"So, have you familiarized yourself with this place?" Eitan looked down at Agni from his throne.
Agni was currently kneeling below the platform, apparently having taken Beren's previous words to heart. "Well enough." It had only been a short time, but like any decent mercenary, he did his best to adapt to the circumstances.
"I have a mission for you, then."
Agni lifted his head, his eyes aflame. "Please speak." Life in the castle was by no means bad, but it was undoubtedly stifling for the rowdy mercenaries. Eitan was aware of this and so didn't hesitate in delivering his orders.
"As you're already aware, some barbarians recently had the gall to attack my territory." Eitan's fingers gripped the arm of his throne. "I want the Silver Wolves to be the main strike force for retaliation. Beren has already drawn up a plan, so you'll just have to follow that. Aengus and some soldiers will fight with you."
Agni grinned, "My men will be more than happy for some action." He was also reassured by the presence of Aengus, whom he had recently discovered was also an aura knight. The presence of not just one but two aura knights in such a backwater place was practically unthinkable, and made Agni more assured in his decision. Not to mention, Eitan stuck to his word and treated the Silver Wolves quite well. By this, the original qualms of many members had been largely alleviated.
"Excellent," Eitan nodded and surveyed the redhead for a moment. "And I have one question for you."
Agni met Eitan's profound gaze before lowering his head with a shrug. "What my master asks, I must tell."
"You introduced yourself as Jescon. Who are you? No regular mercenary has a family name." Eitan inquired bluntly.
For once, the ever-stout Agni flinched a bit. He drooped a little and hesitantly opened his mouth. "I am a bastard son of the small Jescon Barony. My mother was a maid. She got killed by that incorrigible baroness, and I was forced to flee. I became a mercenary to make a living, and eventually made a group of my own." He explained succinctly, his body trembling slightly. Whether it was from rage or sorrow, no one but he knew.
"I see," Eitan let out a breezy exhale. He had asked out of simple curiosity and inadvertently dredged up such unfortunate memories. To be in a place where those who are, at least in name, your family, were targeting your life. He knew better than most what it was like to be in such a situation, so he felt a pang of empathy for the man. Actually, his own situation could be considered more fortunate, as at least Kathryn didn't act so brazenly. "I apologize for making you speak of such things."
Agni's head rapidly raised, and he stared up at Eitan with a complicated expression. "... There's no need to apologize to me." It felt as if every time he met Eitan, another piece of his common sense was shattered. What kind of noble would act in such a way?
Eitan smiled faintly. "Speak to Beren, then gather up your subordinates," his expression hardened. "Show those bastards what happens when anyone dares to touch my people."
My people. Agni realized he, now, was also included within that statement. "Yes!"
*****
Aengus halted his horse as they neared the end of the overhang. From the ground below, tendrils of smoke twisted up to mingle with the red sky. He glanced over to the side, "Are you prepared?"
Agni grinned fiercely, one hand gripping the hilt of the broadsword on his back. "Wolves are always ready to hunt."
Aengus cast his gaze over the group of desirous mercenaries. "I shall see you again in victory." He spurred his horse and changed directions, the present soldiers following behind.
Once he was gone, Agni turned around and held up his sword. "Begin!"
At this command, streaks of red fired over the rockface. These were fire arrows prepared as the first line of attack on the enemy encampment. It looked as if the fiery hues of the sky had bled onto the ground. Distant shouting could be heard, and Agni turned back around. "Let's show these bastards why we're called the mad wolves!" He charged ahead, skidding down the slope with his silver aura blazing, while the others excitedly followed behind.
They soon descended upon the barbarian's camp, and the scene was like a pack of wolves unleashed amongst a flock of sheep. It wasn't that the barbarians were weak; on the contrary, they were known for having strength greater than that of the average human. But they had been thrown into chaos by the fire, and the mercenaries of the group were far from average themselves.
Agni's shining broadsword slashed mercilessly through large bodies, and sprays of blood drenched the surroundings. His voracious grin and face decorated with glistening red droplets unveiled the appearance of a madman. As he dove deeper into the fray, he turned his head to see an axe blade coming straight for his side. A loud clang resounded through the air as his feet dug into the dirt, the meeting of metal pushing him back.
The opposing barbarian roared, and the axe in his hand hurtled straight towards Agni's head. Instead of backing away from the blow, Agni rushed forward. Making use of his smaller size compared to the bulky barbarian, his body smoothly passed the axe and into the gap left behind. This move was not typical for the fiery man, but rather resembled a certain someone else. It was the same type of maneuver that Eitan used to triumph against Agni in the circle. He may be boorish and arrogant, but at least when it came to combat, he never overlooked an opportunity to learn.
Before the barbarian had a chance to redirect the attack, the silver light brightened, and Agni's broadsword dove viciously into the opponent's chest. Blood splurted, and the body went limp around the sword. Agni smiled smugly, but the hairs on the back of his neck instantly stood up. He shifted his gaze and spotted another barbarian charging at him, blade reaching for his throat. Just as he wrenched his sword back to deflect, there was a harsh screech as the curve of a sickle caught the blow. Another sickle promptly dove into the head of the offending barbarian, and the blade and attached body flopped to the ground.
Agni shook his bloody broadsword sharply. "I had that. Stick to your own prey!"
Owen grinned impishly as he retrieved his sickles. "Prey belongs to the one who caught it. Isn't that what you always say, Captain?"
