Chapter 31 The Tamer

The following morning, Lansius received Sir Callahan in the castle. After a brief conversation, Lansius divulged the details of the plan and handed Sir Callahan letters to be opened in the presence of Seneschal Bengrieve of Midlandia.

Lansius also entrusted Sir Callahan with five keys to five chests filled with gold, silver, and jewelry from their last victory. Although there were five chests, they were intentionally only filled with less than half to mitigate the risk of an attack on the convoy or a betrayal by one of their own.

Without delay, preparations were underway, and word of a planned return trip to Midlandia with an armed escort spread throughout Korelia. Lansius gathered all the military carts he had and loaded them with leathers, furs, and other local commodities.

Since winter was approaching, he figured he could make a profit by selling them to offset their expenses. As expected, all merchants who owned horse-drawn carts jumped at the opportunity. Cheap armed escorts and a direct route to Midlandia were too good to pass up.

By the end of the week, preparations had been finalized, and the last key to Lansius’ plan had arrived. Sir Justin and forty riders, including new ones, joined Lansius, and he confided the convoy’s security in them.

The following morning, just after dawn, Lansius bid farewell to the caravan and the cavalry escort. Cecile’s farewell to her father was particularly emotional. The last time they had parted, Callahan had gone home with a big gash on his back.

With a gentle stare and a nod, the two conveyed their goodbyes in silence. Cecile held her tears until the caravan and her father were gone from sight. The fate of Korelia now rested squarely on the caravan and its cavalry escort.

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Three weeks after the caravan’s departure, the air in Korelia became dry, and the wind carried a chill from the north. The animals were no longer active, with bears and foxes having gone into hibernation.

Contrary to its usual slow season, Korelia was bustling with activity this year, as digging work picked up pace and two wooden towers were under construction. An enlarged crude picket fence surrounded the west side of the town, with sharpened tips positioned to deter cavalry attacks.

As the town prepared for war, the castle was also bustling with activities. Despite the rising price and the rumor of impending attack, there was a steady stream of guests looking to meet the new Lord of Korelia.

The baronets, knights, and village elders who got nothing to do in their land after harvest ended traveled to Korelia for some hospitality, as was customary for a new Lord.

They had no immediate reason for this trip other than boredom and eagerness for a chance to enjoy a free feast at the new Lord’s expense.

For Lansius, the guests were a source of constant annoyance. Because of them, he needed to dress up in bright, colorful, and uncomfortable tunics and fur coats to show his status.

He referred to them as his circus costume, but wearing them alone was not so bad. For him, the worst part was engaging the guests in pleasantries.

Lansius dreaded small talk. On a personal level, he found the exchange mostly hollow and superficial. He also had a lingering suspicion that people ridiculed him behind his back because of his crude language and abysmal social skills.

Nevertheless, his sense of responsibility and the presence of Audrey made him tolerate it. She became his social and emotional crutch in social events, giving him the confidence he rarely possessed.

As was customary, the Lord would dine together with his retinues, old and new, along with socializing with the guests.

That day, a pair of old knights had come to greet Lansius. Although they were too old to answer his call, Lansius wanted to show his benevolence and invited them to join him for supper in the Great Hall.

The airy hall was filled with a warm glow from the chandeliers, casting flickering shadows across the polished floor. The high ceiling soared above, supported by old but sturdy wooden beams.

Long wooden tables with benches ran down the center of the hall, and were adorned with platters of roasted meats, loaves of bread, and bowls of steaming vegetables.

At the far end of the hall, a massive fireplace blazed, its crackling flames casting a cheerful light and warmth throughout the room. The walls were decorated with tapestries of ancient battles, while at one end of the room stood a raised platform where Lansius and his closest companions sat.

A skald just finished reciting an old poem about the tales of a heroic Lowlandian boy and a Midlandian princess.

The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sound of chatter and laughter, and the occasional clink of goblets being raised in toast.

“Well, as long as they didn’t brag about themselves for too long and don’t borrow money,” answered Lansius.”

Audrey chuckled. Both clearly had their share of wine.

“I doubt they’re that insidious, My Lord. They’re merely wanting to see the powerful Lord of Korelia.”

“The Black Haired Lion Tamer of Korelia,” Lansius corrected her.

Audrey smirked but tried to hide it, knowing that Lansius disliked that moniker. As she finished her meal, she noticed a small morsel remaining on her plate and delicately used her fork to tuck into it, attempting to eat it with grace and poise, like a lady.

“You seemed to enjoy this yourself, Lady Audrey?”

“Nonsense, I rather stand behind you like in armor than wear this frilly gown.”

Lansius couldn’t resist himself. “Your clean plate clearly shows otherwise.”

“My Lord, food is food. I’m against letting a good meal go to waste.”

