Chapter 128

Hilltop Ascend

It was early in the morning on the seventh day of their campaign. The encampment was still quiet when Lansius was greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread, rich with butter and hinting at a slightly sweet, savory taste. So enticing was the scent that he rose from his slumber and went out to find Audrey baking in a corner of the command tent.

Unnoticed by her, Lansius watched as he often did. Despite her new status as a Baroness, Audrey still lived like a squire, waking up early to either maintain their gear or gather early information from the night watch.

However, today, she wasn't checking armor or sword, nor was she wearing her gambeson. The Baroness was baking bread, much as she had done as a squire, the only difference being the high-quality ingredients evident from the leftover goods on the adjacent table.

Lansius tried to sneak to the table for some roasted almonds when Audrey turned sharply, her right hand ready on her dagger. Her terrifying eyes quickly softened as she recognized him. "Oh, it's still early," she said.

"Can't help it. The aroma's too good."

"Hehe," she giggled proudly. "Wait until you taste it with the jam I made from the berries."

The baking and jam-making prompted Lansius to ask, "Is there any special reason?"

"Special occasion?" she misheard, returning to her cauldron.

"Special reason," Lansius repeated. "Why are you suddenly baking bread and making jams?"

"Well... I just wanted to," she replied nonchalantly.

"Really?" Lansius asked as he approached her.

Audrey looked at him with a slight smugness. "It's Centurian bread. My mother used to make this, but I couldn’t remember the recipe. So, I asked Ingrid, and she taught me how to make it."

"Ah, true. Ingrid is from Centuria."

"Yep," she replied, carefully adding more firewood. The flames crackled, eager to consume it. She wiped her hand with a cloth and gazed at the fire, saying, "Also, since everyone already thinks I'm pregnant, I might as well act the part."

Lansius felt odd at her remark. "But you like cooking."

"I don't mind cooking. Cleaning, well, that's another matter. But really... first, you told me not to march on foot. Then, Sir Harold wouldn't let me ride and urged me to use a carriage. Now, Carla won’t even let me train with a sword or don armor," she ended with a sigh.

"Right..." Lansius muttered, apologetically. "But I'm sure they all mean well."

"Without a doubt," she agreed. "I blame no one. It's just that I never expected this." Turning her gaze at him, she added, "I always thought I'd die a swordmaiden against that fell beast."

Lansius took her by the arms and said, "You're mine. I would burn the entire forest if I had to."

Audrey’s face softened, and then she turned her attention back to the iron cauldron as the bread's enticing aroma filled the air, signaling it was perfectly baked. She used a ragged cloth and a sturdy wood to carry the cauldron away from the fire, with Lansius stepping forward to assist her.

She opened the metal cover to reveal the bread, tapping it with a wooden spoon and hearing a satisfying hollow yet crusty sound. "Oh, it's fully cooked," she remarked, a bit surprised.

"Can't wait to try it," Lansius said with a smile, pleased by the shift in mood.

As she let the bread to cool, Audrey stared at him. "Lans, promise me something."

"What is it?"

"Don't turn me into a livestock-"

Lansius chuckled at the notion. "Come again?"

"You know what I mean. Like a goat whose only purpose is to breed," she pouted, her tone subtly threatening. "Don't turn me into a noblewoman who's only good for bearing children."

Lansius laughed and reassured her, "I won’t. You’re too valuable to be kept at home. You’re one of my best Captains. And soon, a Mage Knight as well."

Audrey looked pleased. Then Lansius blurted out, "Besides, who could possibly force you? You've bested a dozen of our knights, and the rest wouldn’t dare try."

"I guess they don't want to be defeated by a woman."

"More like they're afraid of being blinded," he quipped.

"Can't be that bad..." she ventured.

"Oh, believe me, it’s worse than a poke in the eye," Lansius teased.

She sighed deeply. "I hope our future son will not be afraid of my eyes."

Now, that's a real concern...

"Why the silence? Are you seriously worried about that?" she inquired, looking at him.

"No, not really," he responded, smiling. "It's been a while since I was stung."

"I told you I have better control now." A stiff smile was on her lips.

