Chapter 84

White Pieces

Dawn had just broken when Sir Michael and Hugo slipped through the city gate and arrived outside the cabin. The cool wind was blowing, and the grass was wet with morning dew.

Sir Harold finally emerged from inside and invited them in. “The lord wishes to see you.”

“Am I allowed to bring my sword?” Sir Michael asked, as he was not part of House Lansius.

“Is there any reason not to?” Sir Harold countered with a grin.

The one-eyed knight chuckled, pleased with the implied trust.

“Don’t worry. He’s perfectly capable of killing us both,” Hugo jested, then entered first.

Sir Michael entered and saw Lord Lansius sitting on a folding chair behind a small table. Lady Audrey sat beside him.

“My lord,” Hugo and Sir Michael greeted him. The latter added, “We welcome you to Korimor.”

Deputy, Sir Michael,” Lord Lansius replied. “How are Korimor and its people? Do they oppose you?”

“No,” Hugo reported. “At least not openly. But the issue of food rations is ongoing.”

Lord Lansius nodded. “How about House Omin?”

“The House consists only of Lady Hilda and her young son. They pose little threat,” Hugo reported. “I must say it’s not really a surprise. With the baroness as their new head of House, they’re essentially an extension of your own House.”

His words prompted Sir Harold to add, “I suppose they’re open to the idea of becoming part of the most powerful House in Lowlandia.” His comment elicited a few smirks and smiles.

Amused, Lord Lansius glanced at Lady Audrey, who responded, “I’ll meet with Lady Hilda today and secure their support.”

“Don’t promise them anything except safety, good land, and a monthly allowance. Take their son as a squire when he’s of age,” the lord instructed. Then he turned to the two commanders. “What’s the situation with the city’s supplies?”

Hugo looked at Sir Michael, who reported, “The city is fortunate that the previous lord maintained a large cache of food. The records show that he consistently bought from and used Three Hill’s reserves during his campaigns. However, even with last year’s harvest and the current rations, the granary won’t last through the winter.”

“He is indeed cunning,” Lord Lansius commented of Omin.

“Perhaps we can use him instead of sending him back to the dungeon,” Lady Audrey suggested.

The lord mulled over the idea. “If he’s not too proud, I could place him under someone. But he needs to earn our trust first.” Realizing the conversation had strayed, he added, “Let’s set this issue aside for now. What are your thoughts on the Nicopolan situation?”

“My lord, first of all, I need to inform you that Lady Daniella has been captured,” Hugo reported somberly.

The lord drew a deep breath but motioned Hugo to continue. He knew from the last message that she had attempted to broker peace, and it was indeed risky.

Hugo continued, his voice heavy with regret. “The enemy is keeping her alive and wants to use her as a hostage.”

“Bargaining tools,” Lord Lansius muttered. “Do we know the reason why she attempted to talk?”

“She said the Nicopolans are fractured. It’s unlikely that everyone agrees on besieging a walled city like Korimor.”

Lord Lansius understood her intention, but alas, it had failed. “How do you think we should solve these Nicopolan problems?”

Hugo and Sir Michael exchanged glances, and the latter spoke. “I think we should levy the populace. That way, we’ll have the numbers required to meet them on the field. I believe that our cavalry should suffice to flank them.”

“It’ll be a good battle,” Lord Lansius admitted. “High casualties from both sides, but a victory nevertheless.”

“My lord, how about subterfuge?” Sir Michael suggested.

The lord was piqued. “What do you have in mind?”

“Before Lady Daniella was captured, she reported that her attempt almost worked. The Nicopolans aren’t under one leadership. While in general, they follow this Tarracan man, there are mercenary companies that have joined in but have different loyalties. And not everyone likes the Tarracan man.”

“So, she went there not to broker peace but to instigate a mutiny?” Lord Lansius asked.

Sir Michael nodded. “She found out that peace isn’t possible if the Tarracan man is in the lead. The man simply wants to rule.”

Almost everyone murmured, and the lord allowed them to vent their disgust.

Lady Audrey sighed aloud and lamented, “To use hungry people as a stepping stone.”

“It’s a bloody path, none should ever take,” Sir Harold responded.

Lord Lansius closed his eyes, comparing himself with the Tarracan man. Despite the contrast, he saw some similarities. He had battled Robert and taken Korelia for his own personal gain. He then stubbornly defended it, also for his own personal gain.

As if noticing his troubled mind, Lady Audrey placed her hand on his wrist. The lord glanced at her and nodded in appreciation.

“I hope I’m a better man than he is,” he said openly.

“My lord, you surely jest,” said Hugo, surprised. The rest also looked concerned.

