Circumstances of a Fallen Lord

Chapter 59

Thats The captain hesitated.

The mercenary escorting me is an incredibly capable man; hell be able to solve any roadblocks caused by monsters. And, if something truly happened to the village, itll be best for someone like me, a pilgrim, to go and recruit help.

The guards face brightened when Luisen hinted that he could seek help from the Church. Of course, the young lord had no intention of doing anything so bold and dangerous as that.

Theres really nothing more I could ask for Since it was the captains discretion as to what should be done with a criminals possession, there was nothing wrong if he sold or gave the horse away. However, Zephys was an outstanding horse; it would fetch a lot of moneythat hed regretfully lose out onwith mercenaries or merchants.

However, even if the man disposed of the horse and placed a request at the mercenarys guild, there was no guarantee that they had someone free to take the request. Furthermore, it seemed more reliable to rely on this seemingly good-natured pilgrim instead of a violent and unfaithful mercenary. Besides, the mercenary at the pilgrims side looked very strong as well. As the pilgrim said, he could borrow the Churchs power if enough justification was provided.

After weighing his choices, the guard captain finally made his decision. Alright. Ill hand you this horse. In return, Ill place my business in your hands.

Please dont worry. Luisen took the reins from the captain.

Carlton leaned over to whisper in Luisens ear while the captain rushed to write a letter to his family. Is this really okay? Were in such a hurry that a day would be hard to spare Are we able to go off and run someone elses errand?

Though the mercenary had played along with Luisens performance, he was worried. They had a long way to go and were incredibly busy; could they really afford distractions like this? He was greedy for Zephys, but now he felt belatedly guilty that they would be waylaid by unnecessary matters.

At least we now have a horse. Wont we be able to reach the capital faster with this guy?

Thats true, but

Then, even if we waste a day, we shall end up at the capital sooner. Itll be fine. Besides isnt this horse special to you? Luisen wanted to repay Carltons sacrifice by getting Zephys back. Didnt they lose Zephys in the first place because of the young lord?

ReallyThank you so much.

So, Carlton knows how to say thank you normally. Startled, Luisen stared at Carlton. The mercenarys eyes were as sweet as young spring fields. When they had first met, the mans eyes were filled with contempt and disgust, but now the young lord couldnt find any signs of those emotions in his pupils. Instead, he found affection and gratitude aplenty, outright and unhidden.

What do you mean youre thankful Luisen said. Youve done so much for me.

Youve stepped forward on my behalf. No one has ever cared for me that way before.

Carltons words tickled Luisens heart. The young lord shrugged, at a loss for words.

Carlton was already moved; when Luisen acted so cute, it tugged at his heart. He had the urge to grab the young lords shouldersto grab that embarrassed, swaying golden headand drag him into the mercenarys embrace. For some reason, Carlton felt unfounded confidence that the young lord wouldnt reject him now..

However, the delicate vibe that surrounded Luisen and Carlton vanished due to the guard captains intervening words. Heres my letter. Please deliver this well and return to me with news of the situation. Ill entrust this to you, Revered Pilgrim. Now that youve listened to my troublesI really have no one else to rely on.

In other words, hes beseeching them to keep their words and not abandon him after winning their quarry. Luisen smiled benevolently, as if he was ignorant to the underlying implications. Of course. As a follower of Gods path, how could I abandon someone in trouble?

Though his expression was hidden by the hood, Luisens words alone seemed trustworthy.

After stowing the captains letter safely away, Luisen left the donkey in the captains care.

Honestly, Luisen wanted to take it along since he had gotten attached to it during their time together, but he was forced to leave it in Confosse. The donkey would probably be unable to keep up with Zephys speedand they had not yet decided whether or not theyd return to Confosse at all. Since they had decided to put off that decision until theyd gauged the situation in the guards hometown, this may be the last time the young lord would see the donkey.

Luisen looked at the donkey with eyes full of regret. Perhaps the young lords feelings werent properly conveyed, for the donkey had its usual easy-going expression.

Please take good care of my donkey.

Yes! Of course.

Luisen approached Zephys. He was able to solo-ride the donkey due to Carltons special training, but it would be a new experience to ride something so big like Zephys. Unlike the small and easy-going donkey, Zephys nose was incredibly high uplike its owner. Back when he had the chance to tag along on Zephys back, a while back, it was clear the horse hated ferrying the young lord.

