Chapter 134

Forgotten People

Deserted Hunting Lodge

Servants were quietly cleaning the place while guards from both sides secured the scenic area, filled with lush woodlands and a valley in the distance. The Lord and Lady of Korelia sat on the wooden porch, with Sir Harold standing by their side. Facing them were the Lord of Umberland and her Steward, also seated on the porch.

There were signs of looting, but the two Lords and Lady of Korimor didn’t mind. In fact, it helped set the mood as both wanted an informal meeting to align their agendas. They had been formally introduced previously. Now, it was time to establish a relationship between the Houses.

The meeting started with the Steward recounting what he knew about the history of the bulwark tied to the half-breed's history. When it was mentioned that the Second Imperium built the ancient bulwark to seal off the half-breeds from raiding Nicopola, but couldn’t stop it completely, Lansius asked what stopped them.

The Steward felt reluctance to answer, so Beatrix decided to answer, "Well, it's not really a secret. The problem lies in my kinsmen's numbers."

Lansius didn't give any response but listened intently.

Beatrix continued, "When the bulwark was completed, my ancestors were already declining."

"Declining...?" Lansius wasn't sure he had heard correctly.

"Yes, life in the mountains was harsh even for half-beasts. Worse, our half-human constitution made us unable to live in the wild like true beastmen." She sipped her goblet of cold spring water. "While we had an explosion of numbers before, eventually sickness, untreated wounds, infighting, and old age decimated the tribes."

Lansius nodded. "Then what about the Kae monastery?"

"Ah, yes. I did ask you about the monastery in our meetings," Beatrix chuckled happily. Although perfectly capable, like most half-breeds, she rarely hid her feelings, especially towards people her instinct told her she could trust.

"Kae or Kaen," she began, "was a diligent old man who came to the mountain with his friends. Many said he was a veteran of the beastmen wars, but frankly, the age didn't match." Beatrix shrugged. "I mean, it was already several hundred years after the last beastmen were eradicated from Nicopola. But whoever he was, Kae and his friends had deep compassion for my kin."

"So he built a monastery to help?"

"Quite the contrary, he built the monastery to capture my kin," Beatrix guffawed. "He and his friends were exceptionally skilled and knew how to fight half-breeds. He captured many and forced them to attend his lectures."

Lansius was amused. "What an interesting man."

Beatrix, sitting on the wooden porch, swung her feet freely. "Old Kae taught my great-great-grandma how to properly raise mountain goats and wild hogs, why killing baby goats would be detrimental, and how to find other food sources like yam. He even taught my kin to preserve meat by building a smokehouse at the monastery."

With her guests listening attentively, she continued, "The old man taught several generations before he got diarrhea from bad summer yam and died," Beatrix guffawed again briefly. She then stared at Lansius "Why do you even bother to listen to such stories? I only asked about the monastery so I could tell you about my origin and my claim to the barony."

"I'm just curious. That's all," Lansius reassured her. Then, to nobody in particular, he added, "Still, I find it hard to believe that the people of Umberland can keep the half-breed story a secret."

Sir Harold added, "Indeed. I asked the Lowlandians, and they never heard about them."

Beatrix's maw formed a smile. "That's because old Kae forced us to live beyond the monastery. His monastery is already so remote in the mountains, and men rarely visited. He also taught us not to show ourselves to humans to avoid conflict. Thus, we made our villages far away and only came to the monastery for annual trade."

Lansius was unconvinced. "I still think that traveling minstrels would dig stories about this easily and spread them."

"Oh, you haven't noticed?" Beatrix countered. "The people of Umberland are good at keeping their secrets. It's one of the traits of the mountain people. They rarely talk, only grumble." Beatrix eyed her steward, who could only chuckle politely.

Lansius smiled and exchanged glances with Audrey, who asked, "Do they still have members in this monastery?"

"Yes. Kae is a local hero," the Steward explained. "Because of his reports of exploration that detailed hidden fertile grounds and a river between the mountains, there was a migration that eventually founded Umberland City. Because of this, some followed Kae's footsteps to become hermits, believing that as long as the monastery was maintained and offerings were made, there would be peace."

Then, resisting a laugh, Beatrix continued, "Of course, it wasn't true, but we sort of need that salt, ale, linen, and spices. And since this isn't trade anymore but offerings, it's free. So, we hardly bother with what they think of us." She laughed hard and slapped her thigh.

