Tanya slowed down as they neared the Gold Gate and soon came to a stop. Kassel, who had his eyes tightly shut and was trembling, cautiously got off the side and then collapsed as his legs gave way.
Tanya quickly transformed from a wolf back into a human, standing with her hands neatly folded. Kassel, still sitting on the ground, noticed a group of torches approaching.
The leading knight on horseback slowly approached. He was holding a spear in his hand. His face and the details of his armor were obscured by the backlight of the torches.
“Who dares to block the march of the High Lord?”
Tanya brightened the light from her necklace to reveal the face of the knight coming into the backlight. The man squinted his eyes and, on guard, pushed his spear forward.
It was Barol Wolf.
“I am Tanya, the sorceress of Lutia. Here, Captain Wolf has come to meet you.”
“The Captain?”
Barol, forgetting his manners towards the sorceress, immediately jumped off his horse and ran over to Kassel. Kassel just raised his hand in greeting.
“I apologize for not being able to rise and greet you properly, Barol.”
“What are you talking about?”
Barol knelt on one knee and grasped the hand of Kassel, who was sitting helplessly.
“I hurried as soon as I learned that you had left. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. And you, Barol? Your injury wasn’t light enough for you to be riding a horse already, was it?”
“It was painful enough to want to rest for half a year, but I’ve postponed that until after this matter is resolved. What about Suvel? That Black Knight? I came after seeing both the Red Gate and Gold Gate fallen.”
“There’s not much time to talk. I rushed here following the call of the sacred sword.”
Barol didn’t find the surreal claim of a sword calling strange.
“So, you knew and came out?”
Barol immediately drew the sacred sword he was wearing at his waist and held it out with both hands.
“Having this sword alone has been a burden. Please take it back, its rightful owner.”
“Thank you for your efforts.”
Kassel carefully took the sword and fastened it at his waist.
“And Talrund?”
“He’s sleeping inside the carriage. He insisted on hurrying here upon hearing that the Gold Gate was forced open by the Black Knight. I argued that we should stay under the protection of the Gold Gate, but he was stubborn…”
Kassel imagined just how persistent he had been.
Kassel said,
“Since he is sleeping, sneak back to the Gold Gate without him knowing. Nadium is currently in great danger.”
Barol spoke with a grave expression.
“I had suspected as much.”
“Yes, it seems the battle will start tomorrow morning, doesn’t it?”
Kassel sought advice from Tanya. Tanya slowly nodded her head and said,
“On our way here, we spotted Black Knights waiting in front of the White Gate. Just as you said, Kassel. They could have invaded Nadium at any time, but they’re waiting for the morning, a time when dark powers are weak.”
The theories they had formed in the library were fitting together one by one. The Grey Sorcerer always attacked at night. Both Irine and Tanya had suffered at night.
‘If Black is his puppet, then he would move at night.’
Kassel, still rubbing his trembling legs, said,
“I will return to Nadium. Barol, leave the rest to our comrades and take the High Lord back to the Gold Gate.”
“The High Lord gave me strict orders before bed. Are you asking me to disobey them?”
“If I give you an order to disobey, which command would you follow?”
Barol’s expression, initially surprised by Kassel’s firm command, soon softened into a faint smile.
“Will you take responsibility, Captain?”
Barol asked as he got up from his seat.
Kassel now understood the meaning behind Quain’s words. He also realized this was Quain’s third test.
‘Captain Wolf isn’t just a leader who commands everyone. He’s a leader whom the Wolves follow. Just as Barol is following now, as Sildire followed earlier.’
Kassel vividly remembered the moment when all the White Wolves had knelt before him. Kassel hadn’t led them; they had followed him. It was their choice.
‘That’s right. I understand now. I failed the third test. I can’t be a Captain.’
Kassel smiled and extended his hand to Barol.
“Of course, Barol.”
Barol helped Kassel up and then immediately turned and mounted his horse.
