Under the Oak Tree Novel - Chapter 236

236 Side Story Chapter 42
“Are you sure you would not rather take them there yourself?”

Gripping the reins, Riftan turned to look at Gabel, his eyes grim. “There is something I must do.”

A grave expression crossed the knight’s face. He opened his mouth as if to argue but forced an awkward smile when he sensed Novan’s gaze on them.

“Rest assured, I will explain the situation and safely escort them to the viscount’s estate. I am certain Lord Triton will look after them.”

“Then… I leave them in your care.”

With a nod, Gabel strode over to Novan and his family. Riftan took in his stepfather’s haggard face one last time and made his way to the barracks. The knights briefed him on everything that had happened during his absence, after which he wrote a letter to Lord Triton. He then gathered the knights and disclosed the events at Croyso Castle.

The knights took the news calmly as if they had been expecting as much ever since the news of Novan’s imprisonment.

“What do you plan to do now?”

“My stepping down as commander would be the safest choice,” Riftan said in a heavy voice, glancing around at the thirty or so knights, “but with the current situation, I doubt King Reuben would be willing to confer any of you with an estate or title.”

…..
The Remdragon Knights were ranked according to their skills, and each had a say in the order’s matters. Riftan gave his men enough time to think over the issue before continuing.

“I will use what influence I have left to ensure you are all accepted into other orders. That will be a better alternative to the Remdragon Knights going rogue.”

Hebaron, who had been leaning against one of the tent poles, straightened and mumbled cynically, “And who would welcome a knight who deserted because he was afraid of a dragon? Even if we were accepted by the royal knights, we would be branded cowards for the rest of our lives.”

“You exaggerate,” Riftan retorted, his mouth hardening into a tight line. “Even if that were to happen, they would have nothing to say when faced with your skills. There is no reason any of you should be dragged into this fight.”

“If King Reuben had not exempted the southern regions from participating in the campaign to keep the duke in check, our order would have been called to battle as well,” said Remus Baldo. “As knights, it is our fate to risk our lives as our lieges command. Had we been afraid of death, we would never have chosen this path.”

“Risking your life in service to the king is not the same as risking it for the Duke of Croyso to keep his neck.”

“We would not be fighting for the duke!” Ursuline Ricaydo said heatedly, his arms folded across his chest. “We would be fighting for the honor of our order. Following the king’s command or riding with you into battle — it is all the same to us.”

Riftan was surprised. Ursuline was a staunch loyalist who held the royal family in the highest regard. Knowing this made his statement all the more powerful.

An uncomfortable silence ensued, broken only by Hebaron clearing his throat.

Patting Ursuline on the shoulder, the burly knight attempted to lighten the mood. “How rare that the young master and I agree on something. Though it peeves me to take that snake’s place, now that events have taken this turn, I might as well use the opportunity to make myself known across the continent as a slayer of dragons.”

“It is always men like you who fall first,” said Ursuline.

“What, now?”

Riftan raised his hand to stop their bickering. “Enough. You should not let honor be the reason for your decision.”

“God Almighty, what do you take us fo—”

“I will give you time to think,” Riftan said, gravely looking at each of them in turn. “I’m sure you have all heard what happened to the group of Temple Knights sent by Osiriya. We do not know what is to come. If you follow me, you’ll be entering a no-man’s-land full of monsters to face a dragon that once terrorized the entire continent. You must be absolutely certain you are willing to put your lives on the line.”

The knights’ faces flushed with indignation, taking their commander’s warning as a slight against their courage. Riftan sprung to his feet, leaving no room for protests.

“You have three days to consider.”

With that, he left the barracks.

The next day, Gabel sought out Riftan’s tent when he was ready to depart to Lord Triton’s estate with the squires. Riftan passed him the letter along with a pouch of gold coins.

“Give this to the viscount.”

Gabel slipped the pouch into his clothes. “I shall.”

Without a word, Riftan returned to his desk and resumed writing the report he would be sending to the king.

After silently watching his commander, Gabel cautiously inquired, “What are your plans for the duke’s daughter?”

Riftan stiffened. When he glared at the knight with questioning eyes, Gabel said calmly, “She is… your wife after all. With you away in battle, it is only right that she manage Anatol in your absence.”

“I intend to let the mage run the estate.”

Ruth had been quietly studying a book on magic in the corner. He snorted at Riftan’s plans. “But said mage intends to join the campaign.”

Ruth looked unfazed at the fierce glare Riftan directed at him.

“Did you think you could leave me behind?” Ruth continued. “How ludicrous. Why should I be the acting lord when there is a Lady Calypse?”

