Chapter 102: Destination South Hill

Chapter 102: Destination South Hill

Destination South Hill

Three Hills

The Lord of Three Hills treated Dame Daniella and Sterling as their guests and allowed them to stay in a guest house in the scenic part of the city. It had been almost a week, but the Lord of Three Hills still postponed their decision. The indecision was not expected, but not entirely surprising.

Fortunately, the envoy was allowed to conduct their business while waiting. Thus, Dame Daniella and Sterling had reviewed the city's bustling market for items Lord Lansius wished to procure.

Aside from grain which would come later after harvest, other foodstuff, and winter gear, the Lord also wished to purchase all kinds of backpacks for his army. His requirements were that the backpack should have two straps for each shoulder and a third to be tied around the waist. All the straps should be adjustable. The bag should be large enough to accommodate two helmet-sized objects and be capable of being securely tightened or closed.

As for the materials, there were no specific requirements. He accepted leather, canvas, or even woven baskets, as long as they fit his criteria.

Diligently, the two browsed the workshops and market, made purchases, and more often, ordered items to be tailored to their specifications. Throughout their negotiations, they were careful not to reveal the true quantity they were buying to prevent price increases.

Slowly but surely, the two amassed a considerable stockpile of goods, stored in the guest house and its stable. The Dame arranged for more storage space, and the guild readily rented her an empty warehouse.

Without wasting time, they began inspecting the building, as they had two cartloads of goods awaiting unloading.

"What do you think?" Dame Daniella asked Sterling beside her.

"Big double doors, wide enough for a cart. Brick walls, no holes, and not too damp. I think it's a good place," Sterling replied.

She nodded and motioned for her Nicopolan men to inspect. "Check the locks, attic, larder, and look for signs of rats," she instructed.

They nodded and proceeded. Her lieutenant returned and said, "We're going to need blankets. It's unsafe to leave a warehouse unguarded. Also better procure a cat."

Daniella agreed. "Yes, it would be shameful for all parties involved if our warehouse was compromised by vermin or thieves."

"Then I shall take three men and sleep here tonight. Is that arrangement satisfactory, Dame?" the lieutenant asked.

"No worries, I doubt the Lord of Three Hills intends any harm to me. However, our goods are another story. You should take more men from the guest house. "

Despite their caution, news had spread about a party stockpiling a significant amount of long-lasting food, winter gear, and bags, enough to supply a village. Although they were not worried about price increases after placing their order, they couldn't shake off the concern that this might attract thieves or other unsavory characters.

Sterling climbed into the cart to take a peek and said, "But these are just wool coats, boots, woolen foot wraps, and bags. I don't see them as highly valuable items."

Daniella looked at him, deciding to educate him. "There's a simple trick to make them valuable."

Sterling furrowed his brows. "A trick to make these valuable? Is that even possible?"

The lieutenant grinned, seeing the squire's confusion, and revealed, "It’s actually simple. Take enough and spoil the rest."

"Spoil the rest?" Sterling's eyes widened as he understood the implication.

Daniella explained, "Mercenaries deal with this kind of thing. Creating scarcity is a tactic. Once, a Nicopolan legion was ordered to burn a ripened field of barley, so those who stockpiled beer could sell it at higher prices."

Sterling looked disgusted, and the lieutenant patted his back. "You should learn as much as possible from us. The world isn't just about honor and duty. To truly protect your Lord, you must be prepared to face the dirty underbelly."

"The bigger the city, the higher the nobility and its rich merchants, the nastier it gets," Daniella added.

Sterling nodded thoughtfully. "Even as a squire, I realized that people also fight in underhanded ways."

"Such is the world," the lieutenant smiled wryly. "Now, with me stuck in here, please kindly escort the Dame back to the guest house. It's almost sundown."

"Nah, I'll stick around," Daniella declared. "Go gather some food, lanterns, and blankets for the night. I'll be here, keeping watch until you return."

The lieutenant chuckled lightly. "I only wish to take some of the old man's role, but I'll heed your command."

Daniella offered a grateful smile, yet gestured for him to hasten his preparations. He nodded and departed with another man, leaving her with Sterling and a few men.

"The old man?" Sterling asked after the lieutenant's departure.

Daniella looked at Sterling with a soft expression. "He was more than a friend... Not blood-related, but he raised and cared for me like a family. He passed away in Korimor, just before we set off on our march."

