The Amber Sword

Chapter 42 – Middle-aged person

Brendel looked at the helpless Freya who did not know what to do, and he guessed that she should have a certain understanding of the guards’ true appearance by now. It was still not enough, so he continued to wait and let her see with her own eyes and understand what kind of plight they were currently in.

He did not wish to break her love for this kingdom, but there were times where such emotions were insufficient and would only lead to a disaster. He hoped that Freya would learn to be calm under desperate situations. If there was a need to protect the girls, he would do so should the guards intend to harm them.

He continued to wait for Freya’s actions, but suddenly realize her gaze was someplace faraway. He paused slightly before he followed her line of sight.

He then noted that the place she was looking at was the ‘Eastern Camp’ in Fortress Riedon, and saw a group of people varying in height tightly surrounding a tall man. Behind him was a group of the ‘White Mane’ light infantry.

Brendel suddenly felt things were turning interesting. He did not expect to have such good luck, and he felt like he found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Freya was certainly quick to have noted these people with authority, and he nodded inwardly as he guessed what Freya was thinking about.

From a normal person’s point of view, Freya’s reactions were correct.

He turned back to Freya and saw the two guards were about to pull out their swords and close in on Freya. She jumped into the tower and rushed for the weapons.

“Bring that man’s sword to me and let me take a look.” He pointed at Brendel with his cane.

‘Sword?’

The soldiers were momentarily confused, then looked at Brendel’s sword and noticed its design.

[Fuck, that’s an Elven sword which is reputed by its beauty. This is commonly traded amongst the nobles, damn this greedy bastard. He wants both the women and the sword!]  Esebar cursed in his mind once again.

What made him angry was the status that he had. His rank was much higher than Esebar, and he could only give up as he could not afford to offend the powers behind him.

Brendel looked at Freya and saw that she was lost and disoriented. He knew it was about time to end the farce, but he still maintained a poker face and shrugged.

He handed the sword over obediently.

[This man is at least sensible.] Esebar approved this action.

A soldier carried the sword over with care, and presented it with both his hands to the middle-aged man, who read out the Elven words on the sword:

“(Thy sword shall burst forth from light, and strike thy enemies with terror)”

He raised the sword up and the Elven sword shone in his hand. The people surrounding him took a deep breath. It was a magic sword, and the nobles cast their gaze on Brendel and the others. They felt they were assassins as no militia would have a magic weapon.

The middle-aged man looked at the glowing longsword and smiled for the first time. He looked at the merchant Burnley and said: “Sir Burnley, you have a discerning eye for these sort of things, can you tell me this sword’s history?”

The fat noble quickly moved over to him with his wobbling body to ingratiate himself in front of him: “It is true that I have seen a few Elven weapons, but it is you, my lord, who has a discerning eye in your circle.”

The middle-aged man gave a cold laugh and said: “Then for the sake of this sword, treat them well tonight. I’ll interrogate these assassins myself. You would best take care of the ladies here, and tell your captain Granzon what I said here. Do not think that I am ignorant of the dirty things they do.”

His words became colder and colder, and actually caused the soldier in front of him to shudder. But the other people around him revealed a meaningful smile. The more evident the lord’s attitude was, the better it was for them.

It was merely a sword and two women after all, and they were more interested in waiting for other opportunities.

Freya raged with anger and it showed on her burning face. She took a deep breath, clenched her teeth and fists, and for a moment Brendel was worried she would do something rash.

Brendel looked up at the middle-aged man as he swung the glimmering sword about. He creased his brows as he tried to recall this person. It looked like he was a high ranking person but he could not remember his face.

[This person’s reaction is interesting. Well, the fun part is coming right up.]

When they were taken away by the guards, he clearly heard the middle-aged man ask:

“Alright, let us get down to business. Mister Esebar, when do you plan on letting me go out of this city?” His voice was cold with a tinge of sarcasm.

“My lord, this is a dangerous time right now, the Madara forces have already arrived at Stronghold Vermiere. The sidelines of Bucce might fall any moment and it is currently too dangerous. This is especially so when you are a chief councillor for the king, and we cannot let any danger to befall you.”

The middle-aged man smiled without saying anything else.