The expression on Yavi's face froze instantly. Frontline? Prisoner? The king's youngest son? These words collided fiercely in his mind, and for a moment he was a little speechless, as if he had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. In the end, he could only point to the unconscious young noble on the ground with a sense of absurdity. "This... then... what should we do now?"
Liz took a deep breath and suppressed the turmoil in his heart, but his eyes burst out with a light mixed with excitement and calculation. "What to do? God-given opportunity!" He spoke faster, with an unquestionable decision, "Send him to the capital! Immediately! As long as Kovir holds this trump card in his hand, Poviss Those old foxes will never dare to cross the border easily again! This is our most powerful hostage!" He looked around, the broken battlefield and the filled smoke reminded him that he should not stay here for a long time, "You should not stay here for a long time, let's go, go back to the fortress first!"
When this team with astonishing captives finally passed through the heavy gate of Tuck Fortress, Maya, who had been waiting anxiously in the courtyard for a long time, immediately came forward. Her eyes were eagerly on her husband Herbert, sons Jace and Yavi scanned their bodies to confirm that they were safe and sound, and then breathed a sigh of relief. Herbert, Jace and Yavi got off their horses and took turns stepping forward to hug Maya. Herbert's hug was steady and powerful. Jace's hug had a hint of comfort, and Yavi whispered something in his mother's ear. Maya's eyes were slightly red, but there was a happy smile on the corner of his mouth.
Jace's wife also squeezed out of the crowd, ignoring the dust and blood stains on his body, and threw herself directly into her husband's arms, hugging him tightly.
At this time, Yavi felt someone hugging her waist. When she lowered her head, she saw that it was her youngest sister Amy. The little girl raised her face and hugged Yavi's waist with a smile. Yavi's stern face softened and she gently rubbed the top of her soft hair.
"Brother Yavi, are you okay?" Amy asked in a low voice.
"It's okay, Amy." Yavi's voice was low but gentle.
"The tornado you just made was so cool, I could see it from so far away! When can you teach me!" Amy's eyes instantly lit up.
Yavi touched his head in embarrassment...
However, this moment of tenderness did not last long. Liz's eyes swept over the safely returned family members, and then became solemn and sharp. He raised his voice, and the majesty of the city lord instantly overwhelmed the whispers in the courtyard, "Lords! Follow me to the council hall immediately! There is an urgent military discussion!"
As soon as the words fell, the warm atmosphere of reunion came to an abrupt end. Herbert, Jace and Yavi quickly restrained the warmth on their faces and exchanged a brief but firm look with their family members.
Everyone followed Earl through the cold stone corridor of the castle, with heavy footsteps echoing under the vaults. The oak door of the meeting hall was slowly pushed open by the guards, and the beeswax candles on the candlesticks in the hall burned quietly, illuminating the sheepskin maps and coats of arms of the major families spread out on the long table.
Liz Earl The chief sat down. On the special chair next to him, His Highness Alphonse, who was bound by iron chains, sat with his head bowed. Although this member of the royal family was in ragged clothes, he still maintained his innate noble temperament. His appearance made the knight lords present hold their breath.
"Thanks to the king's grace," Liz City Lord began with a solemn tone, "Today's battle, thanks to the bravery of all the lords and their knights, our army won a glorious victory." He looked around at the vassals present and continued, " is particularly commended. Yavi's heroic performance was due to him capturing this man alive on the battlefield..." Liz paused deliberately and pointed to the prisoner beside him, "Poviss King's third son, Alphonse His Highness Dodge."
The sound of gasping suddenly sounded in the meeting hall. The scepter in the hand of the elderly Baron Kaiso fell on the marble floor with a clang. Several young knights stood up involuntarily, then immediately realized the disrespect and sat down again.
"By the gods!"
"How is this possible..."
"A member of royal blood has become a prisoner..."
Whispers spread in the hall, and the lords exchanged shocked looks. Some made the sign of the cross and prayed, some gripped the hilt of their swords, and some wiped their eyes repeatedly to confirm that what they saw was true. This unexpected capture will undoubtedly change the political structure of the entire kingdom.
"Fellow vassals," Liz's low and majestic voice sounded in the hall, "By the grace of the Lord, the harvest of this operation far exceeds expectations. To ensure safety, I have decided to personally escort His Highness Alphonse to the royal capital Pontar at dawn tomorrow to meet with His Majesty Baldwin·Twensek."
His sharp gaze swept over every lord present. "But we must be vigilant. The Poviss royal family will never sit back and watch their bloodline be humiliated, and will definitely take back the prince at any cost. Therefore, during my absence, you need to continue to guard the border and be ready."
Liz turned to Lord Katz, who was wearing a silver-grey shirt. "During this period, the command of the entire army will be given to Katz Earl. His judgment represents my will." Katz Earl stood up to pay tribute, and the wolf head badge on his chest flashed in the candlelight.
"After I meet with Your Majesty, explain the situation of the war, and facilitate peace talks between the two countries..." Liz's voice softened slightly, "I will reward you based on your merits and live up to your loyalty and bravery today."
The lords on both sides of the long table fisted their chests and made dull noises in agreement. The elder Baron Kaiso was the first to speak, "I swear in the name of the holy sword that I will obey the orders of Lord Liz." Other lords also expressed their opinions one after another:
"Defend the border to the death!"
"May the Lord bless Mr. Liz for a safe journey!"
"Waiting for Lord Liz's triumphant return!"
Liz nodded with satisfaction and finally looked around at everyone. "May the Holy Light guide us. Now, please go back and prepare your military affairs. At dawn tomorrow, I will set off for the royal capital."
Just when Herbert was preparing to exit the meeting hall with Jace and Yavi, Liz suddenly said, "Baron Herbert, please stay."
The three of them immediately stopped and turned around. Liz stood up from the main seat and walked down the steps slowly. "Tomorrow, your family will go with me to the royal capital." He looked at Yavi specifically, "The first achievement in this battle belongs to Yavi. This merit is beyond my ability to reward. Only His Majesty the King's personal commendation can show his glory."
Herbert Hearing this, his right hand unconsciously touched his chest. A hint of disbelief flashed across the rough face of this little lord who had been stationed at the border all year round. To meet the king? This was an honor that their family had never expected for generations.
"This... this is a great honor..." Herbert's voice was slightly trembling. He immediately knelt down on one knee and put his right fist against his heart, "I swear in the name of my family that I will live up to the love of the city lord."
Jace's eyes flashed with excitement, while Yavi maintained his usual composure, just nodding slightly in greeting.
Liz reached out to help Herbert: "Get up, old friends. You deserve this honor." He lowered his voice, "But remember, the capital is different from the border. Every word and every look there may hide a mystery."
Herbert nodded solemnly, a look of determination appeared on his face that had been exposed to the weather all year round. "I understand. I must be careful in my words and deeds so as not to cause trouble to you adults."
"Go and get ready." Liz patted Herbert on the shoulder, "We will meet at the city gate at dawn tomorrow."
After leaving the meeting hall, Herbert finally couldn't hide his excitement. He turned around and hugged his two sons tightly, his voice choked with sobs. "Did you hear it? King's capital! We are going to meet the king!" This usually serious border lord was like a child who got a beloved toy at this moment.