The situation prompted Lady Audrey to say, “The Lord of Korelia is still recovering; please forgive his tactless jest. Perhaps, a duck egg broth could cure this ailment.”

“No, wait—”

“There should be a stockpile in the city. I’ll put up a petition right away,” said Hugo.

“Or we can try the apothecary in the city. They should have potent medicines,” Sir Michael suggested.

Lord Lansius suddenly chuckled and waved it all off. “No duck egg for me, on the pain of no pay,” he threatened. Only then did they understand just how much the lord hated the broth.

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With his retinue in line, the lord crossed his arms and said to Michael, “From your words, it seems possible to divide or turn the Nicopolans against themselves.”

“Indeed, my lord, but it will require some finesse.”

“Do you think you have it?” Lord Lansius asked.

“In commanding battles, I might be worthless, but in courtly matters, I believe I can hold my own,” said Sir Michael confidently.

The lord sat in silence for a moment, pondering, and nobody disturbed him, knowing he was deciding on a plan. The shadows from lanterns hung around the cabin danced as the morning wind began to breeze.

He finally shifted in his seat and spoke. “Hugo, you’re more suited for this task. At the first light, levy a thousand militia from the populace. Double their rations for the duration of the training. Make sure to only take the fit and people with arms, helmets, and gambesons.”

“Yes, my lord,” Hugo replied.

“Sir Harold,” Lord Lansius called, and the tall knight stepped forward.

“Pick a hundred of the best from the existing troops from Korimor, their guardsmen, and their mercenaries. Meld them with your men. I want you to prepare them as crack troops in combination with our dragoon regiment,” the lord continued.

“May I ask, what’s their purpose?” Sir Harold asked.

“Possibly, hostage rescue,” the lord revealed. “If we want to divide them successfully, then chances are we’ll need to rescue some families.”

“That’ll be hard to do,” Sir Harold said without mincing words.

“The result may be bleak, but as long as they see us commit,” Lord Lansius said, seemingly out of breath.

Lady Audrey readily reached out to him. “You’re exerting yourself. Better finish this quickly and get some rest.”

The lord nodded, seeing his men’s concern. “At ease. Just fatigue. Let me outline that I wanted to try to avoid bloodshed. There’s still time before harvest. I have discussed my plans with Sigmund; he’ll be able to give you some pointers about what to do. The Nicopolans should send their envoy today or tomorrow.”

“What if they don’t send one?” Lady Audrey asked.

“Then I’ll make them,” Lord Lansius replied firmly.

***

Lansius

Within an hour, morning arrived in Korimor, and a crisp autumn breeze along with it. The wind carried a strong earthen scent, and there were more clouds overhead.

At first light, as ordered, Hugo and his men marched toward the city plaza and announced the recruitment of a thousand men. This announcement, with the promise of double rations, excited everyone. Word spread like wildfire, and soon many flocked to the plaza with helmets, swords, and gambesons.

While this was expected, there was also another movement of people. Propelled by the Lord of Korelia’s presence outside, and the large group of allied tribesmen, the Korimors dared to venture outside to collect hay and firewood for the winter.

At first, the guardsmen allowed a small number of them, but before long, a large number began to amass at the city gates, and there was concern that this could turn serious. Sir Michael thus sent a message to Lord Lansius.

When the messenger arrived, the lord and the baroness were eating a light breakfast.

“Hundreds of people with carts could be a hazard if we need to defend against a sudden attack,” Audrey voiced her concern.

Lansius nodded, then turned to his knight after sipping a bitter herb-infused concoction. “What do you think, Sir Harold?”

“Well, I say there’s little harm, and if this baits the Nicopolans to move, then perhaps it’s something we can exploit.”

Lansius stifled a laugh at the knight’s cunning answer. “Make some arrangements then.”

“At once, my lord,” said Sir Harold and left the cabin, taking the messenger with him.

After they left, Audrey asked, “You seem unconcerned with this. Is this within your prediction?”

“No. I didn’t expect this, but it sort of aligns with my plan,” he admitted.

Audrey offered him some sweet bread, and Lansius took a bite.

“Which part is aligned?” she asked after they finished with the bread.

“Well, I insist on staying here and not entering the city to try to provoke a response from the Nicopolans.”

Audrey tried to fathom the reason.

“I want to break the sense of the city being under siege,” he explained. “It’s hard on morale. I want to encourage people to venture outside to gather food, hay, wild berries, or even to go fishing. Those activities will ultimately help the city.”

“And this is exactly what happened,” praised Audrey.

“No, I expected a dozen or tens of people, not hundreds. The Korimors are either too bold or desperate,” he said rather worriedly. The situation inside the city might be worse than he expected.

