Chapter 317: Chapter 78

Richard Brestons large, piercing eyes scanned the crowd of soldiers. He haughtily pa.s.sed his helmet to the knight mounted behind him and hopped off his warhorse.

Maxi tugged her hood lower as he walked up to Sejuleu Aren. The man held a deep animosity toward Riftan, and the last thing she wanted was to start an altercation by catching his eye. She furtively began gathering her tools.

Theyre all so big, said Anette, her voice tinged with fear. They certainly give that carrot-haired knight a run for his money. I dont think I will ever be able to call you a giant again. Th-They say the people of the north are descended from seraphim. A messenger of heaven sired a child with a human woman a long time ago and the Baltonians are supposedly that childs descendants. They look more half-ogre to me. Theyre practically giants.

Maxi sneaked a glance at the Baltonian men. Indeed, the Knights of Phil Aaron looked nothing like the heralds of G.o.d. Wolf pelts covered their reddish-black armor, and their backs bristled with heavy swords, battle axes, and iron maces. They appeared closer to ancient barbarian warriors than knights.

Her face clouded as she recalled how belligerent these men had been in the past. What would happen to the unity of the coalition army now that they had joined?

There you are, my lady.

Maxi looked over her shoulder at the familiar voice.

Ulyseon strode toward her, his long legs making quick work of the distance. I le regarded her with concern as he approached.

I rushed to find you as soon as 1 saw the Phil Aaron banner. 1 was worried those northern pigs would try to hara.s.s you again. I-I was just about to leave. 1 would rather steer clear of them if possible. Of course, my lady. Allow me to carry those for you, he said, taking the drake bone from her hands.

Maxi searched the training grounds. Do you know where Riftan Well, well, look who we have here, came a gruff voice. If it isnt the white lizards pup.

Flinching, Maxi looked behind her. Richard Breston, who had been talking with Sejuleu Aren by the gate moments ago, was now swaggering toward them. He was likely coming to pick a fight after recognizing the Remdragon armor. He halted in front of them, his intimidating gaze settling on Ulyseon.

Or shall I call you the mad dog now? Youve become quite notorious. But what else could one expect from Sir Rovars progeny? You should refrain from starting unwelcome conversation, Ulyseon said coldly, sending s.h.i.+vers down Maxis spine. It is no hobby of mine to exchange words with beasts. Bahaha! Still have that temper, I see. The mans hulking body shook as he burst into laughter. Didnt your master teach you not to bark whenever you like? No, but he did teach me how to silence a man who likes to run his mouth.

Ulyseons purple eyes glinted as he gripped the hilt of his sword.

Leaning down, Brestons smile spread into a wide grin. His voice dropped dangerously low. Im curious. What did he teach you, little Rovar?

Maxi nervously glanced back and forth at their faces. A moment later, Sejuleu Aren placed himself between the two men and gripped Brestons shoulder.

Look here, Breston. You only just got here. Are you that desperate for trouble?

The Baltonian knight shrugged nonchalantly. Youre overreacting. 1 was simply glad to see my fellow comrade-in-arms. Give it a rest. Youre too old to be going around picking fights, Sejuleu said, his voice graver than Maxi had ever heard.

Brestons lips twisted. And this coming from you? I remember a time when youd seek out any brawl you could. Ive become more sensible with age, Sejuleu said, sighing. I heard youre now the commander of your order. Do try not to tarnish your fathers name.

Hostility flashed across Brestons face. Maxi held her breath in the tense silence.

Very well, he said eventually, nodding. I shall be careful.

The tension eased from Maxis shoulders. Though Breston still looked willful and dangerous, he seemed to have learned some restraint. She furtively tugged at Ulyseons clothes.

Th-There is an empty table in the infirmary. I would like to continue my work there

Could you help me move my tools?

Ulyseon broke his wary glare and released the hilt of his sword. He picked up the tools Maxi indicated and s.h.i.+fted them to his side along with the drake bone.

Shall we, my lady? he said, motioning with his head.

Relieved, Maxi rolled up her parchment and tucked it under her arm. She then motioned to Anette, who was absentmindedly watching them from a short distance away.

Sejuleu let out a groan. How can 1 stay out of it if weve another war on our hands before the real one has even begun? Ill eat my hat if you two really do resolve this peacefully.

Ignoring him, Riftan pulled back the thick leather flap covering the tents entrance. His gaze landed on the bed covered in expensive throws and furs. A fireplace blazed beside it, with a long table positioned in front.

Richard Breston sat at the table enjoying a sumptuous feast of food and drink. He turned his head toward Riftan.

Long time no see, Calypse, he said, raising a silver goblet. Though 1 cant say Im glad to see you, even as a lie.

Without waiting for permission to enter, Riftan strode into the tent and settled across from Breston. The knight filled a second goblet with wine.

I hear youre set to be an earl soon. Here, allow me to offer you a drink to celebrate your undue advancement in life. Do you not also have an undue advancement to celebrate? Riftan said, looking at the claymore propped to one side of the tent.

The hilt was engraved with a wolf, the symbol of the commander of the Knights of Phil Aaron.

Accepting the goblet, Riftan drained it and added dryly, Allow me to pour you one for managing to weasel your way into your new position using your fathers s.h.i.+ning achievements.

He picked up the bottle and tipped wine into Brestons goblet. The dark red liquor overflowed, spilling first onto the table and then over Brestons lap. The mans languid demeanor vanished, anger blazing in his eyes.

Riftan met his fierce gaze with stony indifference and placed the empty bottle back down. There is a knot between us that needs untangling. I intend to challenge you to a duel once this war is over, so you can stop your childish provocations.

Breston said nothing.

There are soldiers from all over the Seven Kingdoms gathered here. If you dont want to be ridiculed as the fool who instigates strife, 1 suggest you proceed with caution.

Brestons eyes narrowed. He grabbed a chunk of meat and tore a bite out of it. Chewing, he said in an ominous tone, Ill keep that in mind.

Riftan slowly rose to his feet. Just as he was about to step out of the tent, Brestons voice gleeful this time grated on his nerves.

But you see, you misunderstand something. I didnt talk to that woman to get a rise out of you. I find her bravery fascinating, especially as shes trembling like a leaf all the while. Even if she werent connected to you, 1 would still find myself drawn to her.

Riftan froze.

Who knows? Breston added slowly. She might be a widow by the time this war is over.

A heartbeat later, he was no longer smiling. Riftan stood dangerously close to him, his dagger stabbed into the plate between the Baltonians fingers. The sharp blade had cut clean through into the table beneath. If his aim had been even a little less precise, it would have pierced the back of Brestons hand.

In the tense silence that followed, Breston stared at the dagger, his fury rising. He cussed and leaped to his feet.

Wrestling the Baltonian back down onto his chair, Riftan held him there by sheer force. He yanked the dagger up and held it under Brestons Adams apple in one swift movement. Brestons struggling stilled immediately.

Did 1 not tell you to mind your tongue?

Riftans chilling voice was at odds with his tranquil gaze.

You did said Breston. Ive never forgotten the humiliation of that day.

His eyes flashed as he bared his teeth. Riftan leaned the tip of his blade closer to his neck.

Sensing they had crossed into dangerous waters, Sejuleu Aren rushed forward. Thats enough. Thats enough, he said, regarding Breston coldly. Youll have plenty of time to settle this after the war. I will even serve as a witness to your duel.

Riftan slowly backed away before striding toward the entrance.

Acting as though nothing had happened, Breston reached for the meat on his plate. He mumbled as he tore into it, Then let us both muster our patience. The longer the wait, the sweeter the harvest