Horizon of War Series

Periculum In Mora

Despite the looming military crisis and Sir Harold’s departure, construction projects in Korelia continued to thrive. As Lord Lansius’ highest-ranking staff member, Sir Justin was naturally involved in overseeing the main projects. Along with Calub and their team.

On behalf of their Lord, they supervised a workforce comprising five hundred workers from Korelia and an additional one thousand five hundred, overseeing everything from labor allocation to raw material supplies and payments.

To sustain this extra workforce, they needed more than just a field kitchen. First, they set up a barber shop for basic hygiene and medical care. A clothing repair shop followed, along with a permanent blacksmith on-site to maintain tools. Guildsmen also supplied ropes, pulleys, and other basic amenities.

Korelia had never seen an operation of this scale before. Extensive digging was carried out to lay the foundation for the city wall, a delicate operation overseen by the master mason. Meanwhile, Calub was responsible for the Eastern Farming project, focusing on planting windbreak trees. Alongside his team, he carefully surveyed the land east of the Korelia river and mapped it out.

Lord Lansius wanted diverse types of trees for windbreaks, not just poplars. These trees would be planted in rows to shield the topsoil from the harsh winds of the steppe. Calub had consulted the relevant guilds, who supported such a method as they had seen it in their records.

Calub suggested to Lord Lansius that the Alchemist Guild could provide specialized fertilizers and growth-boosting concoctions. Naturally, the Lord was interested.

Internally, Calub found it amusing that his guild’s research on the beast-eating mandragora plant could be repurposed for something beneficial.

Aware that the mapping and planning would take considerable time, and knowing that there was a risk of him leading reinforcement to Korimor, the Lord confided his plans to Calub. His priority was the windbreak trees. If all went well, these trees would help retain enough topsoil to sustain taller grass, turning the field into a meadow suitable for grazing.

The manure from the livestock would further fertilize the soil. Furthermore, before winter, they would direct laborers to make minor modifications to the landscape, enabling the field to retain as much snow during the winter.

Lord Lansius also considered relocating some younger trees from the forest to expedite the planting of the initial windbreaks.

The general design called for rows of windbreak trees on both the eastern and western sides of the new farming zone. To guard against strong winds from the north and south, they planned to plant multiple rows of elms, poplars, and shrubs.

Lord Lansius believed that, in the long run, these windbreaks would either make the land suitable for agriculture or transform it into good pasture for horse breeding. Either outcome would prove beneficial to his fief.

***

Small Council

Yesterday, Lansius had consulted his council to discuss about Hugo’s request, but aside from writing one letter, and deploying Sir Harold as advanced guard, they did nothing else. For certain, nobody wanted to send more troops to Korimor. It was simply too risky for Korelia.

While Sir Harold only commanded fifteen knights and fifteen squires, Lansius entrusted a mission to them.

Korimor turned from being served on a silver plate into a pit hole of ambition. Lansius had pulled his chair to sit against the window. He needed time to think.

While Lansius was deep in thought, Audrey was engrossed in a book recommended by Felis. Though she appeared frustrated, she continued reading. Beside her, Cecile, the new chamberlain, was reading scrolls from various sources laid out on the table.

While it was more common for the nobles to accept verbal reports, Lansius chose to put his correspondence into letters, especially for dealings and negotiations. That way he had written documents as proof.

After her appointment, Cecile was taking over some of Calub’s role as he was overworked with the urgent Eastern Farming project.

As for her older role, Margo had stepped up to become the cup-bearer. Cecile had thought to recommend Claire, her sister to take the job, but Claire had ideas of her own. Right now, Claire was accompanying Lady Felicity as a lady in waiting.

An earth-scented breeze blew inside the chamber. The changing of seasons made Lansius exhale deeply.

Time is running out.

“Drey,” he called afterward.

Audrey glanced at him. “Yes?”

“I think I should go...” he replied ominously.

She let out a sigh. “Can’t the Marshal do it?”

“As much as I respect Sir Justin, this requires my presence. Besides, he has his job cut out for him. Looking after Korelia is a major thing in itself.”

Audrey rose and approached Lansius, lowering herself to meet his gaze before pleading, “I say we abandon Korimor. Even if it’s supposedly mine, it’s not worth risking another pitched battle.”

Lansius nodded. He knew she was speaking the truth. Even if the whole castle and town were raided, the walls and defensive structure, won’t go anywhere. They could simply wait for the Nicopolans to move away after eating up all the food and then reclaim the city. However, he had other concerns.

“I’m worried about the refugees,” revealed Lansius.

Audrey squinted her eyes. “The Nicopolans? My Lord, they’re not your people.”

“I know, but they’re also not our enemies. There must be something I could do.” Frustration filled his voice.

Audrey exhaled deeply. “I also wish they could be saved. But is it going to happen?”

