The Amber Sword

Chapter 21 – Three pronged approach.

Brendel’s mind quickly spun. He thought if he had some form of scouting skill available, like ‘Eagle-eye’ or ‘precognition’ or other related skills, he could persuade them. As his mind went through the possibilities, he suddenly thought of another way.

[Of course! That will work too!]

He wiped his sweaty palms again and relaxed.

“Right now the River of Daggers is in a state where it’s nearly unprotected. In the worst case, there’s only one squadron of undead defending there, so why not break through that area?”

Everyone’s initial response was almost the same.

“What, is that true?”

“How’s that possible?”

“Very good.” Marden nodded: “Kid, and Freya, the two of you. I’m requesting you as militia to immediately join the Bucce guards, do any of you have an objection?”

Freya immediately shook her head.

But Brendel nodded under everyone’s shocked looks: “I have an objection.”

Marden paused in surprise.

“Speak,” He looked at Brendel for a while: “If you’re afraid of death, then you can get the fuck out of here right now. Bucce’s guards have no use for cock-sucking cowards.”

There were murmurs of laughter from his surroundings, but strangely Bretton was silent. Brendel glanced at him in wonder, then his eyes fell onto Romaine and he remembered what they had talked about earlier.

“I have never saw them before. My aunt was already with me by the time I started to remember things. She even told me, little Romaine, remember to repay my kindness!”

“… So that’s why you want to become a merchant?”

“Yup.”

“That’s a strange thought.”

“It’s fine that you think that way.”

Brendel smiled in his heart. He looked back at Marden.

“Captain Marden, from Bucce’s point of view, the decision you made is fine, but have you forgotten to ask a question?”

“What question?” Marden was once again baffled, becoming more and more curious of this kid.

“The three villages in the Bucce’s region act as a buffer for Fortress Riedon, and Bucce’s guards always had the responsibilities of alerting Fortress Riedon of any invaders. If you chose to leave just like this, then what will happen to Fortress Riedon that didn’t receive any warning? I would not think that all the responsibilities are fulfilled till the very end.”

Everyone’s faces gradually changed as they heard Brendel’s speech. He was right. If they merely led the Bucce’s villagers out of danger, they would not have accomplish the responsibilities that were given to them. If Madara managed to break Fortress Riedon, then Stronghold Vermiere’s defensive line would be compromised.

And if that was to happen, then someday the entire Grinoires’s region might be taken by the Madara’s undead army. The young men were at a loss for words when they thought that Madara might be able to invade the Capital with their undead army, Bruglas.

But what could they do here?

“We tried our fucking best!”

“We could only do so much under this damn situation!”

“It’s not that we abandoned Fortress Riedon, i-it’s Fortress Riedon that abandoned us!” (TL: What the?!)

But Marden just stared at Brendel. Since he pointed this out, it would mean that he had a solution.

“Indeed. I do know of a path that could bypass the siege and lead straight to Fortress Riedon. Even though the chance is small, it’s better than nothing.” When Brendel said this, the air in his lungs seemed to be squeezed out of him. He exhaled deeply.

He looked back at Romaine again who had lowered her head and was fretfully fidgeting with her bag.

“Which path?”

“The Zevail mountain pathway.”

Marden took a deep breath. Even though he had searched for various routes in his mind, he had avoided this place subconsciously. He wanted to remind and ask Brendel if he knew how dangerous this pathway was.

This pathway was the south of Beldor’s forest, passing through the pine valley and river, and led to out to the wild forest of Aouine’s borders. Once they were out of of the pathway they were at the edge of civilization, but ever since ‘The Roaring Year’ (Year 350 of the first Era), there was no one who ever came out alive after they entered this mountain path.

There was even a rumor of fierce dragons in the valley.

He even thought there was a sliver of hope to survive from attacking Madara, compared to entering the pathway which would result in certain death. He contemplated for a long time, but was unable to discard the idea that the pathway was more dangerous.

“That’s a route of no return, kid.” The old veteran shook his head.

“There is no need to fulfill your responsibilities, only your attempt in doing so.” Brendel replied.

“But I can’t send my soldiers to death there, that would be irresponsible to them. A warrior should have glory in death.”

“That is not a problem.” Brendel replied: “I’ll go.”

There was a complete silence.

“Wh-, say that again?” Marden was completely dumbfounded.

“I’ll go.”

“Why would you… the responsibilities of Bucce’s guards have nothing to do with you at all?! Kid, if you want to force yourself, why not join us?” The old veteran could not help but ask for the reason.

“No, I’m not forcing myself.” Brendel looked back at Romaine and gave a small smile. “I have my reason why I need to go there. If there are any other reasons, they are just there along for the ride. Now then, Little Romaine, are you willing to come along with me?”

“Brendel?”

Romaine stopped what she was doing and lifted her head up in delighted surprise.