***

Arriving at the city gate, Sir Harold personally ordered it opened, and hundreds of people armed with scythes marched out. They hurried to the meadows just beyond the city wall, working quickly to gather hay. Horse-drawn carts filled up and shuttled into the city almost nonstop.

Their livestock depended on it. Without good hay, the animals would neither fatten up for the winter nor produce milk.

Despite the bustling activity outside the walls, the Nicopolans did nothing. Frustration seemed to build up inside their camp, yet they launched no sorties.

After confirming the situation with his scout and Sir Harold, Lansius summoned House Omin. He was determined to use this opportunity to further his plan and solve as many issues as possible.

The issue of the transfer of power was particularly high on his priority list.

Despite his position, Lansius played little role except to witness Audrey take over her House’s leadership from her nephew, a boy younger than Margo. The boy was only assisted by Hilda, his mother. Omin’s wife was native to Lowlandia but was not born in Korimor.

Though she was already officially the baroness, with the symbolic transfer of the patent of Baron of Korimor and the key to the undercroft vault,

Audrey seemed stoic, emotionless as she took the items and gave them to Carla for safekeeping. Lansius at her side looked proud. Meanwhile, Hilda and her son seemed fearful and nervous until the lady guaranteed their safety and promised good land.

“We have moved from the castle and have transferred command of the guards to Deputy Hugo. But please allow me to retain some of my older retinue,” asked Hilda.

“As long as you can afford it,” said Audrey. “I’ll give you a monthly allowance, but it won’t be much, since we’re at war. Do try to make it work.”

Hilda then said, “We learned that my husband is here. Can we see him?”

Audrey almost allowed them, but Lansius cleared his throat and advised, “It’ll be hard for him to be seen all dirty and dusty after a long journey. It’s best to prepare him a bath and good clothes, as well as his personal barber and servant. Give them one day, and then tomorrow you can meet him.”

“That is a kind suggestion, my lord. I shall do as you say,” Hilda responded openly.

“A favor, if you could,” Lord Lansius said.

“Please, if it’s within my power.”

“When you meet your husband tomorrow, please ask about his contingency plan in this situation. I might learn something beneficial to aid our situation. Rest assured, I would consider this a meritorious service.”

Hilda understood his intention, expressed her gratitude, and left the premises. Not long after she returned to the city, a host of workers with carts carried three wooden bathtubs. The two largest were intended for Lord Lansius and the baroness, complete with hot water, flowers, and clean clothes.

The smallest of the three was intended for Omin, a sign of humility on their part.

Lansius gratefully accepted the gift and cleaned himself. After so many days without baths, the first time always felt good. His skin became supple, and his muscles felt relaxed.

As the baroness’ squire, Carla politely took the flowers away and replaced them with herbal leaves she had gathered from the tribesmen. She had been taught by Cecile and Calub not to trust anyone too easily. Even insignificant things could contain poison that might harm her charge.

After cleaning himself and feeling refreshed, Lansius sat in his cabin-turned-command-center and received updates regarding the situation. He confirmed that the Nicopolans had done nothing but dig some pits as measures against a cavalry attack.

Next, he received a report from Hugo.

“More than enough have joined. Selection and training are ongoing. The anticipation is high,” Roger, the squire, reported on behalf of Hugo.

Lansius nodded. From the window, he could watch Sir Harold condition his men to move speedily under his command and to retreat in an orderly fashion after achieving their objectives.

The newly formed dragoon regiment, the fast-moving footmen riding horses, would also participate. Lansius had yet to give them a role, but they would be vital.

Nearing midday, Lansius was about to survey the location, but Audrey and his staff urged him to get some rest to avoid a relapse.

...

Lansius lay down to rest, but a sense of restlessness kept him alert. Whatever had happened to him yesterday and this morning felt distant. Feeling better, he taught Roger how to make bird’s-eye maps instead of sleeping.

Audrey entered the sleeping chamber. “Ah, you’re awake.”

Roger stood straight and bowed his head to the Lady of Korimor, surprising Audrey with the formality.

“Any new developments?” asked Lansius while putting down his quill pen.

“You’re going to like this. We have an envoy,” said Audrey.

Lansius couldn’t help but smirk. “Who accompanies them now?”

“Harold and Dietrich. They’re giving them the silent treatment,” she replied.

Lansius nodded while feeling the weight of responsibility creeping on his shoulder. It didn’t bend his tempered will, merely steeled his resolve.

Here we are, fighting to survive, in a world with the darkest powers...

He recalled a catchy lyric and gazed at Audrey, feeling her trust in him. “Summon Michael and Sigmund. Let the Tragedy of Nicopolans begin.”

***