“My Lord, Lady, if I may,” Cecile interrupted. “You can save select people. You need manpower to guard your realm, also educated men to help you as you’ll likely have two baronies to manage. I also heard that Nicopolans are excellent farmers and adept at their crafts.”

Lansius nodded and quoted, “A wise man once said, the enemy of my enemy, is my friend.”

“The problem is, we can’t save the rest. And how would they react?” asked Audrey.

"They'll continue to plunder every village and town they could find," said Lansius plainly. "And after Korimor, they will either take the long journey to cross the Great Plains into more prosperous Midlandia, or continue to Three Hills."

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"Many will die," said Cecile with a sense of regret. "Lowlandians didn't have that much to begin with. The Nicopolans will attack people who barely have enough to survive winter."

Lansius' shoulder slumped. Nothing in his modern education prepared him to face such a dilemma. Worse, he believed that this wasn't the whole picture.

“Their deaths are in their own hands, not yours," said Audrey all of a sudden.

Her comment stunned him for a bit. “I know. I’m not worried about them. I’m worried about Umberland.”

Audrey was puzzled and looked at Cecile who stood up and took an incomplete map of Lowlandia along with two books to prevent the map from scrolling back.

Audrey returned to the table and studied the map.

“This is Umberland, situated between Nicopola, Elandia, and Three Hills,” explained Cecile.

“They’re mountainous terrain. The Lord of the heights they called him. It was almost impassable to Elandia, one book mentioned deep ravines and gorges. However, it had a well-known mountain route to Nicopola.”

Lansius’ nerdiness wowed the other two.

“Why can’t I get that kind of information from the books I’ve read?” Audrey complained.

“There are many kinds of books,” replied Lansius warmly.

“My Lord, so what about Umberland?” asked Cecile.

“If thousands of Nicopolans had reached Korimor, it means that Umberland is finished,” said Lansius gravely.

There was growing nervousness in Cecile’s face, but Lansius continued, “This is probably why Umberland didn’t join the Coalition in the first place. They read the writings on the wall and refrained from moving their men out of fear of trouble from Nicopola.”

“They were wise to do so,” commented Audrey.

“Umberland is why I need to go to Korimor and see the situation for myself. I can’t do it from Korelia,” said Lansius.

Audrey was confused. “But why? What do you want to do with them?”

“They’re akin to the Western Gates of Lowlandia. If they remain open, then we’ll see a greater flow of men from Nicopola. Maybe even in tens of thousands.”

The explanation made Cecile nervous. That amount would dwarf even the population of several cities in Lowlandia. It might be enough to destroy the new balance of power, Lansius had tried so hard to achieve.

"We can't inform the hungry Nicopolans that there's no food in Lowlandia. They wouldn't believe us, so we must close the gates." He looked at Audrey. "For this to happen, I need to secure Korimor before harvest."

***

Sir Morton

The Mage Knight was increasingly pleased with the progress made on the Grand Alliance. Meetings had taken place between the Lord of Korelia and the Lord of White Lake to formalize the concept. Now, despite their recent loss, there was assurance that Lord Jorge could pass his inherited lands on to his House without fear of external threats.

Morton remained optimistic that the elusive peace in Lowlandia was finally within reach despite learning about the new issues involving Nicopolan refugees in Korimor.

A few days earlier, the mage knight had requested an audience with the Lord of Korelia. Although he preferred to wait for a better time, he felt that time was running short and he might not get another chance. He also feared arousing suspicion if he kept this information to himself.

Fortunately, the day before his departure, an escort arrived to take him to the castle. His master, Lord Jorge, had not only granted permission for the meeting but also expressed enthusiasm about both the issue and the prospective bargain.

Morton, donned in a doublet sourced from donated supplies, rode through the scorched field where the Coalition army had been defeated.

Upon arriving at the castle’s courtyard, he realized it was his first time setting foot there. Unlike Lord Jorge’s older retinue, he had only joined the Lord’s service less than a decade ago. His eyes swept over the castle, where his Lord had been born.

“Sir Morton, welcome to the castle. My Lord and Lady are expecting you,” said a man with a melodious voice.

“Gratitude,” Morton replied as he dismounted. Handing his horse to a stable boy, he followed the escort inside. As requested, he was led to the Great Chamber for some privacy. Although he noticed several armed guards, he paid no heed. It was common for a mage knight like himself to be viewed as a threat.

***

Lansius

Still thinking about the aftermath of the council meeting and what to prepare for his departure to Korimor, Lansius noticed Sigmund enter the Great Chamber, followed by Morton.

“My Lord, My Lady,” Sigmund addressed his Master. “Sir Morton seeks an audience.”

"Please, come in," Lansius said, staying seated. He had approved this meeting because he was likely departing for Korimor the day after tomorrow.

Morton stepped forward. “My Lord, My Lady, please accept my gratitude for this audience.”

“Sir Morton, it’s good to see you. Would you like a seat and some refreshments?”

“Please don’t let my presence bother you, My Lord. I’ve only come to deliver good news.”

