Chapter 27

Under a Golden Sun

Hundreds marched on the gravel road where potholes and uneven terrain overwhelmed their overloaded carts and carriages. Despite assistance from the accompanying guards, progress was excruciatingly slow.

People who rode on individual horses, mules, and donkeys could only match the slow pace or risk getting separated. The day was still early and the fog was yet to dissipate fully.

The landscape on this forest road was lifeless as most animals had hibernated. The group's march would be equally drab if not for the occasional baby cries and random banter from the wives.

Out of the blue, three riders approached from the other end of the road.

The newcomer alerted the group, who tried to form a workable defense line. But the riders approached steadily and that returned calm to the people. Many hoped that it was just regular messengers or knights on a journey.

Thirty armed men from the group formed a line to welcome the horsemen. “Riders, you are in the presence of the Baronet of Chremisia,” one heralded from the group as the riders came to a stop.

“I’m Sir Michael of White Lake, representing the Lord of Korelia,” the leader of the riders, a one-eyed man, introduced himself.

“Lord of Korelia? What business do Lowlandians have here?” a senior-looking guard asked.

But the Baronet raised his hand and held his staff back. “White Lake you said? You came so far into Elandia, Sir Michael.”

Michael bowed his head slightly. “Indeed, we never expect it, but the Seneschal of Midlandia asked for a relief force to Vindebona.”

"Lord Bengrieve?" the Baronet's staff murmured. Even in Elandia, the name carried weight and admiration. But nobody expected Bengrieve to mobilize a lord in Lowlandia to aid Elandia.

The Baronet and his staff looked at each other briefly. “We’re more than happy to provide a guide to accompany you to Vindebona. But pray that you’ll let our convoy move. This is a perilous time and winter is against us.”

“We meant no hindrance, Sir. My Lord set up camp not far from here and you’re welcome to barter for supplies if you wish,” Michael stated. He had looked enough and deemed the convoy was of little threat.

As the convoy proceeded ever slowly, the two parties found a more suitable place to converse. Each traded details about their encounters with the Nicopolans refugees.

“Vindebona isn’t safe. We passed the city outskirt at night to avoid the mercenaries that stalked the place,” the Baronet said about the city.

“Is the situation really that bad, Sir?” Michael asked.

"I'm afraid so... I’ve lost some of my best scouts, but thanks to them, we avoided several Nicopolans groups that marauding the roads. What's left of us are only thirty guards, the rests are townsfolk and farmers.”

Michael could only listen sympathetically. “It’s sad to see Elandia in this state.”

“I wish you could visit Chremisia in better times,” the Baronet responded with a hint of hope. “A word of caution since you’re heading there, Vindebona isn’t a normal city. There’s a certain gossip about it.”

“What kind of gossip?” Michael leaned in.

The Baronet with serious expression spoke, “The mercenaries believe that the city holds treasure.”

Michael’s one eye widened. “Treasure?”

The Baronet nodded with a straight face but relaxed his words afterward. “It’s probably just wild rumors. I don’t want to speak ill of them, but I knew the Viscount of Vindebona and he doesn't look the part.”

Michael couldn’t help but smile at the banter.

”But the problem is, the mercenary believes it," the Baronet surmised. "I think they'll try to storm the city once they get enough manpower. Or else, there's no reason for them to camp around Vindebona so close to winter."

Michael exhaled deeply. Things seemed to take a turn for the worse.

***

Baron Lansius

“Sir Rabanus, please retract the ambush,” I ordered with huge relief. Sir Michael had returned and everything had been cleared out.

“At once, My Lord,” Rabanus answered and left the tent.

“So tell me about the Baronet of Chremisia,” I asked Michael while pulling a folding chair for him to sit on.

Michael hesitated but sat down after I insisted. Afterward, he told me about the Baronet who seemed to be a nice, reasonable guy.

“So, can they be persuaded to take some refugees? They’re going to Midlandia, right?”

“Apologize, My Lord. They’re too wary of Nicopolans at this time,” Michael said regretfully.

I scratched my head. “Eh, I guess it’s to be expected. After all, they're driven out from their land and manor by the Nicopolans.”

“It is as you said, My Lord.”

“Hmm... how about if they are Lowlandians?” An idea came to mind.

“My Lord?” Michael gave a questioning look.

“Sir Michael, wouldn't it be beneficial if Korelia and Korimor had more men?”

“Of course, My Lord, more people means more labor, more food, and more taxes.”

“And what about these Nicopolans refugees, what are their occupations?”

A proverbial light bulb seemed to spark above Michael’s head and he went quiet momentarily. This was what I liked about him; he tried to understand the intention, not just a yes man. Critical thinking was rare in this era and age.

“Is it possible, My Lord, to bring these refugees to Lowlandia?” Michael asked.

“First step first. Return to the Baronet of Chremisia and let him know that the Lord of Korelia offers gratitude if he could assist ‘my people’ safely into Midlandia. We will compensate him for his trouble.”

“Understood, My Lord.” Michael seemed thrilled by this little trick of mine.

“Bring fifty knights to accompany you, that way they’ll know we meant business.”

