Horizon of War Series

The Lord of Umberland

Outside the mighty bulwark and gatehouse protecting Umberland City, tens of riders sat, content with waiting. Some tended to the numerous horses they brought, while others kept sentry, ready with crossbows.

One even started a fire to brew water for drinking. The lieutenant in the bulwark roped down an earthen jar of ale as a gift, and this present was received with excitement.

Sir Harold allowed his men to indulge in the drinks. Certainly, it could be poisoned, but he knew only the bold and the naive would attempt such a thing. Most of his select riders were the stoic and alert types who likely just shrugged at drinking anything from a potential enemy.

After another period of time, the same pair reappeared atop the castle, their faces reddened and seemingly breathless.

"Must be a long flight of stairs," commented the Nicopolan beside him.

Sir Harold chuckled.

The man, whom they learned from the troops above was the steward, moved closer to the battlements' wall. One could see his fatherly features, complete with a receding hairline. "Honored guests," he called Sir Harold to attention.

The knight from Midlandia acknowledged this by bowing his head slightly.

"Our Lord has decided that a meeting would be beneficial. However, until your Lord arrives, we cannot let you enter. The meeting will also take place outside the city gate."

Sir Harold simply smiled. "I don't mind waiting, and yes, the terms are agreeable. But could you spare us some food and blankets? It's been days since we had proper hot food."

The knight's lucid and favorable reply made the steward respond confidently, "Of course, we'll provide what we can."

Sir Harold promptly instructed his squire to fetch the ink and parchment box they always kept at the bottom of their saddlebag. He quickly dictated a letter to his squire. Although he could have relied on a verbal message, he wanted to ensure that none of the full context would be lost.

As four riders returned to the mountain path, Sir Harold selected a suitable place to make camp. He chose a spot at a safe distance from the city gate, in case the host's welcome was insincere.

After some time, two tents, along with amenities and a basket of bread, were lowered from the wall.

Several hours later, the sun finally set. The dragoons remained alert in their small camp. Sir Harold had his night watch in full armor, ready with loaded crossbows. He and his squire themselves slept in their doublets, clutching their scabbards underneath the blankets.

There was a drizzle that night, and morning arrived veiled in fog. The men were alert, but no attack came. Instead, the people on the wall lowered some gruel and pickled goods, which they gratefully received.

***

It was on the second day after Sir Harold dispatched his messenger that the Lord of Korelia and his army finally appeared on the mountain path leading to Umberland City. Sir Harold and his group greeted the columns as they crested the path's final rise.

Ever cautious, Lord Lansius had his men march in separate columns, avoiding a formation along the mountain path that would resemble a vulnerable serpent. He also ensured a good distance between them, providing ample space to react to sudden threats such as ambushes or landslides.

After five columns had arrived and secured the area, the Lord and Lady made their appearance under heavy escort. Sir Harold and his group warmly welcomed them, relieved their mission had been a success. A herald was promptly sent to announce their arrival.

Unexpectedly, the city gates opened, and several groups of men and servants began erecting a large tent, presumably for the imminent negotiations.

In the meantime, Lansius met with Sir Harold and his retinue. He had received the knight's letter two days before, relieved to learn that Umberland City and its farming lands were still intact. Although it was good news, it didn't significantly alter the situation. The marauding Nicopolans were still missing from the picture, along with beastmen that, somehow, existed in Umberland.

Even Lady Audrey and Servius shared his skepticism. The survival of Umberland, given its limited forces against the onslaught of thousands of Nicopolans, seemed hard to believe.

"So, what are your thoughts about our host?" Lansius asked, seated beneath a large umbrella, with Audrey at his side and Sterling standing behind them.

Sir Harold, standing next to Servius, replied, "Well, 'suspicious' is the word I would use. But I doubt worrying about it will help us build a relationship."

Lansius nodded, while Audrey asked, "Have you encountered beastmen or anything suspicious?"