“Turn the army around and head towards the Gold Gate. Make no noise. Don’t wake Talrund!”
The soldiers quickly turned around, and the horses drawing the carriage slowly followed suit. Kassel, about to silently let him go, suddenly remembered something about Barol.
‘Maybe I shouldn’t mention this?’
But Kassel couldn’t resist and blurted it out.
“Barol, do you plan to succeed your father?”
Barol, without stopping his horse, turned around. For a moment, he stared at Kassel with wide eyes, not understanding his abrupt question.
“If that’s the case, you don’t necessarily need to stick to being a Wolf Knight. Master Lergo, before retiring to become a blacksmith, was a Queen’s guardian knight. It wouldn’t be bad to retire from the Wolves and learn something new to return to your hometown.”
Barol, trying to control his horse that was following the procession, circled a few times in his spot. His face showed a mix of surprise and curiosity. But soon, he replaced it with a smile.
“Is it alright for a Wolf Knight to do such a thing?”
“There’s even a Wolf who sells fruits. You don’t necessarily need to take on heavy responsibilities like Danedor of the Gold Gate in your old age, right?”
“I thought the same. But I had no idea Lergo was a former guardian knight.”
“Was it a secret? He spoke of it to me as if it was nothing. Well, please keep it a secret too.”
“I’ll ask Lergo about it myself later!”
Barol raised his hand in farewell and followed the procession. Tanya asked Kassel, who was watching the departing torches with a sorrowful gaze.
“Why such a sad face, Kassel?”
“Just realizing something. I probably won’t become the Captain of the Wolf Knights.”
“Hmm, I thought you gained confidence from Barol’s demeanor, but now your actions don’t make sense. Why such a sudden thought?”
“No, it’s not that. I already like the Wolf Knights too much. I feel attached to each one of them and want to be friends with everyone. But being the Captain means all the Wolf Knights would have to acknowledge and follow me. That’s like a dream to me.”
“Why is that?”
“Because then I would have to order the Wolf Knights to charge towards the Black Knights who broke through the Gold Gate. How can I give such an order when I can’t even lead with a sword in hand? Standing in the back, not getting my hands dirty? I don’t want to do that.”
Kassel slightly drew the sacred sword and caressed the black blade for a moment. He remembered a month ago, when entering the capital of Camort, Normant, he had clenched the blade tightly to steel his resolve, drawing blood. The emotions welling up now were entirely different from the desperation he felt back then. He was relieved these emotions didn’t turn into tears in front of Tanya.
“That’s why I want to be in Nadium more. Even if it means being a janitor, an errand runner, or a cook! I want to be beside those I care about, even if it’s not as a Captain.”
Kassel sheathed the sacred sword back.
“There’s not much time left for me to hold this sacred sword. And while I still hold it as Captain Wolf, I have to finish what I must do.”
Tanya slowly transformed into a wolf, lowering her stance to make it easier for Kassel to mount.
“Then let’s hurry. Dawn will break soon.”
Kassel mounted the wolf. The wolf, now carrying Kassel, dashed towards the west.
Kassel clenched his mouth and focused straight ahead.
‘Captain Welch, I’ll come to meet you as Captain Wolf for the last mission.’
☆ ☆ ☆
‘Knowing the significance of the resurrected Excelon Knights’ march doesn’t mean we can stop it. But Black must want someone to recognize it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent Suvel to warn us in advance.’
Kassel thought the preparation was the sacred sword of Aranthia.
‘Now, with this sword, I’ll discuss with everyone and find a solution. Together, we can find a way through this.’
Kassel, riding on the wolf Tanya, thought about the issues he needed to discuss with the Wolf Knights, Sheyden, Quain, and Irine. However, upon reaching the White Gate, Kassel saw an unexpected scene.
Black’s army was already ready to charge towards the White Gate!
