The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 173: The hidden currents (2)

Chapter 173: The hidden currents (2)

"Are we really going to send all these youngsters to their deaths?"

Gunlan looked at the hundred young men and women below. It was a rare instance in which he stared at his superior defiantly. He was many things; greedy, lustful, petty, and a suck-up. But he wasn’t a killer.

Gunlan genuinely wished for the North to develop. He wasn’t strong or smart but he spent his life thinking about programs to develop the youth. His dream was to see a generation of geniuses appear who would fill in all the major posts of the kingdom.

"You are mistaken," Rayos replied calmly. He knew his underlings, especially their weaknesses. "Yes, this will kill many but the true geniuses will shine brighter than anyone else. They have been fighting in controlled environments so far. But that will only create entertainers, not warriors."

Gunlan was familiar with the phrase death forges heroes, so he knew the second prince had a point. Yet, the thought of seeing many young faces disappear, caused him to be disheartened.

With stooped shoulders, he left the room. Rayos looked at his drooped back and shook his head.

"You are worried about a mere hundred people? To achieve my goal and fulfill my brother’s dreams, I am willing to slaughter all the people here, even myself."

...

Have your men join the siege of the walls. Send a signal to Elron too.

Solos bowed reverently as he listened to the instructions of his lord. He carefully held a baby in his arms, standing before his camp. To onlookers, it seemed strange.

The thirteenth prince seemed to care deeply for his son yet he brought him to a battlezone. No one was certain about the perils they would encounter. They didn’t know the true identity of the baby.

Lord, I will follow your orders. But why risk it? What is it that you desire in this city?

Solos ensured the blanket was wrapped tightly around his lord. He couldn’t reveal that the baby was already big enough to walk and talk. He grew faster than possible for a baby, barely a few weeks old.

It’s not what I desire. This city, this ruin, is the key to your desires. If you wish to have the crown, you will have to survive the trials of Notresol.

Solos looked alarmed. It was the first time he learned he would face trials. But feeling the child’s fist grip his hand through the blanket, a strange sense of bravery filled him. He believed he could face everything so long his lord looked over him. He became even more reverent.

Not far, inside the camp, Ericka watched them with her lifeless gaze. She sat listlessly, like a doll, lacking all reason to be alive.

There were no guards visible, only Edwards. At some point, he became a Knight. He looked at her worriedly. He didn’t care about the Divine Lord, the crown’s glory, or the secrets concealed in the ruins. He just wished to live carefree.

’And maybe see her beautiful smile,’ he thought, peeking briefly at Ericka. But he quickly threw the thought to the back of his mind. As an average guy, if he wished to survive he just had to go with the flow.

...

Your Highness,

So far we have encountered tens of people whose fate strings are concealed. Intriguingly, all these people are found in the North and are participating in the clearance of Notresol’s ruins.

Another thing worthy of note is that even among these special cases, there are some exceptional people.

The name of these are:

Hex Darkenmane or Mike Northson, the boy from the North

Althea Thunderspear, the girl born with Heaven’s thunder

Orosol Asterio, son of the thirteenth prince Solos

Elsa Friadragon, daughter of the Court’s chief

Esmeralda Azullune, daughter of the former Northern governor

Argeas Notretigre, Your Highness’ secret child

We will keep track of them and all others. The strings are tightening. I foresee peril but also a new spark. Grasping or losing it will affect the fate of the Kingdom.

The Kingdom’s loyal servant,

High Oracle

Asoll put the letter on his table and leaned against the backrest. The dark circles around his eyes betrayed his weary state. His shadow fell on the letter, and the rainbow-colored eyes, hidden in the shadow moved over the words, finally meeting Asoll’s gaze.

"The time to steal the strings draws closer."

...

Outside the ruin, at the edge of the camp, a burly fellow with a reddish bushy beard drank heartily from a bowl. The liquor caused the pale cheeks to turn red too. He reeked of alcohol but his big bright eyes were fixed on the ruin.

...

"Why did you agree with that brat to send all these barely-hatched eggs to the front?" Old Gargoyle stood beside the Commander and grunted.

He sat on the edge of the sky-high gate, his feet dangling to the side as the wind howled around him. He remained unaffected by it though.

"Because you will be there too," came the calm reply from his side as the Commander gulped from his flask. They ate in silence, tearing a freshly caught wind drake to shreds. No blood or flesh fell.

...

"Are you participating?"

Althea walked at Hex’s side as they made their way to their camps. Initially, they had planned to enter the city immediately but the announcement disrupted their plans.

"Are you?" Hex asked in return. They both turned quiet, knowing each other’s reply.

The rules allowed them to refuse and still enter the ruins. Only, they wouldn’t be allowed on the ranking. Hex didn’t care about the ranking itself but forfeiting it would mean losing the chance to keep Grindeston. Althea didn’t even have a choice. As a Hawk, she followed orders. And she didn’t wish to refuse such a chance.

The rest of the camp was already lively. Some people entered the ruin, others rested. The participants were notified about the changes. They could search for creatures in the outer parts but weren’t allowed near the inner walls. Most didn’t mind. They rather pick the morsels left behind than become one themselves.

Hex parted with Althea and went to his room. Inside his room, he pulled a piece of paper from his pouch. Picking up a quill, he scribbled.

Possible threats (one or all):

1. The government betrays me;

2. The Dawnbringers are plotting;

3. Other participants;

4. Friends turn traitors;

5. Hidden factions or people.

Hex put the quill down. He left the Heartless out. Even a Taboo stage would be expected but the listed dangers would be hard to defend against.

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