"Nothing, My Lady. Not even a beast, only curious foxes and squirrels," Sir Harold answered.

Audrey exchanged glances with Lansius, who stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"What about the Nicopolans?" Servius added.

"Just my men and you, my good comrade," Sir Harold jested.

Their banter lightened the tension.

Servius then suggested, "Perhaps the beastmen's attack on our camp was merely an isolated incident."

Lansius wasn't convinced it was a mere accident. He remembered the beastman's words before he snapped its neck. However, without further sightings of beastmen, there was little he could do. Thus, instead of worrying about it, he simply readied himself. "Servius, be prepared for a surprise attack."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Sir Harold, ensure the Dragoons are prepared for any trouble."

"I will ensure that, my Lord."

Then Lansius pondered the various scenarios Umberland might present. Even if the negotiations seemed genuine, he planned not to rush his offers and decisions until he had a fuller understanding of the situation. The absence of any sightings of the marauding Nicopolans by his scouts was a haunting concern on his mind.

Could there be a collusion between Umberland and the beastmen?

Unlike fell beasts, which were mythical monsters like werewolves, beastmen were a race native to the southern continent. They had a long history of conflict with humans, especially in neighboring Nicopola and other southern provinces.

Although he considered the possibility, given his understanding of the cultural differences and historical animosity between the two groups, it seemed an unlikely scenario.

...

The meeting between the Lord of Korelia and the representatives of Umberland didn't commence until well after midday. Under a spacious tent, divided by long tables and flanked by select honorary guards on either side, the Lord of Korelia and his entourage were the first to arrive.

Given the unfamiliarity between the two parties, they adhered to tradition. Sir Harold served as the intermediary, discussing today's meeting with Umberland's Steward.

Lansius observed the extensive precautions taken by the other side. Even the Lord of Umberland wasn't present, and there was a lot of tension in the air. This atmosphere made Audrey equally cautious, reverting to her instincts as a squire.

The negotiations could only begin in earnest after Sir Harold and the Steward had agreed on an agenda.

"They seek a simple meet and greet. Just an introduction, nothing more," Sir Harold informed them.

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Lansius nodded. This was fortunately aligned with his strategy to delay any decision before gaining the full picture of the situation in Umberland.

"One more thing, My Lord, My Lady. The Steward cautioned me about the Lord's appearance," Sir Harold mentioned, his expression clouded with uncertainty.

At this, Lansius and Audrey exchanged a look.

***

The Lord of Umberland

Lord Beatrix, the Baron of Umberland, entered the large negotiation tent. Quickly, all eyes from the other side were on her. Some even gasped, and there were low murmurs. She paid no heed; it was only to be expected.

It wasn’t because of her mismatched title. It was entirely common for a noblewoman to style herself as a Lord if she wished, and it wasn’t a problem since she indeed ruled the region.

Nor was it because she looked wrong. In fact, she was praised for her intellect and beauty. The reason they gasped was that Beatrix wasn’t human.

The half-breed Lord had wolf-like features, yet walked gracefully and behaved nobly, adorned in neat kimono-like clothing. She gazed upon the guests as she walked closer, surrounded by her human escort.

She had learned of the guests who came to Umberland, bearing grand promises of help, assistance, and trade. Yet, for her, dealings and discussions were secondary. They were merely formalities. As a half-breed, she trusted her instincts more than words. Thus, this part of the meeting was the most crucial to her.

A few steps after entering, Beatrix was already assessing whether the guests could be trusted or needed to be dealt with. She could feel the guests' eyes on her, and she returned their glances. Unlike humans, her eyes captured facial muscles in much higher detail.

She observed several guests displaying discomfort, hinting at considerable restraint and effort to remain calm. Naturally, it was difficult for humans to conceal their disgust, especially towards a predator. The usual frowns and disturbed looks, which humans believed were concealed, were visible to a half-breed like her.

Not one to judge hastily, Beatrix consulted her keen sense of smell, which confirmed the scent of fear and alertness emanating from their fresh sweat, further reinforcing her thoughts. She knew that getting closer would allow her to hear the pounding in the guests' chests.

