章 101: Speak the truth
"But I know just one blacksmith isn't enough to make these incredible tools. I want all your blacksmiths, carpenters, and their helpers too," Count Edwin declared, his gaze steely.
"No! You can't simply take our people!" Avice protested, her voice trembling with frustration.
"In fact, yes, I can. I received reports about enemy soldiers infiltrating cities to create trouble, distractions, and open the gates for their forces. Since your arrival, there have been numerous breaches of order, making you all more suspicious," Edwin responded, his tone dismissive.
"That's nonsense! We are refugees from Calistoga! Our city was attacked! There's no enemy among us," Avice shot back.
Edwin's smirk widened. "Ah, but I heard about how your husband—ex-husband—almost died in an ambush in his own city. I'm just doing what's necessary to ensure our security. Our city is the next target, and we need every resource available. Anyone who knows about this crossbow will stay in Fritsburg until the war ends. Don't worry; I'm just borrowing them."
Avice shook with rage, her fists clenched. "Shit, she's definitely going to jump on him and try to kill the man," Rafael thought, noting her barely-contained fury.
"Avice, I suggest you accept his request," Rafael interjected, hoping to prevent further escalation.
"Oh no no no, I wasn't asking for your permission," Edwin sneered. "I was merely stating what will happen."
Fucking dipshit, Rafael thought bitterly.
"Let's go; we need to inform them about their stay," Avice said through gritted teeth. As they turned to leave, two soldiers blocked their path.
"What part of 'anyone who knows about this weapon is staying here' do you not understand?" one soldier demanded. "You, what was your name?"
"Rafael, sir," he answered.
"Yes, Rafael. You're staying here too," the soldier said, pointing lazily.
"I only know how to use it; anyone can learn that. There's no point in making me stay," Rafael argued.
"Tch tch tch, I'm not stupid. I saw how Avice looked to you for advice, and how she followed your suggestion. Are you two together? Ahh, I can't believe it, just days after Frederic dies horribly at the hands of the savages, you already found another..." Edwin said, a sneer on his face.
"You bastard! Shut your mouth before you speak about Frederic!" Avice shouted, lunging at Edwin in a fit of rage. She was restrained by the soldiers who quickly subdued her.
Rafael raised his hands, trying to defuse the situation as other soldiers drew their swords.
"Ahahaha, the best part is that he's such a coward he won't even protect his new wife," Edwin mocked, stepping closer to Rafael with a look of disgust. "Take her back to their camp and bring me the right people."
"Who do you think you are?! You can't do this!" Avice yelled as she was dragged away. Rafael was escorted to a side building.
The soldiers continued to belittle him and the refugees. "Heard rumors about the people from the west, but I never thought they were true. Hahaha…"
"Yeah, of course the enemy is invading our lands. These worms only know how to run away instead of fighting and defending their lands," the soldiers jeered.
The wooden door creaked open, and Rafael was led into a plain room with tables and chairs. He sat down, trying to focus on the situation.
It's okay. I'm okay. Nothing will happen. That shithead wants me and the others to stay here and work for him. The blacksmiths and carpenters will teach others to make the crossbows, but what about me?
Calistoga must have fallen by now. How long until the enemy reaches this place? Probably ten days? I don't know.
Even if they take a month, the number of crossbows made might not exceed fifty. That's still significant. Fifty crossbowmen on the walls would make a difference.... I think.
But what about those not directly involved in making these weapons? What will we do?
Lost in thought, Rafael didn't notice when the door opened again and a group of men entered, accompanied by soldiers. The door was shut behind them.
These were the blacksmiths and carpenters, all visibly distressed and angry about their situation. A soldier in a yellow vest addressed them.
"Now that everyone is here, let's discuss your future. Count Edwin wants you all to work on making more of these incredible tools," he said, gesturing to a crossbow held by another guard.
"You can't do this! We are citizens of the kingdom, not slaves!" one of the blacksmiths protested.
"Silence!" the soldier commanded. "Count Edwin is providing you with food and a place to sleep. After the war, you are free to return to your families and live your lives. All he asks is that you work for him. If you cooperate and tell us everything truthfully, you will receive a reward. Now, who was the creator of this weapon?"
The group of 17 blacksmiths and their helpers, along with the carpenters and woodworkers, looked around, the tension palpable. Some among them had no knowledge of how to make a crossbow but were advised by Avice to keep that fact hidden and learn from others.
The soldier continued, "Our commander wants to know the details about this weapon. Who was its creator?"
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