After a long and bumpy journey, the party finally arrived at Black Stone Town at dusk.
The town's silhouette looked exceptionally tranquil against the setting sun.
The news had not yet spread, so there wasn't a large crowd gathered at the town entrance.
The Knights expertly guided the Pegasi into a pre-prepared temporary stable within the town, one that was spacious and well-reinforced.
The most important thing for now was to get them settled. As for taming them, having Moonlight around would save a lot of trouble.
After the saddles were removed and the new mounts were tended to, Raylo walked into the temporarily commandeered council hall and saw a familiar figure.
Barrett stood there, travel-worn and looking slightly exhausted, but his eyes were unusually bright.
He had clearly just returned a short while ago himself.
"Lord!"
Upon seeing Raylo enter, Barrett immediately went up to him.
"Barrett, you're back."
Raylo nodded, his gaze sweeping over the person standing behind Barrett.
A young man stood there, looking to be in his early twenties. He wore simple linen clothes and had a small cloth pack on his back.
He seemed somewhat reserved, but his eyes were curiously taking in his surroundings. When he saw Raylo, he lowered his head slightly, a hint of awe in his posture.
"I have fulfilled my mission, Lord."
Barrett stepped aside and made the introduction. "This is Carl, Master Bailin's most prized Apprentice. When I found him, he was helping a neighboring lord repair a broken Alchemy Crossbow. I explained our purpose and our terms, and he's very willing to come to Black Stone Town to further his craft."
"I am Carl. I greet you, Lord."
The young man, Carl, stepped forward, bowing slightly. His voice was a little nervous, but his words were clear.
"Welcome, Carl."
Raylo sized up the young man. 'Master Bailin's disciple,' he thought. 'This is a godsend.'
"You've had a long journey. Barrett, you've performed a great service this time."
"You're too kind, Lord."
A smile spread across Barrett's face.
"It's my honor to be of service. By the way, Lord, your trip…"
He had noticed the faint neighing of horses from outside, as well as the unconcealable excitement on the Knights' faces.
"We captured eighteen Pegasi."
Raylo's words were concise, but their weight startled both Barrett and Carl.
"Eighteen?!"
Barrett's eyes widened in disbelief.
Carl also looked up in astonishment, his gaze toward Raylo now filled with a mixture of disbelief and adoration.
Even though he was only an Alchemy Apprentice, he understood the significance of eighteen Pegasi.
"Yes, we got lucky."
Raylo didn't elaborate.
"Ed, take some men and get the Pegasi settled. Find some reliable hands to guard them, and make sure there are no mishaps."
"Yes, Lord!"
Ed acknowledged the order and turned to leave and make the arrangements.
Raylo turned to Carl, his tone softening. "Carl, Black Stone Town is in a state of rebuilding, and there are many things that will require your skills. I trust Master Bailin's standards, and I believe you won't disappoint me either."
"You can rest assured, Lord! As long as I have the materials and tools, I will do my absolute best!"
Carl nodded emphatically. Much of his nervousness had faded, replaced by an eager excitement.
'To work under a Lord with such vision, one who could even capture Pegasi, is a rare opportunity.'
"Very good."
Raylo said,
"Barrett, first take Carl to get settled and help him get familiar with the town. The warehouse has some basic materials and tools; take him for a look and give me a list of anything he needs. As for his compensation and treatment, it will be just as we agreed—if not better."
"Understood, Lord!"
Barrett accepted the order and left the council hall with Carl.
「The next day.」
Just as the sky began to lighten at dawn, a commotion broke out at the temporary stable.
After a short night's rest, the newly captured Pegasi seemed to have recovered much of their energy. Their bound wings flapped uselessly, and their hooves stamped restlessly, striking the reinforced wooden fences with dull thuds.
The Knights on guard duty hadn't slept all night. Now, they were on high alert, terrified the spirited beasts might break free from their bonds.
Raylo and Barrett stood outside the stable, watching the restless herd of Pegasi within.
The first rays of sunlight draped the magnificent creatures in a pale golden glow, but it did nothing to diminish the untamable pride in their very bones.
"It seems they still haven't accepted their situation."
Barrett said, his arms crossed and his brow slightly furrowed.
Taming wild horses was difficult enough, let alone Pegasi that could soar through the heavens; the difficulty was immense.
Raylo, however, showed no sign of worry on his face. He glanced to his side.
"Moonlight, you're up."
The air seemed to shimmer, and a small figure appeared silently beside Raylo.
Moonlight yawned and rubbed its sleepy eyes, seemingly displeased at having its slumber disturbed.
It glanced at the Pegasi in the stable and wrinkled its little nose, as if in disgust.
"The usual price. Three roasted geese," Raylo said.
Moonlight's eyes lit up. Instantly energized, all traces of sleepiness vanished.
It held up three fingers and wiggled them.
Raylo nodded and clarified, "Three roasted geese per Pegasus. There are eighteen of them."
Moonlight nodded in satisfaction and patted a non-existent pocket on its chest, as if it had already secured all fifty-four roasted geese.
It strutted toward the stable on its short legs.
The Knights on guard duty hurriedly opened the reinforced gate, nervously tightening their grip on their weapons, ready to respond to a potential riot at a moment's notice.
Moonlight leaped nimbly onto the stable fence, looking down upon the agitated herd of Pegasi.
It cleared its throat and let out a single, sharp cry.
The Pegasi, which had been neighing and struggling moments before, fell silent in an instant, as if frozen by a spell.
They turned their heads uneasily toward the tiny figure on the fence, their eyes filled with instinctual fear.
Moonlight seemed quite pleased with this effect.
Then, its furry little fist went to work.
Moonlight clapped its hands, jumped down from the fence, yawned again, and then looked expectantly at Raylo, holding out its little paw.
"I know, I know. You'll get what you're owed."
Feeling a bit resigned, Raylo signaled for a servant to bring over the three plump roasted geese that had been prepared in advance.
'Three as a down payment, and the remaining fifty-one on an installment plan.'
Raylo turned to Barrett. "Alright, the most troublesome part is done. As for how to forge these Pegasi into a fighting force, that's up to you, Instructor Barrett."
Barrett took a deep breath and nodded, his gaze turning sharp.
"Yes, Lord!"
In an open field outside of town, the Knights had already assembled.
Barrett stood before the formation, his usual easygoing expression replaced by a soldier's solemnity.
He turned to face the Knights, who were already assembled and raring to go.
At this moment, their eyes gleamed with excitement and anticipation.
To ride a Pegasus, to soar and fight in the sky—this was every Knight's dream!