B2 Chapter 2

B2 Chapter 2

The time came faster than Lucan could have imagined. One day they were overseeing the levy and the next they were preparing to march them out. He and his father were seen off by Thomas, Lilian, and Cordell, the latter being castellan in their absence, while Lee would march out with them.

An anxious current went through Lucan as they gave their farewells even as he accepted their well wishes. Thomas patted him on the back. Cordell exchanged firm nods with him. And Lilian said some pleasant words. He didnt know whether they were uttered out of heart or obligation, but he accepted them nonetheless. She also gave him a clean, embroidered handkerchief, as was traditional when a lady was seeing off a favored suitor or a betrothed to War. He mulled over the word and its meaning, and he hoped that what he would experience through it wouldn't be too much worse than what had happened in the raids. But the cynic in him knew better.

Before he left, though, Lucan made certain to impress upon Sawyer how important it was that he builds the road in their absence. They and Sir Ward were to return to an already usable road. The hostile knight would have to reckon with that surprise however he wished, but their estate wouldnt be blindsided again, that was for certain. Theyd taken some of the engineers labor away in their levy but not all of it. Most families had to give only a single able-bodied man to the levy, unless they had only one son, in which case they were normally spared the levy except when circumstances were dire. During prolonged campaigns, the laws changed depending on how many times a single family had been levied and their overall contribution to the war. In general, an overlord or a ruling knight would avoid cutting off a family line.

After the goodbyes, they marched northwest, taking his road all the way to the High Road which they would follow west until they reached the fork in the river where Epiza stood. They rode ahead of three hundred men marching on foot. A respectable number. Even the refugees had provided a levy. While they were a war-weary lot, a fair levy was far better for them than having every able-bodied man pressed into service by the eastern warlords. There had been some resistance, but it hadnt been much more different than what Lucan had seen from their other subjects.

The journey was a slow one. A distance that wouldve taken them at most a fortnight on horseback took them a month due to the line of men marching on foot behind them. But eventually, Epizas walls came into sight. They were made of stone, but it was nothing as magnificent as Arpague or Eldham. The wall was not only lesser in height, but it also encircled a much smaller town, and it certainly didnt look as awe-inspiring as the ones protecting the two great cities. Its sandstone was obviously aging, and even from this distance, Lucan could see the decay of some of the crenelations. It wasnt being provided enough care, it seemed.

With the sight of the wall came the sight of an encampment. All the vassals that were this far south were gathering their troops here. Looking among the raised banners, Lucan didnt see the royal one, so the prince hadnt arrived just yet. ReAd latest chapters at n0v(e)lbin.co/m Only

Good. It would give them time to settle in.

Tents spread out on the northern side of the walls with the ground torn up in places and simply dirty in others. It fit what Lucan imagined a war camp would look like, though he was unpleasantly surprised by the smell as they drew closer. It was a mixture of chamberpot, sweat, rot, and vinegar, however odd the latter smell was.

As they approached the threshold of the camp, a man rode out to meet them. It turned out to be one of Lord Seryss men-at-arms. Lord Serys was the overlord of Epiza and a somewhat wealthy noble according to Thomas. The man-at-arms greeted them and welcomed them into the encampment, arranging for them to take over a strip of empty land to set up their tents. Lucans father was also invited to join the lords and knights in Lord Seryss pavilion, where they were discussing the campaign and had word of the time of the princes arrival.

After Lord Seryss man-at-arms left them, their own men-at-arms began barking orders at the troops to begin setting up camp. His fathers tent was the first and largest to be set up. The knight invited him in before leaving for Lord Seryss assembly.

Lucan stepped inside, accepting his fathers gesture for him to be seated, and they sat across from each other on the ground, a low table between them.

As you know, weve lost one of our number in the last Wildermen raids, his father began.

Lucan nodded. I imagine that ought to be remedied?

Yes, his father said. You must now bear a responsibility which has been much delayed. Choosing your retainers is a matter of utmost importance, particularly when said retainers are the ones you expect to stand by you against an enemy charge.

Lucan nodded again.

We might yet lose more men on this campaign, though Elders know I hope we dont, and I will endeavor to see it so. But we must keep our eyes open for good prospects. At times of war, youll meet quite the assortment of men. Levied troops. Volunteers. Mercenaries, bad and good. And even some hopefuls who dont know better. Beneath all that dirt, you must find your gold.

Lucan raised a brow. Volunteers? Men had fought, fled, and even risked their rulers wrath to avoid the levy; and there were others who volunteered for the campaign? Preposterous.

Hmm. His father nodded. There are those who are too poor to feed themselves and see this as an opportunity. Those not levied are paid good coin for their service. And any marshal would do good to feed his men if he wants to still have men by the end of the day.

And among those desperate souls, you expect me to find a good prospect for recruitment? Lucan asked incredulously.

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Joel eyed the color Lucan wore then glanced in the direction of their camp. I was told the host that just arrived was a knights. Might you be the son of Sir Zesh? He seemed uncertain about his presumption.

Lucan chuckled and nodded again. Yes. My father is Sir Golan Zesh.

I dont mean to offend, Joel said. But that is quite the large host for a knight.

Lucan smiled, noting that the crowd had scattered and only the two of them remained. By the grace of His Majesty, my father is a landed knight. Our host might be as big as some lords.

Indeed, Joel said. It is worthy of pride.

Lucan glanced at the rest of the encampment. I must continue gaining familiarity with the grounds. Then he looked at Joel appraisingly. Youre welcome to accompany me. You must know more than I do about this place.

Joel smiled and nodded.

Their round through the grounds took most of what remained of daylight. While getting familiar with the encampment and its occupants, Lucan also got to know more about his guide. Joel was a freeblade volunteering in the campaign in hopes of being recruited by a lord. He didnt let on any of the particulars, but Lucan found him to be a good prospect who could be worth his time.

They separated a whiff before sunset, Lucan returning to his camp and the young man going to a more haphazard group of tents that housed volunteers and sellswords.

Lucan found his father already back from the assembly and waiting in his tent, so he stepped inside.

Father.

The knight nodded. Im told you left to go on rounds through the encampment.

Yes. Lucan told him about the stroll hed taken through the grounds and the freeblade hed met.

Good, his father said. You went alone though.

Yes. The men were occupied getting our camp in order. And theyre as foreign to this place as I am.

Yes, his father shook his head even as he said the word. But, they have skills that you might not. Lee has more experience than all of the others combined. That boy, Ryder, seems to make friends with ease. And Clifton, that one is sharp. I wager he has a good eye for people. Make use of what you have, and dont pass quick judgment. Such matters require careful thought.

Yes, Father, Lucan said. Was there something of importance discussed at the assembly with Lord Serys?

His father nodded. All the levies, including ours, are to be merged into infantry units. The princes commands preceded his arrival by missive. Were to expect our Marshals arrival in the next two days.

Lucan hummed. It wasnt uncommon for a Marshal to reorder their army so that command was not splintered between dozens of vassals, but the prince seemed to be in a hurry. Lucan could imagine that the rest of the realm was facing even more peril from the drought than their estate. At least that means our men-at-arms wont be as occupied tomorrow.

His father nodded. Make the best of it.