Chapter 69 - Sir Gerd

Sir Knight Gerd Hollies was a proud man. He envied Chiangdas powers but looked down on them. He only befriended them for his own gain and protection. For him, they were usable but nothing more because he saw how a trifling Wag stone could easily weaken these 'almighty' Chiangdas. Even their powers were useless when he wore the red stone.

Though Sir Gerd worked under the King's adviser, Mafan was nothing but a tool for him to reach his goals in life someday. As long as Mafan favorably gave what he wanted, then he was willing to bow to Mafan. Honor was a mere word for him for it couldn't bring him wealth and power.

Personally, he looked down at General Lofey Lethmo because the man was born a commoner. He abhorred seeing this man became rich and sitting as a top general. For him, the royal blood, like him, had the authority to reach the pinnacle but not the common men. He grew up believing commoners were nothing but mere pawns and stepping stones, not the other way around.

His dreams and aspirations in life were so high, yet his skills and intelligence were so so. He worked through impulses, under the impression that he would win. He was not popular as a respectable man worthy of his station but someone who rose in the ranks because of family connections. But no one would dare say it in his face because his father, a duke, was a relative of the queen.

Then tonight, he forgot the deadly condition he placed his men in because there was only one thing in his mind, a chance to outshine and show to everyone that he was better than the general.

It was night time. They could hardly see the way with the pits waiting for them. His men tried to remind him during their meeting before marching out but he didn't give them even a minute to speak.

"Just follow behind me. Just follow this map." Sir Gerd pointed on the map drawn on a white cloth on the table. "The rest, go to the trees." And with a sharpened gaze, he stared at his men and declared, "Those who insist will be imprisoned for insubordination."

So, the low-ranking knights reluctantly agreed with him in silence, knowing he was impatient and had a light hand to raise his sword and exact punishment. His own men went with him first, while those left in the camp prayed for those who had gone ahead.

When Sir Gerd lifted his sword and yelled. "Charge! Kill and take over the city," his men sprinted in haste but…

"Ahh!!!" Blood-curdling yells resonated in the night.

Arrows rained from the walls and hit the advancing men. Those who steered clear from the arrows' path missed their footing and fell on the pits. While those at the back abruptly scampered back to the camp after the deep-looking pits were uncovered. Others tailed the horse for cover while some ran to the trees as they advanced.

Sir Gerd held a rectangular shield above him, protecting him and his horse. He heard his men's cries but disregarded them. His mind was so focused on venting his hatred to the meddling woman who protected his prey and charged like a man who knew no fear toward Xinyi.

As Xinyi saw Sir Gerd rushing toward her, she faced the tip of the blade to the incoming horse. In silence, she tried to speak in the horse's mind. "Stop running or I have no choice but to hurt you." She was confident to use this power now after much practice with Nianshi and the animals in the Forsaken Valley.

The horse heard her voice and sensed the surging power from her, frightening the poor creature. In that instant, it raised his two front legs up, neighing, and throwing Sir Gerd up on the air. The master fell badly on the ground as the horse galloped away.

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While these happened, Sir Balin and Sir Gib knelt with one knee on the ground with blood on their tunics and swords. Two men with Wag stone in hands stood in front of them with their blood-soaked swords. The other knights and soldiers surrounded them.

Although powerless at the moment, they remained adamant of convincing the rest of the knights about the conspiracy.

"Listen, we are just pitiful pawns by Mafan. This war has nothing to do with glory and honor for our king and nation. This was all a setup by Mafan. Lieutenant General Gerd knew this," said Sir Gib.

"Don't listen to them. General Lethmo killed the soldiers for unjust reasons and now running for his life because he is nothing but a coward against the red stone," said one of Sir Gerd's men who were watching over the two Chiangdas.

"Liars, you are men of Mafan. You are not loyal to our king," shouted the panting Sir Balin.

"Let's kill these two or we will fail to seize that city and live in guilt and shame for not accomplishing what we set out to do," hollered a man holding a Wag stone but after speaking he whimpered and fell face first. An arrow pierced standing on his back. The other man followed him to hell as he fell dead beside the first.