Chapter 6
1043 Words
Leisurely days always pass quickly, especially for the servants within Eagle’s Castle.
The assassination attempt a month ago had already faded from their memories. Butler Jess’s explanation was reasonable: Lord Kain had dealt with the assassin, and the crisis had been resolved that very night.
Though they were surprised by the frequent training drills of the soldiers in the training grounds, they didn’t give it much thought, assuming Lord Kain had new plans.
That afternoon, the warm sunlight bathed the land, making one feel like taking a comfortable nap.
A figure, covered in blood, rode swiftly towards the castle on horseback.
Soon, he was stopped by the guards at the gate.
“Stop. State your identity.”
The cavalryman, with arrows still embedded in his body, pulled on the reins and halted at the gate.
“Cavalry unit, Aimel. I have urgent news for Lord Kain.”
Seeing that he indeed had urgent news for the baron, the guards confirmed his identity and allowed him through.
Riding through the castle grounds, under the gaze of many servants, the cavalryman finally reached Kain.
Struggling, he saluted and reported, “Lord Kain, our cavalry patrol encountered a goblin attack near Maike Village.”
Kain asked in puzzlement, “Goblins? Tell me what happened.” He then noticed the arrows in the cavalryman’s body and quickly instructed the butler beside him, “Jis, call Lim over.”
Lim was the only physician in the territory and effectively the baron’s personal doctor. Though his medical skills were not advanced, in this emergency, he was the best they had.
Soon, Lim and his assistant arrived, carrying a large bag of medical supplies. Aimel, the cavalryman, was helped to a shaded corner by Kain.
Despite his severe injuries, Aimel continued, “My lord, at noon today, our cavalry patrol was circling the outskirts of Maike Village when suddenly a group of goblins charged out of the surrounding forest and clashed with us.
“They outnumbered us, and their leader was an extraordinary individual. We were outmatched, so the captain sent me to report the situation. I fear the rest of the squad is…”
Hearing of the squad’s ordeal, Kain sighed deeply, “Ah… Aimel, did you see what weapon the enemy extraordinary was using?”
“Yes, my lord, it was a spiked club.”
Kain nodded, “Very well, I understand the situation. Rest and recover as soon as possible.”
“Yes, Lord Kain.”
After comforting the cavalryman, Kain turned to Lim and instructed, “Heal his injuries, and try not to leave any lasting damage.”
Lim, reluctantly taking on the difficult task, swallowed hard. He had already assessed the cavalryman’s condition, noting injuries all over his body, with the arrow wound in the shoulder being the most severe.
If not treated quickly, it could lead to tetanus, which no one could cure.
“Yes, my lord, I will do my best.” After replying to Kain, Lim hurriedly moved Aimel indoors for treatment.
The sudden situation gave Kain a headache. The matter at Wenlai Fortress was still unresolved, and now a group of goblins appeared outside the territory. More importantly, he had lost a cavalry patrol unit.
Training a cavalryman wasn’t easy; the costs of horses and armor were substantial, not to mention the time invested.
Calculating the losses in his mind, Kain headed to his study. He first instructed the butler, Jis, to summon Catherine and Marcus to the study.
Then he contemplated the situation outside the territory.
The full name of Kain’s territory was the Riget Territory, comprising a castle and a village.
In Kain’s memory, there shouldn’t be any beastmen around Riget Territory, and even extraordinary beasts were few and far between.
The sudden appearance of a goblin tribe with an extraordinary individual was puzzling. Could they have fled from the Beastman Empire in the south?
“Knock, knock.”
The knocking at the outer door interrupted Kain’s thoughts. It seemed Marcus and Catherine had arrived.
At Kain’s signal, they entered, first bowing and then looking at him.
On their way, they had heard about the situation.
“A cavalryman reported that a group of goblins appeared outside the territory.”
An eager Catherine asked, “My lord, I heard there’s an extraordinary individual among them?”
Kain nodded, “It seems you’ve heard. Yes, their leader is an extraordinary individual, though we’re unsure of the rank, but it shouldn’t exceed high-tier first rank.”
The experienced Marcus suggested, “My lord, we can’t delay. They might attack Maike Village at any moment. We need to act quickly.”
“I agree.” Kain said, spreading a map on the table.
He pointed to the southern forest, “According to Aimel’s report, the goblins encountered the patrol here.”
Marcus glanced at the terrain and said with concern, “My lord, this forest is dense. It’s unsuitable for cavalry combat. We’ll need to enter on foot.”
“We have no other choice.” Kain agreed.
Kain then turned to Catherine, “Bring all the scouts. We need to determine the goblins’ numbers and positions.”
“Yes, my lord.”
With the plan discussed, Kain stood up, “There’s no time to waste. Let’s move. Assemble outside Eagle’s Castle.”
“Yes, Lord Kain.”
The two quickly left the study to gather the soldiers.
Kain headed to the lord’s quarters to don his armor.
The territory was soon abuzz with activity. Under Catherine’s command, soldiers gathered at the assembly point, and cavalrymen rode swiftly through the castle grounds. The castle’s servants watched anxiously, hoping for a successful operation.
Riding a white stallion, Kain soon arrived outside the castle, clad in polished armor and holding the family sword.
By then, the soldiers and cavalry had assembled. Marcus and Catherine stepped forward to report.
“Lord Kain, the cavalry unit of 24 is all present.”
“Lord Kain, the armed infantry of 42 and 3 scouts are all present.”
Excluding the six casualties from the patrol and the castle guards, all of Riget Territory’s forces were gathered here.
Kain nodded, then shouted, “Move out. Let’s hunt the goblins and avenge our fallen brothers!”
“Yes!!!”
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