She exhaled deeply, realizing that these newcomers weren't much different from the Nicopolans. Less rowdy, more polite, more disciplined, but essentially the same. A threat to her kin and possibly to the people of Umberland.

Thus, the make-or-break moment would be decided by the Lord of Korelia’s reaction.

Beatrix stood in front of the long table as her steward gave a formal introduction. And something struck Beatrix. The Lord of Korelia showed none of the reactions of his men.

Suppressing her frown, she glanced to his side, where a woman in armor simply nodded her head, her expression not betraying fear or mistrust, merely guarded. Something about her was peculiar, yet Beatrix couldn't pinpoint what.

Were they briefed and aware of me?

However, the reaction of their men indicated otherwise. That was when she realized his scent was notably different. She had been too focused on discerning whether he was afraid or alert, but she had failed to notice the subtle difference.

He's not... human? A half-human?

She couldn't recognize the scent, having never encountered it before. And instead of learning more about the man's origins, Beatrix noticed an increase in a different scent.

This scent... he even considered mating.

Beatrix covered her smiling maw with a cloth, feigning a cough.

In the beastmen or half-breed world, there was no higher praise than being considered as a potential mate by powerful individuals. With this, Beatrix refrained from making a rash decision, as the Lord of Korelia proved to be different than she had expected.

***

Lansius

The Lord of Korelia listened patiently as the old Steward from the Umberland side gave brief explanations about what had happened and why Beatrix's claim was considered legitimate. The steward carefully avoided any mention of her being a half-breed or half-beast.

While her entrance made everyone from Lansius' group uncomfortable, he felt no big surprise. In fact, he was somewhat relieved.

Five years in this world, and I finally see a fantasy race.

Lansius' long-dormant, game-obsessive mind, with hundreds of hours spent playing RPGs, had already prepared him for shocking plot twists and reveals. He had expected to see a necromancer with a powerful curse controlling Umberland, a powerful blood mage, undead skeleton kings, or other monsters in general.

He had no idea how to beat them, but a half-beast was definitely more tolerable. They were descendants of beastmen and humans.

Even Beatrix's backstory seemed no more complex than a Cinderella story with a twist.

Moreover, this situation allowed his brain, which stored memories of space exploration sims, to glow hot. The hundreds of hours of sleepless nights perfecting the tech tree speed run and diplomatic know-how against different races were ready to assist him in this interspecies diplomacy.

How could it not? He had dealt with even the nastiest races that space sims could imagine—from power hungry floating octopuses and indifferent sentient rocks to backstabbing, narcissistic lizards. Thus, a beast-like person hardly could evoke revulsion or disgust.

"The previous Lord fell in battle last summer against the second wave of Nicopolan attacks. The whole Umberland City was raided and taken hostage," the steward recounted in response to Sir Harold's inquiry.

"Then how did you regain control?" Sir Harold asked.

The old steward glanced at his Lord, and the half-beast opened her maw. "Greetings. My Lord, are you familiar with the story of Kae's ancient monastery?"

***

Far in the mountains, so secluded that only mountain goats lived, lies a monastery complex. It was built following the Second Imperium's reconquest of the beastmen in Nicopola. The stories recount that the battles were fought bitterly and at great cost.

In the bitter wars that eventually led to the downfall of the first Imperium, which was born to unite the human race against the beastmen threat. Its failure fortunately paved the way for a more robust Second Imperium. Despite facing similar initial setbacks, with few victories and many defeats, the Second Imperium proved more resilient.

However, even the minor victories yielded little, as the beastmen produced no food, crafts, or anything of value. Thus, captured female beastmen were seen as the only valuable spoils.

While male beastmen were large, brutal, and animalistic, female beastmen were only slightly taller than the average human and more docile. Though stronger than the average commoner, they were easily conditioned to obey with food, clothing, and shelter.