“Good news?” Audrey perked up. After the council meeting and what Lansius had revealed, she was desperate for some good words.

“It’s so fitting that you’re the one who asked that, My Lady. The good news concerns you.”

Audrey furrowed her brows and looked at Lansius, who said, “Do share this good news, Sir Morton.”

Instead of speaking, Morton produced a letter from his small bag. Sigmund, who was nearby, took it and handed it to Lord Lansius.

“This matter might best be discussed in the utmost privacy,” Morton suggested.

Breaking the wax seal, Lansius read the brief contents, his eyes widening. Without a word, he passed the letter to Audrey, who had a similar reaction.

Enough distance separated them from their guest for a whispered conversation, so Lansius leaned toward Audrey. “Does this make sense to you?”

“Lans, I can protect myself. You should leave. If he means ill, the others can charge in while I defend myself,” she whispered back.

“No, I’ll stay. It’s not as if I’m unarmed. If he attacks me, you can flank him.”

Audrey nodded. They had discussed this beforehand. Sir Justin, Roger, and Carla, along with select knights, were fully armed and waiting in the corridor. Although Lansius personally trusted Lord Jorge, he wasn’t foolish enough not to take precautions against a mage knight.

“Very well. Sigmund, leave us,” Lansius commanded, his voice stern enough that Sigmund didn’t question him.

Sigmund led the remaining guards away but left the door ajar.

“May I approach?” Sir Morton inquired.

Audrey gestured for him to come closer. Morton advanced cautiously and then knelt, possibly to demonstrate he meant no harm.

“Is this true?” Lansius asked regarding the content of the letter.

“I have no reason to lie,” the mage knight smiled. “Apart from you, My Lady, during the banquet held outside the city wall to celebrate your marriage, I also noticed your cup-bearer and her younger sister. Both possess the gifts.”

This revelation left Lansius stunned.

The rarest gift of them all. The gift of magic.

It was something even he did not possess.

“For three candidates to be found in a faraway town in Lowlandia—that’s not an insignificant boon. Perhaps it’s a blessing from the Ancients.”

Audrey shifted in her seat. “I have a Mage friend in Midlandia. She said I don’t have the gift of magic.”

Sir Morton furrowed his brows. “My Lady, that’s impossible. You exude a faint, but unmistakable energy. I’ve seen it clearly since we first met in that tent outside the forest. Plus, you have the Hunter’s eyes.”

“Explain what ‘the eyes’ mean. People seem to refer to it by many names,” Lansius interrupted.

Morton pondered for a bit, trying to come up with a condensed answer. “People say that a good Hunter acquires the eyes through hard training, but it’s the other way around. Good Hunters are born with the eyes. Without them, one couldn’t survive the gaze of a fell beast.”

Audrey trembled at the revelation.

Morton continued, "While they would blatantly refute this, Mage and Hunter skills are overlapped. We draw from the same power, but manifested differently."

“Does every Hunter have eyes like mine?”

“Only the top ones, those who are assigned to hunt fell beasts.”

“But the one I met said otherwise. He implied it’s just a skill,” said Audrey, frustrated.

Sir Morton scoffed. “They would never divulge their secret. This information is my gift to you,” he said with pride. “Now you know the secret. My Lady, you’re born a Hunter and Mage.”

Audrey mumbled something inaudible and looked upset over something.

Lansius was wary but asked, “Does this mean she can wield magic?”

"For My Lady's case, becoming a fully-fledged Mage may be out of reach. However, there should be a way for her to learn an ability or two. I won't be the one to teach her, but if you permit me, I'll write to my guild. They'll likely be interested and can send someone more discreet."

Lansius took a deep breath and looked at Audrey. The news, coming just a day before they were leaving Korelia, had stunned them both. Sir Stan and Hannei had always said Audrey's abilities were nothing more than Hunter's skill. Now it seemed she was more than that. This made them question their trust in Lord Bengrieve, Sir Stan, Hannei, and maybe even Calub.

Is this the reason why Bengrieve saved and treated her so well..? But for a man like him, who probably has a dozen mages or so, why is Audrey so special?

Sensing his attention, Audrey snapped out of her thoughts, took a deep breath, and relaxed her stance.

Then Lansius recalled something and shifted his gaze back to Morton. "You said for her case?"

“Unfortunately, your cup-bearer’s gift has faded. It’s likely that she never had much to begin with. Training her would be impossible. But her sister is another matter,” Morton paused to gauge the Lord’s response.

Seeing no reaction, he continued, “I’d like to take her as my apprentice and keep it discreet. I’ll even marry her if need be to avoid gossip. I shall return her a Mage within several years. In exchange, I ask that you forgo the ransom for several Black Knights close to me.”

Audrey bit her lip while Lansius felt torn, not over the ransom, but for another, graver reason. "Sir Morton, I appreciate the offer, but there are several problems... First of all, their father was one of the knights you killed."

***

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