Chapter 25

Periculum In Mora

For two years bad harvests had struck the Nicopola region. That in itself wasn’t uncommon, agriculture was highly dependent on good weather. However, Nicopola had a myriad of other problems that exacerbated the situation.

Decades of high population growth, decreasing fertile land, and the influx of refugees, all pushed the region to the breaking point. The land simply couldn’t keep up with the rising mouths to feed.

Each nobleman had marshaled their force and things looked calm on the surface. However, the populace became ever divided.

The Nicopolan commoners, war refugees from West Centuria, and migrants from Sarmatia, each accused the other of causing the problem. After losing so much from the past two winters, this year each side was prepared to take arms.

Fall of 4426 arrived with a lackluster harvest and the conflict entered a new stage.

In unprecedented chaos since the founding of the Imperium, Nicopola was swept by massive armed conflict. Every unguarded village, manor, and weakly defended town was sacked.

Until last year, the noblemen were backed by the middle class that provided the bulk of the men-at-arms. Now, with every social class ravaged by famine, nobody answered the call.

The noblemen hid behind their castles and ramparts. The crisis was in full swing and everywhere was plundered clean. Not a granary in Nicopola remained standing.

The high number of mercenaries made the conflict so deadly. Ironically, more food was lost due to pillaging and burning.

Not a single side was improving.

By the end of autumn, clashes became more sporadic and uncontrollable. Hysteria and hunger pushed everybody to attack, even their own side.

No livestock or animals survived, even insects and birds were scarce. There was almost no sound in Nicopola after sundown but the wind.

After the animal was eaten; young tree bark and human were next on the menu.

Half-eaten corpses scattered on the sideroad and in the back alleys of many places. Gray flesh they called it on the hidden markets.

Winter was yet to come, but a tenth of a million mostly infants and elderly had paid the ultimate price.

The Nicopolan crisis spread into neighboring Elandia and Centuria, both struggled with their own turmoil. Both had committed their forces to a different front.

In the face of winter 4426, suddenly the situation was beyond desperate.

***

Lansius

The letter from Lord Bengrieve caught us by surprise. Nicopola and Elandia were out of province, so it was unthinkable that he wanted us to send a relief force. There were many other noblemen whose land was closer.

I involuntarily looked up at the ceiling. The candles from the small chandelier flickered and shadows loomed over the council chamber.

Cecile, the new chamberlain sat across the table. She read a scroll from several on the table. It was usually Sir Calub’s job, but he was away.

I looked at Audrey on the bed, she was resting but her eyes were open.

I had consulted them about the letter, but aside from making one letter, we did nothing else. For certain, nobody wanted to go. It was too risky and didn't benefit Korelia.

Nevertheless, I had Michael prepare the troops, just in case.

The letter to reject Lord Bengrieve's request was on the table in front of me, unsealed. It was easy to write as the excuses were plentiful. Korelia just survived an unprecedented siege and was low on manpower.

However, I couldn’t send it because I knew the risk of not helping Elandia could be so great.

Does Bengrieve capitalize on my understanding of the situation?

Bengrieve had taught me for a brief period of time. My understanding of Imperium's politics was from his words.

Right now, Elandia was the last gateway to the Capital Region. Losing it would starve the Capital and put the whole Imperium on the back foot.

Normally, Midlandia should assist, but the region was locked in a succession crisis. That was probably why Bengrieve had asked for me.

I exhaled deeply. “Drey,” I called.

Audrey looked at me but stayed silent.

“I think I should go.”

She let out a sigh. “We barely survived a siege and Elandia is so far out.”

“True, but Bengrieve wouldn’t ask unless there's a big risk of something.”

“What risk, it’s only famine in Nicopola, right? That isn’t even rare. It happens randomly.”

“I know... I’m on your side," I reminded her. "I don’t care about another region. Korelia alone is already a major undertaking.”

“Then why agree to defend some Elandians city?” Audrey asked as she approached the table.

“I'm not,” I answered from my seat.

“But you just said-”

“Well, there’s some freedom… Bengrieve only asks us to send help. So I propose to do just that.”

