Johan, who had been questioning Suetlg and Caenerna about various things regarding the werewolfs body, stepped outside at the rcenaries call.
A group of cavalryn was approaching.
They dont seem like a band of rogues. . .
Thats the flag of Duke Brduhe. They must be warriors under the Duke.
Unlike the west or south, the eastern part of the Empire was common with nomadic tribes wandering the vast empty lands. Those who embraced the Empires culture and religion beca loyal warriors, while those who refused beca formidable enemies.
The approaching group was carrying the flag of Duke Brduhe, along with another flag with a unique, unfamiliar pattern. They were clearly warriors serving Duke Brduhe.
Centaurs. . .!
Centaurs are indeed a rare sight in the Empire.
Centaurs, capable of running on four legs from birth and fighting with their arms, always boasted exceptional combat prowess. While other races raised and trained horses, the centaurs themselves were equivalent to cavalry.
Johan looked at the centaur warriors with great interest. Caenerna asked:
Doesnt it creep you out?
Youre a bit creepy up close, but Im trying not to be, considering what Suetlg-nim said. Nothing to worry about.
. . .?
Caenerna was puzzled for a mont, then understood the aning.
Johan was talking about her!
. . .I was talking about the centaur warriors.
Ah. Sorry about that. Dont take it to heart.
. . . . . .
When Caenerna fell silent, Johan seed slightly apologetic and comforted her.
I tend to be a bit wary of wizards, thats all. I hope you can understand.
Didnt you converse comfortably with Suetlg? The magic I showed yesterday should be enough reason for respect. I demand the sa level of respect you show to the philosopher of the Ipal River.
When Caenernas indirect words failed to be understood, she spoke more directly. Johan responded in kind.
Well, such excuses wont work, I guess. Its unsettling that you are the Emperors advisor. Does that make sense?
Caenerna was neither angry nor flustered. Being a wizard, she had learned not to be disturbed by such reactions. She tried to probe and shake Johan to persuade him.
. . .As a wizard, I dont pledge loyalty to any one person. So, you neednt worry about that.
If you dont pledge loyalty to soone, the sa applies to , right? As a court wizard and a guest, I will follow the customary hospitality, but I dont expect more. To earn my respect, one needs corresponding virtues.
Johan spoke bluntly.
Suetlg suggested that since Caenerna was accompanying them, it was necessary to be a bit more persuasive.
Johan was not as stubborn as other knights, and if he wanted to flatter, he could do so at any ti. Winning Caenernas favor, a distinguished wizard, couldnt be a bad thing.
However, Johan thought differently.
Wizards might be accustod to such dealings, but not Johan. He saw no reason to cozy up and perform tricks with soone hard to trust in a situation that wasnt even dire.
Caenerna understood Johans point. Approaching a knight who had drawn such a clear line would only backfire. She decided to back off.
Did you have a conversation? How was it, did you get closer?
At Suetlgs inquiry, Johan replied with a slightly embarrassed voice.
We agreed to keep the promises we made since we want different things.
. . .Well, then theres nothing we can do.
There were incompatible people. Trying to force them together was usually fruitless.
Caenerna seed to have given up on Johan too. It appeared she thought it better to persuade others than to persist with soone like him, who seed unyielding.
Are you from the Jarpen family?
The centaurs spoke in a rough Empire language. The people of the Jarpen family nodded, holding their banners.
We will serve you. This area is dangerousbe careful.
Just yesterday, we encountered werewolves.
At this, the centaurs looked surprised. The condition of the group was too good for having t a werewolf.
There should have been at least a few bodies.
What was more surprising was that the werewolves bodies lay in the camp.
Who caught these?
I caught two of them.
No, three. Sir Knight. There was another one dead outside.
As dawn broke, a werewolf, pierced by an arrow in a vital spot, lay dead, unable to escape. The centaur asked Johan.
Are you Johan of the Yeats family?
Yes.
Indeed. Milord has been waiting for youwaiting quite a bit.
The centaur, not fluent in Empire language, or perhaps due to different concepts, referred to the Duke as the master. This was despite not being a slave.
Gather the bodies! We must show them to Milord.
At the centaur warriors command, the subordinates collected the bodies. It was their custom to show appropriate trophies when returning from a hunt.
Three werewolves would be enough to adorn the reputation of the knight nad Johan.
You say waiting, what does that an?
Johans question didnt upset the centaur, who readily answered. They respected strong warriors and despised the weak.
Johan, having slain three werewolves, was worthy of respect.
There are knights-warriors waiting for an appointnt ceremony. They are prominent young warriors from the east, eager to demonstrate their bravery before Milord.
. . .I see. So, its that kind of event.
The appointnt ceremony was not just about placing a sword on the shoulder and receiving a knights duties.
It was a grand festival and an event to prove the honor and authority of the nobility who supervised it.
People flocked from all sides, and knights were given the opportunity to prove their bravery.
And such opportunities often involved swords and bloodshed.
With such distinguished young warriors from the east present, Johan naturally braced himself.
A tournant? Or perhaps sothing else.
Sir Knight is enough. Three werewolves. Not an easy feat.
It was possible with the help of the soldiers.
You dont hunt alone. Everyone gets help. With your skills, Sir Knight, it will be remarkable. I want to see.
In the centaur warriors eyes sparkled a mix of competitive spirit and anticipation. Johan nodded.
If the opportunity arises on our way, Ill show you.
The centaurs cheered and roared with laughter. This knight from the west seed to be quite hearty.
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