Chapter 138: Clear Clouds, Lurking Shadows

Chapter 138: Clear Clouds, Lurking Shadows

Clear Clouds, Lurking Shadows

Umberland Mountain Pass

After an hour of riding along a rather expansive mountain path, Lansius found himself greeted by a peak where Dietrich paused, turning to the Lord and Lady with a proposal. "My Lord, Lady, would you care to take a moment for a view from above?" he asked.

It was a minor detour from their intended route, yet Lansius, recognizing the strategic value of a bird's eye view, agreed without hesitation.

The Lord and Lady, along with a small entourage, veered off the main path. Due to the boulders, they dismounted and proceeded on foot. The guards went ahead to secure the area, while Audrey initiated a conversation, "You sure treat those men well. A house and land."

"Well, somebody needs to grow crops. And according to the records, they're the best we've got," Lansius explained, holding her hands firmly since the rocky path could be slippery with moss.

"Is that why the scribes have been so busy?"

"Yes, they've been poring over the records, compiling a list."

She reflected, "Five hundred names is quite the list."

"Indeed. And there are several hundred more for the other two villages."

"How are they selected?" she asked as a strong wind buffeted them.

"It's based on their farming knowledge, their work in South Hill, and whether they have families following as camp followers."

Audrey nodded. "And for the rest of the men? What will you offer them?"

Lansius smiled. "What do you think?"

"Money?" she ventured.

"That or a bit of land, though not in Umberland, as it's not mine to give."

They descended steps into an opening that provided a clear view of the land below.

Ahead, Dietrich's pace quickened until he reached a prime vantage point. "We're fortunate," he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face. "This morning, clouds obscured the view, but now, the skies have graced us with clarity."

Before them, the landscape unfolded like a vast tapestry. To the east was Elandia, its lands a vibrant mix of lush green and dark olives.

"It looks serene and beautiful," Audrey remarked, her hazelnut eyes shining with radiance.

"No conflict, no hunger, no wars," Lansius added.

One Umberland man drew their attention by pointing his hand toward the west and declared, "My Lord and Lady, Nicopola."

The horizon to the west was a complex mosaic of squares—patches of farmland, clusters of villages, and the distant silhouette of towns and, perhaps, cities. There were rivers that sparkled against the sunlight. The cold mountain wind breezing past them completed the picture.

Lansius, with a strategic eye, surveyed the expanse, noting the key positions, the lay of the land, and how it could potentially influence military decisions.

"It's even more beautiful," Audrey observed from beside him.

"Have you ever visited there?" Lansius asked.

"Unfortunately, no. My master and I frequented Elandia, but never Nicopola."

Lansius took a moment to appreciate the sheer majesty of the surroundings. From this height, there were no markings of troubled years and chaos.

As the moment passed, he turned back, signaling it was time to continue their march.

...

They returned to the mountain path. Carla, insisting on joining, was ready with Audrey's ringmail. As agreed, she would wear it instead of the plate armor that was deemed too constrictive. Meanwhile, the ringmail was easily adjusted for comfort.

The entourage's return was unexpectedly greeted by Servius and a crowd of men, the Dragoons from Nicopola, who had unintentionally blocked the way.

Seeing this, the men from Lowlandia under Dietrich quickly formed a human barricade, anticipating trouble. However, the crowd greeted them, "My Lord, My Lady," and then knelt to show they meant no harm.

Servius, with one knee on the rocky ground, pleaded passionately, "My Lord, you've seen Nicopola, my birthplace, the cradle of my ancestors. Won't you guide the province and save its people?"

"Servius, this issue again?" Lansius sighed. He wanted to rebuke the man but noticed even Audrey gave him a look.

"So, you also subscribe to this idea?" he muttered, hinting at his disappointment.

"Lans, call me a naive squire, but I know this is bigger than mere greed," she argued.

"Does nobody here feel that we're becoming reckless?" Lansius raised his voice, posing the question to his men and entourage. "We just united Lowlandia, and now we're going to risk it all for some adventurous ideas."

Audrey didn't respond, prompting Servius to voice his concern, "My Lord, if we remain idle, more people will die. Yet, you have the power to turn the situation around."

"Servius, you're aware of my limitations. I cannot take on two provinces and expect to govern both. My staff is stretched thin, lacking adequate provisions and talent."

"We could ration until the next harvest," pleaded one of the Nicopolans.

Another stepped forward. "We have good talents in Nicopola, My Lord. You need only to save them."

"They'll be loyal, My Lord," a third one spoke up, followed by a chorus of agreement.

Based on new verbal reports, he also planned to recruit twenty Nicopolans who seemingly had recovered from the plague as helpers in the bulwark. In exchange for their service, he would give them full rations.

As sundown reached the mountain pass, the Lord returned to his tent, which was pitched some distance away. As a precaution, he had forbidden his troops from drinking raw water and from making contact with the plague-ridden party.