“I’m not follow-”

I noticed Audrey and Cecile's faces were puzzled. “I think we can just lead a small cavalry with some logistics to Elandia. We could just drop them without obligation to defend anything.”

“Ah, so if the situation is bad, then…”

“Yep, we run,” I nodded.

That seemed to calm Audrey who nodded deeply.

“Excuse me, My Lord, but how about wintering?” Cecile asked for the first time.

“That’s what makes it hard. We need a safe place and I don’t know Elandia province at all.”

“Why can’t we spend winter in Midlandia?” Audrey asked.

“Too much unknown and time is against us, better not hoping to return to Midlandia before winter else we could get stranded,” I explained.

That concluded that issue. Cecile proceeded to look at a largely incomplete map of Elandia and an old book about the local lords in that province.

After things were settled, Audrey and I got into an argument again.

“No, I’m coming and that’s final!” Audrey exclaimed while putting her hands on the table.

“Somebody needs to lead Korelia and Korimor.” I tried to persuade her calmly.

“Sir Calub or Cecile can do that,” she insisted.

Half-pleading, I spoke, “they’re not the Lord of the castle. You’re the Baroness.”

“Hugo then?”

“He’s holding Korimor in check. I can’t remove him and risk revolt there.”

Audrey gritted her teeth. “I don’t want to be left behind.”

“Please… be reas-”

“I’m pregnant!”

“Wh- … WHAT??” I rose from my seat and my knee hit the table. I winced but the shock was stronger than the pain.

Cecile shook her head, signaling me she didn’t know about this.

“I-I don’t want to raise my child alone,” Audrey said with a slight blush.

“B-but how? You haven’t even got your period this year?” I asked while holding my pained knee.

“Tsk-” Audrey clicked her tongue.

Cecile snorted. The new chamberlain hid her face, but a faint giggle came from her direction.

Eh, wh-

I looked back at Audrey who avoided my eyes and whistled nervously.

“Youuu!” I growled at her after realizing the lie. I felt limp and dropped myself to the chair.

I give up…

There was nothing that could restrain Audrey if she had made up her mind. Nobody in Korelia could stop a war veteran Baroness from assembling her force and chasing after me.

“Fine, if you’re that stubborn then you can come,” I relented.

“Alright, yess!” She slapped the table as if landing a deal.

“Promise me never do that again.”

“I promise. Next time you’ll hear it, it's when it's really happening,” Audrey mellowed and responded softly with a wide grin.

I massaged my temple. “Cecile, could you write a letter to summon your husband back? I need you two to lead Korelia until we get back.”

“Yes, My Lord.” Cecile went to get a quill pen, ink, and parchment.

I had promoted Cecile to Chamberlain because I trusted her. Calub never held the post officially, but he did treasury so the takeover was smooth.

While it wasn't a good practice to employ husband and wife, I was so out of talent. I had Michael as Seneschal in training, but I’m yet to trust him.

On a footnote, Margo became the new cup-bearer.

The arrangement was necessary because originally after Calub recuperate, he was to handle another task to build a new manor between Korelia and Midlandia.

I wanted a new hub to expand that may attract trade routes between Midlandia cities and Korelia.

We planned to build transit hubs with security, fresh horses for messengers, also food and fodder to trade. Calub’s manor would serve as the main nucleus.

If only things go according to plans...

Cecile finished the letter and we wrapped things up. Afterward, she went downstairs to her quarter.

Meanwhile, Audrey and I went to our chamber. We had taken residency in the castle again. I looked at Audrey and realized that she wasn’t usually this obstinate.

Is it a wife’s intuition?

Maybe I needed to redouble my preparation. Elandia could be far worse than I imagine.

***

Michael

In record-breaking two days, the campaign preparation was completed. Normally, it took weeks to mobilize a barony. Bannermen needed to ride and invite the knights, recruitments from town and villages, also contracting the men-at-arms.

The quick preparation wasn’t because of Michael’s, but because Korelia troops had unusually high readiness. The troops lived within the city or in nearby villages. And secondly, the lord only brought so few in this campaign.