Tanya, in her wolf form, paused her run. The sun was peeking in the east. The knights in black armor, illuminated by the sunlight, were already organizing their formation on the plains, where the two towers symbolizing the White Gate could be seen. Even from behind, their army looked magnificent.
“Are we too late?”
Tanya asked, panting slightly. Kassel, watching the slowly moving column, gritted his teeth. He recalled the moment when he arrived at Normant, drenched and staggering, only to find it had already fallen to the enemy.
‘Am I too late again?’
He didn’t want to experience the situation of giving up everything and being dragged away as a criminal like before.
‘It’s not too late yet. No, I won’t let it be late.’
Kassel shouted.
“Catch up!”
“Excuse me?”
“We must reach the White Gate first, no matter what.”
“It’s dangerous. And the Wolf Knights must already be prepared for the attack. If we rush in there, it will disrupt the formation of the Wolf Knights.”
Tanya sadly said, looking towards the White Gate. The tops of the towers on both sides of the White Gate were shining brightly. However, this army, resurrected from death, wasn’t afraid of the holy light.
The Black Knights were advancing towards the White Gate.
“I know, but…”
Kassel couldn’t just blurt out his thoughts. The true meaning of Black’s march was still unclear. But one thing was certain: these two orders of knights should not clash, and Black didn’t want war either.
“The Black Knights waited for the morning. It means Welch has his own will.”
“So? Tell me, Kassel! I’ll do as you say.”
“We need to stop them. Not the Black Knights, but the Wolf Knights! Tanya, we have to reach the White Gate first.”
“Then we must break through, as it’s too late to turn back now.”
Kassel lowered his posture and firmly grasped Tanya’s fur. Tanya made a big leap and then started running at full speed. Despite racing so fast that the surroundings blurred, catching up to the Black Knights was challenging. Their horses were also extraordinarily fast.
Just as they nearly caught up to the rear, a Black Knight in the back swiftly turned and thrust his spear towards the wolf. Tanya leapt to the left, avoiding the spear. The wolf, momentarily airborne, flew low like a bird skimming the surface. As they landed, another knight swung his sword, narrowly missing Kassel’s head.
Tanya increased her speed, catching up to the Black Knights’ horses one by one.
“Tanya, get close to the horses at the front.”
Without responding, Tanya slightly adjusted her direction. At the forefront were Billy and Black. Billy hadn’t noticed them yet, but Black quickly turned back. The halberd in his right hand looked exceptionally large.
Tanya, seemingly uncertain she could avoid Black’s attack, kept a significant distance.
Kassel yelled out loudly,
“Black, you haven’t forgotten our promise, have you? I’ll be waiting.”
His voice was drowned out by the sound of horse hooves and the wind cutting past them. As evidence, Billy still hadn’t looked back.
‘Black must have heard it. He hears everything around him.’
Kassel clung tighter to Tanya, who then sped up towards the White Gate. Kassel kept thinking about the meaning of this march. The conclusion was the same. They wanted only one thing, but who would resolve it?
The giant doors between the two towers of the White Gate were wide open, and the Wolf Knights in white armor were waiting. They, too, were preparing to advance.
‘They plan to fight away from Nadium? Yes, it’s better to fight on the open plains than right in front of the gate.’
Franz was leading. The other Wolves were wearing helmets, so their identities were unclear. Jaymer, not wearing armor, was also noticeable.
“Stop!”
Kassel shouted urgently as he jumped off Tanya. Although Tanya had slowed down before reaching, Kassel couldn’t overcome the immense speed and rolled twice on the ground. He had bitten his lip during the fall, drawing blood, but Kassel, not bothering to wipe it, stood up and said,
“We must not attack them.”
Franz yelled,
“I don’t know where you’ve been, but what kind of talk is that as soon as you return? Should we just watch their invasion? That army daring to demand our Queen?”
“No, it’s not like that. They purely want to pass through this White Gate and have no other intention. Their aim is not the attack of Nadium, but to reach Nadium.”
