.”
Suvel growled, adjusting his grip on his sword.
“Fine. I’ve decided to spare you, not kill you.”
“I was waiting for that too.”
The two lowered their stances, aiming at each other.
“Stop!”
Suddenly, Billy yelled. Suvel immediately backed off and Barol didn’t pursue.
“Did you stop because I seemed to be at a disadvantage?”
Suvel asked.
Kassel understood why Billy halted the duel.
“Ah!”
There was a Black Knight! The very Black Knight Kassel had seen in Camort was now moving past Billy, heading towards Suvel and Barol. More precisely, it was the transformed knight from the Red Rose Count’s Twelve Thorns!
Kassel felt a chill, as if he was reliving a childhood nightmare.
‘My God, what is happening? Did the Black Knight follow us from Camort to Aranthia?’
That sense of unease he felt earlier wasn’t due to the hidden forces beside the carriage, but the Black Knight.
Barol seemed puzzled but not as startled as Kassel. Even the White Wolves feared the Black Knight. Still, he casually asked Suvel about the Black Knight’s identity.
“Is that guy also a knight from Excelon?”
Suvel, who had been retorting until now, remained silent at that question. Instead, he spoke directly to the Black Knight.
“Black, we agreed this would be between us.”
Ignoring both Billy and Suvel, the Black Knight headed straight for Kassel.
Time seemed to stand still. Each step of the Black Knight resonated like metal, making Kassel flinch. He felt paralyzed, watching an unstoppable arrow slowly approach.
‘Why? No, how?’
Hundreds of possibilities raced through his mind. Frightened, Kassel wanted to run. Yet, Captain Wolf’s responsibility held him in place. He clenched his fists and looked behind.
The soldiers had taken a defensive stance. They didn’t know the terror of the Black Knight. If the Black Knight started attacking, even the numbers wouldn’t matter.
They were unaware. They wouldn’t fear the unknown. But soon…
‘Aren’t they scared?’
Kassel looked back again. The soldiers maintained their defensive stance without fear. Was it because they were unaware? In Normant, just the appearance had scared everyone, even those unaware of the Black Knight’s true identity from Excelon.
‘Different! This isn’t the transformed Twelve Thorns Black Knight.’
Then, a white blade approached the Black Knight’s neck. Without looking, the Black Knight blocked the incoming blade with the handle of his halberd.
It was Barol. Without retracting his blade, he said, “If you have business with the captain, you’ll have to go through me!”
Kassel wanted to warn him that the Black Knight wouldn’t understand, foreseeing a horrible scene unfolding. However, the anticipated violent response never came. The Black Knight turned to Barol.
“I have no business with you.”
Kassel closed his mouth just as he was about to shout. The unique resonating voice was certainly similar to the Black Knight he had seen in Camort. However, this knight was speaking in a language everyone could understand.
“That’s exactly the business you should bring up with me.”
Barol didn’t retreat one bit.
The Black Knight paused for a moment, then warned in a subdued voice.
“If you interfere, I’ll have no choice but to kill you.”
The Black Knight hesitated briefly before pushing Barol’s sword away with his halberd. Barol stepped back a bit. In the meantime, the Black Knight spoke to Billy and Suvel.
“Apologies. He seems to be your quarry, but I’ve intervened.”
Stepping further back, Barol said to Kassel,
“Stand back! I need more space to fight this one.”
Kassel, more shocked by the fact that the Black Knight ‘speaks’ than anything else, remained still. They were beings who induced fear in people with their incomprehensible language, not ones that communicated with others.
The eerie fear he emitted was the same as the one in Normant, but something was different. Before Kassel could think about what was different, Barol’s sword clashed with the Black Knight’s halberd. Kassel instinctively retreated a few steps.
He couldn’t measure Barol’s strength. However, when Barol’s blade met with the Black Knight’s halberd, Barol was pushed back four steps. Staggering but managing to maintain his balance, it seemed he hadn’t expected such strength from his opponent.
“Hmm.”
Grunting, Barol readied himself. Suddenly, the halberd seemed to stretch and aimed at Barol’s neck. He ducked to evade, then jumped back to avoid the follow-up attack.
As a result, Barol ended up next to Suvel. Suvel instinctively raised his sword but didn’t attack Barol. Massaging his sore hand, Barol asked,
“Where did this guy come from?”
Suvel responded,
“I have nothing to say to you. And I should be the one to take you down. But you should leave him to your captain if the captain is better skilled. From the start, the Black Knight’s target was solely your captain.”
Kassel, not too far away, overheard Suvel’s words.
‘He wants me? The Black Knight? Is he here for revenge for what happened in Camort? Wait! The missing White Wolves might be related to him!’
Barol murmured as he approached the Black Knight,
“Give up? How do you even do that? You have to have tried it first.”
Pausing for a moment, he said to Kassel,
“Captain, leave this to me.”
“What?”
Kassel’s eyes widened in surprise. Realizing Barol’s resolve, Kassel grew anxious. Although a Wolf was known not to fear challenging a stronger opponent, this seemed too reckless. Yet, Kassel couldn’t order him to stop.
“Ah, I was saving this for Loyal…”
Barol murmured, raising his blade ceremoniously as if conducting a ritual. The Black Knight waited, gripping his halberd. When Barol opened his eyes, the Black Knight focused on them.
With a swift motion, Barol struck upwards. The Black Knight easily parried with his halberd and attempted a counter strike. But Barol was already sidestepping, aiming for the Black Knight’s leg.
It all happened in a fleeting moment; Kassel couldn’t fully see the exchange. However, after the halberd was raised, he saw Barol flung backward, landing heavily on the ground.
“Barol!”
