"Laine, what about you?" Ivan asked, silently pondering his son's thoughts before turning to inquire about Laine's opinion.
"If I were the Green Skin, I would take the southern route," Laine replied calmly, raising his head.
"For the Green Skin, what's important is not the result but the process. They crave battle, victory, and destruction. That's the essence of a big Waaagh! Only by constantly destroying, killing, and fighting along the way can they truly enjoy themselves." Laine said, stroking his chin with a serious expression, "So the villages, manors, and castles along the southern route are what they desire."
Anton suddenly realized: "Laine is right! That's what the Green Skin wants!"
"So... Anton, I've taken you out many times because staying confined in the castle would leave you clueless about what's really happening outside. As Laine said, I also believe the Green Skins will take the southern route." The Griffin Duke looked into the distance and continued, "I've already ordered the evacuation of all villagers from Koleson, where we will have a decisive battle against the Green-skinned Army."
Koleson, is it? Laine took the map and saw that it was a small village with about a hundred people. Perhaps, just as Ivan said, it would indeed be the appetizer for this Waaagh!
"Besides... Laine, you are indeed not quite suited to stay in Marinburg any longer. After just spending a year in Marinburg, you've become somewhat complacent," Ivan said to Laine, "It's easy to relax there. After this war, head to Brittania as soon as possible!"
In considering his behavior since coming to Marinburg, Laine had to admit his godfather was right. The comfortable life in Marinburg had indeed relaxed him both mentally and physically: "I'm very ashamed."
"Hmm," Ivan said no more.
More than half an hour later, a massive cloud of dust rose on the distant road. The Griffin Knights stood upright, ready to welcome their allies.
"This time Brittania sent about three hundred knights, and I'm eager to see how capable these knights, reputed as the best on the Continent, truly are," Anton said as he adjusted his helmet and armor, speaking to Laine, who merely nodded and looked into the distance. This content belongs to noᴠelfire.net
First on the horizon appeared a knight riding a Pure-blooded Elf Armored Warhorse. He was clad in full plate armor, with a yellow and black robe and cape flapping in the wind, and gold and silver ornaments hanging from his chest, glinting with his every move.
In his left hand, he held a shield engraved with the Bastogne "Red Fire Dragon" family crest, and in his right hand, a colossal cavalry lance burning with white flame. On his head was a grand helm with a dragon's golden effigy atop it.
This was a Holy Grail Knight.
Behind him were hundreds of Brittania Knights, advancing slowly with lances and shields. Following them were Knight's Squires in similar attire, and Rangers clad only in leather armor and helmets. Then came many infantry, wearing simple leather armor and round helmets, some wielding poleaxes, some with sword and shield, and others with long spears or longbows. However, they all shared the common traits of wearing basic clothing and appearing malnourished, significantly less equipped, motivated, and spirited than the elite Imperial Infantry Corps.
"Welcome! Noble Knight Allies, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, I warmly welcome you, and wish you good health. Let us stand together against evil!" Ivan, mounted on his warhorse, stepped forward to greet the knights, "My God, I didn't expect a Holy Grail Knight to personally lead the army. Praise the gods!"
"Thank you, my friends! Since the founding of Brittania, we have fought side by side many times against evil! When we learned that our allies were threatened by the tide of green evil, we felt it was time, time to sound the call of assembly again and fight alongside our Imperial friends!" The Holy Grail Knight sincerely greeted the Griffin Duke, "I am Holy Grail Knight Jules, under the glory of the Lady, you must be His Grace the Duke Griffin?"
"Indeed! Your Grace Jules, it's a long journey, and we're grateful for your efforts. We have arranged a banquet to welcome our knightly friends," Griffin Duke Ivan said with a hearty laughter, signifying he had prepared the feast.
"Are you Laine?" Holy Grail Knight Jules, appearing around forty, quickly noticed Laine standing beside Ivan. After a moment's scrutiny, Jules smiled suddenly, "Welcome, young warrior, champion of the Lady, welcome to the ranks of the Holy Grail Knights."
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Grace Jules!" Laine signaled with a handshake, feeling somewhat moved. Such were the Holy Grail Knights; those who completed the Holy Grail Trial and reached the end of the Path of the Holy Grail were true warriors and mighty figures exemplifying the Eight Virtues of Chivalry. They never showed bias against others for personal gain or sectarian views, and Holy Grail Knights always treated every human equally and justly.
Excluding the peasants.
"This is a court invitation personally signed by His Majesty Richard. Take it, Lady's champion, it's the Lady's will. I represent Brittania in welcoming your arrival," Jules took out a scroll adorned with the seal of the Lake God Witch and the Knight King.