Lansius chuckled along with Sir Harold. Only Audrey and the old steward remained composed.

After the laughter died down, Beatrix exhaled deeply and continued, "Despite my kin's connection with the region, the monastery, and the ancient bulwark, after several centuries, my kin were forgotten. Even the people of Umberland think of us as werewolves."

"I apologize if this is a touchy subject, but what do you know about werewolves?" Lansius asked.

Beatrix stroked her furry chin. "Not much aside from several old stories. They seem to be real but existed far from here."

Lansius nodded, and as he glanced to his side, he saw Audrey's tension finally drop a notch.

Beatrix seemed to notice too and let out a pleasant smile.

"Another thing," Lansius said to the host. "I've heard about you sharing the Lord of Umberland's lineage. But what's the story? You said your kin is forgotten, then how could someone from the Baron's family have a relationship with your kin?"

"Well, we blame humans' curiosity," Beatrix said, her eyes wandering afar as if lost in recollection. "From time to time, eager youths came looking for us for different reasons. It was easy to hide from them, but when they got into accidents, got lost, or almost starved to death in the forest, we ended up helping them. And sometimes, such fateful meetings happened between destined couples." She then motioned at her steward to continue.

The Steward nodded and took over, "The late Lord, following his father and grandfather's footsteps, tried to establish contact with the lost tribes. Their intention was a defense pact since the situation was troubling. Like them, he also ended up having offspring which from time to time he secretly brought into the castle."

"So, imagine our shock when we learned that the Nicopolans came and killed everyone," Beatrix said, her voice cracking, filled with hatred. "The late Lord's half-bred sons, along with their brethren, took revenge upon the Nicopolans who held the castle. They took down enough that the Nicopolans fled. However, they were too rash..."

Lansius exhaled, knowing what that implied. "They were lost in the conflict, and then you had a succession crisis."

"Indeed," the Steward responded. "We lost the entire bloodline. No uncle, no nephew. With the Nicopolans still outside our gates, Umberland would be doomed without a rallying figure. That was when we learned that another bloodline still lived in the mountains."

Beatrix added, "I'm only related to the late Lord's grandfather. But I'm also the leader of a powerful tribe. That was why the Steward wanted me as the temporary Lord."

Lansius' gaze sharpened. "Why temporary?"

Beatrix raised a brow. "I'm not stupid. I have no illusions that a half-breed could rule a barony." She stared at Lansius, who did not cower or give any reaction. "Humans fear my kin. So, this arrangement was never meant to be. Besides, the conflict has given us nothing substantial in return."

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"So, you're saying you don't get anything from being in power?"

"Access to more ale and mead is good. Also, salt, spices, and linens. But nothing substantial. We half-breeds aren't greedy like humans." Beatrix closed her maw with her furry hand, grinning a little. "I apologize if I've offended you."

"None taken," Lansius replied without losing a beat.

Audrey exhaled sharply and chimed in, "If this is only temporary, then who'll be the next Lord of Umberland?"

Beatrix laughed, while the Steward looked uncomfortable. Afterward, the Lord replied, "We still don't know. Neither of us wants it. We who live in the mountains only want good food, good drinks, and plenty of kids. Nothing else matters."

Lansius and Sir Harold chuckled at the answer, while Audrey nodded her head.

Crossing his arms, Lansius commented, "Still, you successfully drove out the Nicopolans. I will say that the title is earned."

The statement drew everyone's attention. Noticing them, Lansius continued, "One measure of a leader is he who can protect his people. And I doubt anyone would disagree with your capabilities."

"So the Lord of Korelia, the leader of the Great Alliance, will support My Lord's claim?" the Steward asked for confirmation.

Lansius turned to Audrey, who nodded firmly.

"The Baroness of Korimor has consented," Lansius remarked. "I don't want to sell promises, but you have our support. If Three Hills and White Lake agree, then we could accept you into our alliance."

The declaration was greeted by happy noises from Beatrix.

"But what about the temporary status?" the Steward asked cautiously.

Lansius raised his palm. "Old man, you started this, so it's time to play it to the end. The alliance will protect, but Umberland's domestic issue is for you to solve."

"That means...?" Beatrix asked in anticipation.

"That means only you can decide who'll rule Umberland. As long as he or she isn't a criminal, or having character defects, or questionable reputations, the alliance will support the nomination."

