Kapitel 244: Convergence
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
After bypassing the Alden army's formation, Derrick led his family's knights to a nearby stop. They planned to rest briefly before returning to assist their allies near the formation. Although the Alden army's flags and honors were neatly arranged and they looked well-trained, they were all infantry, making them too passive against the fast-moving cavalry.
Derrick questioned if he could ever abandon his allies and run away like this.
Before they could catch their breath, a troubling scene unfolded: two cavalry units from the Kent family charged fiercely towards the Alden army.
As many began praying for their allies, an astonishing event occurred.
A series of popping sounds filled the air, followed by a thick plume of smoke. The Kent family cavalry attacking the formation was instantly thrown into disarray, with many falling to the ground.
It was miraculous—before the cavalry even threw their javelins, they seemed to be hit by something invisible, causing them to fall from their horses. Clearly, this unseen force dealt lethal damage, as most of those who fell could not get back up.
Only a few fortunate ones managed to throw their javelins, causing some casualties to the Alden army, but the entire formation remained unaffected.
Derrick and his knights stared in shock as another Kent family cavalry charge was effortlessly neutralized by their allies, leading to a standoff between the two sides.
It wasn't until the cannons roared like thunder that they were jolted from their daze.
"Quick! Join up with the Aldens!"
Derrick spurred his horse and led his knights towards the formation.
...
"Friends from Alden, I am Derrick Heller, son of Earl Winfried Heller. May I ask who is the highest-ranking officer here?"
Hearing Derrick introduce himself, Bryce adjusted his collar, stood tall, and responded loudly, "I am Colonel Bryce Alder, commanding the First Infantry Battalion of Alden in the name of Earl Grayman."
Derrick dismounted and walked briskly towards Bryce, with soldiers parting to make way for him.
The two shook hands firmly.
"Colonel Alden, thank you for rescuing us from the Kent family. On behalf of the Heller family, I extend our respect to the Grayman family and to you and your subordinates."
"It is only natural to help allies. On behalf of Earl Grayman, I also extend our respect to the Heller family."
After some polite exchanges, Bryce, having served as Alden's military overseer during Old Grayman's time, was somewhat known to Derrick. Although Derrick usually did not show much regard for commoners, today, having been saved by him, he couldn't help but be courteous.
"Are the weapons you used to defeat the cavalry the legendary 'Fire Crossbow' and 'Thunder Hammer'?"
Derrick couldn't help but ask, despite his efforts to restrain his curiosity. Such powerful weapons were likely considered important military secrets, and he hesitated to ask, fearing it might displease them.
"Fire Crossbow? Thunder Hammer? The names are quite fitting. Indeed, Lord Heller, we relied on them to defeat the Kent family's cavalry."
Derrick asked further, "May I... have a look at them?"
Bryce understood Derrick's curiosity but wore a reluctant expression. Firearms were the Alden army's greatest asset.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so forward. Gentlemen, please, let me lead you to the quarters!"
Derrick quickly shifted the topic.
"Then we'll trouble you!"
Bryce ordered the troops to regroup and resume their march. Derrick and his knights were once again astonished by the Alden army's efficiency in assembling—they sounded the bugle, and everyone quickly found their positions as if they had rehearsed it many times. In less than 20 minutes, a neat marching column was formed.
...
As Bryce and his group approached the quarters with Derrick, the other lords' armies in the coalition had just finished their battle with the Kent family forces. Both sides had engaged in a melee, with no one gaining a clear advantage.
"Today has been a confusing fight!"
The officers complained to each other, and the morale of the troops was low.
The two groups met halfway.
"Derrick! You're still alive! I thought..."
Earl Melken exclaimed upon seeing Derrick.
"Thank the heavens, otherwise, how would we explain this to your father?"
Though the words were of relief, the tone was full of sarcasm.
"I retreated north after breaking through!"
Derrick said, feeling embarrassed. "Sorry for causing trouble!"
Earl Parker rode over and said, "We'll properly summarize today's events after we return. And this is?"
He had recognized the Grayman family's banner and turned to the leading Bryce.
Bryce stepped forward and saluted.
"I am Bryce Alder, sent by Earl Grayman to join forces with you. You must be Earl Pryce Parker, right? My lord sends his regards."
"Yes, I am Pryce Parker. You've arrived just in time; we are about to engage in a major battle with the Kent family and need reinforcements like you."
Earl Parker was pleased to see the well-organized Alden troops, who did not look like mere rabble. He felt that involving Grayman was indeed the right decision.
The two armies then returned together to the village that served as their quarters.
Upon arrival, Bryce discovered that the place was originally a village, but all the villagers had already taken refuge in the lord's castle before the coalition arrived.
To the west of the village, a castle stood prominently. It was the Castle of Bidde. Although the castle was not large, it was situated on a high cliff with only a narrow road leading to its east side. Such a steep location explained why the coalition had struggled to capture it. However, the castle's exit was firmly blocked by the coalition.
The village was quite large, but with six to seven thousand coalition troops, the houses had long been occupied by the earlier arriving forces. The Alden army could only set up camp in a vacant area to the north of the village.
Bryce ordered the two battalion leaders to command the soldiers in setting up the camp and preparing meals. They had fought a fierce battle with the Kent family and had not had a chance to eat lunch. During the fight, everyone was so focused that they forgot their hunger, but now their stomachs were even more ravenous.
Bryce and Joyce were invited to attend a military meeting to discuss future strategies. They quickly ate a few pieces of bread and then headed towards the largest building in the center of the village, which was now used as the meeting room.
"Welcome! Everyone from Alden!"
Upon entering, they heard Derrick's voice.
(End of the Chapter)
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