Chapter 180: Northernlands

Chapter 180: Northernlands

Chapter 180

Northernlands

While the entourage camped some fifteen miles from the forests exit and the fortress, Sylas snuck out and began making his way to the fortress. If they showed up out of nowhere, it would be difficult even for him to control the situation with that many variablesas such, he would simply play out the same scenario as the last time. Get wounded and get himself locked up, wait for Vanessa and eventually Av to come, after which hed convince the old man to follow him. Except, this time around, it wouldnt be to the far northbut to the encampment just a few hours away on foot.

Appearing in front of the tall walls of the fortress caused him to sigh as he stepped out from the windy fog and into the sight of the guards perched on the watchtowers. Soon after, the events all played out as they did previouslywith him faking an injury, getting captured, being treated by Vanessa before Av showed up after the fact, asking him how he came south.

You want me to ride with you north? Av quizzed after the standard conversation played out.

Well north-ish, Sylas smiled.

Mighty difficult to believe this is all a grand conspiracy, Av said with a sigh, rubbing his chin. Then again, theres no reason for you to play games. And to bring Vanessa to? Why? You taken a fancy to her?

Just her talents, Im afraid.

Alright. Whatever you say.

Morning came swiftly and the trio rode out just after the dawn, horses kicking up the snow that had fallen the night before. Their journey didnt last longbefore Av and Vanessa could even wholly wake up, they reached a fenced-off encampment in the middle of the woods. What was strange was that there was no snow anywhere within or near the encampment. In fact, while Av and Vanessa were even kind of chilly with several layers of clothes on, they saw people within the encampment wearing simple, short-sleeved shirts.

When the two guards saw the trio, rather than raising an alarm, they bowed toward Sylas and opened the gates. Dismounting the horses, Av and Vanessa followed the strange man into the encampment, shocked to find themselves sweating mere moments after entrance.

Hmm they should be in there, right? Sylas mumbled as he turned abruptly and walked toward the largest tentno, it wasnt even a tent, Av realized. Though clearly hastily-built, it was still a wooden house of sorts.

Ah, Sylas? Where have you been? a one-armed man approached the trio, glancing past Sylas at the two of them. Who are they?

Reinforcements, Sylas replied. Wheres Valen?

Inside, the man pointed. Having breakfast.

You guys hungry? Sylas asked them.

Uh

course you are. Youre hungry too Derrek, right?Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

sure.

Lets hop on inside, then.

Av and Vanessa remained mute, too shocked still by everything. They had expected to at least ride to the village beyond this forest, but they were wrong. In fact, they were wrong about many, many things. As soon as they entered the house, they walked through the first door on the right and saw a massive table with quite a fancy spread lining every inch of it. Surrounding it were some eight-nine figures, all as leisurely clothed as most others in the encampment.

Ah, Sylas. Youre finally here. Eh? Who are they? a young man asked suddenly. Without even needing to take a second look, Av recognized the boyit was the Fourth Prince. After all, hed seen the boy before, both in pictures as well as in person. Hm? That man seems somewhat familiar?

Avaneau Bythel greets Your Highness! Av quickly fell to his knee, prompting Vanessa to immediately do the same.

Vanessa Ankon greets Your Highness! the two bowed their heads in a proper salute.

Theyre a small, though quite influential Noble House, Av replied. The Barony isnt that large or populated as it still inhabits some of the remnant northern lands, but it is still a home to some 20,000 people altogether.

What about their army? Sylas asked.

Theres no need to go that far, Av shook his head. If its the matter of bringing them over to the Princes side, I can do that on my own.

Oh? How?

Gerrard Uptal, the head of the family, is father of Anthony Uptal.

And who is that?

My son in law.

What?

You have a kid? Sylas quizzed.

I do. Granted, I adopted her, but still. She carries my name, even if not my blood.

well, thats one issue resolved, Sylas said. Next stop is the Barony, I suppose.

You are sure about this? Derrek asked. Last I heard, Baron Gerrard was a petty and greedy man who would stoop however low he needed to achieve something.

Oh, hes still all those things, Av nodded. But hes also terrified of me. So, theres that.

Ah, terror. Where would the world be without it? Sylas said. Well start the campaign from there, then. Right. How many people from the fortress do you think would join? Of their own will, I mean.

Honestly? Not many, Av sighed, shaking his head. Most of the men there are criminals who are serving time. The few that arent are either too old, too drunk, or too weak. Maybe twenty men, tops.

Twenty is better than zero, still, Sylas said. The first test will be the Barony. You realize that, right? Valen.

I do, the Prince nodded. Even if the Baron is terrified of Sir Avaneau, it doesnt matter. If I cant bring him over to my side, it will be difficult to start any kind of a momentum.

True. Well focus on the main issues that the Kingdom has, Sylas said. Appeal to the Nobles in public but start building your image up with the commoners. Vanessa, are you okay with assisting Asha with that?

Ah? Yes, of course.

Ive found, in my experience, that men will listen to pretty women spew as much bullshit as they want. So, smile a few times, laugh at whatever lame jokes they make, and get them to think that the Prince Valen is the greatest man to ever roll on this world!

while Av and Vanessa felt their hearts freeze once againsince they already knew Valen was a cripplethe others simply sighed. Even Valen seemed somewhat disappointed.

That was one of your weakest.

Cant put out hits all the time, Your Lowness.

alright, that one was better. Now, let us eat in proper silence. Well hold a meeting later to detail out the plans.

Aye aye, lets eat.