Kassel shouted, rushing toward him. The Black Knight also staggered back briefly. Black smoke was rising from a wound on his thigh.
‘Black smoke? He really is the Black Knight!’
Barol had a deep wound from his stomach to his chest, with blood spurting out. Kassel shouted urgently to the bewildered soldiers.
“Everyone, ready for battle! Hold your positions and prioritize protecting the High Lord.”
Kassel’s voice was louder and more resonant than when Barol and Billy had yelled at each other. Harler repeated the command, and the confused soldiers quickly drew their swords, spears, and shields. Barol hadn’t completely lost consciousness but couldn’t open his eyes.
“Harler, bring someone who can treat the wound.”
Kassel shouted, pressing his hand against Barol’s wound. But behind him appeared not Harler but the Black Knight. Black smoke still rose from his thigh, albeit faintly. Kassel expected the knight to swing his halberd at his neck and closed his eyes.
Everyone would die. Him, Barol, High Lord Talrund, and Talrund’s guards.
“Excellent skill.”
The Black Knight commented. Kassel was still not accustomed to the fact that the Black Knight spoke. The thick, echoing voice continued.
“It felt like going back to a forgotten moment from the past. Perhaps that’s why I wanted to meet the captain of the Wolves. What do you say? Won’t you draw your sword to duel, even if it’s to avenge your subordinate?”
“Stop.”
Harler was charging, sword raised, shouting. Five of his men followed.
“Anyone who harms Captain Wolf will not be forgiven by me.”
Without hesitation, the Black Knight turned his halberd toward the charging Harler. Ambushers lurked, and with the powerful Black Knight and the fallen Wolf Knight,
‘We’re doomed! But communication seems possible with this Black Knight.’
Kassel quickly rose and commanded,
“Harler, stop!”
Almost reflexively, Harler halted. His following soldiers also stopped immediately. Kassel spoke urgently,
“Is your real target only me?”
The Black Knight stared intensely into Kassel’s confident eyes. Though Kassel saw only darkness from within the knight’s helmet, he felt the intense gaze.
“If you can satisfy me…”
The Black Knight replied.
Kassel nodded, “Alright. In whatever way, I’ll meet that expectation. On the honor of Captain Wolf! But there’s a condition.”
“We will leave the rest unharmed.”
The Black Knight anticipated.
Kassel shouted at Billy and Suvel after hearing the Black Knight’s response.
“Did you hear? Have all the ambushers return to their positions.”
Billy signaled with his hand and said,
“Captain of the Wolves, keep your promise. Don’t make us spell it out. We had this in place in case you didn’t listen.”
Kassel gritted his teeth, glaring at Billy.
‘His polite tone is still unsettling.’
Billy, unfazed by Kassel’s gaze, ordered his ambushers,
“Sergeant Greenwood. Come back.”
About twenty soldiers emerged from the bushes. They looked more like bandits than soldiers, all with disgruntled expressions. Clearly, they had prepared for a fight.
Kassel yelled at Billy,
“I’ll go to you myself. But allow time to tend to my injured comrade.”
The Black Knight turned and retreated as his answer. Billy silently waited for Kassel. Trusting the title of Captain Wolf this much made Kassel even more worried about what lay ahead.
‘Satisfy his expectations? How?’
Kassel once again focused on Barol’s wound.
“Captain Harler! Hurry!”
Harler rushed over, followed by a soldier carrying a leather bag. The young soldier immediately pressed a large wad of cotton on Barol’s wound.
Barol managed to open his eyes. Blood flowed from his mouth, streaking down his cheek. With difficulty, he spoke,
“If you go… you, die…”
“Perhaps.”
Kassel unhooked his sword from his belt, placing it in Barol’s hand.
“So, I entrust this sword to you.”
“But, I can’t…”
“I was powerless while you were in this state, merely watching from behind. I can’t ensure the safety of the sword. So, you must protect it. Later, just return it to me in Nadium. Understood?”
Kassel tightly grasped Barol’s hand and let go.
Barol, with half-open eyes, looked up and said,
“Yes, Captain… in Nadium…”
Barol nodded but couldn’t finish his sentence. Kassel stood up. Harler followed suit, saying,
“Let me accompany you, Captain Wolf. I’ll fight the knight in your stead.”
Kassel laughed, shaking his head,
“You knew I couldn’t wield a sword. But I’m fine. Please look after Barol. Above all, don’t you have to protect Lord Talrund?”
Talrund, standing by the carriage, looked over with a worried expression. Kassel gave a slight bow in farewell and turned away.
He walked toward where the Excelon Knight, a former candidate who failed the Wolf Knights trial, and the Black Knight were.
‘How on earth do they travel together in such a mix?’
Kassel approached Billy and asked with unwavering eyes,
“You said you were an Excelon Knight?”
“Yes.”
Billy responded briefly.
“Then, knight to knight, we should at least follow some etiquette.”
Kassel showed his empty hands. No sword hung at his waist. Billy actually furrowed his brow,
“I didn’t say I’d take your weapon.”
“It doesn’t matter to me. Let’s go. Since you wanted me, I’m curious about what you’ll do with me.”
Kassel threw out the comment and walked on. He wanted to put as much distance as possible between Talrund and Barol. He also sneaked glances at the slowly walking Black Knight. The illusion of darkness only around him made it clear he was one of ‘them.’ But strangely, this one didn’t seem purely evil like the ones Kassel knew.
If this Black Knight was a monster transformed from a human, like the Twelve Thorns, identifying his identity was crucial. Kassel wanted to believe he chose this path to uncover that mystery. He didn’t want to entertain the humiliating thought that Captain Wolf, unable to fight, had become a hostage.
–TL Notes–
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