Blade in Hand

Near noon, Ronan and the others finally reached the temporary camp Belicha had mentioned. The camp was not large. Aside from two exits roughly three meters wide, it was surrounded by a low stone wall about one and a half meters high. Two merchant caravans were resting inside. Neither was particularly large, and both were about the same size as Belicha's caravan, though they had far fewer guards. Together, the two caravans barely had more than forty people.

They put a horse blanket on Radish, then, with the help of two Vigyan Cavalrymen, fitted him with plate armor. While they were doing so, Belicha walked over.

"The Bloodfang Band will need some time to go around Acorn Hall, so we still have time to prepare. But we can't tell the merchants yet, or they'll flee immediately. More caravans should arrive soon. Send out scouts to investigate first. Tell the caravans once the Bloodfang Band is close."

Ronan nodded and ordered the five fastest Kujit Iron Cavalrymen to scout ahead and return at once if they found the enemy.

"Aren't you afraid? Even if we count the caravan guards, the Bloodfang Band probably outnumbers us several times over," Belicha asked Ronan.

"They're just a rabble. Their discipline is poor, and their equipment is nothing special. We hold the terrain, and if we take away their advantage in mounted combat, our chances of winning are high!"

"But their leader, Belik the Bloodfang, is a legendary figure after all. He's ravaged the land for more than a decade without being wiped out. Once these caravans hear it's him, they'll probably be too scared to stand."

"The more elegant the tune, the fewer who can join it. A great reputation is often undeserved! We'll only know his true strength after we cross blades!"

Belicha smiled and returned to the caravan to make further arrangements. Once Ronan had finished putting on his armor, he sat to one side and conserved his strength while awaiting news from the cavalrymen. He was very confident in their abilities. Several more caravans gradually entered the camp, and the already cramped space quickly became somewhat crowded. Many caravan workers and guards whispered among themselves whenever they saw Ronan fully armed.

When mealtime came, the caravans began lighting fires and preparing food, taking out dry rations to eat. Some even pulled out flasks and started drinking. Daisy walked over to Ronan with bread and smoked sausage, sat beside him, and handed him half of her food. Ronan accepted it without ceremony, removed his helmet, and began eating. Noticing that Daisy seemed somewhat downcast, he could not help asking:

"What is it? Has even the caravan's little ray of sunshine become unhappy?"

Hearing Ronan tease her, Daisy puffed out her cheeks and glared at him indignantly. Before long, however, she sighed and said:

"Ah, this is my first time leaving Ravenwood Town since I grew up. I always longed to see the outside world, but before I'd even gone very far, there were battle after battle, people dying... Is this what the world is like?"

Ronan fell silent for a while at her words. Then he smiled and said:

"There are still many beautiful things in this world. You've just had bad luck lately, so you haven't had the chance to discover them. Once we reach Sinterland and settle down, you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience the world."

"Then why do people always hurt each other?"

The question caught Ronan off guard. He thought for a long time before finally saying:

"With a blade in hand, the urge to kill arises on its own! The sword in one's hand is not at fault; it is the greedy heart. Too many people in this world possess power, while rules cannot completely restrain them. Killing is the quickest path to strength. Bandits can kill to seize others' property, mercenaries can kill for payment, and lords and nobles kill to expand their lands and power. Behind every great general lie countless bones; every kingdom is built upon blood."

"You just told me there were many beautiful things in this world. But if you put it that way, isn't killing still the world's true nature?"

"Haha, those two things don't conflict, Daisy. You'll understand gradually. You're still too young right now!"

"Hmph, you stinking Rodrit! I'm much older than you!" Daisy glared at Ronan, then stomped off in a huff.

"Why did you tell her that?" Belicha asked after Daisy had left. He had been listening from the side the whole time.

"She can't remain a flower in a greenhouse forever. Especially after she returns to Sinterland, a new storm will rise because of her. Belicha, in this world, no one is without sin!"

Belicha fell silent for a moment at those words, then could not help sighing.

"Yes. In this world, how many people can truly remain above it all? I've finished preparing on my end. I made several simple cheval de frise. They aren't much, but they'll be enough to block the entrances."

Ronan nodded. Just as he was about to say something, he heard the sound of hoofbeats. The cavalrymen had returned.

A Kujit Iron Cavalryman dismounted and hurried over to Ronan. "We found traces of the Bloodfang Band. They'll probably find this place in about half an hour."

"Good. Belicha, gather the caravans."

Belicha nodded and turned toward the caravans. Before long, the caravan leaders had gathered together.

"I have some very unfortunate news for everyone. The scouts sent out by our caravan spotted the notorious Bloodfang Band nearby, and they're heading straight for us."

"The Bloodfang Band? What are they doing here?"

"Yeah, what do we do? I heard the Bloodfang Band never leaves survivors."

"Enough, stop discussing it. At this point, saying any of that is useless. Unless you're willing to abandon your goods, there's no way you can outrun the Bloodfang Band. Our only chance is to unite and use this camp to force them into fighting us on foot."

The merchants and guards began arguing among themselves. In the end, aside from one caravan that abandoned its goods and left, the others could not bear to give up their cargo. For many small caravans, losing this shipment would make it difficult for them to recover.

Time was short, and the camp immediately became a flurry of activity. Those who could fight picked up weapons and donned armor, while the rest drove the horses and wagons into the center. Daisy and the other noncombatants remained hidden inside the wagons.

"The Iron Cavalry, mercenaries, Rhodoks, and caravan guards will form up to protect the wagons. We'll hold this entrance, while the guards from the other caravans take the other one. Nord men, follow me and kill the enemy at the front. Remember, the wall isn't high. Horses can't get over it, but people still can. Don't let anyone sneak around behind us."

Ten minutes later, the camp was ready. Simple cheval de frise had been placed at both exits. Ronan and his men held one side, while the other caravan guards held the other.

There were fewer than a hundred and fifty fighters in total. Although the caravan guards wore a hodgepodge of equipment, they were all veterans who had seen battle, so their strength was worth looking forward to, even if none of them were particularly formidable. The Bloodfang Band numbered more than five hundred—three times the people inside the camp. Whether they could win this battle would depend on Ronan and his group.