The knights looked at each other, not understanding the difference. Franz said,
“According to Suvel, if we don’t understand the meaning of their march, Nadium will be destroyed. If the arrival at the White Gate alone has meaning, then why did he say that?”
The Black Knights were closing in, and the Wolf Knights were getting agitated. If they delayed any longer, the Wolf Knights would face the Black Knights without proper formation.
There was no more time to delay.
There was no time for formalities.
Kassel shouted to everyone.
“The destruction of Nadium means the destruction of the Wolf Knights!”
As the sound of horse hooves grew closer, Kassel raised his voice.
“The very disappearance of this holy order of knights is the destruction of Nadium. Malra Wolf, don’t you understand? Behind this army of Black Knights, there is another force. If you Wolves disappear, Nadium will be entirely exposed to that power. Eryl Wolf, lower your spear. We don’t need to fight. The enemy we should be stopping is not this Black Knight order.”
Kassel continued to shout as he passed in front of the Wolf Knights.
“Alex, don’t you see it? Putier, think a few steps ahead. Think like chess. This is bait thrown by the enemy for a checkmate. They want the two most powerful knight orders on the continent to annihilate each other. Welch sent Suvel because he doesn’t want that.”
‘No one is listening to me. Of course, I don’t have the authority to command them!’
Kassel spoke desperately to everyone.
“Captain Welch has no intention of fighting the Wolf Knights! He respects the Wolf Knights, whom he fought and lost to fair and square 10 years ago, more than anyone! He’s not the kind to seek petty revenge even after waking from death.”
Sildire, who was in the back, stepped forward a bit and said sorrowfully,
“Kassel, get out of there. If we don’t start moving now, we’ll be late!”
The Wolf Knights’ horses were getting agitated, stomping the ground. Dust rose like fog around the white columns. The group of Black Knights did not slow down. They were only 2 to 3 minutes away from reaching here.
Franz said,
“Move aside, Kassel. It’s our duty to fight the invading enemy. Even if we truly face annihilation.”
Kassel clenched his teeth and looked at Jay. Jay might listen to Kassel, but even if Jay obeyed, it wouldn’t change anything.
There was no other way.
“Then…”
Kassel climbed back onto Tanya’s back.
“I will stop that march.”
“How can you?”
Kassel drew the sacred sword of Aranthia.
“I said I will do it. So just shut up and watch, Franz Wolf!”
Seeing the sacred sword, everyone’s mouths dropped open. Franz was at a loss for words, and Zainon beside him asked loudly,
“What are we supposed to do then?”
The older knight Alex asked in a softer voice,
“If you have a strategy, shouldn’t you give us some instructions or orders?”
“Don’t say that, Alex! Kassel doesn’t have the authority to give us orders!”
Franz shouted.
Everyone looked at Kassel with urgent eyes.
‘Black, you were right at the Red Gate. I’m not fit to be a captain. I’m hesitating even now! I don’t want to send everyone to their deaths on my command. But I hate the idea of everyone dying because I didn’t give an order even more!’
Kassel, holding the sacred sword atop the wolf, spoke.
“I will now demonstrate the authority to issue commands!”
Kassel raised his voice to the astonished looks of everyone.
“Prevent anyone from passing through the White Gate. But do not advance. Do not get caught in the enemy’s intentions by advancing. I will stop their march. If I can’t stop them, then ignore my words! But if the enemies stop, wait for my command!”
Kassel glanced at the location of the Black Knights one last time and then shouted.
“…If so, I will become the captain of the Wolf Knights in this battle and issue the next command.”
Kassel signaled, and Tanya rushed again towards the Black Knights. For a brief moment, no one in front of the White Gate said a word.
☆ ☆ ☆
“How do you plan to stop them?”
Tanya asked as she ran, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
“Stop here.”
Kassel took a deep breath, watching the knight order charging towards them at a terrifying speed.