***

The sun was turning yellow and was ready to hide, but a large convoy of horse-drawn carts with hundred of escorts appeared on Vindebona's outskirt. The city guards couldn’t believe their eyes. The situation in the past few weeks had been so bad they dared not to even hope for relief.

Seeing this newfound hope, the guards frantically called for their Captain. Meanwhile, the convoy headed straight into the city gate.

A smaller group arrived sooner before the man group. “Open the gates, make way for the Lady of Korimor. We’re here as a relief force to Vindebona,” a handsome man with an eye patch exclaimed.

The Captain arrived and watched the convoy which flew an unknown banner of a green shield with a silver prancing horse under a golden sun. The heraldry wasn’t known, but he decided to open the city gates. “Open the gates and lower the drawbridge.”

The creaking of hinges and the sturdy wooden door breathed hope and fear into the city dweller who gathered to watch. They waited with bated breath as the long lines of carts and soldiers made their way inside.

Nobody said a word; all were mesmerized by the convoy that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Those who lived in Vindebona knew that the city was unimportant. Nobody even dreamed of getting aid from their allies

The Captain of the guard descended the flight of stairs in a hurry and greeted the one-eyed rider who barely had dismounted Both introduced themselves as knights and pleasantries were exchanged.

"You came so far from Korimor, yet we hardly have anything to serve as welcome,” the Captain said with regret. The townsfolk could only look at each other and murmured among themselves. Indeed, for weeks, they hardly have anything to eat but watered-down gruel.

“Please be at ease. The situation is far grimmer outside, so many refugees are fleeing Nicopola without a thing to eat,” the one-eyed knight replied.

“Indeed, Sir. Many of them set camps nearby. We’ve been telling them there’s no food in the city, but they persist,” the Captain explained with a pity on his voice.

Michael remembered the remark about Vindebona's treasure but decided to keep his priorities straight.

"Sir, if you allow us to ask- No, to beg, could you trade us some grain or any food?” the Captain said with such humility that unveiled their desperation. The townsfolk rallied behind him, "We have silverware, elven wood carving."

The one-eyed knight was overwhelmed until a man rode his horse toward them and caught the crowd's attention.

“Sir Michael," the man whose traveling cloak and hood covered most of his head, called. "I believe that issue could be arranged later. Sundown is almost upon us and we don’t want to let, the Lady, go hungry."

The knight bowed his head and the crowd mimicked it out of respect.

The hooded man then faced the Captain. “I thank you for the welcome. We'll be grateful if you could set us a place to camp. In return, we'll prepare supper, and this evening, everybody is welcome to dine with us.”

The Captain blinked and looked around to see whether he was hearing it right. The townsfolk's surprised look seemed to confirm his hearing. “We would be honored. Please, allow us to offer firewood, clean water, tables, and utensils.”

The two parties then started to work and get things done. By sundown, there was enough warm food to go around. A soup and a morsel per person were distributed, half for a child; it wasn’t much but in the face of famine, it was overwhelming.

Tonight, Vindebona’s townsfolk rest easier with a full stomach after so many nights. Little did they know that there was an ongoing power struggle in the castle.

***

Vindebona Palace Complex

“What is the meaning of this?” Vindebona’s lord fumed uncontrollably at the sight of guests in his hall.

“My Lord, let me explain, they hailed from Korimor to help-” the Captain tried to explain.

“Help? There’s no help coming,” the Lord raised his voice unintentionally from intoxication. “You, you try to fool me! You dare to smuggle people into my castle-“

“My Lord, I beg you-“

“Guards, throw them into the dungeon," the Lord howled while trying hard to stand still.

Five guards looked at each other and unsheathed their swords.

“No, the Korimors are helping us. They brought food, they’re our last chance,” the Captain desperately explained.

“I’m sorry Captain." The guards had their doubts, but they can’t ignore a command.

“Well, this is some hospitality," a hooded figure commented sarcastically.

The Lady of Korimor beside him scoffed and drew her sword while positioning herself in front of him. “Sir Rabanus, Sir Michael, Carla, Liam, please show our hospitality.”

Just like that, four fighters came face to face against five guards.

“Please, let there be no bloodshed! I beseech you all,” the Captain pleaded to both sides.

“Captain, best to leave this to us,” Sir Rabanus advised as he pressed forward. He eagerly crossed swords with one of the guards. With a powerful lunge followed by a quick slash and a punch, he bested his opponent.

The other three had some difficulties, but eventually one by one triumphed over the guards. Michael’s opponent surrendered after a cut on the shoulder. Carla won after her thrust connected deeply against the opponent’s hip. Meanwhile, Liam ended up wrestling the opponent down.

The last guard standing seemed to back the Captain and willingly offered his sword to surrender. This panicked the Lord who sluggishly ran to the throne room. Vindebona was an ancient castle from the age of Kings, before the founding of the Imperium. It had a spacious throne room which was seldom used.

However, despite the space, it was a dead end. The Lord was subsequently captured and dragged away. In a fit of stupor and madness, he laughed. “Everything you do is useless- We’re all going to die! Can’t you see the mercenaries surrounding the city?”

“Let him speak,” the hooded man commanded.

