Faced with this highly tempting proposal, Derek felt there was a strong chance of success.
If they could keep those twenty thousand remnants here, next year's pressure would be much lighter.
Derek paced back and forth several times, his mind racing wildly.
"First, let me sort this out. If we launch a surprise attack under cover of darkness, what can we gain?
We could wipe out all twenty thousand of them and perhaps even capture an earl alive.
The ransom alone might be worth a barony, along with rewards from the King.
Next year's pressure would be reduced considerably."
Derek listed the benefits one by one. There were simply too many.
The knights' breathing grew heavier as well.
"But if this is a trap, then everything is over.
Birch Castle definitely won't hold, and then Saint Myra Province will fall next.
If we're lucky, we'll escape alive, only to become homeless dogs before long.
But if we do nothing, every one of us has a title, and some even have Fiefs.
We each control part of Saint Myra Province's assets. Given time, they can be turned into strength.
By next year, the Holy Cross Kingdom may have more troops, but our pressure will instead be smaller.
Even if we do nothing for the rest of our lives, it will be enough to pass down our family names."
As Derek spoke, he gradually calmed down.
The rewards were great, but so were the risks.
Had he reached the point where he needed to gamble with his life?
No. He clearly had a cheat, and time was on his side.
When he had been barefoot, risking his life had been understandable.
Now that he had shoes on and had become part of the exploiting class, why should he risk his life?
The