Under the Oak Tree

Chapter 450 Side Story - Nightmare at Eth Lene Part 1

Something was terribly wrong.

Riftan clenched his teeth as he galloped through the pouring rain, pushing away the ominous premonitions that kept flooding his mind. This was no time for distractions. His grip tightened on his sword hilt as he urged Talon on.

Beyond the sheets of rain, a green giant clad in crude iron armor effortlessly flung aside a row of spearmen with a spiked iron club. The battle was quickly collapsing.

With a sharp whistle, Riftan signaled to the knights riding behind him. Soon, the long blast of a kopel rang through the air, and the spear unit dispersed left and right.

Clutching his reins, Riftan galloped toward the frontline. The air was thick with the scent of blood. Talon snorted angrily and reared up, his muscular hind legs lifting them high. Now at chest level with the giant, Riftan swung his sword, decapitating the troll. Its pumpkin-sized head flew through the air, and a fountain of dark blood spurted from its severed neck.

Riftan grimaced as hot blood spattered his face. He quickly turned Talon around just as the giant's massive form collapsed into the mud. Even a troll with impressive regenerative ability could not survive without its head.

Immediately, Riftan charged at the next foe. The pounding of hooves, the roars of giants, the soldiers' cries, and clashing steel resonated around the rain-pelted battlefield. As he cut down the monsters charging at him, Riftan's sharp gaze swept over the chaos. He gritted his teeth when he realized the enemy forces were fewer than expected.

They must have retreated when they saw us coming.

He eyed the ravine visible beyond the frontline. Most of the monsters had already escaped through the rear, a clear sign that an astute commander led their forces.

"Should we pursue them?" Ursuline's loud voice cut through the din as he rode up beside Riftan.

Riftan shook his head. Though he wanted to chase down the fleeing monsters, he could not risk leading the army into a narrow ravine.

"Reorganize the battle line," he ordered.

There was a pause before Ursuline replied, "Yes, Commander."

When another kopel blast rang out across the battlefield, the cavalrymen who had broken away to chase the retreating monsters ceased their pursuit and rejoined the ranks.

After plunging his sword into a lagging troll's head, Riftan scanned the field of corpses. The cold rain was washing away the blood and mud smeared on the faces of the fallen soldiers. He stared silently at their lifeless forms before steering his horse around.

"Have the men set up a temporary barracks and tend to the injured."

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Ursuline responded with a curt nod and galloped away to relay his orders. Riftan tilted his head back, letting the downpour cleanse his face, yet the stubborn scent of monster blood lingered.

A sudden weariness washed over him. Just a day ago, he had been in a warm, comfortable bed, inhaling the sweet scent of his wife. A faint fire ignited within him as he recalled the bliss of holding her in his arms and burying his face in her curls.

However, right now, this was his reality.

He gazed over the battlefield, a bitter grumble escaping his lips. A surge of rage and frustration overcame him. This was no place for someone like her. He wanted her to be as far away from this gruesome scene as possible.

Where did it all go wrong?

It was a question he had asked himself over and over again. Maximillian was supposed to live without ever encountering things like war or monsters. She should be spending her days in the comfort of a castle, surrounded by the finest things the world had to offer. She deserved a tranquil life free of fear, anxiety, and anguish.

So why was she wandering from one battlefield to another? Riftan twisted his lips. He had been so confident when he took her from Croyso Castle. Perhaps even a bit smug. After all, risking his life on behalf of her house had won him universal recognition. Did that not make him worthy of her?

That was what he had repeated to himself as he led her away from her home. Though he had sensed her fear of him, he had done his best to ignore it. She was his wife, and he had every single right to claim her. Yes, he had hurt her, but he would make amends. He simply had to ensure she would live in luxury as she had in Croyso Castle.

In fact, he resolved to provide her with an even grander life than the one her father had provided. He finally had the means to do so. Everything would be hers, every treasure in the world, if she desired it.

No. She would not have to ask for it; he would give it all regardless. He had arrogantly assured himself he would provide her a life that even royalty would envy.

And I thought I was succeeding at first.

So, where did things go awry? Riftan squeezed his eyes shut as rainwater seeped in.

"I do not think the enemy will be returning anytime soon, Commandar," Elliott said, jolting Riftan from his thoughts. "Should I order the men to rest?"

Riftan glanced around the battlefield. Both the spear unit of the front and the tirelessly riding cavalry were visibly exhausted. He slowly turned Talon around.

"Keep a minimal watch and let the others rest in the barracks."

Elliott immediately turned to convey the command to the knights. Soon, the army began to move in perfect order. After silently watching them, Riftan led Talon toward the barracks. He secured the warhorse beneath a canopy and threw off his rain and blood soaked robe.

