Chapter 122 "It will begin"

Chapter 122 "It will begin"

The deafening sound coming from the pulsing shield and Iosif's thunderous voice cut through the chaos on North Avenue like a sharp blade. The combination forced the fighting crowd to turn their heads. The hands that were about to fall upon their enemies stopped midair, uncertain whether to break more noses or return to their places. It was as if a magical force had momentarily silence the trading waves of fists and kicks.

The turmoil finally subsided, allowing Iosif to finally take a clear look at the scene before him. Strewn across the stone floor were dozens of people, groaning in pain and smeared by their own blood. Most of them were citizens and city guards of Eisenburg, who had confronted the barbarians without an ounce of experience in fighting or hunting. They had dashed without considering their difference in size; some women were taller than most men, and the elders were even bigger.

The scene evoked a mix of anger and shame within the General's heart, demanding him to act. However, Iosif understood that he couldn't let his personal emotions influence his decisions or perspective. He couldn't allow his anger towards the barbarians to overshadow the king's objective, especially when the throne was making such a huge effort to pull the barbarians towards them. Iosif had to be impartial and address this problem as quickly as possible.

"Enough of this madness! We have a common enemy approaching, and we cannot afford to be divided. Those who instigate conflict within our walls will only weaken us against Luak's forces. We need unity, not discord." -Iosif's voice echoed, his eyes scanning each face, lingering a beat longer on the barbarians. It was as if he was telling them that they were on his radar and shouldn't continue the fight.

"Our new brothers from the forest have come under our king's orders to seek refuge within our walls..." - Iosif continued, the word "brothers" almost getting stuck in the middle of his throat - "Although many of you have a family member who has suffered at their hands, the king will not allow the past to dictate our futures. Our enemies outside of the wall won't care for our internal disputes and will strike at our hearts regardless of what problems we have with each other." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The last couple of years studying the common language allowed the barbarians to get the gist of Iosif's words. The meaning behind his words became even clearer when accompanied by such a fierce and commanding gaze, much like that of the village leader. Within his eyes, they could sense the desire to strike them.

"Here!"- Iosif called, throwing the shield back to the bewildered soldier, who caught it almost unconsciously - "I'll inform the king that we need to provide some training to the city guards. Right now, you guys are almost worthless, afraid and unable to face those barbarians." The image of dozens of city guards sprawled on the ground, helpless under the feet of both elder barbarians and children, lingered in Iosif's mind. The city guards desperately needed training. They had the duty to preserve and protect the king's dignity. They needed the skills necessary to safeguard the city and its people. "I am going back to the walls" - Iosif declared, rapidly going away under the bewildered gaze of onlookers.

"Don't call me again and try to solve things like this on your own, Luke!" he shouted, leaving those words for the small man.

-x-

"They are here!" - A shout echoed throughout the walls of Eisenburg.

"All on your posts!" - Iosif, who had just returned, commanded. He pointed to the soldiers behind the lined-up ballistae on the walls, their iron arrows ready to create chaos - "Those on the ballistae, hold fire until my signal!".

The general's gazed locked onto the thousands of soldiers emerging from the forest. They patiently halted and formed a long line. Among them, a blue-haired woman with small scratches on her face caught his eye. He recognized her, a beautiful woman who tried to fool his king.

The general's eyes then shifted to the right side of the forest, as if on the lookout for something - "It will begin soon." - Iosif muttered.