Lansius readily nodded. "Anyway, my stance remains the same: you can resume regular duties, just not while pregnant."

"But I'm not even sure," she said, annoyed.

Lansius shrugged. "It's too early to tell, isn't it?"

She hesitated but nodded her head.

"Then let's just wait until the third month as they suggested."

"But doing nothing frustrates me," Audrey sighed. "How about we spar a little?" she asked, hopeful.

Lansius immediately shook his head. "No, too risky."

She approached him, whispering, "What about wrestling in bed?"

"Well..." He tried to find an excuse but failed.

Audrey stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him. "Husband, it would be embarrassing if all this happened and I came out without a bump after three months. So, I prefer to take precautions," she argued, her allure undeniable.

"I guess that's wise..." Lansius conceded.

"Come, love, I demand a guarantee," she said, extending her right hand like a lady, her face adorned with a smug grin.

"Then I shall obey the Baroness' will," he replied suavely.

Both chuckled over their exchange as they retreated to the inner sanctum of their tent, leaving the freshly baked Centurian bread still steaming on the table to cool, awaiting breakfast. Meanwhile, the wind from the mountains breezed through the camps.

***

As dawn turned to morning, the two Lords, along with their entourage and main army, marched toward the plateau ascending into the mountainous region. The horizon bore hints of green and orange, indicating the presence of wooded lands blanketing the area. What they saw was the outskirts of Umberland.

Fearing an ambush, the cavalry intensified their patrols. The Lord of Korelia had made it abundantly clear that the risk of an ambush was so high, that wearing armor while marching was considered a necessity.

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Furthermore, their long-range scout, who was two days ahead, had still not detected the enemy. This situation kept the command staff on high alert.

They had information from Lord Jorge’s scouts that a large number of marauding Nicopolans were spotted in the area about ten days prior, but it appeared they had since departed. A report from Sir Arius, who had garrisoned a village north of Three Hills, further corroborated this account.

Sir Arius reported that the Nicopolans did not engage and had started to earnestly withdraw several days prior.

Upon hearing this, the Lord of Korelia was convinced that there was a coordinated effort behind these movements. It seemed the armed refugees operated under a functioning chain of command, rather than being merely disjointed groups as previously believed.

In light of this, the command staff braced for a challenging battle.

Today, the main army had begun climbing the hill that offered the last ideal resting spot for a large army before the ascent began. The terrain was such that the Lords of Umberland, who had inherited this realm, could remain in power despite the frequent turmoil in Lowlandia.

As the march progressed unhindered, the forward elements had finally reached and secured the hill by midday. Mounted on a tall and sturdy pole, the blue and bronze banner unfurled majestically against the winds.

Lord Lansius arrived with his retinue, and upon surveying the wooded landscape around the hill, something prompted him to utter a foreign word: "Wallachia."

...

Lansius

As the cavalry had limited use in the mountainous region, Lansius redeployed his cavalry arm to escort their supply train, fearing an ambush at their rear. Similarly, Lord Jorge moved his family and their entourage to Lansius' camp for safety.

The Lord of Three Hills stayed at the rear with his troops, serving as the allied army's rearguard. Stories of marine corps legends shared by Lansius had inspired Lord Jorge to spend more time with his men.

Lansius supported this and sent Dietrich and Sterling to ensure the safety and comfort of Lord Jorge's family.

As the main army of three thousand prepared their camps on the hill, the command staff convened once more. However, apart from the decision to fortify the hills as a lifeline to Three Hills and Korimor, today's meeting again felt fruitless, as they had yet to receive reports of enemy movements.

"Still no sightings of the enemy?" Lansius inquired.

"Not even their shadows, My Lord," Servius reported.

Sir Harold was similarly bothered and asked candidly, "Nothing to report at all?"

"Well," Servius considered, "there are reports of animal carcasses scattered along the route. Large deer, even wolves."

Lansius was intrigued. "On the roadside or in the middle?"

"I've heard reports of both."

"Rotting?" Sir Harold inquired.

"Not much. They're quite fresh when the scouts find them."

Sir Harold nodded and commented, "So, there's a large bear on the prowl."

"Are bears common in the area?" Lansius asked.

