Under the Oak Tree

258 Chapter Riftan had been in the Gaisa Mountains for almost a month. When Livadon had discovered a sizable troll settlement in its easternmost region, they immediately dispatched a raid party, only to find that the monsters numbered far more than their predictions. They were soon overpowered. The trolls managed to push Livadonian forces out to the nearby villages, prompting the royal family to request reinforcements from its ally, Wedon.

It was a thoroughly excessive appeal. Livadon could have easily dealt with a settlement of this size with its royal knights. Mindlessly tapping a severed troll’s head with his foot, Riftan irritably furrowed his brow. Ever since the war three years ago, the monarchs of each kingdom panicked at every troll sighting in their territories. More fearful still were their subjects, who worried that a monster army would once again invade their homes.

His liege believed that a show of might would allay the nation’s fears, resulting in Riftan participating in three raids this year alone. King Reuben no doubt planned to take full advantage of him in exchange for granting him an earldom.

Twisting his lips into a wry smile, he pulled a flask from a leather pouch. He was taking a few swigs of ale when a familiar voice — one that grated at his nerve endings — called up to him.

“I’m surprised you can stomach anything in such a place.”

He looked down from the pile of troll corpses. A man in blackened armor beneath a purple surcoat was winding his way toward him.

After draining his flask, Riftan coldly replied, “Piss off, Aren. I am in no mood.”

“As if you ever are,” Sejuleu Aren grumbled, removing his helmet and tucking it beneath his arm.

The man’s flippant tone was at odds with his position as commander of the Livadonian royal knights. His symmetrical features visible beneath disheveled curls exuded refinement, hinting at his noble lineage.

Sejuleu swept up his tousled hair with one hand and gave Riftan a lazy smile. “Have you not had enough after your monster-slaying frenzy? I will offer myself as your next opponent if you wish.”

“Enough of the cheap talk,” Riftan said icily. “Just tell me what the hell it is you want.” ????????????????????????d. ᴄ????????

A faint crease formed on Sejuleu’s comely forehead. It was not that the Livadonian commander was offended, but rather that he seemed to be considering his next words carefully. After stewing something over for a while, Sejuleu opened his mouth to speak.

“What is your opinion on the recent resurgence of monsters?”

“What are you asking?”

“I’m asking if there is any connection with the monster army from three years ago.”

Riftan’s brows knitted together. “And you think this because…?”

“Because it is probable. Most of the monster army’s remaining forces fled into hiding up north. For all we know, they could have come down to set up strongholds all over the continent without any of us noticing.”

“So it’s speculation, then.”

After a frosty dismissal of the knight’s concerns, Riftan hopped down from the pile of monster carcasses and began marching to the frontlines. Sejuleu hastily followed behind him.

“Oi, I’m not done yet!”

“Then get to the point.”

“You haven’t changed one bit, have you?” Sejuleu said, sighing. “Very well. My point is this. The Temple Knights’ movements have been rather suspicious of late.”

“The Temple Knights?”

“The very same. I’ve received reports that their paladins have been investigating isolated regions across the continent, with several sightings in the northern regions of Balto and Livadon. They seem to be desperately searching for something.”

Riftan pensively regarded the other knight. “And you think that something is the remnant of the monster army?”

“It is still speculation,” Sejuleu said, shrugging, “but what is certain is something strange is afoot, and the church is keeping tightlipped about it.”

Riftan shook his head. “You’re reading into it too much. What reason would Osiriya have to hide information about the monster army?”

“The Orthodox and Reformed factions of the church are currently locked in a fierce rivalry to put forth the next pope. They would hold back information if they thought it could affect the papal conclave.” Sejuleu’s lips curled into a cynical smile. “Livadon has already asked Osiriya about this several times, but all we’ve gotten back are vague answers. Our king has grown quite suspicious of the church, and we have decided to form our own investigation to track down the monster army.”

Sejuleu regarded Riftan with a solemn look before adding, “What say you? Will the Remdragon Knights join us?”

Halfway to the defensive line, Riftan stopped in his tracks. When his face twisted into a skeptical look, Sejuleu hastily said, “You’ll have to fight anyway if there’s to be a war. We might as well wipe them out before they become a threat.”

“I would be inclined to agree if there was a threat,” Riftan pointed out with a sardonic smile. “But as you’ve said, everything is still just speculation.”

