Chapter 10. Knight's Dream
The next morning, we encountered a small Druzy schooner. When it saw the Winter, it simply avoided us and showed no interest in communicating. Perhaps it was afraid of being robbed.
On the afternoon of the third day, they encountered another Druzy schooner, which also turned around and ran away when it saw the Winter.
At this time, Daxus realized that his three-masted Druch raider was indeed a bit supermodel. This kind of ship was used to match the Black Ark, just like the large destroyers in the aircraft carrier battle group.
On the fourth day, we took advantage of the night to bypass the city of Lyonnes and the surrounding islands, and headed north to the city of Sorel, preparing to find a place to land.
More than two dozen Bretonnian cavalrymen halted, their horses' hooves kicking up the grass. The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees, dappling their armor.
In the hills to the north they could smell the sea and hear the distant crash of waves. The mounted squires were returning from the hills. Their gait and bearing showed that they had found what they were seeking.
The leading knight removed his helmet and tossed his hair, revealing a youthful face. Turning to look at his standard-bearer, a smug grin graced his face. He said with a proud smile, "It seems we have found our quarry, eh, my dear Bassetin?"
Bassetin lifted his mask, revealing a young, handsome knight. He said in a low voice, "Perhaps so, Joniwa." But his expression was filled with the same elation. Because they both knew they were about to become heroes once again.
Less than two hours to the north lies the village of Avignon. Since the beginning of summer, it has been under constant attack. Granted, with only a few hundred elderly farmers, there's nothing of value to plunder. But every knight's duty is to protect the weak, and the young, chivalrous knight quickly seized the opportunity to prove his worth. Now it seems that Jonivar and Bassetin, childhood best friends, are poised to become Avignon's saviors.
The captain of the squires dismounted not far in front of them, trotted over, took off his helmet, knelt in front of the two noble knights, and reported to Joniva with great joy.
"We found them, my lord. They are the Hodruchi. There are about ten of them, on foot, without mounts, wearing armor, and they have a small camp."
Joniwa asked, "Druchi? Are you sure?"
The captain of the squires replied, "Yes, my lord. I am certain it is a Duruchi, not a Norscan."
Joniwa and Bassetin exchanged a glance, and Joniwa said to the attendant, "Well, well done, very good. Get ready for battle."
Joniwa drew his sword and said, "Are you ready for battle, my friend?" Then he clamped his legs around his mount and began to jog.
Bassetin wisely said, "Let's not act rashly. Think about it. We outnumber them three to one, and we're all cavalry. We'll overwhelm them! Of course, if we can capture these Druki alive, we'll receive a handsome reward, and His Excellency, Duke Hepans, will be very grateful to us."
Joniwa understood Bassetin's hint and laughed, saying, "Hahaha! Bassetin, you undoubtedly possess the mind of a lord. No wonder I am in charge of you."
Bathestin smiled broadly and said, "As you please!" Then he turned to his mounted attendants and said, "Squires, let's go capture some of the Druki pirates. They'll regret ever setting foot on Lyonesse!"
The Bretonnian cavalry advanced bravely with the clatter of hooves.
The squire's reconnaissance was accurate. When the sun set over the bay, the brothers Dacus and Takia, along with a team of Black Ark pirates, set up camp, made a fire, and cooked.
A large black and purple tent stood behind them, the flag on top of the tent fluttering in the wind, and a small boat was stranded on the beach.
Dacus was picking wild fruits when he felt that uneasy feeling coming back to him. He frowned and asked, "Have we released the guards?"
Franais put down the wild fruit in his hand and said, "Sir, I arranged to go out two hours ago."
Darkus cursed and said, "Damn, this is weird."
Bassetin looked at Druch in the distance and said, "They don't even have bows or polearms. I can already see the Lady of the Lake smiling at me."
Joniwa smiled at his flag bearer and said, "The noble ladies will surely enjoy our story and will be eager to fight us."
Bathestin shivered and said, "My dear friend, the ladies can fight better than any warriors I have ever met in battle!"
The two men laughed heartily, and at Bassetin's command, the servants all galloped over the hill and rushed towards Dacun and the others.
Seeing the Bretonnian cavalry rushing towards them from afar, the two brothers Dacuus and Takia jumped up from their chairs.
The Black Ark pirates dropped their work, drew their weapons, and formed a formation around Daquus.
Franais said urgently, "Sir, go first! We will stop them at all costs!"
Ryan also quickly said: "Yes, sir, you go first, we will buy you some time!"
Dacus laughed angrily, "Damn it! What the hell is this? I shouldn't leave first!" Then he gritted his teeth and said, "Delay! Delay for time! Lay down your weapons! We surrender!"
Daxus walked out of the formation and raised the Bretonnian military salute to the oncoming cavalry. The Black Ark pirates also laid down their weapons at the captain's command.
Seeing Drucci raise his hands in surrender, the Bretonnian cavalry slowed their horses. Joniwa gracefully stopped in front of Dacius, pointing his lance at him. If the lance tip had moved any further, it would have touched his nose. Dacius didn't retreat a single step, holding his hands and looking up to meet Joniwa's gaze.
Jonivar retracted his lance and raised it to the sky. He then took off his helmet with his left hand, raised his chin, and said to Dacun with a haughty look: "You are now the Baron of Valence, the savior of Cologne, the savior of Avignon, and the captive of Jonivar de Valence. You will be tried for the crimes you have committed against this land, and I promise that you will not be mistreated before the trial."
Daxus looked at the chivalrous knight in front of him and thought to himself, "What a fucking cocky guy, his head is full of chivalrous dreams." Then he smiled politely and said elegantly in Bretonnian, "Respected Baron, please forgive us. They are well aware of their crimes, and so am I. I am a descendant of the Thousand Devouring Family of Caronde Karl, my name is Baldek Blackblade. I offer you my sword. We are willing to obey your authority, and there will be no more disputes today. Tomorrow we will face the trial calmly." As he said that, he skillfully untied the noble curved sword from his waist, raised the sheathed noble curved sword with both hands to Joniva.
Bretonnian and Imperial have some grammatical differences, but otherwise there is no difference, just like High German and Low German.