“You can make objects shine brightly with magic, right? Like your orb did, and like you can with the fur of a wolf.”
“I can do it.”
“Then please cast that magic on this sword.”
“Make the sword shine? But can such a thing really stop them…?”
“Just try. This sacred sword is said to shine when held by a hero. I don’t know how to make it shine. So please, use your magic. If Black has regained his memories as Welch, he will stop at the sight of this light. We don’t have time, hurry!”
“Alright. I trust your words enough to do this.”
Tanya closed her eyes. Her silver fur glowed so brightly it rivaled the morning sunlight, and a faint light even emanated from Kassel’s body. However, the sword remained dark.
“Tanya?”
The Black Knights were now so close that even if they wanted to stop, it would be difficult.
“Tanya!”
Kassel shouted loudly. But Tanya, with her eyes tightly shut, couldn’t respond. Blood trickled from the clenched teeth of the agonized wolf.
“I’m sorry.”
Tanya whimpered softly, shaking her head.
“The magic doesn’t work on that sword. Ah, I was a fool. The metal of this sword was a gift from my master to Aranthia. No sorcerer’s power can break this sword, and no magic works in its presence. This sword cannot be made to shine with magic.”
The light vanished from the wolf’s body and from Kassel too. The sacred sword’s black blade did not even reflect the morning sunlight, only revealing its stark, black color.
‘I’ll be remembered as the most foolish captain in the history of the Wolf Knights. A captain whose term ended without the knights even knowing he was their captain.’
Kassel jumped off the wolf.
“Tanya, run away. And tell the Wolf Knights.”
“Kassel!”
“Hurry. Tell the Wolf Knights I failed.”
Kassel turned to Tanya and smiled weakly.
“Thank you for your help until now.”
Leaving Tanya behind, Kassel walked a few steps forward. The ground vibrated, shaking his body, but he didn’t back down and shouted with all his might.
“I’ve come as promised.”
It was too late to stop now. He was frozen in fear, unable to move, and it was too late to run away. But Kassel didn’t close his eyes. If a Black Knight’s sword were to strike his neck, he was prepared to face that final moment.
“Keep your promise, Black!”
Nothing had gone as planned. Every decision was wrong, nothing accomplished. All Kassel relied on now was the chivalry of Black.
Suddenly, someone gently grasped Kassel’s shoulder. He turned around in surprise. It was Tanya, no longer a wolf but in her human form.
“Tanya?”
“I’m sorry, Kassel. I just couldn’t leave you behind.”
Tanya said.
Kassel looked ahead again. The Black Knights were now less than ten meters away.
Kassel shouted one last time.
“Keep your promise, Black!”
At that moment, a brilliant light burst from the sacred sword in Kassel’s hand. Kassel, surprised by the light, turned his head.
With a loud noise, the Black Knights passed by Kassel. The trembling and wind from their passage made it difficult for him to stand. Kassel, holding Tanya’s hand on his shoulder, closed his eyes for a moment, turning his head. Sand entered his nose, causing him to cough, and his vision remained blurred even after blinking several times. However, the vibration had stopped.
The knight order had halted. They had simply passed by Kassel and Tanya.
The Black Knights stood not thirty steps beyond where they had passed Kassel. Over a hundred Black Knights turned to look at him. The horses they rode on stopped and paced in place.
“Tanya…”
Kassel turned to Tanya and said,
“Why…?”
Kassel couldn’t finish his sentence. Tanya smiled bitterly and replied,
“I just felt like they would really stop, seeing how firmly you stood there.”
Grateful for Tanya’s words, Kassel wanted to embrace her.
“Thank you.”
Kassel stood there for a moment, forgetting where he was and what he was about to do, just looking at Tanya’s face.
“That sword, it shone, didn’t it?”
“Was it your magic that worked belatedly?”
The light from the sacred sword gradually faded and then disappeared.
“No. I didn’t use such magic.”
