Chapter 75: Fates Entwined

Chapter 75: Fates Entwined

Fates Entwined

Korelia Castle

As the aftermath of the war largely subsided, the Lord of Korelia resumed his court. For three days, the court and council focused on matters of war, hostages, the new masons’ guild, accommodations for a thousand laborers, and new alliances. However, today Lansius would address a lighter matter vying for his attention.

Hand in hand, Cecile and Calub stood before Lansius, seeking his approval for their marriage. Rather than make an immediate decision, he invited them for a walk in the adjacent garden. Once they were out of prying eyes, he asked them to make their case.

Although Audrey was present, she remained neutral, not wishing to influence Lansius’ judgment. Eventually, he invited Cecile aside for a private conversation.

Under the shade of a poplar tree, he inquired about her true feelings for the marriage, even assuring her that her late father's achievement was enough to secure the future of her House.

However, Cecile was adamant. The young woman’s confident and mature answer did not surprise Lansius. He knew that people in this world often married and started families at a young age.

With no further reservations, Lansius led everyone back to the Great Hall and contentedly granted his approval. As tradition dictated, he formally blessed the new couple before closing the court. Thus, Calub and Cecile were officially engaged.

When the possibility of a double wedding was raised, the new couple politely declined. It was a courteous decision, as no one wanted to overshadow the Lord’s upcoming marriage.

After the court was over, in a secluded corridor, Calub shared his deepest fear with Cecile. “I hope you’ll forgive me if our children aren’t blond or fair skinned, but dark-skinned like me.”

His comment, after such a weighty court session, sent Cecile into a fit of giggles. Amid all the pressing matters, the skin or hair color of their future children was the least of her concerns.

A wise man once said that having a partner who could make you laugh was a good omen. That day, the halls of Korelia Castle were filled with laughter once again.

***

Lord Omin

Omin was in high spirits as the city of Three Hills loomed on the horizon. Despite his anxieties, Lansius had failed to give chase.

What a moron! That Lansius must’ve been getting his hands full with the prisoners and disillusioned with the ransom.

He snickered against the imaginary opponent. This had become Omin’s favorite diversion to pass the time.

Although relentlessly pursued by the nomads, the Coalition’s sheer numbers protected them from being tracked. Omin had sacrificed several of his valuable carts as a diversion, buying himself the time he needed to escape.

He openly mocked Lansius for using the nomads' assistance to chase them down. The nomads were after all comprised of numerous tribes, many of which were undisciplined and too eager to collect trophies. Thus, Omin’s ragged convoy managed to escape and reached the Three Hills.

The Nicopolan bodyguard rode ahead to announce Lord Omin’s arrival. Unlike Korelia, Three Hills was a walled city. Despite the announcement, the soldiers at the gate asked Omin to wait.

Fifteen long minutes passed before a city official appeared above the gatehouse. “Under Lord Jorge’s command, the city gates of Three Hills are to remain closed until his return. No exceptions,” the official shouted.

Omin yelled back, “Please tell your Lord that Baron Omin is here and wishes to meet him.”

“Lord Jorge is not here. He’s in Korelia,” explained the official.

Confused, Omin said, “I’m not sure I follow. Explain yourself.”

“We received a message two days ago stating that Lord Jorge is being welcomed in Korelia.”

“T-that’s Korelians’ trickery!” Omin exclaimed, a cold sweat forming on his back as he realized that Jorge might have been captured.

That incompetent idiot! He got the Black Knights and my Nicopolan cavalry and still got captured?

“We checked the writing and the signet stamp; they’re authentic. Lord Omin, please leave. We can’t open the gate.”

Omin, now desperate, resorted to threats. “Open the gate, don't force my hand!”

His convoy looked on in disbelief. Even with lucky stragglers who had joined them, their numbers barely reached a hundred. They were in no condition to do anything.

“Lord Omin, I urge you to reconsider,” the city official replied indifferently.

“The Korimors are retreating in an orderly fashion; they’ll arrive in three days,” Omin countered, aiming to sound assertive.

However, his words had no impact. Troops atop the wall were already readying their crossbows.

“State your terms, then. Come down so we can discuss,” Omin said, softening his tone.

However, another figure appeared atop the gatehouse, and everyone instantly recognized his face.

"Sir Arius," the Nicopolan bodyguard whispered. Omin, along with everyone else, was shocked to see him standing there.

"Lord Omin, please leave for now. I’m sure you have other matters to attend to," Sir Arius replied coldly.

“Hear ye, hear ye!” the man joyfully exclaimed in a loud, yet charismatic and clear voice.

His voice brought smiles to the faces of the old Korelians. The herald was a reminder of happier years long gone, and his return was seen as a good omen.

