Way of Overlord
Chapter 77: A Fool

Chapter 77: A Fool

Aeryon set out from his tent in the afternoon.

With it a thousand men followed him. This is a large entourage.

In the afternoon sun, Aeryon emerged from his tent, surrounded by a formidable entourage of a thousand men.

He looks at the size of the people and he laughed

"Belarion, look at my warriors" he said in exhilaration.

The sheer size of the procession showcased his status and power as a chief. But it also to deter the tribes that has been subjugated by him

In a way, he also uses this as a chance to do a procession around his tribe, showing off his power and prestige.

In the Steppe, if you appear to weak, then people would gather. If you appear strong, people would go out of your way.

The area that Garron set his tent is not that far. But not that far does not mean it is close.

It is further away than when Ayera set up his camp. In a way, Garron situated himself near the area of the previous Xewa territory.

There is probably already an Ashana in Garron ten waiting for him. The Ashana is there to lend credence to this marriage alliance.

A witness of sorts

With each step, Aeryon traversed the grasslands, passing by the herders’ livestock and the sleek, powerful horses of the breeders.

The dry season was approaching, and the land seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the rain to quench its thirst.

The scattered tents of the Brolgadhr tribe dotted the landscape, signifying their presence and strength.

Amidst the Brolgadhr tribe, there were also unaffiliated clans, free to roam the area without allegiance to any specific tribe.

The Great Steppe, unlike other regions with defined borders, embraced a different notion of ownership.

Unlike the Yan, the Roma, the Yindu, the Great Steppe while it has borders, the border is not physical border.

Each people of the Greta Steppe could roam wherever they wanted.

Even rival tribes could sometimes pass through other rival tribe territory. The only time when such endeavour becomes dangerous is when the rival tribes is at war.

There is a collective agreement that the people of the Great Steppe own the Great Steppe. It is not rigid in this way.

Here, the people of the Steppe understood that the land belonged to all, allowing for the movement of tribes and individuals across territories.

When a lone clan arrived in a particular area, the customary practice involved approaching the one in charge, bearing gifts, and informing them of their intentions—to graze their livestock or pass through.

This mutual understanding fostered a sense of cooperation and respect among the tribes.

However, for those who simply sought to travel through the Steppe, often their temporary nature of roaming meant they did not need to inform anyone, their presence fleeting like the passing wind.

Aeryon did not seem to complain that he has to ride his horse farther away to reach Garron tent.

He could see the area of his influence right now and see how the people is living

There are many tents. And it would take a few hours before they reach Garron tent

In one of the tents that Aeryon is passing, there is two middle age men looking at the procession of one thousand warriors in horseback.

"That’s them. The convoy has arrived. Soon they will pass here"

Peering discreetly through the flap of the hastily constructed tent, these two people observed the unfolding procession with anticipation.

The simplicity of their surroundings was evident as the bare tent floor, devoid of any decoration, mingled with the dimness of the encroaching dusk.

The ground inside, marred by dirt and neglect, served as a testament to the hastiness with which their shelter had been erected.

In this modest setting, these two men, their presence veiled from the passing onlookers.

It was apparent to any discerning eye that they did not belong to the ranks of refugees or local clans that inhabited the surrounding area.

But they hide themselves and no one could see them. The clothes they wear and the way they carry themselves made it clear that they are men in position of power

Clad in attire befitting their status, their poise and demeanour hinted at their elevated positions within their tribes.

Having heard reports and witnessed Aeryon prowess in battle, this man curiosity burned within him.

Beyond the exterior of a formidable warrior, he yearned to delve into the depths of Aeryon character.

Was Aeryon merely a skilled combatant, or did he possess a multidimensional persona that extended beyond the battlefield?

These two people is none other than Waqu and Garron.

"Before the official meeting, I wanted to see him first"

This way of thinking is typical of Garron, that’s why he’s here, peering out from the tent looking at the long procession.

Garron’s eyes narrowed as he observed the horses, warriors, and horse riders passing by.

He couldn’t help but feel that Aeryon display of such a sizable entourage was unnecessary. Especially this is an informal meeting

It is more like he is meeting a rival warlord instead of an allied tribe chief.

Nevertheless, Garron understood the subtle message it conveyed—a show of strength and intimidation.

The horses, guided by skilled handlers, moved deliberately rather than with haste, indicating Aeryon desire to survey the area.

Following the majestic horses were the Brolgadhr warriors, armed with sabers, spears, and all kinds of weapon.

The ratio of horse riders to infantry was noticeable, showcasing the importance placed on mobility and speed in their tactics.

The rhythmic sound of the troops’ footsteps echoed, emphasizing their unity and discipline.