Initially treated as nothing more than exotic animals for menageries, their owners quickly realized these creatures were attentive, obedient, and loyal. This made them a stark contrast to the noblewomen of the time, who, left behind by their husbands on campaigns, engaged in debauchery.

While the knights and men-at-arms fought on the front lines, their wives took young lovers and caused sensational gossip that was hard to conceal from the public eye. The situation got so out of hand that bards and poets of the day championed the loyalty of captured female beastmen over the noblewomen's debauched lives.

Thus was born a story between a knight and his captured female beastman. In the story, the knight returned home to find his betrothed making love to another knight. Enraged, he killed the man in a fair duel but was chastised by the kingdom. The knight lost his title, fief, and everything. Yet, the captured beastman stayed by his side. They fell in love and escaped the wars by going into the mountains.

That mountain was an allegory for Umberland.

While the story was largely fiction, it had a certain truth to it. At the height of the Nicopola reconquest, thousands of female beastmen were captured each year and integrated into noble or wealthy communities. They were trained as horse masters, gardeners, and house servants, while the most loyal became either hunters or concubines.

Despite being able to sire children, the union wasn't meant to last.

When the father died, the human family rarely accepted their half-breed relatives. Worse, their mother likely had already died since beastmen's life expectancy was only half that of humans. Without their parents, the half-breed child became a burden. Worse, they couldn't inherit the estate.

Thus, many were sold to the highest bidder, often ending up in the Eastern Kingdom, where they were displayed as part of exotic menageries.

However, not all were heartless, and some feared for their family's reputation since, half-breed or not, they were still relatives. Thus, many sent them to the mountains. They promised the half-breeds that they could live there with their kin, raising goats and making delicious cheese.

Despite the lie, the mountains of Umberland became the de facto refuge for unwanted half-breeds. However, this decision would eventually come back to haunt them.

As the vast Nicopola land was finally freed from the beastmen threat and enjoyed newfound prosperity, peace was shattered by attacks from the mountains. The thousands of half-breeds had multiplied uncontrollably in a region with little resources. Lacking enough food, they resorted to attacking human settlements.

As their numbers grew, they often bred closer to full beastmen, having lost their human traits. Surprisingly, they were led by third or fourth-generation half-breeds who possessed intellect closer to that of an adult human. Their intellect, combined with the strength of their beastmen-like brethren, was enough to launch coordinated raids deep into the Nicopola heartland.

The issue became so dire that two baronies fell to this new threat. The local lords quickly banded together and launched punitive attacks, but they were always outclassed in the mountains.

Despite multiple punitive attacks, half-beast raids still occurred frequently enough that the Imperium decided to build a permanent bulwark to seal off access. This was the origin of the ancient bulwark, not constructed to protect Umberland—which had yet to be founded—but to shield the newly liberated Nicopola from the half-beast threat.

While the wall prevented massive beastmen raids from occurring, it didn't stop them completely.

"A fascinating story," Lansius interrupted the Steward as the two lords met informally at a scenic hunting lodge on the outskirts of the forest, not far from the gate. "So what stopped the raids, if not the bulwark?"

Beatrix and the Steward exchanged glances, appearing unprepared for the question. Meanwhile, Lansius maintained his composure, feeling that he might uncover something significant. After all, history often repeats itself.

There was also another issue that Lansius fought hard to dismiss from his mind. Yet, no matter how much he tried to deny it, he couldn't ignore the fact that Umberland was under relative control. Although details were still muddy and scarce, it was clear that the situation wasn't as dire as he had expected. Yes, villages and farmland had been ravaged, even the city itself was raided, but they managed to recover.

Furthermore, the threat from the marauding Nicopolans was not as it seemed. If the intelligence shared by the Steward was accurate, then there were only three large groups who scattered in the forest after being raided by beastmen.

Half-beast or human, it mattered little to the grand picture. What remained clear was that with Umberland secured, the road to Nicopola lay open. And this troubled him deeply.

***

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