Owen grinned impishly as he retrieved his sickles, briskly shaking off the blood. "Prey belongs to the one who caught it. Isn't that what you always say, Captain?"
Agni clicked his tongue as he struck down another barbarian charging at his rear. "Smartass."
Owen didn't respond as his sickles danced through another group of barbarians who had emerged to fight the fire. Similar scenes of massacre repeated among the rising flames, as each member of the group held their own. Under the ferocious onslaught, it did not take long for the camp to be entirely overtaken.
Those who ran in the chaos were smoothly dealt with by Aengus and the soldiers, who had stationed themselves according to Beren's arrangements beforehand. Aengus could not help but marvel at Beren's foresight. Without even seeing the camp, he accurately predicted the escape routes and numbers of the barbarians. This ensured not one slipped through the net. By the time the sun fully set, not a single barbarian still had breath in their lungs.
After the extermination was complete, the mercenaries ransacked everything that remained untouched by the fire, even rummaging among the ashes. After gathering all the loot they could, the party went on to the next target. And so the night of bloodshed continued.
They repeated similar tactics to deal with the few barbarian encampments closest to the territory. This not only created a buffer zone but also served as a clear warning. Those who stay in their lands will not be bothered, but… the moment you touch my people, extermination is the only result.
And so it was. The group only returned to the castle as the sun rose above the horizon. Eitan stood at the drawbridge, awaiting them.
"Any casualties?" His gaze swept across the disheveled men. He was concerned about the result of the conquest, of course, but the dread of possibly losing another companion was what dominated the forefront of his mind.
Aengus dismounted his horse and kneeled with a salute. "A few injured, but no fatalities, my lord!" His passionate gaze leveled to Eitan's edgy eyes.
"Give me a detailed report later. For now, ensure that the injured receive the required treatment immediately. " He commanded before raising his voice. "You have done well. Today, you are all permitted to rest or drink as much as you please."
The soldier's eyes shone at the idea of getting an extra day off, while the mercenaries roared excitedly upon the mention of drinks. As the men split off, Eitan went into the castle to wait for Aengus, who first had to make arrangements for the injured.
He sat on the throne and massaged his temples. Farrel approached him from the side with a concerned expression. "My liege, now that you've confirmed their safety, you should go and rest." He suggested cautiously.
Eitan had been restlessly swinging his sword all night, even using his aura down to the last drop. Farrel didn't know why Eitan had been so anxious, just surmising it was due to this being the first proper battle under his orders. However, he was worried his liege's previous symptoms could resurface with this level of overexertion.
His assumption was half right and half wrong. This was indeed the first proper battle Eitan undertook, albeit not directly, in this life. But the real reason for his anxiety was that the last battle he had pushed his people into, not a single one survived. That lingering trauma was what caused Eitan to be so high-strung. "I'll rest after I hear the proper report," he replied obstinately.
Farrel could only nod relentingly and stay by Eitan's side, internally entreating Aengus to get things together as quickly as possible to allow his liege respite even a moment sooner.
His wishes were soon answered as Aengus appeared and took a knee before Eitan. "All injured men have been treated, and a few risk disability, but the mission has resulted in zero fatalities. Meanwhile, all barbarians around the territory have been exterminated. Administrator Beren's strategy was truly exquisite." He spoke with an excited tone, and the gaze that looked up at Eitan shone brightly. Even back in the county, there were not many times he had achieved a victory as overwhelming as this.
Eitan leaned back on the throne. "Ensure that those who are unable to return to combat face no issues in their daily lives."
Aengus bowed his head with a smile. "The lord is benevolent."
Eitan clicked his tongue. "How about the spoils?"
"Butler Lind is currently sorting and documenting them," Aengus answered promptly.
He has become quite diligent since getting promoted. Eitan mused with satisfaction. "Alright, you should go get some rest. You've had quite the night."
"I am not yet so old that a single night of exercise would tire me. Rather, you appear quite exhausted, my lord." Aengus spoke worriedly after observing Eitan's current condition.
"I'm fine," Eitan responded coolly. "You may take your leave now."
Aengus stood up and saluted Eitan, giving Farrel a meaningful glance before departing. Once he was gone, Eitan let out a long exhale. He stood up, and his knees wobbled ever so slightly. Ugh, I guess I did push myself too hard.
A firm hand supported his shoulder. "My liege, please allow me to escort you to your chambers."
Eitan shook Farrel off as he steadied his footing. "Do as you please." He strode down from the platform with firm steps, apparently determined not to show a weak side.
Farrel didn't say anything else and quietly followed him close behind, his gaze trained on Eitan's small back. It was amazing, really. He didn't know how someone could simultaneously appear frail yet be so strong. The time Eitan collapsed before his eyes was still engraved firmly in his mind, along with the scene of him enduring the excruciating pain of poison coursing through his veins without a single scream. His liege was truly a man of many appearances.
Once they reached his room, Eitan bid a swift goodnight to Farrel and went straight into the room. Without bothering to refresh himself, he just changed into clean robes and clambered into bed. He looked up at the canopy with heavy eyes, but the brightness in his expression was undeniable. This was different from the time with the assassins. That was merely him working as an interference, rather than being something he was truly responsible for. The path he chose was indeed a thorny one. As such, he did not doubt there would be casualties among those who followed him in the future. But at least, for now… Everyone is alive. This knowledge sent waves of peace over Eitan's bunched nerves and lulled him to sleep.