The herald continued, “The Viscount of Three Hills and the Viscount of White Lake have decreed that the marriage between Lansius, the Lord of Korelia, and Lady Audrey is officially recognized. As such, it cannot be challenged or annulled. In honor of this joyous occasion, today is hereby declared a holiday.”

Some cheered at the declaration, but most held back, knowing the herald had more to say.

“The Lord wishes for the people of Korelia to begin the festivities and participate in the merriment immediately. Three cheers for the newlyweds! May peace and prosperity bless their union, their domains, and all the good people of Korelia,” the herald read aloud in the town’s plaza.

Upon hearing this, the crowd cheered emotionally. Sporadic music and dances started around the town’s plaza. Wildflowers adorned every street corner, either hung up or placed in vases. Townsfolk brought tables outside and began banquets with their neighbors.

The mood was joyous, especially when the newlyweds' carriage parade passed through. Parties erupted everywhere.

The wedding did not surprise anyone. Their Lord was young and single, and two blondes had come to live in the castle.

But everyone had been ecstatic since Audrey was announced as the partner. The brunette was the town’s champion. Her humble background and war exploits made her well-loved.

The townsfolk were also thrilled when Lord Jorge and Lord Robert agreed to officiate the marriage. Many of the older generations still remembered Lord Jorge’s father fondly. The Coalition attack had tarnished that sentiment, but the repaired relationship was welcomed with open arms.

As for Lord Robert, his just rule in Korelia and his actions in eradicating corrupt practices had earned him the trust of the community before Lord Lansius’ reign.

Today offered an opportunity to mend relations and forge stronger bonds anew. Now, for the first time, a Korelian could speak of a peaceful future in the region without anyone correcting them for their naivety.

***

Lord Omin

At least I still got that bastard‘s baggage train.

Omin convinced himself that the venture wasn’t a total loss. The amount of gold and precious trinkets was enough to rebuild his army. However, devoid of essential supplies from Three Hills, their situation grew increasingly dire.

Their only respite was the river that ran beside the city, where the convoy replenished their water supply. It was the first water source they had found in three days. With their thirst quenched but still hungry, the convoy trudged lifelessly toward Korimor.

In a desperate move, Omin ordered his men to scout for any nearby villages to raid for supplies. While they had carts filled with valuables, none were filled with consumables. Just yesterday, they had been forced to slaughter two horses for food.

The hot midday turned cooler, and they had yet to reach the place where they used to make camp. Then suddenly, an unknown cavalry unit appeared on the horizon.

“My lord, it’s the nomads,” his bodyguard called out.

Omin couldn’t believe what he saw. He had assumed the nomads wouldn’t dare pursue them this close to Three Hills City. Panic rippled through his convoy, plunging it into disarray.

With no other options, Omin quickly turned his horse and spurred it into a faster gallop.

I’m not going to be captured by this Lansius‘ dogs! I will never-

Omin chanted the mantra to himself, pushing his horse to its limits. Meanwhile, the last of his escorts, many of whom hadn’t even donned their armor, dispersed in the chaos.

He was reduced to only his bodyguard, having abandoned all others in the chaos.

“Lord Lansius invites you all for a drink,” taunted one of the riders in pursuit.

After a short but desperate chase, his bodyguard veered off, his horse too spent to continue. An arrow found its mark, striking the man’s back and sending him tumbling to the ground.

“Not that one! Get him, get him!” the remaining raiders shouted, redirecting their chase toward Omin.

Omin urged his horse to even greater speeds, but abruptly, his world flipped upside down. He lost sight of the horizon, glimpsing only the blue sky before falling from his mount. He screamed as he crashed into the ground, tumbling multiple times and kicking up a cloud of orange dust.

...

Batu, the leader of the nomads, pulled back the reins of his horse and dismounted. Despite limping from a duel that took place four days earlier, he approached Omin. His band had dwindled to fewer than a hundred members, all of whom were exhausted and tasked with guarding their numerous captives. However, after Lord Lansius' remarkable victory, Batu was able to persuade other tribes to join them, bolstering their manpower.

Finding Baron Omin had proved challenging due to the size of the Coalition. Batu had encountered too many groups of stragglers across the great plains. That was why he had decided to gamble on a different approach, setting up an ambush between Three Hills and Korimor.

As it turned out, his keen insight had paid off. Batu unsheathed his sword and kicked Omin’s body to flip him over. Recognizing the exquisite clothing and the golden signet ring, a broad smile spread across Batu’s face.

“We’ve got him,” Batu declared.

Upon hearing their leader’s words, hundreds of riders erupted in cheers of victory.

***