Beatrix was pleased and motioned for her servants to bring ales while waggling her tail freely.

"However," Lansius added, drawing their attention back to him. "I'll only give our support after we ascertain the fate of the population inside Umberland City."

The two hosts nodded solemnly.

"Despite your stories, I'll need concrete proof that Umberland City isn't under beastmen—"

"Half-bred," Beatrix corrected without hesitation.

"Under half-breed's terror rules," Lansius repeated. "You must open the city gates for a select column to investigate."

"We cannot agree to an investigation as there's no crime involved," Beatrix replied wittily. "However, if you wish to let a score of men to enter the city, we could agree on that. They should, however, be prepared to encounter my brethren from time to time."

Lansius nodded, and with that, the two sides came to an understanding.

...

After watching the two Lords and Lady finish speaking, Sir Harold cleared his throat, having more pressing issues to address. "My Lord and Steward, we need to know about the marauding Nicopolans. Where are they now?"

"My brethren have hunted their leaders at night, making them flee to Nicopola. Some stubborn ones barricaded themselves in the bulwark. Now, seeing their allies survive, many more have returned," Beatrix replied with a hint of annoyance.

"Is it hard to dislodge them?" Sir Harold asked.

"Too hard for us. After all, it was designed with beastmen in mind—closed battlements with small windows, stone constructions with narrow doors."

The Steward added, "There's also another group hiding or possibly lost in the forest. I imagine they're desperate for food and might attack if they regain their bearings."

Lansius looked at the ceiling and muttered, "One by one. We'll solve them, one by one."

Hearing that, Beatrix's stare sharpened, "There's one issue we haven't solved between us."

Lansius caught her tone and returned the stare. No stare could compare to his wife's. "May I venture a guess?" he responded calmly.

"You may."

"Is this about the four half-breeds who attacked my camp at night several days ago, attempting to assassinate me and my wife in our sleep?" Lansius asked as plainly as he could. Yet, the air turned heavy.

The Steward tried to intervene, but Beatrix raised her hand. Still locking gazes with Lansius, she said, "One of them is a brother to me."

"One did say something to that effect," Lansius confirmed.

Her back tensed. "I learned about the board your men wrote. But I wanted to hear it from you directly. What did he say?"

Despite the hair-raising stare, Lansius calmly responded, "He said: Seek my sister and tell her that she's right. As for me, I shall take the blame."

"And then, he snapped his own neck," Audrey added from the side.

"So you were also there?" Beatrix turned her gaze to Audrey.

"I am the one who fought your brother," Audrey stated, her voice firm.

"He attacked us in our sleep," Lansius hurriedly added.

Beatrix drew a deep breath and sighed. "Tell me, did he fight well?"

"He did. We were lucky to be alive," Audrey said truthfully.

Beatrix nodded and said without hesitation, "I apologize for my brethren. They act on their own, not under my command."

The unexpected apology was a breakthrough. When they saw Beatrix for the first time, Lansius' camp had been frightened of an impassable rift between them. Many expected her to demand blood or seek revenge.

Lansius exhaled deeply while keeping his composure and said, "We'll need a formal apology to appease both sides, a guarantee that this will never happen again, and then we should discuss fair compensation for the fallen."

"My brethren died trying to protect the city—" Beatrix's voice rose.

"And he and his men will be respected," Lansius interjected. "No one is truly in the wrong here. It's just the fog of war. I'm asking for a formal apology, and you should know that I will also write an apology so both sides can bury this matter and move forward."

Beatrix calmed down, seemingly accepting the explanation. "Your suggestion is reasonable."

"When this is over, I'm considering commissioning stone statues for the fallen, so anyone who passes can honor them."

The half-breed Lord nodded and returned to her graceful self. "An interesting approach. I guess humans do like to build things to commemorate their deeds."

"I just don't want to give the impression that they died for nothing. Both sides were doing their duty and paid the ultimate price."

Beatrix went into contemplation momentarily. "You'll have my apology, and the Steward will make the necessary arrangements. But I will not take part in making statues. It is not our way to honor our dead. However," she looked at Lansius and bowed her head slightly, "gratitude for not skinning the fallen."

Lansius kept a solemn look, saying, "It's only honorable to do so."

