Chapter 73

Year 163 – Fall – Sextus Mensis – 22nd day

Fort Wind-River, eastern side of the Ponterona’s territory

Sitting at the west of the Chiusa River was a large fort made of hewn stone. The river was as wide as a small town. One would have thought it was a strange idea to build a fort this tall next to such a large river. This river didn’t reach the sea and had a length longer than a thousand miles. Its streams began at the peak of the many large mountains in the south Ponterona’s territory. Circling around their land, the river used to serve as a natural frontier between the Ponterona’s territory and the rest of the Union. Since their alliance a few hundred years ago, this river had become more of a hindrance than an ally until the Eastern invasion.

Protected by their river, the Ponterona had gained more weight within the Union following the disastrous event of the last war. East of the fort, a large fortified bridge made of seven gateways and six drawbridges was being opened by 30 soldiers.

A large caravan had arrived at Fort Wind-River. When the large bridge reached the snowy ground, a single man came to find the visitors.

Soldier 1 – “COME INSIDE!”

Without waiting for their breath, the six horse-drawn carts entered the fort and kept on parading until they reached the courtyard, where soldiers were shovelling the snow away.

Bilfrith Krain – “WHO’S THE MAN IN CHARGE OF THIS FORT?”

Soldier 2 – “I AM!”

A soldier with grey hair walked toward Krain.

Soldier 2 – “I suppose you’re the owner of this caravan?”

Lord Krain – “Quite sharp, aren’t you?”

Soldier 2 – “I answer to the name of Fernando Montes. Who have I the honour to talk to?”

Bilfrith Krain – “Sir Bilfrith Krain, vassal of Lord Strahlend from Rock Eden. I came to deliver food as well as temporarily take command of this fort. I have here a letter from the Bona-Fide, giving me the highest authority over the army of 800 men, which is supposed to arrive later this month.”

Fernando Montes – “Can I take a look?”

Bilfrith Krain – “Have a go at it!”

Fernando Montes – “It seems to be correct. I will still send a bird to my lord to receive his approval. It shouldn’t take more than a few days. Until then, we’ll prepare rooms for you and your men.”

Bilfrith Krain – “I’ll leave you in charge until the 800 men arrive. Once they are here, I will take charge even if the letter from your lord hasn’t come back.”

Fernando Montes – “Then let’s hope it does come back beforehand.”

Bilfrith Krain – “Tell your men to take care of our horses before storing the supplies. I will visit the area. I expect my room to be ready by dinner.”

Fernando Montes – “It shall be, Sir Krain.”