The humans made steady progress towards York. One of the knights under Baldwin used to hunt regularly with his brothers in the forest so he served as an excellent guide. Meanwhile, Gaenor, the ranger, was atop the trees while she was on the lookout for demons. The absence of demons allowed the humans to cover a lot of ground. Moving through the forest wasn’t the most direct nor the fastest route but it did allow the humans to remain concealed. Avoiding any engagements was vital for the group as their survival depended on remaining hidden and reaching a few kilometers of York.

Before they began the journey, Dreu learned the second footman was called Zhao. Initially, Dreu was worried his footman, Zhao, would slow the group down. He equated the large bulk of the footman to less agility when traveling long distances but Zhao had proven him wrong. The footman kept up easily and, due to not having the same stamina issue as humans, easily kept pace by Dreu's side. Rather, it was the civilians who required multiple breaks a day and thus slowing everyone down. While it wasn’t the fault of the civilians for being unfit and struggling to keep up, the others would rather reach the city than spend more time than necessary in the forest. Dreu was fortunate his laborer job had kept him fit enough for the journey.

Given their pace, Baldwin estimated the group needed two weeks time to reach York. On the third night, the group came across a cave which they happily took shelter in. Not only did the cave provide them a better defensive position but it also allowed them to light fires to ward off the chill. Lighting fires in the forest had a high chance of giving away their position to demons so the group restrained themselves from doing so. The first two nights weren’t pleasant as most got little rest from all the shivering. The third night offered the group members their first potentially good rest since the journey began.

Zhao, do you have a moment?

Dreu had just eaten and was enjoying a bit of free time before bed. He didn’t mingle with the other people because they still felt like strangers to him. Bayard had clamped up again since their last conversation and he didn’t want to be pushy. On this particular night, he wanted to know Zhao better, especially when the footman was actually present and they might have to fight together.

I’m always available, emperor.

Please call me Dreu! I’m not used to…such titles. I’m a mere laborer.

Alright, emp…..Dreu. I will need time to adjust to this.

Tell me about yourself, Zhao. I know next to nothing about you.

I’m not very interesting! I’m just a battle fanatic. At least, that’s what the others call me.

Tell me how you got that title then.

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Zhao briefly unsheathed his sword and took a few swings. Dreu was amazed by how fluid the moment was. After the short display, Zhao sheathed his sword and gestured the two of them to sit down.

You may not believe it but the sword is merely a secondary weapon for me. There are others far more skilled in the sword than me. For instance, you should see what Bayard is capable of. My specialty lies on horseback with polearms like spears. Give me a cavalry group and I’ll gladly bring you the heads of our enemies.

Cavalry?

Yes, soldiers fighting on horseback…..do you not know what a horse is?

Dreu shook his head and Zhao scratched his head. The young man felt they were from two different worlds and Zhao spoke of horses like they were pigs and cows.

What do you use to pull carts?

Mules and oxen.

Over three hundred years ago, we had animals called horses. They can pull carts but the warhorse variety was better suited on the battlefield. Those who rode horses into battle were known as knights.

Both Dreu and Zhao turned towards the two knights standing at the cave mouth.

I take it that they only know how to fight on foot?

Correct, Zhao.

For the next hour or so, Zhao shared his past experiences about him leading the cavalry into battle. He spoke of the exhilaration of charging headfirst into a line of enemies who weren’t properly braced for a cavalry charge. As countless enemies were thrown back by the combined momentum of both the rider and the horse, he would then use his spear to further decimate his enemies. The footman described cavalry charge as one of the most devastating tools the former emperor had at his disposal. By the time Zhao finished his story, Dreu was already intrigued by the horse.

I wonder what happened to the horses. They weren’t mentioned at all in our history books.

Something must have taken place following the Battle of Chilsor.

Battle of Chilsor?

Does your generation not learn about history?

Xemir ordered those records locked away. We cannot even ask about the past without risking punishment. I’d love to hear about that battle.

We can speak of the battle when you aren’t in danger. It’s a long tale that will take multiple nights. I’m also certain Bayard will happily share it with you. He had the best view of the entire battle.

As a general?

Yes, he was directing the battle for our side. We would have won if the Right Arm of Xemir didn’t show up. He and his godlike powers decided the outcome. Those followers of Xemir are a bunch of cheaters.

The more Dreu spoke to his footmen, the more he was intrigued by what Xemir hid from the humans. There seemed to be so much of history that was simply removed from their knowledge. He couldn’t help but wonder how much of the world he didn’t know. Since he left his hometown of Lullin, he traveled through a few small towns before he stopped at Berkton. Given the size of the continent, he had barely seen a speck of what Ittoroth had to offer. With no ability to travel far and wide, books were the only source of knowledge for him. The thought of being denied so much made Dreu’s blood boil.