This time, Lansius chuckled. “You know, I always think lowly of a Lord that holds feasts in the face of a famine.”

Audrey snorted. She remembered how Lansius was against throwing a daily feast, but then he realized it was just a means to feed his retinue.

“A feast is hardly a party,” Audrey commented. “Just with a bit more food and entertainment. Besides, we have plenty of fresh meat available.”

Lansius nodded his head in agreement.

Due to the large number of herders in Korelia, there was an abundance of meat and poultry. However, the townsfolk could not survive on meat alone. They needed grains to sustain the population until the next harvest. Wheat and oats for the wealthy, barley and rye for the poor.

Lansius was acutely aware of this problem, but he had to push his concern aside for the time being, as he could do nothing but wait for the caravan to return.

He gazed upon the lively Great Hall and sighed.

Audrey noticed, so Lansius explained, “I feel bad letting Calub and Hugo worked their ass while I’m enjoying a fancy supper.”

She sipped her cup of watered wine and replied, “We need you to be healthy, My Lord.”

“So I can plow the land and pluck chickens in spring?”

It came so out of the blue that Audrey burst into laughter and frantically covered her mouth. Her innocent laughter made the hall even more pleasant.

Unknowingly, the two shows of restrained affection become a sought-after interest for everyone in their presence. The love between a Lord and his squire was scandalous, but everyone, including the guests, was delighted.

They spoke highly of a man who chose to love his squire instead of some noble-born woman. After all, the Lowlandians were a hard breed of people. They loved their women to be strong and as capable as men.

The sentiment naturally grew because the region was often inhospitable and marred by frequent wars and conflicts.

As the feast ended, as was customary, the Lord and Lady Audrey were the first to retire. Leaving the Great Hall and walking through the inner corridor, they were accompanied by Cecile and Stirling.

The two new retinues were enjoying their work. Lansius had proven to be a just leader and a morally upright man. Personally, they thought that the new Lord was too soft, but his reputation as a war leader was undisputed.

They grew to respect Lansius despite his lack of superior physical or social qualities.

They took the stairs, and Lansius turned around to address them. “Thank you for the day. You may retire now.”

“My Lord,” the two bowed their heads.

Cecile pulled a small jug of water from her bag and offered it politely to Lansius. Her job demanded her to replace the water, but Lansius was yet comfortable with her in his bedchamber.

“Thank you and good night.”

The two left the premises. Stirling headed to the Great Hall where squires and other males retinues sleep for the night. Meanwhile, Cecile got a room that she shared with Carla and another servant.

Even without them, Lansius and Audrey couldn’t spend their time together. The guard posted on the stairs kept on the lookout.

Lansius could tell them to leave, but that would arouse even bigger gossip.

That didn’t stop intoxicated Lansius from trying. “Don’t you want to come in?” he asked.

Audrey’s answer was a strong gaze that made Lansius blinked and shuddered. ”Ow, it went off again."

“Not sorry,” Audrey said with a pout.

Lansius grinned, remembering what the Magus they had befriended in Midlandia had said about Audrey’s eyes. She said they were not normal and likely the result of an unknown magic Audrey’s master had bestowed upon her without her knowledge.

“So, see you tomorrow?” Lansius asked.

Audrey nodded. “Good night, Lans, sleep tight,” she said with a smile and left for the night.

While Lansius was openly showing affection, Audrey was more reserved about it. She grew to care for Lansius, but she feared she would be a hindrance.

Despite her expensive gown and silver accessories, Audrey knew she had no land or estate to her name, and her social status was unclear. Not even a bastard, her adoption into a baronet family held little weight.

Audrey couldn’t help but feel like a burden to Lansius, knowing that he would gain nothing from marrying her. As a rising star, it seemed inevitable that Lansius would eventually wed the daughter of another nobleman.

Pausing by a small window to enjoy the cool breeze, Audrey let out a sigh. Every day, she tried to convince herself to keep her distance from Lansius, but every day he made her fall in love with him all over again.

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A new day had dawned in Korelia, marked by its bustling routine. Ever since the new Lord had settled, there had been no idle moment. Each day brought progress, whether in building inside or outside the city.

The defensive network was advancing in leaps and bounds until today’s busy work was interrupted by a single cry. “They’re back, I’ve seen them. The caravan is back!”

Just after the midday break, the trade caravan from Midlandia was spotted in the distance. In droves, hundreds of men, women, and children rushed out to catch a glimpse of it.

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PS: I tried to update every day, but as I looked again, they're too rough even for my abysmal standard. So I edit again, again, and again. I'm totally sorry for the late update.

Also, because we're updating almost every day this week, the artwork for the chapter is going to be late. I hope a placeholder picture of Lansius' family in Bellandia will find you well.

As always, thank you for reading and I hope you will continue to support Horizon of War. 🥰