Tonight, Michael prepared his gear, he was to accompany the Lord and Lady to Elandia. Together with Mikhail, they prepared their winter gear along with some other personal supplies.

“Mikhail,” Michael called when they were halfway done.

The shy guy looked up, “Y-yes, sir, a-anything else?” he said in a stutter.

“You don’t have to accompany me in this campaign. It’s risky and Elandia is a foreign place.”

“B-but what would I do without you, s-sir?”

“I can put you with someone. You don’t have to follow me," Michael suggested.

“T-that is not n-necessary. Your servant will f-follow.” He bowed his head.

Michael smiled at this bravado and stubbornness. The small and timid guy had guts and loyalty sometimes not present even in a knight.

They carried on with their preparation, knowing well that battle was likely on the menu.

Dawn the next morning, two-hundred men all mounted either in cavalry or rode with the carts, departed from Korelia without much fanfare.

The convoy headed northwest. All were volunteers and all looked somber.

***

The Great Plains of Lowlandia

The convoy marched through the Great Plains using the northern route and reached Korimor after nine days. Sir Hugo, the Steward was surprised but readily welcomed them with a feast.

in Korimor, the convoy rested for two days, resupplied, and switched some personnel. Few had a change of heart during the long stretch of the journey.

Sir Rabanus, the old square-jawed knight joined the convoy as the overall commander. Lansius took Rabanus because Sir Renz had been tasked to infiltrate South Hill.

Lady Audrey as the Baroness of Korimor picked several new members for key positions within her House and the castle. She also exercised her rights to change some of the policies.

That settled, on the third day, they departed toward Midlandia. The convoy went through a small stretch of Great Plains and crossed into the fringe of Midlandia.

They arrived after seven days. Despite a fast messenger to announce their coming, the local noblemen were alerted.

Lord Bengrieve's letter quickly sorted the issue and the local noblemen welcomed the convoy to rest and resupply. The convoy then marched from manor to manor, from village to village.

Finally, after eight days, the convoyed crossed into Nicopola.

A landscape of lush wooded forest welcomed them. The trees were tall and old with darkened tree bark. There were still some colors left from autumn, some were orange, others brown, but mostly dark green.

A light fog occurred almost every morning. Whilst, on a clear day a large mountain range could be seen to the north and west.

The white peaks of the Targe Mountains showed just how tall and mighty they stood on the continent. The range shaped four of the most important provinces in the human realm including the Capital region.

***

Lansius

My waist, back, and shoulder ached. Long-distance travel on horses was excruciating. My buttocks and hips felt raw and in constant pain.

I tried riding in the cart, but the suspension was crude and it wasn’t that much more comfortable than riding.

After the stretch through western Midlandia, there was no manor or village where we could spend the night.

It was back to camping and sleeping rough in the open again. Even with a good tent, so close to winter, it was hard on the body. Our only form of heater was a mound of hot rocks on a small metal cauldron.

My only solace was how Audrey took this all with a stride. Ever the more experienced traveler, she took care of me at my lowest point where I could only rant and was easily irritated by everything.

Another daybreak came, another routine breakfast, and morning briefings.

We had received the latest intel in Midlandia, but those were a few weeks old. I hated to say it, but we were mostly blind. We could only rely on our forward scouts, lookouts, and the local guides borrowed from Midlandia.

Today something felt different. The staff faces were different. There was a sharpness in their eyes. When you had fought a battle, you knew that sort of look from just a glance.

The scout failed to find anything noteworthy, except for some empty or abandoned settlements. We knew some barony had been evacuated, but it was too quiet.

“Tell the men to wear ringmails today.” I gave my order. Nobody wore armor on travel. Except for gambeson that doubles as warm clothing; ringmail and obviously plate armor were kept on bags.

Audrey glanced at me curiously but didn’t voice a disagreement.

The rest of the staff nodded and that concluded the end of our meetings. They quickly returned to their post and made the necessary changes.

The fog dissipated and we set off again. The forest and the road were eerily quiet.