"My apology, Dame, and my condolences."

"Apology not required. He passed away peacefully a few nights after my knighthood ceremony. I hope he's at peace now, considering all he endured for my sake."

Sterling paused, choosing his words carefully. "Dame, these might seem like just comforting words, but as a squire and servant, I believe he was truly content to see you achieve knighthood and forge your own path."

Daniella nodded, her gaze drifting to the orange sunset nearing the high walls of Three Hills. "I've made many mistakes. How I wish I had heeded his advice more."

Sterling reflected quietly. Throughout his two years of service, he had encountered and observed many great individuals. Yet, behind their success and fame lay a trail of sacrifices and losses. Dame Daniella had mourned the loss of a father figure; Sir Hugo had delayed his marriage by another year; Sir Justin had been away from his children for two years; and perhaps most tragic, Cecile and Claire had lost their father.

***

Lansius

The Lord of Korelia stood inside the spacious tent as the first light of dawn cast a soft glow across the landscape. He leaned over a copper basin filled with water. With caution, he cleaned his face using the cool water, the chill more than enough to wake him.

Audrey, already clad in her marching gear, entered the tent and watched him with an alert gaze.

"I'm awake, just give me a minute to dress," Lansius remarked, reaching for a cloth to dry his face.

Without waiting, the Baroness of Korimor approached and helped him dress.

"You don't have to—"

"All my life I've been a squire, and last I checked, I'm still your squire. You've made me a consort—"

"Wife," he corrected her.

Audrey smiled and continued, "Wife and Baroness, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't help you dress."

"Gratitude," he said warmly as she diligently made sure that he wore his arming jack properly underneath the traveling attire, with the belt fastened enough to make it comfortable but secure.

"There, all set. Now what's left is just the armor."

"I think we can still skip the armor today." Even this close to South Hill, they remained undetected by the enemy. Their decision to use the nomads' route instead of the normal one, combined with Lansius' clever use of disguised scouts, enabled them to gauge the enemy's reactions effectively. So far, there had been no abrupt military movements.

"I'll make sure Carla is ready with your cuirass. Although we've made it this far, the castle is just two days away."

Lansius nodded, while his senses were admiring his wife's gentle side.

"Anyway, Lans. Congratulations."

He squinted. "For what?"

"Well, I'm glad you're doing fine despite all the marching. This is the first time you've arrived somewhere without getting sick or becoming an annoyance."

He grinned at her direct honesty and quipped, "Then kiss me, or I'll become a major annoyance."

Audrey shook her head but drew him closer with both arms and kissed him without hesitation. Just then, Carla entered with her aide carrying breakfast. Seeing their masters, they quietly retreated.

"No, come back," Lansius instructed, half-chuckling. "It's just a morning kiss."

That small innocent event spread quickly through the camp. For their men, the behavior of their Lord and Lady was a reassuring sign that the campaign was progressing smoothly.

Despite the weariness from long marches, the bruises, and calluses on their feet, thousands of men surprisingly found some enjoyment in the march. There was dust and pesky horse flies, but the weather was generally pleasant. Moreover, seeing the yellowing crops from afar, they were content, knowing the answer to their plight might be just ahead.

...

"The question is, how should we approach this? Do we send an envoy to announce our arrival and make our demands?" Sir Harold asked as they convened after breakfast.

"Wouldn't that just squander the element of surprise?" Audrey remarked.

Lansius let out a satisfied smirk, pleased to see that the concept of surprise attack had become second nature to her.

Sir Harold chuckled. "Despite our past victories, it's actually against noble decorum."

Lansius decided to comment, "Last I heard, I'm seen as a barbaric foreigner and a Lord wannabe. So I might as well play the part."

The tall knight's chuckle grew louder.

Carla appeared in the tent doorway. "Urgent message from the forward scouts," she announced.

"I guess we've been discovered," Audrey commented, causing Carla to tense up.

"Let's not jump to conclusions. Please invite the messenger inside," Lansius instructed, without any hint of urgency.

Audrey was piqued by his uncharacteristic calmness. "Are you planning something?"

Lansius almost chuckled at the thought. "No, but what's there to fear? For the first time, we have numerical superiority. If they want to come," his tone turned serious, "let them."

***