The sky rumbled. Standing by the barracks entrance, Riftan gazed up at the stormy sky. Then, without bothering to remove his wet armor, he slumped onto the edge of a bed and wearily closed his eyes.

***

After weeks of pointless skirmishes, the coalition army made a decisive move. They advanced through the ravine, the elite troops leading the charge to clear the way, followed closely by the rear unit. The monsters stationed at the ravine’s entrance retreated, pressured by the surging army.

They had finally made a crack in the prolonged stalemate. With momentum, the coalition army pushed north, gradually cornering the enemy forces. Riftan was certain the end was near - a month at most.

Sitting astride his warhorse, he gazed at the towering rock face ahead. The monster army had no place to run. The moment the monsters had decided to retreat, it had turned the tide of battle in the coalition's favor.

And yet, his intuition was telling him otherwise.

They gave up their advantage too easily.

There was nothing suspicious about the retreat if one was to consider the intelligence of the average troll. But for some reason, Riftan could not shake off the strange foreboding.

Why would an enemy, especially one that had displayed such clever tactics previously, suddenly become so disorganized and muddled?

Talon, sensing his rider's unease, stomped his hoof in agitation. As Riftan soothed his horse, his eyes roamed the battlefield where the banners of the Wedonian Royal Army, the Knights of Phil Aaron, the Remdragon Knights, and the Livadonian Royal Army fluttered. A nagging feeling told him something was amiss.

Just then, a signal from the front announced enemy movement. The monsters had emerged. Riftan turned his horse and saw about five hundred trolls rushing out from between the steep rock face and boulders.

He immediately drew his sword. The resting knights across camp leaped into action, mounting their steeds. After ordering them to form a defense line, Riftan swung at the approaching monsters, cleaving five of them in half. Leaping over the bodies, he struck down another wave.

As he cut down monster after monster, he saw the enemy retreating into the ravine as quickly as they had charged. The excited soldiers chased after them in pursuit. Realizing the enemy's tactic, Riftan reigned Talon to a halt.

They were being lured into a trap.

He turned to signal for a retreat when the distant sound of a kopel reached him. The short, successive blast announced a grave problem. Sure enough, a messenger came galloping toward them, trailed by a cloud of dust.

"An ambush!" the man shouted breathlessly. "The enemy has ambushed the castle!"

***

Time seemed to blur. After riding for a day and a half without rest, Riftan reached Eth Lene Castle as dawn began to break.

He frantically urged Talon toward the gate, knowing his horse was foaming at the mouth from exhaustion but unable to stop.

"Commandar, please! We need to assess the situation first!" Ursuline Ricaydo cried, racing past him to block his path.

"I will cut you down if you don't get out of my way," Riftan warned, drawing his sword.

'Commander!"

Riftan's eyes burned with a murderous intent. He truly would cut the man down without a second's hesitation if he refused to move. Just then, he heard clanging bells above them.

"It's the coalition army! The coalition army has returned!" came a cry overhead.

Riftan looked up at the gate. Sentries were still guarding the walls, which meant the city had not fallen. He felt his knees go weak. Had he not been on horseback, he would have certainly staggered pathetically.

Dizzying relief washed over him as he watched the gate open. Promptly dismounting, he sprinted into Eth Lene Castle.

The dawn light revealed traces of battle throughout the city - collapsed tents, burnt ghoul remains, hastily erected shelters. Riftan surveyed the destruction before hurrying to the gathered soldiers. Thankfully, their side seemed to have avoided heavy casualties.

After a quick head count, he approached a large tent that was relatively unharmed. Seeing him, Hebaron Nirtha shot to his feet.

"Commander..."

"What happened?" Riftan snapped.

He knew he needed to assess the situation before asking after his wife's well-being. Since the city had not been captured, he was certain that she was fine. Most likely, she was busy tending to the wounded.

Trying his best to maintain his composure, Riftan said more calmly, "We were told thousands of monsters appeared from the south."

Hebaron Nirtha nodded gravely. "It seems their retreat was a trap. They planned an ambush after luring us all here. We are lucky to be alive."

"How were you able to fend them off? With the number of soldiers remaining at Eth Lene..."

"Her ladyship blocked the monsters by destroying a rock face with magic."

Riftan was about to leave to inspect the state of the southern gate when he abruptly froze. He could not comprehend what he had just heard. He stared blankly at Hebaron.

"My wife...did what?"

"Eth Lene was on the verge of falling, so Rovar and Livakion safely slipped Lady Calypse out of the city, but...she suggested they bring down the rock face near the city to block the enemy. Eth Lene is safe thanks to her ladyship. But now she is..."

Riftan, as motionless as a statue until then, seized Hebaron by the collar. "Out with it! Where is she now?"

"She was... attacked. She is currently receiving treatment in there."