"I've never encountered one, not when my group crossed Umberland, but I'll look into it. There must be hunters or locals from Three Hills who know the region," Servius replied.

Lansius pondered and decided, "Ask the scouts if they've also found carcasses in the woods."

Sir Harold threw a glance at Lansius while Servius wondered aloud, "Is there any reason for this, My Lord?"

"It's just a hunch, but animals usually hide their meals and don't leave them out in the open."

"Then My Lord is suggesting this isn't a bear's doing?" Sir Harold cautiously asked.

Lansius exhaled deeply. "Maybe I'm overreacting. But I'm concerned this is a warning. The way the Nicopolans retreated was unusual."

"Fell beasts?" Sir Harold uttered, his voice tinged with disbelief, as Servius looked on with concern before responding, "Given the number of dead in Nicopola, anything is possible."

Lansius was lost in thought.

Seeing that, Servius explained, "We have legends, though not as many sightings as in Elandia. The nobles insist they were merely beastmen slaves who had escaped."

Lansius nodded. Audrey had informed him that goblins and lesser creatures existed only on the distant continent of Progentia. He had also encountered old records suggesting that similar goblin-like creatures had been eradicated from the Promissia continent following their initial contact with early human and elven settlements.

However, more mysterious and monstrous creatures, known as fell beasts, remained hidden in the ancient forests. They posed a different kind of threat than goblins. Some of these fell beasts even became pivotal elements in sagas around famed Grand Progenitors, with battles that took countless lives and prominent heroic figures.

Thus, there was a general fear of these monstrous creatures. However, such fear had largely diminished over time, morphing into myth or superstition, as no monstrous creatures had attacked human settlements for centuries. Some attributed this peace to the current Emperor's blessing.

"What about you, Servius? What do you believe?" Lansius inquired.

Servius shook his head. "These are different times. Perhaps the Ageless blessing has faded. However, monster or not, I believe they wouldn't dare to confront an entire army."

Lansius appreciated the condottiere pragmatism.

Outside, a cold wind stirred, causing the command tent to shudder. "Is this cold wind from the mountains?" Lansius asked, subtly shifting the conversation.

"I believe it's from the Targe mountains," Servius noted, referencing another mountainous region near the capital, known for its everlasting snowcap.

"No wonder. I've heard the mountains in Umberland lack a permanent snowy peak," Sir Harold remarked.

Lansius nodded and instructed accordingly, "Make sure we have plenty of firewood. We'd better stock up before winter arrives."

Servius nodded and asked, "Would this be all, My Lord?"

Lansius did not react, so Servius waited.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Lansius quoted the advice his wife once gave him: "The hurried hare falls prey to the waiting hound." Then, he instructed his top retinue, "I want half of our men to sleep in their armor tonight. Triple the night watch patrols."

"I'll personally oversee tonight's night watch," Sir Harold volunteered.

"Much obliged, Sir Harold," Lansius said gratefully.

"My Lord, what about tomorrow's march?" Servius asked.

"There's no need to march tomorrow. Let the men rest or help with the fortification. We've yet to find the enemy, and this troubles me."

***

The Lord's Encampment

Every evening after supper, Ingrid was welcomed to the command tent under the guise of giving lectures to Lady Audrey. While Lord Lansius was curious, he chose to honor the guild's trade secret and made excuses to leave the two alone. That evening, the Lord was engaged in another study session with his top retinue, trying to learn about the region's culture and way of life.

Meanwhile, in the command tent, the clandestine magic training continued.

"Again, inhale and exhale as you move."

"I don't feel anything-"

"Don't worry about it. Trust the process," the mentor reassured the student.

Audrey persevered with her training despite sensing no progress. After the session had ended, she asked, "Ingrid, am I really going to get stronger?"

"I'm confident that you will. Especially after we unlock the source." Ingrid handed Audrey a goblet of water.

"Why delay unlocking the source? Is it because I'm pregnant?" Audrey accepted the goblet and drank.

"Not at all. We deem this training to be safe, certainly safer than physical exercises."

"True, the movements are slow and deliberate."

"The move is to attune your limbs to your breathing," Ingrid explained.

