NOVEL NEXT Chapter 122 "It will begin"
Chapter 122 "It will begin"
The deafening sound coming from the pulsing shield and Iosif's thunderous voice cut through the chaos on North Avenue like a sharp blade. The combination forced the fighting crowd to turn their heads. The hands that were about to fall upon their enemies stopped midair, uncertain whether to break more noses or return to their places. It was as if a magical force had momentarily silence the trading waves of fists and kicks.
The turmoil finally subsided, allowing Iosif to finally take a clear look at the scene before him. Strewn across the stone floor were dozens of people, groaning in pain and smeared by their own blood. Most of them were citizens and city guards of Eisenburg, who had confronted the barbarians without an ounce of experience in fighting or hunting. They had dashed without considering their difference in size; some women were taller than most men, and the elders were even bigger.
The scene evoked a mix of anger and shame within the General's heart, demanding him to act. However, Iosif understood that he couldn't let his personal emotions influence his decisions or perspective. He couldn't allow his anger towards the barbarians to overshadow the king's objective, especially when the throne was making such a huge effort to pull the barbarians towards them. Iosif had to be impartial and address this problem as quickly as possible.
"Enough of this madness! We have a common enemy approaching, and we cannot afford to be divided. Those who instigate conflict within our walls will only weaken us against Luak's forces. We need unity, not discord." -Iosif's voice echoed, his eyes scanning each face, lingering a beat longer on the barbarians. It was as if he was telling them that they were on his radar and shouldn't continue the fight.
"Our new brothers from the forest have come under our king's orders to seek refuge within our walls…" - Iosif continued, the word "brothers" almost getting stuck in the middle of his throat - "Although many of you have a family member who has suffered at their hands, the king will not allow the past to dictate our futures. Our enemies outside of the wall won't care for our internal disputes and will strike at our hearts regardless of what problems we have with each other."
The last couple of years studying the common language allowed the barbarians to get the gist of Iosif's words. The meaning behind his words became even clearer when accompanied by such a fierce and commanding gaze, much like that of the village leader. Within his eyes, they could sense the desire to strike them.
"If I have to descend from the walls again to sort out this mess…" - Iosif didn't conceal the threatening tone in his voice, his eyes scanning both barbarians and citizens - "Remember, whether you are from the forest or a local, I won't hold back to ensure the peace of the capital. I will execute you all if you refuse to obey the orders."
A tense stillness gripped the crowd as Iosif's words lingered in the air. The bloodied citizens of Eisenburg stared at the general in disbelief, unable to comprehend why the barbarians were not being punished or executed. They couldn't fathom why the king and the general allowed these barbarians, who had killed countless of their own, to pass through the gates so peacefully. It could be a plan to take them down. Despite growing somewhat accustomed to their presence when delivering goods, they still viewed the barbarians as enemies and even as slaves responsible for providing them with wood and meat.
The barbarians exchanged silent glances. Without a clear leader among them and most of their warrior staying behind, they lacked someone of trust to provide direction. Yet, they all seemed to reach a silent agreement. Those restraining the citizens of Eisenburg released their grip and stepped back until they stood together, side by side. This allowed the locals to go back to the side of the avenue, where they began wiping the blood from their faces, cautiously looking at the barbarians, eyes immersed in a palpable hate.
"Great!" - Iosif exclaimed, nodding his head in approval at the scene, though a lingering discomfort remained from the word "Brother" he had uttered earlier.
"Did the king instruct on what we should do with them?" - Iosif inquired, his eyes glancing at the small figure concealed behind him. His voice still retained a thread of anger and killing intent, sentiments that threatened to swallow Luke.
The small man swallowed hard and averted his gaze, seemingly afraid to meet Iosif's eyes - "H-He ordered them to stay in the external areas of the castle, and if necessary, they could use the dining hall" - Luke stammered, his words managing to escape despite his fear.
"Then, you can lead them there. I don't have time to waste here and I need to get back to the walls." - Iosif said, turning towards the side where a soldier seemed to be trembling, struggling to stand on his foot. This soldier was the one Iosif had borrowed the shield from and, besides Luke, the one closest to him.
"Here!"- Iosif called, throwing the shield back to the bewildered soldier, who caught it almost unconsciously - "I'll inform the king that we need to provide some training to the city guards. Right now, you guys are almost worthless, afraid and unable to face those barbarians." The image of dozens of city guards sprawled on the ground, helpless under the feet of both elder barbarians and children, lingered in Iosif's mind. The city guards desperately needed training. They had the duty to preserve and protect the king's dignity. They needed the skills necessary to safeguard the city and its people. "I am going back to the walls" - Iosif declared, rapidly going away under the bewildered gaze of onlookers.
"Don't call me again and try to solve things like this on your own, Luke!" he shouted, leaving those words for the small man.
-x-
"They are here!" - A shout echoed throughout the walls of Eisenburg.
"All on your posts!" - Iosif, who had just returned, commanded. He pointed to the soldiers behind the lined-up ballistae on the walls, their iron arrows ready to create chaos - "Those on the ballistae, hold fire until my signal!".
The general's gazed locked onto the thousands of soldiers emerging from the forest. They patiently halted and formed a long line. Among them, a blue-haired woman with small scratches on her face caught his eye. He recognized her, a beautiful woman who tried to fool his king.
The general's eyes then shifted to the right side of the forest, as if on the lookout for something - "It will begin soon." - Iosif muttered.