“Then this sword really…”
One of the Black Knights broke away from the group and approached on horseback. Another familiar-faced man followed closely by his side.
“Billy. You’re alive. Did you give the order to stop?”
Kassel asked. Billy shook his head.
“I didn’t give any orders. We avoided you as you were in front, but stopping was Black’s decision.”
Kassel turned towards Black. Looking down with an uncertain gaze, either at Tanya or Kassel, Black spoke.
“Wolf. Didn’t I say I would cut you down if we met again?”
“I didn’t stand in your way without being prepared for that.”
Tanya replied coldly.
Kassel nodded and said,
“Thank you for stopping, Black.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I would have cut you down, trampled over you, or ignored you and charged forward. I only stopped after noticing the light from the sacred sword.”
Black looked down at Kassel’s sacred sword and continued,
“Did you believe I would keep my promise?”
“I believed.”
Kassel said firmly.
Black, struggling with his sense of direction, surprisingly found the west accurately and looked in that direction. Kassel thought it was because the White Gate was visible, but following his gaze, he gasped.
Two people stood on the low wall surrounding Nadium next to the gate, arms crossed, looking this way. They were too far to see clearly, but Kassel had a rough idea who they were, and Black recognized them much earlier.
“Quain, and Irine…”
Black burst into laughter. His laughter seemed to settle the shaking air and calm the swirling dust.
“Fine. I’ve stopped as promised. Now it’s your turn to keep your word. I’ve reached the White Gate, and you said you would bring me the strongest among the white wolves. Then it’s time to bring Irine or Quain, who defeated me that day.”
Black lowered the handle of his halberd to the ground and continued,
“I’ll wait here. Bring them. If I am defeated, I’ll retreat as is. But if I defeat them, you too must keep your promise, Kassel.”
“I will keep it.”
Kassel nodded firmly and passed by Black, entering the midst of the Black Knights. Although the knights turned their horses aside to make way, the fear was inescapable. There were over a hundred Black Knights here, compared to the twelve that had slaughtered hundreds in Normant. If Tanya hadn’t followed, Kassel might have fainted from terror.
After passing through the group, Kassel quickly turned around. Black and Billy were following him.
“However, Black, I said I would give you the strongest among the white wolves, not that I would put forward Master Irine or Master Quain.”
Black stopped slowly in front of Kassel and spoke.
“Is there anyone stronger than Irine? It’s impossible. I haven’t seen anyone as strong as Irine in all the worlds I’ve roamed. Not Quain, not Meylumil, not Lofin. Not Barol who guarded the High Lord, not Jaymer who rushed to protect you, not Sheyden who fought on the bridge.”
Anger was evident in the voice seeping from Black’s helmet. It was as if he had regained his emotions along with his memories.
“Is there someone who has become strong enough in my absence? I won’t forgive shallow tricks, Kassel.”
“There are no tricks.”
A horse was approaching from the White Gate. Kassel heard it but didn’t turn to look as he spoke.
“My life is on the line. I will choose the White Wolf who will fight you.”
A horse arrived behind them, and the rider was an unexpected person – Jaymer.
“Ah, just so you know, I’m not a Wolf. I came here of my own volition. I came as an individual, just like Suvel did.”
Jaymer leaped off the horse and drew one of his swords. He tossed it to Billy and asked,
“You’re still alive?”
Billy caught his recovered sword and smirked.
“Yes, I’ve come back to life just to kill you again.”
“Then get down from the horse. It’s unfair to fight on such a great beast. You agree, don’t you?”
“Of course.”
Billy dismounted, and Jaymer drew his sword.
Black, Kassel, Tanya, and all the other Black Knights stood by without intervening as the two suddenly clashed swords. It was an unexpected duel, an incredible exchange that no one anticipated. Whatever thoughts and intentions they harbored, they clashed with full force without any probing. The fight ended as quickly as it had begun.
–TL Notes–
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