Lady Calypse. The words resonated inside him, making him shudder slightly. He felt his ears burning as the memory of her lying naked in bed flashed through his mind. Desperate to hide his unease, Riftan wet his lips and pretended to inspect the report.

Seeing his indecision, Gabel said stiffly, “I understand why you would be mistrustful of her. She is the duke’s daughter. Even so, it would mean ridicule for you if she were to remain at Croyso Castle. Allow me to stop by the duchy on the way back and escort her to Anatol.”

Riftan furrowed his brow at the knight’s insistence. The rampart construction and castle renovations would likely be complete by now. Yet, he knew nothing in Anatol could hold a candle to the opulence of Croyso Castle.

He bit his lip, worried for her safety. Had he always been such a gutless swine? Though it had been a rushed wedding, she was still his wife, acknowledged by the church itself. Should he die in battle, she would inherit his fortune and estate.

And, by chance, if she is with child…

The thought made Riftan rub his palms against his eyes. Excitement and fear shot through his veins. If she were to bear a son, that child would become the next Lord of Anatol. Just like Riftan himself, the boy would never know his father. Riftan pushed down the lament that rose like a lump in his throat.

The last thing he wanted was to leave for battle in this manner. He waited for his tumultuous emotions to subside before he spoke.

“Very well. You may take her to Anatol.”

He took out a new piece of parchment to write a note to his steward, Rodrigo, entreating him to ensure Maximilian had everything she needed. Gabel took the letter and left the tent to set off for the viscount’s estate.

Riftan turned his gaze to the stack of reports on his desk. When he departed, the royal army or one of the duke’s vassals would no doubt stand in for him to protect the border. He would have to leave a thorough record detailing Anatol’s affairs. It was an important task requiring a clear head, but Riftan struggled to quiet his anxious thoughts.

“Why don’t you go bid them farewell?”

Noticing that Riftan’s quill had been still for a while, Ruth could not help but meddle.

“This might be your last time together. You should at least see him off for the sake of not regretting it later.”

Riftan tried to ignore the mage, but his words weighed on his heart. He shot to his feet, swearing under his breath. Stepping out of the tent, he spotted Gabel mounting his horse while dispensing orders to his subordinates. Riftan’s stepfather and his family were nearby, preparing to climb into the wagon.

The little girl barely reached her father’s knees. Riftan stopped to watch as his stepfather coaxed his daughter into the wagon before striding up to them. The man hunched his shoulders as Riftan approached. His eyes seemed tired. Though all his injuries had healed, his face still held traces of his suffering.

“Apologies for bringing this trouble on you.”

His stepfather’s coarse accent grated on Riftan’s ears. After awkwardly looking at his stepson as though he were a stranger, Novan ducked his head into a low bow. He placed a small bag containing his measly belongings into the compartment.

“Still, don’t concern yourself with my affairs from now on. A commander of a knightly order shouldn’t trouble himself with the likes of peasants.”

Riftan wordlessly regarded the scrawny, hunched, white-haired old man. He slowly nodded. With his eyes fixed on the dirt, Novan did not see the gesture. Riftan recalled his words about grubs keeping to the ground. This man had lived his entire life never looking up.

Though Riftan’s gaze was full of sadness, his voice came out emotionless. “This will be the last time. You will never see me again.”

A hint of relief flashed across his stepfather’s wrinkled face. With a nod, Novan climbed into the wagon. Riftan personally ensured the door was secure before signaling to Gabel. The knight gave the orders to his men, and the wheels slowly began to turn.

As the escort party became distant, Riftan watched them disappear into a cloud of dust. A crisp wind swept past his neck. Standing in the pale sunlight, he frowned when he felt the cold drying out his eyes.

He was now truly alone.

***

The Remdragon Knights fought with deadly precision as they dispatched the giant monsters climbing down the rock face. The ogres’ ferocious roars rang out across the valley.

As he swung his sword, Riftan quickly counted their number. It was rare for ogres to move in groups, yet there were thirty such creatures scrambling down the mountain. Riftan wondered if they were under the dragon’s control. His speculation was cut short by a shout from the rear.

“Ready the crossbows!”

While the knights held the monsters back, ranks of well-trained soldiers retrieved the crossbow parts from the baggage wagons and hastened to set them up. As soon as the large weapons were ready, Riftan signaled the frontlines to fall back.

The knights dispersed all at once. A moment later, massive javelins ten kevettes (approximately 3 meters) in length flew at the monsters. The long, iron rods pierced the creatures’ heads and chests in a matter of seconds.