While the Jarl still couldn't accept the reality that lay before them, one of the Danes could be seen heading toward their location. His disheveled attire and haggard appearance immediately caught the attention of the Jarls, and it didn't take long for them to recognize who the man was.
The man was Torstein, a famous warrior within the Danes and known by all of the Jarl.
"Torstein, are you alright?" asked Jarl Haraldstein as he scanned over the man's body. He was really terrified by the possibility of losing one of his best fighters.
"Yes, My Lord. I'm perfectly fine, but I'm afraid the same can't be said for my men." replied Torstein with a dejected tone. He then quickly schooled his face and continued, "My Lord, I met the man I saw in my village before."
Looking at the confused face on the Jarl's face, he added, "The one who also rode the ship together with you, My Lord."
When he heard that, a look of realization appeared on Jarl Haraldson's face. He knew about the man Torstein talked about, but he didn't expect that the latter knew the person as well.
Seeing Jarl's face, Torstein nodded and continued on, "My Lord, the man is a wizard of the Divine Order. His name is Merlin, and he told me to convey a message to you."
The name Merlin made Freyne who listened startled. He had heard of this name. If he wasn't wrong, this new wizard was apparently so young, not even reaching the age of twenty.
Previously, when he heard how young and remarkable the wizard was from Gaious, Freyne immediately didn't want to hear more about the other party. It was because he believed that Gaious was only exaggerating the boy's talent.
Jarl Haraldson turned serious when he heard that the man had a message for him. "What is the message?"
"The wizard said that we can bring back all of our wounded men we left in the forest. As long as we don't advance, they will not attack"
The Jarl was clearly surprised by the message; he didn't expect that kind of message from someone who could easily annihilate his enemy. Such an act rarely happened in battle; allowing them to take the wounded back was truly the finest example of an act of mercy.
With only five thousand of them returning from the initial ten thousand, there must still be at least one thousand wounded and in unconscious state left behind in the forest. Hence, if the other party really let them bring those people back, that would truly be a fortunate thing for them.
The gesture was highly appreciated by the Jarls, but they were not sure if they could trust this wizard named Merlin.
The Iceni Prince turned to his wizard and asked who this Merlin was.
"He's just a newbie!" Freyne said with an utterly condescending tone. "He must be thirsty for achievement, that's why he said that. I believe this is another trap set for us!"
Jarl Haraldson and Torstein, on the other hand, had different opinions about the matter. But seeing how Merlin just killed thousands of their men, they also couldn't be so sure about their opinion.
Therefore, he only decided to add information that the man named Merlin knew their immortal king, Fjolrin. For that reason, he was someone who should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Even though Jarl Haraldson had given a solid reason to give Merlin their trust, Freyne still headstrong on his opinion. Not to lose face, he decided that he would meet this Merlin and see for himself if the man could be trusted.
All the Jarl agreed with the suggestion. The Iceni Prince, however, had other plans in mind.
When Freyne was about to enter the forest, the Iceni Prince approached him and said,
"When you meet him, immediately use your magic to capture or kill him. I don't really care." The words were spoken in such a small voice that only Freyne could hear them. A ferocious expression appeared on the Iceni Prince's face, but disappeared immediately when he turned around.
Looking at the back of the Iceni Prince, Freyne replied with a smile, "Of course, My King."
The wizard was being accompanied by five great warriors from each of the Danes tribe, and Torstein was one of them. He was asked to escort Freyne to meet this Merlin because he was the one who had the most contact with the other party.
As they entered the forest, Freyne said in a small voice, "No matter how young, this man is still a wizard. Therefore, I will be the one who does the talking. Hence if I say attack, all of you will immediately cut his hand so he can't cast his spell, do you all understand?"
The other Danes nodded their heads readily, while Torstein inwardly worried about the consequences of such action.
The group walked into the forest until they felt they had gone deep enough that the other party could hear them. Then, Freyne shouted. "We are here to speak with the wizard Merlin!"
It surprised him that they could see a faint figure approaching them from the smoke just seconds after he shouted. Seeing the silhouette, Freyne immediately readied his lightning spell to attack, but as soon as he got a clearer look of the figure's face, he was stunned.
He felt he had seen this Merlin, but couldn't remember when and where.
'Where did I see this man before?'
His mind was wandering in confusion and contemplation as Emery walked closer approaching them. Emery stopped a few feet away from the group and said, "I am Merlin. What is it that you want to talk about?"
The Danes focused their gaze as their eyes scanned over this wizard named Merlin. The other party didn't have the figure of a strong fighter like any Danes standard, hence all of them let out a confident smile as they waited for Freyne's signal.
It was at this moment that the famous, Britannia's greatest wizard froze in shock as he finally recalled who this young man was. He had met the latter back at Gaya temple during the heavenly harvest ritual.
He had witnessed firsthand how the other party managed to defeat the illustrious Han swordsmen duo with ease. Ever since that time, Freyne had placed him and his four friends in his list of people not to be messed with.
Recalling the orders given to him earlier, his back was drenched in cold sweat.
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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v..e.l,