Once inside, Sterling brought in a messenger who informed him that the main army, along with the rear guard, was camped not too far from them. Sir Harold had even formed a contingent that continued to march, and they would join the Lord's camp before midnight.

What Sir Harold did, without knowing their condition, had put Lansius into a corner. He had to decide soon before Servius and his men became suspicious or reacted poorly. However, he had no idea where to begin.

As Sterling escorted the messenger out, he glanced at the open entrance of the tent, which framed the bulwark against the setting sun in the distance. He grabbed a chair, went outside near the tent entrance, and just sat there, staring at the imposing bulwark.

The noise from the camp, busying themselves for supper, provided a comforting background that helped calm him. Soon, glowing orange lights from lanterns beneath the battlements illuminated the narrow windows, making a section of the wall seem to come alive. It was then that Audrey returned and found Lansius sitting outside.

She briefly questioned the guards, but they only shook their heads.

Lansius paid no mind. Audrey finally walked up to his side to see what had captured his attention.

"Life is funny," he mused, craving something strong to drink. "I thought I was going to spill the blood of hundreds just to secure Umberland and that wall. But as it turns out, I almost got it for free."

"Then you should be happy," she remarked plainly while looking ready to accept a rebuttal.

"On the contrary, I'm not feeling happy." Lansius snorted. "It's odd—I've secured the mountain pass, the very objective I set out to achieve. But why do I feel... undone?"

"It must be because of the Nicopolans," Audrey said without hesitation. There was no doubt in her voice.

Lansius looked at her, admiring her courage and admitting, "I feel stupid."

The wave of subdued chuckles and chatter from the troops beginning their supper quickly masked what he had said. Only Audrey was privy to it and she replied, "You're not at fault. They must've been carried away by the situation and changed their minds."

"Speaking of which, have you changed yours?"

She sighed, then clarified, "I support their cause but not like this. It feels like they're trying to force-"

"They could take us hostage, trading us for the baggage train and supplies... I trusted the wrong people. I should've known; they even betrayed Sergio," he lamented. A strong mountain wind swept through their encampment, causing the blue and bronze banner to flutter, its pole shivering.

"Lans, we're not staying idle. Your men and I have devised suitable countermeasures."

"Why? Has the situation worsened?" he asked without concealing urgency.

"There's distrust between the Lowlandians and Nicopolans. They saw what happened and were displeased." She gently grasped his arm, adding, "The Korelians are fiercely loyal. The mere thought of Nicopolans drawing swords against you is unforgivable to them."

Lansius returned his gaze to the bulwark, feeling his plan and his army slowly unraveling. "One misstep could plunge us into a massive purge," he cautioned her in a weary tone.

"The responsibility ultimately lies with them," said Audrey firmly.

"But what about the aftermath? We depend on these Nicopolans for many tasks and roles. Do you think they'll just stand by if we purge their comrades?"

"We could establish a court and solely punish the instigator," she proposed.

Lansius took a deep breath. "Is there no other way out?"

She met his gaze. "But you said you don't trust them anymore."

Lansius saw the frightening determination in her. This is her world. She understands it better. Perhaps punishing the ringleader is the right course of action.

Looking at his troubled expression, she asserted, "Yet, you must know that Servius tried to stop them."

"I know. Not all is his fault. The problem lies with the group he commanded. I armed and equipped them better, I even trusted them as a safeguard, but they..." He felt betrayed by their changing goal.

"Then how will you react?"

"I don't know," he revealed. "I know I don't want to entertain their idea of going into Nicopola, but I also don't want it to end in a bloody internal conflict."

Audrey then leaned toward him. "We've prepared for the worst, but I think there's still a chance to reconcile."

Her shift from a firm stance advocating countermeasures to reconciliation struck him as odd before he realized it. Did she just play the devil's advocate...?

"Are you testing my resolve? Where are your words trying to lead me?"

Audrey offered a stiff smile and reassured him, "I am on your side. I've prepared a countermeasure and suitable men to carry it out if you need it. However, I'm also advocating for talks; perhaps we can view their reaction as just a spur of the moment."

Lansius nodded. His judgment had been clouded by distrust, and his lack of experience made it difficult to think clearly. But now he could start to see what options he had. "Perhaps, we could..."

"I'll rein in the Lowlandians if you can regain full control of the Nicopolans," she suggested. "The problem is whether you can trust them or not."

Lansius struggled to contain his dislike, but he finally agreed, "I had better meet with Servius."

"You have to, otherwise many innocents will suffer," Audrey responded. "But remember, when you need it, do not hesitate. It's better to lose a hand than the whole arm."

With the conversation ended, Lansius closed his eyes and let his mind drift to Korelia, away from the chronic mess he faced in Umberland. He recalled his plans to transform the city. The waterwheel should be completed by now, and the possibilities for improvement were staggering.

A thin smile formed on his lips as he reminded himself that he had completed his task in Umberland by securing the bulwark and the mountain pass. Objectively, there was nothing left to do but to return home.

***