Please just dont fling me off. If you drop me, the guard captain will be suspicious of us, Luisen whispered into Zephys ear. Simultaneously, he tensed his body, ready to avoid the horses kick.

However, it was different this time. Zephys looked at the young lord and kneeled before him. It did its hardest to allow the young lord to climb onto its back easily. As Luisen sat in the saddle, the horse stood up.

From this high up, even Carlton looked small.

My word. It felt like just yesterday when I was carried like a pack on Zephys back. Luisen was deeply touched as he recalled the first time he rode on Zephys. His face had smashed into the horses buttocks and was beaten by its tail. Now, he couldnt believe that he was proudly riding on its back!

Zephys was an incredibly clever horse. Carlton, as he clambered up, pretended to look inexperienced and hummed in discomfort. At a surface glance, Zephys seemed to follow Luisens orders and not Carltonsespecially since the captain and the guard were unaware of the full situation.

Ill leave it to you! the captain repeated as he saw the two off.

***

The Guard Captains hometown was located deep within the forest. The way there didnt overlap at all with Luisen and Carltons original path. Therefore, visiting this village was a complete waste of a day.

"

"

They really didnt have the time to help others. Honestly, the guard captain didnt know Luisen and Carltons real identities, so there would be little trouble if they had just left. The mercenary had slyly floated that option; Luisen, though, refused because he was determined to not do anything that he couldnt be proud of when he met the saint again.

No matter how urgent their matter was, it would be heartless and cowardly to take advantage of anothers desperation. Instead, he urged Carlton to go as fast as they could, without breaks. Though Carlton was feeling impatient, he did not insist on leaving since he had a conscience.

Understanding its owners impatient mood, Zephys galloped tirelessly. Even though it was carrying two adult men, it moved lively, as if the two werent heavy at all. As Zephys began to run in earnest, Luisen choked back some regretful tears. I shouldnt have said we should hurry. This is just too fast.

The landscaped passed quickly before the young lords wide-open eyes; the blurry sight made him dizzy. The sound of rushing wind filled his ears. When Zephys taut legs struck the ground, Luisens body slightly floated upwards before falling back down on the saddle; tingles ran up his tailbone.

There ws no handle on Zephys saddle, so he could only reliably hold onto Carlton. He tightly grasped onto Carltons armsat least he had these, what a relief. The young lord had never ridden so fast in his life.

He clung the length of his torso against the mercenarys body and leaned his head against the mercenarys bust. That wasnt enoughthe young lord also tightly shut his eyes. As he leaned into Carltons embrace, he could hear a pounding heartbeat from somewhere. Wowhis heartbeats racing. Hes scared to death, too.

How could the sound of his heart pounding be heard so clearly in his ear? It was that loud. Luisen shrank into himself even more; therefore, he couldnt see Carlton urging Zephys with an uncharacteristically awkward expression.

They passed the hills and entered the woods. Their view was drastically diminished due to the shade of the foliage. Even on this narrow and rough road, untravelled by most, Zephys galloped fearlessly. Carlton remembered the guard captains directions and went exactly in that direction. Then, at some point, Zephys began to gradually slow down.

Then, Zephys suddenly stopped. Wondering if they were taking a break, Luisen finally opened his eyes. Are we resting before setting off again?

Please stay still and dont dismount. Carlton descended from the saddle and unsheathed his sword. With a rigid expression, he used his sharp intuition to look around. Zephys also paced back and forth a few steps as well. Both horse and master warily looked in the same direction.

What is it? the young lord thought.

Ever since the sound of thudding hooves had stopped, silence flowed through the forest. The young lord could sense nothingit was so quiet in the forest that it seemed like Carlton, Luisen, and the horse were the only living things there.

Whats this? Is something there? Am I the only one who has no idea? Luisen looked around blankly.

However, at that moment, something that seemed like a black blade came flying at the young lord. Before Luisen could even realize the danger, Zephys nimbly stepped to the side and avoided it. At the same time, Carlton intervened and brandished his sword.

Clank!

The sound of iron meeting iron rang out. Whatever it was, it slithered away after failing in its attack. Only then did Luisen see what had attacked him.

A huge centipede.

TL: Noooo The donkey T_T Im so sad that they had to leave it behind.

I imagine that Zephys is a draft horse. Medieval warhorses (or Destriers) arent actually that tall, apparently. This is a draft horse:

Thats gigantic!