Volume 3: The Eagle of the Caucasus

Chapter 1: Preparation

The Leon region stretches over four hundred miles from east to west and nearly two hundred miles from north to south, forming an irregular rectangle. It is not only the most important source of coal and iron ore in the entire Homer region but also the most crucial ore-producing area in the Kingdom of Nicomedia. Large quantities of coal and ore are continuously transported by water to Cyprus and the northern regions of Nicomedia.

Yet this area also has the worst law and order situation in the Kingdom of Nicomedia. With the extensive use of slaves from various ethnic groups, the extreme labor demands keep the region in constant turmoil. Small-scale slave uprisings occur frequently, and major slave revolts happen every few years. Ordinary escaped slaves often gather together to form small bands of bandits, attacking passing caravans, kidnapping mine owners and managers, and demanding ransom. This has become a chronic problem in the region. Even Bruce’s security forces have sent troops there multiple times to suppress them, but the vast and rugged terrain of the Leon region makes it impossible to track down these elusive bandits, resulting in little success. Eventually, large numbers of mercenaries and bodyguard groups flocked to the area to act as guards and enforcers for wealthy mine owners, which helped curb the bandits’ activities. However, this was only a temporary solution and did not bring about any real improvement in the region’s law and order.

Traveling south from Fort Bruce across the floating bridge over the Nise River brings one into the territory of the Leon region. Komer and his group continued south by carriage, while the twelve slave soldiers began their first march. Besides maintaining a fixed distance between them, staying alert at all times was their first lesson. Baoling became the busiest instructor, constantly scolding and berating the half-orcs, who were still far from being competent soldiers. Fran also occasionally gave guidance to this small group of soldiers.

The twelve men were divided into two squads of six each, forming two attack formations, which looked fairly organized. However, maintaining such a high level of alertness for long periods was extremely difficult for these lazy half-orcs. Nevertheless, half-orcs have always revered the strong. Even outside Fort Bruce, in the forests, they had previously challenged Baoling and Fran together but were thoroughly defeated. Finally, they accepted the principle that the strong rule and had no choice but to endure the brutal training from Fran and Baoling. After some time, they made considerable progress, much to the satisfaction of Fran and Baoling.

Ilot could tell that his boss seemed preoccupied, but he had noticed that his boss had changed a lot since three years ago. Not only did he seem to harbor endless mysteries, but his personality had also become much darker than before. Aside from the unrestrained wildness that occasionally showed through when he lost control, Ilot sometimes even wondered if Comer had really become a different person.

Noticing the concerned look in his friend’s eyes, Comer smiled faintly. “Ilot, what’s wrong? Is something wrong?”

“Boss, I think you’ve changed a lot. Did that incident really change you so much? Or has living in exile these past three years affected you?” Ilot stared at him with his clear eyes and said bluntly, “I don’t like you like this—so gloomy and cold. I think the atmosphere among the three of us back then was better.”

Comer felt a stir in his heart, an indescribable emotion rising from within. He also felt that he had changed too much, even finding it hard to accept. Yet the oppressive gloom in his heart never seemed to fade. Ilot’s words touched him deeply.

“Sigh, everyone changes. Neither you nor I are those naive teenagers from three years ago who knew nothing. But maybe you’re right. I’ve changed a bit, but there are things that will never change.” A glint appeared in Comer’s eyes, reflecting both wisdom born from reflection and an inability to hide his true feelings.

After a moment of silence, Ilot patted Comer’s shoulder and said solemnly, “Boss, together, no matter what we face, you don’t have to lock yourself away in darkness. We’re still young, with plenty of time and energy. As long as we face it bravely, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.”

Ilot’s words moved and surprised Comer alike. A long-absent warmth swirled in his throat and nose, and he struggled hard to control himself from showing it right then. Comer stared at his friend’s unattractive horse-like face, which now seemed so endearing. It seemed it wasn’t just him growing up—once carefree Ilot had also matured. The fact that he could say such things proved that he, like Comer, was now fully capable of facing any difficulties.

Their hands clasped tightly, conveying everything without words.

Although he knew attacks were likely on this route in the Leon region, Komer still hoped to avoid such attacks as much as possible. Just before the group reached a point less than thirty miles from Leon, he suddenly changed plans and decided to take a shortcut instead of the main road. This sudden change was opposed by everyone, including Fran. The southern route was longer, but it was wider and had more vehicles transporting ore, so at least the bandits would be cautious there. However, if they took the shortcut, the bandits could attack them without restraint, posing a great danger.

But Komer insisted on his decision because he knew that since they were willing to buy even fallen knights, they surely intended to kill him. Whether the road was remote or not was no reason to stop them from acting. It was conceivable that they had set up an ambush somewhere along the main road—why risk falling into such a trap? Although the shortcut was more remote, it shortened the distance significantly and would also disrupt the enemy’s plans. The bandits in the Leon region did not form any large-scale organizations; they were mostly small gangs with limited intelligence networks, often acting randomly. If his group took the shortcut, they might have a chance to evade their surveillance.

The only concern was that the bandits were much more familiar with the terrain than Komer’s group. They could only rely on guides hired at a high price from the Bruce Market, but Komer wasn’t sure if they could avoid the bandits’ blockades.

Watching Komer’s group disappear behind the floating bridge, Bamo Li stood on the castle wall and turned slightly before asking calmly, “Have we sent someone to inform them?”

“Rest assured, my lord. It has been done. But I don’t understand why you don’t send our men to deal with them directly?” the adjutant replied after hesitating.

Glancing at his trusted subordinate, Bamo Li shook his head. “This isn’t an order from the high command. Princess Tracy doesn’t have the authority to command my troops. Besides, I think that lord isn’t as simple as he seems. After dealing with him for so long, I’ve always sensed something eerie about him. If those we send out encounter trouble, how can we explain it to our superiors? Moreover, the people we send might not even be able to keep their secrets. Murdering a lord is an unforgivable crime of rebellion! By doing this, we’re doing them a favor. If they succeed, they owe us a debt; if they fail, it’s just because they’re not strong enough to handle a mere dozen people. Who can blame them?”
“Your wisdom is unmatched!” his deputy said with a flattering smile.