“It might be too late once we’re certain. We should find out the truth of the matter before—”

“Then make all haste,” Riftan snapped coldly as he untethered Talon from a tree. “If you want my cooperation, send an official request. I see no reason to do so without my liege’s command. I’m here to deal with the trolls in this region. Nothing more.”

Sejuleu’s face soured into a fierce scowl. The Livadonian commander was that particular breed of knight who took the code of chivalry with utmost seriousness. He no doubt considered it his duty to carry the peace of the whole continent on his noble shoulders.

Scoffing under his breath, Riftan mounted Talon and trotted away. Sejuleu appeared to give up and did not pursue him. Riftan was relieved; had the Livadonian commander continued his pestering, he would have found a fist flying at his jaw.

Riftan wiped the pointless proposal from his mind and rode to where the soldiers were setting up the perimeter wall. If they did not hurry, it would be dark before they completed their defense line. After commanding the men to work faster, he slowly walked Talon along the outskirts of the forest.

Galloping hooves sounded in the distance behind him. Riftan turned his head. Elliot Charon was racing toward him at a frightening speed, his face grim.

“What is it?” Riftan said, growing still.

After reining to a stop a short distance away, Elliot breathlessly cried, “We received a message from Anatol! I thought it best to bring it to you immediately.”

Riftan walked over to him and accepted the parchment. The matter must be grave indeed for Elliot to seek him with such haste. He opened it, his jaw tensing. Catastrophic possibilities flashed through his mind — fire, pillaging, mine accidents. As it turned out, the contents of the message were far more shocking. Forgetting to breathe, Riftan read and reread the words.

A moment of heavy silence passed. Finally, Elliot cautiously asked, “Are you… all right, Commander?”

Riftan angrily crumpled the parchment in his hand. After staring down at his fist with blazing eyes, he yelled at one of the soldiers.

“You there! Where is Sejuleu Aren?”

The startled soldier stared dumbly back at him for a moment before pointing to where the barracks were being set up. Sejuleu was among his men, busily setting up the tents. When Riftan rode toward him, he looked up at him in surprise.

“Is something the matter? I thought you were done talking to me.”

“I have changed my mind.”

Sejuleu’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why the sudden change?”

“I…” said Riftan, then gritted his teeth, “now have reason to go to the Pamela Plateau. We should deal with the trolls here as soon as possible and be on our way.”

Sejuleu looked baffled. “What?”

Not bothering to reply, Riftan whirled away and barked at Elliot, “Find Hebaron! We’re having a strategy meeting!”

“Yes, sir!”

Elliot obediently left with all haste. While the knights were being summoned, Riftan paced the length of the defensive wall, fidgeting with the message. He did not know if this overwhelming emotion was anger or joy. What felt like incomprehensible exhilaration thrilled through him, and he was staring at the ground when something cold brushed his cheek.

He looked up at a flurry of sleet swirling in the fierce wind. His eyes blazing, he stared up at the sky. The cold did nothing to quell the fire raging inside him. Soon, he spotted his men racing toward him, and he turned Talon around.

***

The expeditionary party made their way north without much trouble. In the lower parts of the continent, dragon subspecies such as drakes and wyverns were much more prevalent than monsters of the Ayin race. With these monsters entering hibernation in the cooler months, travel in this region was relatively safe.

...

Their biggest problem was the weather, which grew colder with every passing day. Despite being early winter, the ground was already frozen, and frost clung to the dead grass in the hills. Though they had been spared from sleeping outdoors in the northeastern part of the kingdom thanks to the odd village along the way, this kind of travel would only last until they crossed the border.

Her cheeks red from the cold, Maxi pulled the hood of her robe down even further and plodded along on Rem. Her teeth chattered, and she stiffened whenever the icy wind swept through.

Ulyseon was riding alongside her, and he looked over with a worried expression. “Are you well, my lady?”

“O-Of course.”

Maxi attempted a confident nod, but her assurance sounded unconvincing even to her own ears. Sniffling, she glanced around to check how the other members were doing. If there was any consolation, it was that everyone also seemed to be struggling to cope with the frigid weather.

Most of the mages looked half-frozen as they trembled atop their mounts. Even Calto Serbel was a sorry sight to behold. His face had a bloodless, ashen look to it. Maxi eyed him apprehensively.

He’s not dead, is he?