Sharp Blade in Hand

As noon approached, Ronan and his group finally arrived at the temporary camp Belicha had mentioned. The camp wasn't large, with stone barricades about 1.5 meters high surrounding it, except for two exits approximately 3 meters wide. Inside, two merchant caravans were resting. Neither was a large caravan; their scale was similar to Belicha's, but their guard numbers were far inferior, with the two groups combined barely exceeding forty men.

After putting a barding on his horse, Ronan donned his plate armor with the help of two Vigilia cavalrymen. While he was getting armored, Belicha walked over.

"The Bloodfang Band will take some time to circle around Acorn Hall, so we still have time to prepare. However, we can't tell the merchants about it now, or they'll flee immediately. More caravans should arrive soon. You should send out scouts first. Inform the merchants when the Bloodfang Band is close."

Ronan nodded and dispatched five of his fastest Kujit Iron Cavalry to scout. He instructed them to return immediately upon spotting the target.

"Aren't you afraid? Even with the caravan guards, the Bloodfang Band likely outnumbers us by more than three to one," Belicha asked Ronan.

"They're a disorganized mob. Their quality isn't high, and their equipment isn't sophisticated. We have the advantage of terrain, and if we negate their cavalry advantage, our chances of winning are very high!"

"But their leader, 'Bloodfang,' Belik, is a legendary figure. He's been rampant for over a decade without being eliminated. When the merchants hear it's him, they'll likely be scared stiff."

"A beautiful melody will always find few listeners. Great fame often masks a lack of substance! We'll only know their true strength after a clash!"

Belicha smiled and returned to the caravans to arrange further matters. Ronan finished donning his armor, sat to the side, and rested, waiting for news from the cavalry. He was confident in his Iron Cavalry's abilities. More caravans gradually entered the camp. The already small area quickly became a bit crowded. Many caravan members and guards whispered among themselves upon seeing the fully armored Ronan.

It was mealtime, and the caravans began lighting fires to cook and eating their rations. Some even took out their personal flasks and started drinking. Daisy walked over to Ronan with a piece of bread and smoked sausage, sitting down next to him and offering half of her food. Ronan accepted it without hesitation, took off his helmet, and began to eat. Noticing Daisy seemed a bit down, Ronan couldn't help but ask:

"What's wrong? Making the caravan's joy bringer unhappy?"

Hearing Ronan tease her, Daisy pouted and glared at him before sighing a moment later.

"Sigh, this is the first time I've left Ravenwood Town since I grew up. I always longed to see the outside world, but I didn't expect to encounter battles and death one after another before I even got far. Is this world really like this?"

Ronan fell silent for a moment, then smiled and said:

"There are still many beautiful things in this world. You've just been unlucky recently, which is why you haven't discovered them. Once we get to Sinterland and settle down, you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience the world."

"Then why do people always hurt each other?"

This question stumped Ronan. After much thought, he finally said:

"With a sharp blade in hand, the urge to kill arises naturally! It's not the sword in your hand that's wrong, but the greedy heart. Too many people in this world wield power, and the rules cannot fully restrain them. Killing is the quickest path to power. Bandits can acquire others' property through killing, mercenaries can earn commissions through killing, and lords and nobles expand their territories and power through killing. For every general's success, countless bones lie bleached. Every kingdom is built on blood."

"But you just told me there are many beautiful things in this world! Now you say this, isn't the reality of this world still killing?"

"Haha, the two don't conflict, Daisy. You'll discover this slowly. You're still too young!"

"Hmph, you stinky Rodrit, I'm much older than you!" Daisy glared at Ronan and huffed away angrily.

"Why did you tell her all that?" Belicha, who had been listening nearby, asked after Daisy left.

"She can't remain a flower in a greenhouse forever, especially since a new storm will arise because of her when she returns to Sinterland. Belicha, in this world, no one is innocent!"

Belicha fell silent for a moment, then finally sighed.

"Yes, in this world, how many can truly transcend mortal affairs? I've finished my preparations. I've made some simple chevaux de frise. They aren't exquisite, but they're enough to block the entrances."

Ronan nodded and was about to say something when he heard the sound of hooves. The Iron Cavalry had returned.

The Kujit Iron Cavalry dismounted and quickly walked over to Ronan, saying, "We've found traces of the Bloodfang Band. They should reach us in about half an hour."

"Good. Belicha, summon the caravans."

Belicha nodded, turned, and walked towards the caravans. Soon, the caravan leaders gathered.

"I have some very unfortunate news for everyone. The scouts sent by our caravans have found traces of the notorious Bloodfang Band not far from here, and they are heading this way."

"The Bloodfang Band? How did they end up here?"

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

"Alright, everyone, stop discussing. It's useless to talk now. Unless you abandon your goods, you won't be able to outrun the Bloodfang Band. We can only unite and rely on this camp to force them into foot combat. That's our only chance of survival."

The merchants and guards murmured amongst themselves. In the end, except for one caravan that abandoned their goods and left, the others couldn't bear to part with their cargo. For many small caravans, losing this shipment would make it difficult to ever recover.

Time was pressing, and the camp quickly became busy. Those who could fight picked up weapons and donned armor, while the rest drove their horses and carts to the center. Daisy and other non-combatants remained hidden in the carts.

"Iron Cavalry, mercenaries, and Rhodoks, form up with the caravan guards to protect the carts. We will be responsible for this exit, and the other exit will be handled by the guards of the other caravans. The Nords will fight at the front with me. Be aware, the wall isn't high. While horses can't cross, people can still climb over. Don't let them sneak up on us from behind."

Ten minutes later, the camp was ready. Simple chevaux de frise were placed at both exits. Ronan led his subordinates to guard one side, while the guards of the other caravans took the other.

The total number of combatants was less than 150. However, although the equipment of these caravan guards was varied, they were all veterans who had experienced combat, so their strength was worth anticipating, but there were no particularly formidable individuals. The Bloodfang Band numbered over 500, more than three times the number of people within the camp. Whether the battle would be victorious depended on Ronan and his group.