Audrey nodded and put her empty goblet away. "Is everyone trained this way?"

Ingrid hesitated but decided to be frank, "Normally, I let them with a bit of my magic so they can experience wielding it."

Audrey's eyes lit up. "Can you do that for me?"

"I'm afraid not, My Lady. Your potential exceeds mine. If I tried it, your magic might overwhelm mine."

"What would happen then?"

"It would be like a waterfall to a pond. It might cause all kinds of damage, even rupturing the connection between me and my source."

Audrey was taken aback. "Am I that dangerous?"

"It's not uncommon, My Lady. Regrettably, with magic, the more gifted individuals are, the longer the training time required to master it."

Audrey exhaled sharply. It had been several days, but she was still struggling to grasp the concept of magic. Everything was new to her, convincing her that nothing Isolte had taught her was related to magic. "If only he were here," she murmured.

Noticing Ingrid's confused look, Audrey clarified, "The Lord is well-read in many subjects and could explain things to me easily. I believe he even studied a book about Mages."

Ingrid furrowed her brow. "But there's only one such book, the history of the Mage Guild."

"Yes, that's the one. He said he read through that tedious volume to ensure he didn't miss anything."

"Didn't miss anything..." Ingrid repeated slowly before commenting, "My Lord is a remarkable man."

Audrey readily agreed.

Ingrid then asked, "Tell me, My Lady, does he have any other unusual traits?"

Reflecting for a moment, Audrey replied, "Aside from his hair that took a long time to grow, nothing else comes to mind. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious, My Lady," Ingrid reassured her.

"So, shall we resume training?" Audrey proposed, her spirit revived.

"My Lady, it's best to be on the safe side of things, especially when the Lord is powerful," Ingrid said gently. "A son or a healthy daughter would boost other Houses' confidence in your House's standing."

Audrey nodded in understanding. She certainly knew and understood the points well, but hearing them from someone else made a difference.

...

Ingrid

The mentor exited the command tent just as Lord Lansius passed by. They exchanged polite greetings amidst a drizzle and chilly winds.

Returning to her small tent, Ingrid spent some time alone. Originally, she was meant to share a larger tent with a squire, but Ingrid had requested privacy, even if it meant having a smaller tent.

As soon as she settled onto her fur bedroll, strewn atop a thick carpet, she heard excited barking outside the tent, accompanied by the sounds of patrols making their rounds.

Ingrid began preparing a herbal concoction using a jar of hot water she had obtained from the Lady's tent. She needed to brew it quickly before the water cooled.

Unexpectedly, a voice called out from outside. "Educator Ingrid, it's me, the messenger you sent before."

"Please enter," Ingrid responded calmly.

The youth poked his head inside. "Maester, I've searched everywhere for Sir Morton, but I was told he was sleeping elsewhere or on errands. Only now, I received confirmation that Sir Morton was away."

"So you couldn't deliver the letter?"

"Unfortunately..." the messenger replied apologetically, then returned the sealed letter.

Ingrid took her purse and handed the youth five copper coins despite his failure. "Tell no one."

"Of course, and gratitude, Maester."

The messenger departed, leaving Ingrid with a heavy sigh. Not even the freshly brewed aroma of her herbal concoction could lift her spirits. While the Baroness' training had progressed better than expected, Ingrid was facing a big dilemma and needed Sir Morton's expertise and consultation.

Most mages, like Ingrid, couldn't see magic; they could only sense it. Only gifted individuals like Sir Morton had the ability to see magic.

Ingrid needed to consult him about Lord Lansius. She was certain that Sir Morton had met Lord Lansius several times and was baffled as to why the Mage Knight hadn't reported anything peculiar about him.

In truth, Ingrid was utterly shocked when she first met the Lord. His magic potential was so ridiculously low that it seemed impossible.

Thus, for the past several days, she had quietly inquired of the Baroness about any other gemstones or artifacts that the Lord might wear—something to conceal magic. However, the Lady wasn't aware of any, and Ingrid didn't sense anything unusual either.

This troubled Ingrid deeply. "To think that the champion of Lowlandia, the leader of the Grand Alliance, isn't even human."

***