The Way of the Knight
Chapter 40 – Bloodstains and New Burdens
The mist slowly receded from Eisenwald Marsh, leaving behind only the stench of blood, the cries of the wounded, and the countless corpses floating upon the murky waters. Carrion birds circled above, their cries echoing like grim heralds, while the soaked ground greedily drank the endless crimson that seeped into it.
Fenrir stood amidst the marsh, his body covered in wounds, his blade still dripping with blood. His breath was heavy, yet his eyes remained sharp and unyielding.
Around him, the Eisenwald militia roared.
"VICTORY IS OURS!"
"LONG LIVE BARON FENRIR! LONG LIVE EISENWALD!"
They were no longer mere peasants, no longer simple fishermen or farmers—they had become soldiers, hardened by battle, forged in blood. And yet, Fenrir knew better than anyone: victory was only the beginning.
---
Fenrir raised his hand, and silence fell across the battlefield. His voice cut through the chaos like a blade.
"Enough cheering. We have work to do. Gather the bodies of our fallen—bury them with honor. None of them will rot and be forgotten in this swamp."
The militia moved quickly. Tired, broken, and scarred, yet their faces were filled with reverence for the young baron. They carried the bodies of their comrades, tears silently streaming down their cheeks, but their steps were firm.
Fenrir turned his gaze toward the prisoners—remnants of Klausen's mercenaries. Some still clutched their weapons, though their hands trembled, pale faces betraying fear.
"Listen well," Fenrir's voice was cold, merciless. "Any of you who dare defy me… will die here and now."
A few foolish mercenaries tried to resist. Spears pierced their chests in an instant, their bodies sinking into the marsh without ceremony. The rest fell to their knees, trembling, heads bowed in submission.
Fenrir stared at them for a long moment before speaking again.
"Those of you who surrender will have a chance. But understand this—you are no longer mercenaries. You are now part of Eisenwald. There is only one rule: obey, or the swamp will claim you."
The silence that followed was heavy, the authority in his words absolute.
---
After issuing his orders, Fenrir walked among his people. The cries of grief filled the air.
A mother clutched her son's lifeless body, wailing until her voice broke. A father dug into the wet soil with his bare hands, desperate to give his boy a grave before the swamp swallowed him whole.
Fenrir stopped before the grieving father. His own heart ached, but his face remained steady. He knelt down, placing a hand on the man's trembling shoulder.
"Your son fell a hero. I swear to you—his blood was not spilled in vain. Because of his sacrifice, Eisenwald lives on."
The father's tears did not stop, but his eyes, red and hollow, turned toward Fenrir with deep respect.
"Protect them… protect Eisenwald, my lord."
Fenrir nodded. In that moment, he understood—the burden he carried was heavier than ever.
---
That night, inside the modest Eisenwald manor, Fenrir sat with his father, Celdric, whose health had grown frail. His once strong body was thin, racked by coughing fits, but his eyes gleamed with pride.
"You did it, Fenrir…" Celdric's voice rasped. "You are no longer the boy I once trained to hold a sword. You are now a true baron."
Fenrir lowered his head, his voice quiet.
"Father… so many lives were lost. I led them into battle. If I were wiser, maybe more could have been saved."
Celdric coughed harshly, then smiled faintly.
"There is no war without death. But you led them to victory, and that is far more than many nobles could ever achieve. Do not let guilt consume you. Let it make you stronger."
His mother, Elena, sat nearby, holding Fenrir's hand tightly. Tears welled in her eyes, but her expression radiated pride.
"I feared losing you, Fenrir. But today… I am proud. Truly proud."
Fenrir looked at them both. In his heart, he swore: I will protect them. And I will raise Eisenwald's name higher than ever.
---
The System Moves
In the silence of night, when Fenrir was alone, the cold mechanical voice resounded once more in his mind.
[Quest Completed: Defend Eisenwald from Klausen's Invasion.]
[Reward: +2 Levels. Trait Unlocked – Wolf of Eisenwald.]
[New Quest Generated.]
Expand Eisenwald's Territory.
Condition: Integrate the conquered land of Rottweil.
Reward: ???
Fenrir clenched his fist.
"So it doesn't end here… Klausen is gone, but now his lands fall upon me. If I am to rule them, I cannot remain just the Baron of the Marsh—I must become something greater."
---
The next morning, an emergency council was held. Eisenwald's militia captains, village elders, and several minor nobles from the marsh gathered in the hall.
One elder spoke with a trembling voice, "My lord, by the laws of war, Klausen's lands are now yours. But they are vast, and our forces are stretched thin. The neighboring lords will surely covet them."
Another added, "Indeed! They will claim Eisenwald too small to hold such territory. Even Marquis Helbrecht will take notice."
Fenrir was silent for a long moment. Then his eyes, sharp as blades, swept across the room.
"If they wish to come, let them come. This marsh devoured Klausen. And anyone else who tries to take what is mine… will share his fate."
The chamber fell silent. For the first time, they did not see a boy speaking—they saw a ruler, a wolf baron rising from blood and mud.
---
The days that followed were filled with grueling work—burying the dead, tending the wounded, and sending envoys to secure Klausen's former lands.
But word of Eisenwald's unlikely victory spread swiftly, reaching from small markets to noble courts. All across the region, one name was whispered with awe and fear: Fenrir Eisenwald, the Crimson Wolf of the Marsh.
Far away, in the halls of neighboring lords, hushed voices conspired.
"That boy defeated Klausen? Impossible…"
"If true, then he is a threat. We cannot allow him to grow unchecked."
"The Marquis will not sit idle…"
Fenrir knew, deep within, that this victory was no end. It was only the first howl before a greater storm.
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#wanD48