Mage Legend

Macken initially wanted to argue something, but he opened his mouth and eventually didn't say anything.

So, after the group of mages had a hearty fish soup, they set foot on land ravaged by orcs. Several teams of soldiers came to check their identities, but Macken dismissed them all. The Paladin Order had its own code, commonly used to maneuver troops accurately on the battlefield or to transport secret intelligence. The horn that was sounded in Moon Harbor City at first also contained notes and rhythms with specific meanings. Macken Knight only had to make a few gestures to let them pass unhindered.

However, Morgan was a bit dissatisfied with the current situation. "Why can't we encounter any orc patrols?" he kept muttering, "Can't I have something to do?"

Five days later, he stopped complaining. Lynch followed the map given by Wislin, yet still came across a village destroyed by orcs. From afar, they saw a plume of black smoke rising ahead, staining the originally bright blue sky to a dim hue. No cries were heard, nor the sounds of weapons clashing. This could only mean one thing: the orcs had already ended their assault and were likely collecting spoils or had returned to their lair.

Macken Knight called Lynch out to explain the situation. "Should we bypass them? Are there any roads around here, Lynch? Check the map." The knight said.

The mage noticed the tightness in the knight's facial muscles, seemingly suppressing his anger. Many marauders were burning, killing, and looting in Macken's homeland; how could he not be angry? Although the knight would surely heed Lynch's advice and bypass this area, it would gradually affect the team's morale. So the mage used the Eye of Insight to scan around, thought for a moment, and then said, "No, Macken, let's go through. Walk straight across."

After listening to Lynch, Morgan excitedly began wiping his warhammer and whispered to his weapon in the dwarf language. Zilvra comfortably lay in the carriage, leisurely stretching. However, Soka was a little nervous, holding onto the little tiger tightly, not knowing what to do.

"Soka, it's no big deal. Orcs aren't difficult to deal with," Zilvra said lightly. "If Lynch wants, he could handle an entire village of orcs by himself."

"I'm not that powerful," the mage climbed back into the carriage, gesturing for Macken Knight to continue forward. The three fat horses were whipped heavily and galloped ahead. After Lynch settled himself clumsily, he continued, "If the orcs surround us, I don't have the skills like your sister Zilvra. I'd only be able to run away."

"What should I do then? Like last time with that big gray guy?" Soka grabbed his bow and arrow. "Or should I fly up into the sky?"

"No need this time, because we have allies ahead," Lynch said loudly, just so the two companions in front of the carriage could hear. "There are a dozen cavalry behind those bushes ahead. I think they should be a patrol team. If we cooperate with them a bit, we'll be able to easily accomplish this task."

After hearing this, the angel gradually relaxed. She folded her wings and collected the pointed arrows. Macken Knight swung his horse's head and headed towards the bushes Lynch mentioned. The only way to prevent those orcs from escaping was to start the offensive quickly.

"Hey! Stop, you can't pass ahead!" A few cavalry leapt out from behind the bushes, blocking Lynch's group's path. "Don't you see that black smoke? The orcs are in the direction you're heading; are you walking into a trap?"

"No, we're the ones laying the trap," Morgan stood up from the front seat and said proudly. "Pate's knights, Morgan the dwarf from Ridge Mountain, salutes you. When do you plan to wipe out those guys?"

"Dwarf Morgan, this battle is none of your concern. I think you should stay as far from the frontline as possible." The knight took off his visor; he didn't seem very old yet was the leader of this group. "I'm Wood Spaj, son of the carpenter Spaj. We're waiting for news from our companions who went to scout the village; they'll be back shortly."

Lynch poked his head out of the carriage, his actions making the cavalry tense up. Macken Knight noticed this detail and shook his head. These patrol soldiers were clearly fledglings without much combat experience; any slight change could panic them. Lynch looked into the distance and said, "If your companions are wearing light green cloaks, with one riding a red horse and the other on a white one, then I can tell you they've been captured by orcs. They're being dragged off their horses, I mean, their bodies."

"Oh my God! How can you curse my companions like that?" Wood said. "How could you possibly see my companions? It's ten miles to the village from here, and there's a wooded hill in between. I don't believe you!"

"If he says he saw it, then I believe him," Morgan replied loudly. "I don't understand how he does it, but I never doubt his eyes."

"Listen to me, knight," Lynch rubbed his eyes; the distance made him easily tired. "Those orcs are definitely out searching for winter food. They're preparing to leave the village and run towards their stronghold. If you let them escape, I assure you, come spring they'll be well-fed and return for another attack. If you hesitate any longer, we won't wait for you."

"Yes! We'll go handle them ourselves!" Morgan stomped his foot. "Countless stones! I can't wait any longer!"

"Alright, alright, gentlemen. We'll take your advice and direction," Wood put his helmet back on, sheathing his sword and pulling out the lance hanging by the saddle. "But I still ask you to stay here. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Oh, I guarantee you, we won't get hurt," Lynch pointed to the east. "With your speed, intercepting at the east side of the village is the best choice. It's flat there, and those orcs hauling stolen goods can't run fast!"

"Thank you, gentlemen," said Wood. "The Light God will guide us!" Then, under his lead, eleven cavalry charged in the direction Lynch pointed. Their hurried hooves were hardly loud on the soft grass, and they didn't shout slogans; everything was done as quietly as possible.

"They started too fast; it's still a ten-mile distance after all. By then the horses will be tired," Macken Knight said. "But other than that, everything is fine. They're good lads, just a bit inexperienced."

"That's why I sent them to the east side of the village, where the battle will be easier," Lynch pressed on Morgan's shoulder, speaking to the dwarf. "Let's go into the village and chase those guys into Wood's ambush!"

"I knew you would save the best part!" Morgan kicked the horse's rear, brandishing his warhammer. "Let's go! What are we waiting for!"