Even in this season, there should be somebody traveling locally...

Around midday, the forward scout found a small group of refugees heading toward us. Then another similar group was spotted.

Our convoy finally met them and I saw these refugees riding their donkeys and small carts. They looked haggard with mismatched attires and gears; possibly stolen, but I'm giving them a benefit of the doubt.

The scout was with them to gather information.

I overheard them talking about the situation and I stopped my horse. Before I could ask anything, a galloping horse from the front caught my attention.

The rider hastily came our way. Sir Rabanus halted the convoy, he knew something urgent was happening.

“My Lord, a bigger crowd is on their way,” the rider reported after he had found me.

“How big?” Rabanus asked.

“Hundreds, even possibly a thousand lining up the road.”

The old knight shook his head. He didn't like this. "Do you know who they are?"

It was the rider's turn to shake his head.

“Are they armed?” I asked.

“I saw farming tools, also spears, swords…” The rider recalled.

“Sir Rabanus, have the men assume formation," I ordered.

“Yes, My Lord.” The old knight proceeded to yell the command to the troops. He personally arranged them to the best of his ability.

Audrey beside me glanced questioningly afterward.

“The best way to avoid bloodshed is to appear so threatening that they wouldn’t dare to try,” I explained.

She nodded. “Arms up, draw your weapons,” she ordered her entourage. And then she whispered to me, “You know there are women and children.”

“Hungry woman and children," I corrected her. "The men will fight fiercely to feed their family.” I then gestured toward the sixty carts we brought with us.

Audrey clicked her tongue. “Let me take over then.”

“Eh, why?” I'm puzzled.

“This will taste bad and I don’t want you to feel guilty for this kind of skirmish.”

Her answer surprised me. “I think I’ll be fine. High chance there won’t be a problem if we do this right.”

“Alright, I’m with you,” she declared while receiving her helmet from Oscar.

Margo handed me my crossbow and the quivers.

Under Sir Rabanus, our formation assumed a good front. He also had sent a detachment of fifty people with swords and crossbows to the woods to guard our flanks.

Now we waited.

With bated breath, the men waited for the coming of the threat.

It was an irony that for men who had fought many battles, they wanted the least to hurt an innocent.

...

A dozen or so figures came into view. Too far to discern anything, but we knew they stopped. Many more came into view and after a few minutes, I lost count.

The entire landscape was filled with people. Wooded areas spread to our left and right, while in the middle there were only a sea of people.

“This is huge,” one of the troops whispered.

“Can you see weapons?” a knight asked the lookouts.

Sir Rabanus, in full armor, approached the cart I was standing on and spoke, “My Lord, the scout says it’s the Nicopolans.”

Upon hearing it, the men started to whisper about this.

“Not Elandians?” I asked.

“Not Elandians. The refugees with the donkeys try to hide it, but they have fought with the Elandians,” Rabanus explained.

“No wonder the road is empty. The Elandians must’ve fled,” Audrey commented.

“So close to winter and leaving all their hard work behind." I exhaled. I was a farmer once and the injustice felt painful.

Rabanus continued, “they admitted to plunder and moved from village to village in search of food.”

“Where are they heading now?” Audrey asked.

“Eastward to Midlandia." There was bitterness in his voice. A thousand hungry mob was more than enough to cause havoc.

“Messenger,” I called and a man readily came. “Go on a fast horse to Midlandia and tell them… Tell them that we’ve found the first wave of Nicopolans heading their way. Estimated one thousand, confrontation likely.”

“Is that all, My Lord?”

“That's all. Go with the best speed and don't return before we send better news.”

The messenger ran to the back of the cart, retrieved his horse, and galloped eastward.

“Sir Rabanus,” I called.

“Yes, My Lord.”

“Rally the men.”

In unison two-hundred Korelians shouted their hearts out, clamoring for their hometown, brandished their weapons, and taunted the opponents to draw blood.

A strong breeze blew through the forest of Elandia as if supporting our stance. Now, it was the Nicopolans’ turn to act.

***