"Honorable... perhaps," Beatrix muttered. "My kin are guided only by the old man's scripture and superstition. In any case, intact bodies are always preferable to mutilated carcasses."

***

Lansius

After another round of discussion, Lansius and the Lord of Umberland reached several agreements. The most crucial part was that Umberland would loan its western and northern areas to the Grand Alliance in exchange for military support. The Alliance was allowed to build an additional fortification, repopulate the villages, and open the forest area if needed.

Lansius had also secured permission to maintain the hill fortress and the fortified post along the mountain road.

With this success, he quickly marched his troops to set up camp in one of the abandoned villages near the forest outskirts. His scouts had deemed the village a suitable place to camp, and the buildings could serve as temporary shelter. It also had an ample supply of clean water from a small river.

Currently, Sir Harold and Servius conducted reconnaissance to ensure the area was easily defensible.

Lansius and Audrey, along with their entourage, rode through the small river and inspected the villages while their troops were busy erecting tents for the night.

He saw a large empty farm and dismounted. Bees were flying lazily in the air as Lansius walked to the open patch of land where young grass sprouted here and there. He observed the scenery, noting the parallel deep grooves that indicated the land was ploughed. The air was mixed with the scent of manure, the faint aroma of wildflowers, and a heavy earthen scent from fallen leaves.

Noticing the presence of a scout nearby, he asked, "What do they grow in these lands?"

"Barley and rye, also beans and peas, My Lord. We've also found a villa surrounded by grapevines," the old man with tanned skin replied.

"Is the land fertile around here?"

"I cannot be sure of that, My Lord," he answered lightly.

Lansius smiled. He had treated his scouts well enough that they gave honest answers, even a 'no' without feeling pressured. "There must be some survivors hiding in the forest. If you find them, bring them to me."

"Aye, My Lord."

Audrey approached them and asked, "It seems you'll be busy. Mind if I visit Carla and Ingrid before supper?"

"Sure, but keep escorts," he advised.

Audrey nodded and left with her entourage and guards.

Lansius continued to inspect the surrounding meadows. Only after feeling satisfied did he head to his new command tent. He spotted Sterling at the entrance. "My Lord," the squire greeted.

"Any news?" Lansius asked as he entered.

"Plenty, My Lord. The messengers bringing letters from your domains have arrived."

"Domains..." Lansius mulled over the word as he removed his coat, handing it to Sterling. He then walked to the long table and took a seat.

Sterling arranged the letters one by one, saying, "From Korimor, Korelia, South Hill, and Three Hills."

"Three Hills," Lansius mulled, taking two sealed letters. He had heard about the failed coup from a fast messenger, but reports from them usually lacked depth.

Recognizing Dame Daniella's heraldry, he broke the wax and read the long letters, which explained the aftermath of the coup and how the situation quickly returned to normal. The Dame also informed that she had secured the assets of the moneylender house along with the bookkeepers.

Moneylender?!

Lansius was pleased with this newfound boon. Not only did it mean extra wealth, but the moneylender had power over those who owed them. If there were nobles among them, Lansius could have leverage over them. Lastly, Daniella reported that Sir Morton and Farkas were leading a supply convoy as planned, along with a small reinforcement to Umberland.

Satisfied, Lansius opened another letter, which bore the symbol of Three Hills City. It was full of gratitude from an old knight who served as the Steward, mostly formalities. Yet, not wanting to miss anything, he instructed, "Sterling, read this and let me know if I'm missing anything important."

Sterling complied and read carefully. Meanwhile, Lansius reviewed the letter from Korimor.

It's from... Sir Michael? He's in Korimor?

Sir Michael's unexpected presence in Korimor was clarified in the letter, which mentioned he had been tasked by Sir Justin. Lansius harbored no concerns over this. He had been away for so long that some personnel movement was expected, especially for someone without an official post like Sir Michael.

The letter detailed Korimor's current situation under Sir Hugo's leadership and the pressing need for additional personnel. Sir Michael further requested Lansius to draft policies, while outlining the city's strengths and weaknesses in his letter.

Lansius turned to Sterling. "Have you finished with the letter?"

"Yes, My lord. But I didn't find anything important."

"Good. Now, get me some ink and parchment. I need to draft some policies," Lansius said with a smile. Even while he was away on campaign, his realm needed his guidance. And he planned to tackle them quickly so he could refocus his efforts against the marauding Nicopolans.

***