The Bait at Riftstone Canyon

To some extent, he actually understood Barton's thinking. In the Northern Territory, small-scale internal transport like this usually did not require an escort force of such size.

Karl listened to Barton without changing expression, but inwardly, he thought, Just as expected. There was a huge gap between the system's intelligence and ordinary people's understanding.

He could not reveal the source of his intelligence, so he could only say in a deep voice, "Captain Barton, this is the governor's order. The situation in the Northern Territory changes by the moment, and there is no harm in being cautious. Since we are here, we will be responsible for getting you and the supplies safely to Black Crow Outpost. Continue as usual. Leave the defense to us."

Barton opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but when he saw Karl's unquestionable expression and Captain Richter's silent acquiescence beside him, he ultimately swallowed his words. He only muttered, "Fine. You're the lord, so you have the final say... But we'd better pick up the pace, or we won't reach Black Crow Outpost before dark."

"We'll maintain the marching speed." Karl nodded, then said no more and began issuing orders. "Captain Richter, take your troops. Brendan, spread men out to guard both flanks. Roland, help the transport convoy organize its formation. Prepare to move out!"

The orders were delivered clearly one after another, and the mixed force immediately sprang into action, displaying discipline and efficiency far beyond that of the transport convoy's guards.

Watching this, Barton's originally dismissive gaze grew a little more restrained.

At least the soldiers this young noble had brought did not look like mere decorations.

Soon, the convoy set out once more.

Karl's Main Force protected the transport convoy in the center. Scouts ranged ahead, while mounted patrols watched both flanks, maintaining the standard alert formation of an army facing a formidable enemy.

Seeing the soldiers around them standing ready for battle, the transport convoy personnel found it novel and somewhat amusing. They whispered among themselves, most of them believing that this young noble lord had probably never seen much of the world and was simply too nervous on his first assignment.

Only Karl himself knew that this was not nervousness, but necessary preparation.

His gaze repeatedly swept over the woodland on both sides of the road, which was gradually becoming rougher and denser. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the hilt of his sword.

Riftstone Canyon was not far ahead.

Those hungry, cunning Kobolds should already have their trap set, waiting for prey to walk right in.

When the convoy was about a kilometer from Riftstone Canyon, Karl suddenly raised a hand, signaling the entire force to halt.

All eyes turned toward him.

Karl turned his horse around and faced Richter and Brendan, issuing his orders clearly. "Captain Richter, Brendan, lead all the soldiers, including my twenty-four soldiers and your thirty Veteran Soldiers, and wait here for half an hour. After half an hour, set out at normal speed and follow us. Remember, keep your distance. Do not get too close, but do not fall too far behind either."

The moment he said this, not only Richter but even Brendan and Roland showed surprised expressions.

Richter could not help speaking up. "Lord Karl, what... what does this mean? If our main force remains behind, then what is the point of this escort? If we come under attack, with only the transport convoy's guards and these few men at your side, I'm afraid..."

He did not finish, but his meaning was obvious. They would likely meet a grim fate.

Karl looked at him expressionlessly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This is an order, Captain Richter. Carry it out. I believe Earl Rochefort sent you and your soldiers here to assist me in completing this mission, not to question every decision I make."

Richter's expression stiffened. He gritted his teeth, but ultimately struck his right fist against his chest and said in a deep voice, "As you command, my lord!"

But the dissatisfaction and confusion in his eyes were nearly overflowing. He felt that this young noble was simply making a mess of things, gambling with everyone's lives.

On the other hand, the old knight Brendan looked at Karl's calm face as though he had realized something. A flicker of understanding passed through his eyes. He did not ask further questions and merely nodded slightly. "As you command, my lord. We will depart on time."

Karl said no more. He waved to Roland and the twelve auxiliaries under his command. "Let's go. Follow the transport convoy!"

He did not even send scouts ahead to investigate the road as protocol dictated. Instead, he simply led this small group of barely more than a dozen men after the transport convoy, which had already begun wondering why they had stopped.

"My lord, what about your troops?" Barton, the transport convoy leader, asked in confusion when he saw Karl catch up with only so few men.

"They will arrive shortly. We go first," Karl answered simply, unwilling to explain further.

Barton frowned, inwardly muttering that these young noble lords really did whatever whim struck them. Still, he could not be bothered to ask more questions and urged the convoy onward.

The convoy set out again. Before long, the road ahead gradually narrowed, while the terrain on both sides grew steeper. Jagged rocks and dead trees rose all around them. This was the entrance to Riftstone Canyon marked on the map.

The atmosphere gradually became oppressive.

Karl took a deep breath and quietly ordered those around him, "Everyone, prepare for battle. Stay alert. Watch the high ground on both sides!"

He dismounted as well, handing his horse to an auxiliary to look after. Riding through the canyon would make him too obvious a target, practically a living bullseye.

He quickly put on a suit of Chain Mail and donned a slightly worn Butterfly Helmet.

His family had indeed prepared a finely crafted full suit of plate armor for him, but such heavy equipment was better suited for charging through a frontal battlefield. In an ambush or unexpected encounter like this, overly heavy plate armor would only drain his stamina quickly and hinder his mobility.

Chain Mail and a Butterfly Helmet were currently the most cost-effective choice.

He then sent a quick-footed auxiliary running back to notify Richter and Brendan, who were waiting behind them. "Tell the two captains that we are about to enter a dangerous area. Have them prepare to engage the enemy at any time!"

This series of actions finally made the transport convoy guards, who had been rather lax all along, realize that something was wrong.

Their previously loose expressions vanished. They gripped their weapons tightly and looked around warily, no longer as carefree as before.

The howling wind in the canyon now seemed to carry an eerie rustling sound.

Karl's heart began to pound faster, and his palms grew slightly damp. He was not afraid. Excitement and tension were intertwined within him.

His plan was simple, but risky. If the army escorted the convoy closely the entire way, the Kobold scouts would surely notice a force they could not contend with and abandon their ambush, slipping away. That would be safe, but there would be no chance to fight the Kobolds, and he would fail to demonstrate his worth to Earl Rochefort.

He had to show weakness to the enemy, using the transport convoy and his small force as bait to draw the Kobolds out. Then the elite soldiers following behind would encircle and destroy them.

The risk was that the bait itself had to be resilient enough to withstand the Kobolds' first assault until the Main Force arrived.

How long could they hold out? Would the Kobolds' numbers and the intensity of their attacks exceed expectations? Those were all unknowns.

The road inside the canyon became increasingly rugged, and the light grew dimmer.

Karl gripped his musket tightly, its match already lit. His sharp gaze swept over every rock and thicket that might conceal an enemy.