Claude’s expression darkened as he read the letter, his face clouding with concern. Nicolas noticed the change and intervened, his voice laced with worry.
“My Lord, is everything alright? You seem disturbed.”
Claude’s voice was grave, his words measured. “His Lordship is extremely dissatisfied with our decisions. He’s withdrawn the legions from both frontiers, placing the responsibility squarely on me and Baroness Katarina.”
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he spoke the final words.
Nicolas’s eyes widened in shock. “What?! Withdrawing such a massive army will surely attract unwanted attention. But why redirect them toward Nineveh?”
Claude shook his head. “The regent’s letter didn’t provide a clear reason, but he stressed the Duke’s displeasure. This is the first time I’ve seen him express such discontent, and it’s aimed at all the lords in the domain.”
Nicolas’s brow furrowed, his perplexity evident. As a former mercenary turned knight, he couldn’t fathom the situation.
When did a lord ever dare to express discontent to all his vassals? Didn’t he fear sparking a rebellion? Providing them with a reason to unite against him seemed foolish.
No lord would be so reckless; they would rather act discreetly.
“Isn’t he afraid of a rebellion?” Nicolas asked, his pupils trembling with concern.
Claude’s response was unexpected – he burst into laughter, his body shaking with mirth. Suddenly, he turned serious, one eyebrow raised as he addressed Nicolas.
“A rebellion? Lord Asher is a just ruler, but he’s also cunning. The source of Ashbourne’s wealth, Nimrim, is controlled by the woman who shares his bed – the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, if I may say so. Moreover, he commands 8,000 grand knights, men of a superior race with traits that surpass humans, and 200 Adeptus Paladins, each a formidable force with no equal in the empire. Does that sound like a man you’d want to rebel against?”
“I never saw it that way.”
“Exactly.” Claude replied. “You’ll never know until you look deeply.”
“Let’s wait to see what he has summoned the men for.”
_____
The air reverberated with heavy thuds as dozens of 7-foot-tall soldiers, clad in imposing silver and gold armor, marched in unison.
The emblem of a golden eagle adorned their breastplates, while the head of a wolf emblazoned their shoulders.
Three spikes protruded from their vambraces, but it was their towering stature and sheer numbers that inspired awe. Like giants among men, they wore heavy armor that amplified their intimidating presence.
These formidable warriors formed the bulwark of the Dukedom of Ashbourne.
Led by their captains, they marched behind the Great Dividing Wall, a daily routine to acclimate themselves to the weight of their armor. Behind them, a majestic city sprawled across the hilltop, several kilometers away.
A red-tailed hawk soared overhead, its piercing gaze sweeping over the landscape. It flew over scattered settlements and small towns before reaching the outskirts of Tiberias, the second-largest city in the Dukedom.
With a population of over 150,000 citizens within its walls, Tiberias bustled with life, its impressive architecture a testament to the Dukedom’s prosperity.
The sharp crack of wood on wood echoed through the air, capturing the attention of the Grand Aegis commanders.
They watched in rapt attention as their Commanding General, Alec Lyon, shirtless and wielding a wooden staff, clashed with Paul. The commanders were accustomed to the sight of Alec’s pulsing blue gem heart, nestled in the center of his chest, but Paul’s focus remained fixed on the 7’2″ tall warrior.
In an instant, the two combatants closed the distance, their staffs slicing through the air in powerful arcs.
The wood collided with explosive force, sending formless ripples outward. Paul skidded backward, while Alec swiftly bridged the gap, swinging his staff upward with tightening muscles.
Paul’s eyes widened in response. With agile flexibility, he somersaulted, thrusting his staff forward before his foot touched the ground. Their staff clashed with a loud “Clunk!” as Alec deflected the strike.
Spinning his staff with both hands, Alec unleashed a blurring strike that left the onlookers mesmerized.Paul deftly deflected Alec’s strike by spinning his staff. Seizing the opportunity, he burst forth, unleashing a sweeping strike that connected with Alec’s abdomen. However, the staff shattered upon impact.
Alec countered by swinging his staff, halting it mere inches from the right side of Paul’s face. The wind generated by the staff blew against Paul’s skin, prompting him to heave a sigh of relief. He knew that if Alec had followed through with the strike, he wouldn’t have remained conscious.
“Speed is good, but durability is better,” Alec said softly, his expression stern as ever.
Paul chuckled, a hint of mischief in his voice. “That phrase holds little weight once I wield my bow.”
Just as Alec was about to respond, a man clad in a black woolen coat approached the gathering. Alec’s gaze flicked toward the newcomer, recognizing him as a member of the messenger corps.
“A message from the regent, My Lord.” He stretched forth a rolled up letter to Alec. Right there, upon receiving the letter, Alec opened it.
His expression became grave.
“Every single soldier in the legion has been summoned to Nineveh for a feast?”
It just didn’t make sense. Why summon both his legion and Adam’s legion, tens of thousands out of their duty post just for a meal?!
As for Asher’s displeasure concerning the decision of the lords, he wasn’t shocked. In fact, he wanted Asher to return and reveal to them that their decision was suicidal.
‘I should inform Baron Claude to send some city guards to the walls. In addition to Tiberias city guards, they should be able to keep the wall until we return.’
_____
Seated atop his majestic steed, Sirius, Asher gazed out at the imposing ice walls of Silverleaf Bastide, accompanied by ten elite Adeptus Paladins.
Over the past two years, the bastide had undergone remarkable growth, expanding from a modest 600 residents to a thriving community of 12,000, primarily comprising blacksmiths, miners, and their families.
This fortified settlement served as the primary hub for manufacturing ballistas, trebuchets, armors, and weapons.