Chapter 14: A Toast to Trust, A March to War
"Of course."
Marcus Silverdove agreed readily. At once, Rhodes gestured for Durant to bring the map and spread it across the wooden table.
The map had originally belonged to Lawrence. Though marked in several places, it was far from complete—only the main roads and established settlements such as Frostleaf Town were clearly indicated.
"The most common predators here are steppe wolves," Marcus explained, pointing generously at several regions on the map. "They hunt in packs. Be cautious if you encounter them. Your knight likely has more experience with such matters than I do."
He traced a route northward.
"To travel north, you must detour around Gray Serpent Canyon. Giant pythons dwell there. Not far from it lies Ice Spring Lake—there's said to be some kind of water monster living in its depths."
Then he moved his finger westward.
"In Stranglethorn Vale, there's a giant black bear—three meters tall, by rumor. It has already destroyed two caravans. It should be hunting now that it has come out of hibernation."
"These are the dangers I know of. I hope the information proves useful."
"It certainly does," Rhodes replied sincerely, raising his glass. "Thank you, Mr. Silverdove. May our friendship endure."
"May our friendship endure."
They drank together.
Rhodes truly did hold a favorable impression of the merchant. To show his goodwill, he brought out fruit wine discovered in the former mayor's cellar.
Marcus, in turn, had presented two bottles of oak-aged wine from Oak City as a gift.
After setting down his cup, Rhodes asked casually, "Are there any other settlements within Blackpine Ridge?"
Marcus shook his head. "Aside from the Blackrock settlement, I've encountered no others."
That made sense.
With wild beasts roaming freely and bandits rampant, people clustered together for survival. Any smaller village would likely be hidden deep within the wilderness.
"Tell me about the Blackrock settlement," Rhodes continued. "Is it large?"
"It cannot compare to Frostleaf Town. It's barely a village—perhaps a dozen households, fewer than fifty people."
Marcus concealed nothing, recounting all he had observed during his two brief visits, which together had lasted no more than three days.
"However, there is a highly skilled hunter there. On my last trip, I acquired seven complete wasteland wolf pelts, along with dozens of other furs."
"A complete wolf pelt…" Rhodes mused. "That suggests remarkable skill."
To preserve a wolf's hide intact, one must strike a fatal arrow through heart or lungs without damaging the fur. Close combat or crude traps rarely achieved such results.
Skinning the animal afterward required equal precision and knowledge of anatomy.
"Blackrock Mountains teem with wild beasts," Rhodes said thoughtfully. "It's no surprise a skilled hunter would emerge there."
He changed the subject, asking about Marcus's other travels. Only near the end of dinner did Rhodes return to business.
"When do you plan to depart Frostleaf Town?"
"We'll inventory the goods tomorrow," Marcus replied. "If the weather is clear, we leave the morning after."
Rhodes nodded. "Then I shall personally see you off."
Marcus bowed respectfully before venturing, "Would Lord Durant happen to have time to escort us? I would gladly offer another gold coin for his trouble."
"Of course," Rhodes replied warmly. "Not merely for the coin—but for our friendship."
"For friendship."
They drank again.
Marcus smiled because the additional gold coin was less than he had feared.
Rhodes smiled because he had gained both his objective—and an unexpected coin.
Setting down his glass, Rhodes added, "To ensure our friendship endures, I will dispatch an additional squad to guarantee your safety until you leave Blackpine Ridge."
Marcus rose, astonished, and bowed deeply.
"Your generosity humbles me. I will certainly bring you a generous gift next time I visit!"
---
What had nearly concluded as dinner extended into a banquet.
Overjoyed, Marcus ordered two more bottles of oak wine. By the time he left, he was thoroughly intoxicated.
After dismissing the servants, Rhodes summoned Durant.
"My lord, are you well?"
Durant approached quietly as Rhodes rubbed his forehead against the table.
"I'm fine. Just dizzy."
The wine of this world tasted mild—but its strength crept up swiftly.
"I've spoken with Marcus," Rhodes continued. "You will lead a small team to escort them until they leave Blackpine Ridge."
He relayed everything he had learned.
"Select capable fighters. Full armor. Round shields. Some must be skilled hunters. I will follow with reinforcements. Do not rush to attack when you locate them."
"There is still a day," Durant replied calmly. "I will prepare."
"Good."
Rhodes exhaled heavily and finally surrendered to the pull of sleep.
Durant summoned the maids, Leah and Sunny, and together they helped their lord to bed before he departed to select his men.
For caution's sake, he revealed only that they were escorting a caravan and deterring bandits.
Rhodes did not wake until noon the next day.
That afternoon, he summoned Gunther—the former caravan guard captain—and the militia leader. He distributed the newly purchased weapons and chainmail, ordering vigilance and the preparation of two days' rations and water.
He explained that spies had reported increased bandit activity.
Though none had ever heard of these "spies," the lord had spent generously on equipment. They believed him.
Orders were passed along without question.
The following morning, Rhodes rose early. After breakfast with Marcus, he personally escorted the caravan from Frostleaf Town.
Once they disappeared beyond the road's curve, Rhodes returned swiftly to the manor.
He selected fifteen strong men from the former slave caravan—those who had proven themselves reliable—and armed them with axes and longswords.
Gunther and the militia assembled promptly.
Rhodes studied the sky, estimating time, and waited nearly an hour.
Leaving ten men behind to guard the town, he led forty soldiers forward in disciplined formation—marching in the very direction Marcus Silverdove's caravan had taken.
(End of Chapter)