“The Nicopolans knew- They knew! They really knew that we’re hiding- It’s enough to turn them, peasants, into the best army in the Imperium,” the Lord rambled.

“My Lord, please control yourself,” the Captain said sternly.

“Keep the Lord in his room and wait for him to sober up. Nothing is to be done until I say so,” the hooded man ordered. And then he spoke to the Captain, “We have no ill intention until the guards drew their sword.”

“I understand,” the Captain responded with mixed feelings.

“The situation is now critical, you must allow us to secure the castle,” the hooded man explained. There was bitterness in his voice.

“Promise me there’ll be no bloodshed," the Captain begged.

“We’ll need your assistance for that, Captain," he answered sympathetically and started to devise a plan on the fly.

In the dead of night, the Korimors efficiently and ruthlessly secured the rest of the palace complex. They faced little resistance as the defenders were spread in multiple locations. The gatehouse and barracks fell after a surprise attack.

Morning came and the people were shocked to learn that the Viscount was no longer in power. For the Vindebona people, yesterday’s hope just turned into dread.

***

Main Gatehouse

The next afternoon after most of the issues were addressed, the Korelians put some of the guards back to resume duty. Some sense of normalcy returned to the city as they saw familiar faces doing routine patrols.

The city only got two-hundred guards and another hundred militia. It was a small garrison of hungry soldiers. With food, fair treatment, and the promise of safety, they were won over fairly easily.

Sir Michael had been busy overseeing the transition of power, to make it peaceful and without incident.

To avoid complicating things, the Korimors didn’t occupy the palace and only stayed at the Main Gatehouse. This was crucial to build trust amongst the populace.

Also, the gatehouse had the best access in and out of the city. Should the city riot against them, then at the very least they could escape.

…

“My Lord, My Lady,” Michael greeted as he arrived in the gatehouse’s main chamber.

“Sir Michael.” Lansius gestured for him to take a seat. Even inside and working with the documents, he kept his hood. For precaution, he intended to hide his presence and barred anyone from flying his banner.

Michael sat across the table. Meanwhile, Lady Audrey sat on the big observation window that faced the town. Margo the cupbearer poured some drinks and left the room.

“So, what’ve you learned?” Lansius asked attentively.

“My Lord, I found out that Vindebona houses a long-forgotten Imperium’s armory,” Michael explained.

“Armory?”

“Indeed, My Lord. The record spoke of at least forty thousand armor and weapons.”

Lansius gasped while the Lady murmured, “By the Ageless…”

“Do you know the reason for this armory?” Audrey asked from the window.

“My Lady, it appears that millennia ago Vindebona was a frontier against all kinds of threats. From the ancient Beastman Wars to the Imperium Unification war; the city was always a stronghold.”

Audrey nodded but grew disinterested. Meanwhile, Lansius threw a serious glance at the provincial map on the table. The map wasn't a bird's eye view and offered a stylized depiction of the region.

“I always thought that the Nicopolans Mercenary are special, but turns out they benefited greatly from this secret cache,” Michael contemplated.

Lansius slumped in his seat. "So, what’s the story between them and Vindebona?”

“Few generations ago, Vindebona exhausted its last silver mine. Without it, the city grew poor and its lord resorted to selling their vast armor and weapons. Eventually, the mercenaries got wind of it and forced out a secret deal.”

Lansius exhaled deeply. Now he understood there was a high chance that the Nicopolans wanted this massive weapon cache to arm their rebellion. “No wonder Bengrieve sends me here.”

“My Lord, there’s another issue,” Michael said apologetically.

“About what?”

“The cache… it has collapsed,” Michael said with a dejected look.

A pained expression and disbelief were on Lansius’ face.

“The armory was old and they dared not to maintain it to avoid exposing the secret. Some fifty years ago, it collapsed."

“So everything is lost?” Audrey asked.

“It’s buried underneath a section of the palace. I checked the recovered items, most were mangled beyond repairs, so it’s a total loss,” Michael explained.

“Such a loss…” Lansius remarked. “So, how’s the mercenary's reaction to this?”

“It seemed that the previous Lord of Vindebona tried to settle the issue, but the mercenaries accused him of denying the arms and vowed to take revenge.”

Lansius seemed to find irony and chuckled. “So, the mercenaries wanted a nonexistent cache?”

“What’s so funny about it?” Audrey asked.

“Just my lame take. You see, even if we fail and the city falls, those mercenaries won’t get anything. Lord Bengrieve has won before he knows it."

"I see..." Michael followed his Lord's reasoning.

"I think Lord Bengrieve is worried about the cache and not the city. If he fears Nicopolans' intrusion, he ought to ask us to defend one of his border cities. There’s no need to go all the way here," Lansius elaborated.

“Mm, Lans,” Audrey called as she jump down from the window. “Does this mean we could abandon Vindebona?” she whispered as she got closer.

Lansius gestured for Michael to lean closer. “We could; I believe there’s no longer a mission in here.”

“And the people?” Michael asked carefully without being pretentious.

This time Lansius couldn’t answer. He was torn between the safety of his wife and retainers, or the Vindebona’s townsfolk he barely knew.

***