Most of the warriors appeared to be young recruits, still finding their footing on the path of becoming formidable fighters.

Though their movements seemed somewhat awkward, Garron could discern the efforts of training in their actions.

It was evident that Aeryon had invested time and resources into honing the skills of his warriors, ensuring their preparedness for any forthcoming challenges.

Garron did not know this, but Aeryon had share some of his infantry training tactics and he dump this knowledge to Mayeux and now the infantry of the Brolgadhr tribe is moving in uniform

The horse riders on the other hand remains flexible in their methods. Garron look at this process and he could not get the sight out of his mind.

And then he finally sees that man.

In the midst of the horsemen is a very gallant horse, with a gleaming muzzle. In a sumptuous saddle decorated with pearls, Aeryon sits, his hands in purple and white bridles. He was chatting with his followers.

"What is this?" These are words that come out of Garron mouth.

Garron’s astonishment was evident on his face as he observed Aeryon unusual appearance.

While Aeryon still look dashing and handsome, having that grey hair and long wavy locks, flutter in the air, showing that demeanour of a great hero, Aeryon choice of clothing was unconventional.

Clad in a short cloak made of tiger and leopard skin, it almost seemed as if he wore no clothes at all.

His green eyes look around and there is a smile on his face

Garron had heard of warriors who embraced ascetic practices and engaged in peculiar training methods.

Some would forgo clothing to toughen their bodies against extreme temperatures, while others would subject their hands and feet to scorching sands to enhance the power of their strikes.

However, Aeryon was now about to meet him, and such attire was unexpected.

Although the people of the Great Steppe did not adhere to formalities as strictly as those in Yan, it did not mean they lacked a code of conduct.

They, too, had their own set of guidelines, albeit less stringent.

It was expected that one would show a certain level of respect when the opportunity presented itself.

If Aeryon were a destitute chief with limited resources, it might be understandable for him to lack proper attire, without violating the norms of respect.

However, Aeryon clearly possessed ample resources, as evidenced by the pears hanging from his horse’s saddle and his recent significant victory.

How could he not have appropriate clothing for such a crucial meeting regarding a marriage alliance?

Garron’s thoughts swirled with confusion and concern.

He pondered whether Aeryon truly comprehended the significance of their meeting.

As chiefs, it was their duty to uphold decorum and engage in negotiations with the appropriate respect and etiquette when possible.

A sense of unease crept over Garron, questioning whether Aeryon unorthodox appearance was a deliberate act or simply a lack of understanding.

"A fool?" he thought to himself

Did he overestimate Aeryon?

Aeryon swayed above the saddle. He was wearing a bright patterned cotton mantle with only one arm.

There are two swords on him, one on the left and one of the rights.

Seven or eight objects hung from his belt: a pouch, a medicine box, a fan, a horse carving, and some gems.

Under a short cloak made of tiger skin and leopard, he wore a sparkling gold brocade.

After Garron had passed, Waqu had to force himself not to laugh. His faces showed how much they struggled to keep from laughing as they watched the ludicrous scene.

The procession passed by them and it took a moment before Garron shook his head.

"It’s finished?" Garron asked.

"Is that the end of the procession?"

"Yes, that’s it."

"Have you noticed it?"

"From afar."

And there is silence in the tent

Garron’s mind was in turmoil as he tried to make sense of Aeryon perplexing behaviour.

How could someone who had displayed genuine strength and triumph over the Xewa and Ghar tribes now present himself in such an unconventional manner?

Was Aeryon simply lucky in his previous victories?

No, Garron quickly dismissed that notion.

Aeryon power was undeniably real.

So, what could explain this peculiar appearance?

Doubts gnawed at Garron’s thoughts.

Could Aeryon be playing the fool?

Was he intentionally attempting to degrade Garron by disregarding the expected norms of respect?

If word of this meeting were to spread among other chiefs and warlords, who would want to associate with someone who showed such disrespect?

Respect between chiefs was a symbol of honour, a necessary foundation for amicable discussions.

Without even a modicum of respect, how could one expect fruitful negotiations?

Or perhaps, Garron considered, Aeryon was simply a person who excelled in combat but lacked knowledge and understanding in other areas.

This was not the first time Garron had encountered individuals with exceptional fighting prowess but limited capabilities beyond the battlefield.

Yet, despite Aeryon unconventional approach, the threat he posed to Garron’s tribe remained undiminished.

"But this does make it easier" While a strong person could always establish a tribe, it always took more than just strength to maintain a tribe.

He and Waqu quickly went out of the tent, rides their horses and since they did not take their time, they reached first into his own camp

He changed his clothes and waited for Aeryon to come

..........

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