120: For the sake of his promise

For the sake of his promise

Despite the debt burden shouldered by its Archduke, Lanark remained a prosperous land.2

The effects of the drought were challenging for agriculture, but the domain of the Archduke had never experienced a famine. This was primarily due to the diligent efforts of the knights of the First Order who held equal authority to the royal guards and meticulously implemented the edicts of Kaiser de Lanark, ensuring fair distribution of goods and the collection of taxes with utmost respect for the people. Their authority and autonomy were deeply ingrained in Emorian culture, greatly facilitating everyday life.

The emergence of a force that dared to challenge these esteemed knights was unprecedented, shattering the peaceful harmony that had prevailed until that fateful day. The citizens, filled with trepidation, trembled in their houses listening to the sounds of impending doom that echoed from the cursed depths of Lanark's Forest.

"What do you mean my knights have been denied entry, Gustav!" Kaiser fumed, "We still possess ownership over the rest of the forest and the lands surrounding it!"

Gustav's eyes gleamed with a dangerous fervor.

"I shall take it upon myself, Your Excellency. Any individual who dares to obstruct my path will be confronted by the blade of my sword," 

"Baron!" Adela rose from her seat and swiftly approached the door of her father's study, blocking Gustav's path. "I cannot allow you to venture out when the sounds of gunpowder weapons persist."

"The sounds have subsided, My Lady," Gustav calmly noted.

Adela found herself unable to counter his statement.

Shortly after receiving news of the declaration of a war zone, an unprecedented cacophony reverberated through the air. Even during Emanuel de Lanark's coronation, the populace had not been subjected to such a barrage of explosive sounds. The fireworks that illuminated the night sky on that occasion had lasted only a few moments, in stark contrast to the unceasing onslaught that the forest witnessed on this day.

The knights who vehemently opposed the utilization of what they considered cowardly weapons were consumed with fury. To compound their frustration, they discovered that they were systematically prohibited from entering the forest. The opposing forces behind this obstruction were of mysterious origin, characterized as fighters attired in distinctive blue velvet jackets, wide trousers, ankle-high boots, and white turbans concealing their hair. They brazenly brandished their weapons, directing them at the Archduke's knights with apparent disregard for the consequences. 

Adela knew exactly whose guards they were—she had already encountered them in Kolhis. But she kept very quiet as she heard the discussion between the Archduke and his Commander. Her thoughts were in turmoil, torn between her desire to trust Egon and honor her commitment to him, and the undeniable facts that plagued her: Leopold had initiated a new form of warfare, and Arkin had threatened the destruction of half of Lanark.

Was the forest their first target? 

Just as Gustav was about to argue his way out of the study, a royal guard appeared behind Adela, his arrival was not a surprise, albeit a bit delayed.

Clearing his throat, the guard spoke, "Your Excellency, the king is awaiting a report on the situation in the forest. He has left your quarters and is waiting for an update in the reception hall."

"I will report to him, Your Excellency," Gustav offered.

"What is there to report apart from the embarrassing denial of entry!" Kaiser exclaimed, rising from his leather chair and taking a deep breath to compose himself. "Gustav, you go and speak to the King on my behalf then follow me to the eastern entrance."

Realizing she couldn't dissuade her father from his determined course, Adela could only trail behind him and his commander, fervently praying that neither of them would demand that she stay behind.

Their progress was abruptly halted by a commotion in the garden.

"What is happening now!" Kaiser's voice boomed. "Count Sirius!" he called out to one of his most loyal knights, who swiftly approached on horseback.

"Your Excellency!" the count immediately dismounted. "Bastian von Conradie is at the gate, urgently requesting an audience with you."

"Is he alone?" Gustav interjected with evident suspicion.

The count's already pale face turned even paler. "He is leading many a prisoner. Men clad in ragged attire, their wrists and ankles bound with shackles and chains. Some are on foot, while others are mounted on horseback. They are all chained together in a single line, and at the end of that line is Egon von Conradie."

Adela's heart leapt into her throat at the mention of Egon's name.

"This is the Archduke's manor. Are they out of their minds!" Gustav exclaimed angrily, his frustration boiling over.

"Adelaide, stay close to me," Kaiser ordered in a low tone, his concern evident. "Grant them entry! We shall meet with the von Conradies in the reception hall!" he declared with authority.

"Fortify the manor! I want every knight in Lanark inside before the sun shifts in the sky!" Gustav's voice roared.

Adela watched with frightened eyes as Gustav unsheathed his sword, followed by every knight in sight, their blades gleaming in unison. Her father's arm remained protectively wrapped around her, their attention was fixated on the grand gate, the disturbing sound of shackles and chains being dragged reaching their ears before Bastian von Conradie finally emerged.

"Is that Bastian von Conradie?" Kaiser inquired, unable to recognize the transformed figure before him. The young gentleman who had a scarred eye at Larissa's engagement ceremony now exuded a commanding presence, akin to a victorious leader returning with the spoils of war.

"It is indeed him," Adela confirmed breathlessly, her eyes scanning the long line of prisoners, desperately searching for Egon to ensure his safety and the security of her father's manor. Her heart pounded in her chest until, at last, she spotted him.

A loud neigh resonated through the air as Xavier reared up on its hind legs, momentarily lifting his front hooves off the ground. Egon's face appeared haggard, marked by dark bags under his bloodshot eyes. His movements exhibited profound weariness.

"Did you not sleep at all last night?" she whispered.

Egon's lethal black eyes met her gaze, and an immediate sense of solace settled into his expression. His lips moved for a prolonged moment, and though she struggled to discern his words, she caught the unmistakable utterance of the word 'promise.'

"Adelaide, hold on to this for me," her father said abruptly, surprising Adela as he handed over his sword to her.

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