NOVEL NEXT Chapter 95: Return
The caravan had just entered the final stretch of Blackridge Pass when Hayden's Ocularis Lens picked up movement along the rocky cliffs above.
His enhanced vision zoomed in immediately, revealing figures in mismatched armor…
"Hmm?" Hayden felt something off as he noticed that their positions or formations were too tight for common thugs.
Still, he had to inform Silas.
"Bandits…" Hayden said as his hand gripped his sword tightly.
Although Silas hadn't seen the bandits yet, he knew that Hayden wouldn't say this just to joke around… He immediately ordered the caravan to stop and called the mercenaries forward, except for those guarding the injured.
Soon, Farah started walking beside the lead wagon and looked at the bandits…
"Look at their stance—they're holding formation…" Hayden said to Farah and the latter nodded. It was as if she knew about these bandits who were seemingly too disciplined to be some random warriors or thugs.
Indeed, the so-called "bandits" were arranged in a skirmish line, with scouts on the flanks and a clear leader at the center was probably the leader. A large man in a scarred officer's cuirass.
He was definitely a previous soldier!
Silas then nodded after confirming the identities of the bandits… "Ah. It's the Blackridge Brigade."
Hayden frowned. "You know them?"
"Unfortunately," Silas grumbled, signaling the caravan mercenaries to just stay on guard and not act rashly.
"Their leader, Captain Duran, used to command the private army of House Veyne before it fell. Now he and his men 'tax' anyone passing through."
Hayden's grip on his sword tightened. "So, we will be fighting, huh..."
However, Silas shook his head. "No… We'll just pay. Fighting them costs more in blood than gold."
The mercenaries also formed a formation as the fifty or so bandits descended… However, Silas raised his hands once again in a placating gesture.
"Duran!" he called out. "We're just merchants. No need for steel today."
The bandit leader, Captain Duran, stepped forward.
He was a man in his forties, but he was still carrying the rigid discipline of a military officer. His eyes scanned the caravan, lingering briefly on Hayden and the mercenaries.
"Silas," Duran acknowledged. "You're late this season. I was starting to think you'd found another route."
Silas forced a chuckle. "And miss your charming hospitality? Never."
Duran's lips twitched, but his gaze remained cold. "A hundred gold coins. Standard toll."
"Fifty…" Silas countered. "We've got wounded. This route is dangerous… We just encountered three berserk One-Horned Apes… Make this route safer and I'll be willing to pay you even more."
A tense silence followed as Duran knew about the One-Horned Man-Eating Apes. However, there should be no way this caravan with dozens of strong mercenaries would be in trouble…
"Berserk, huh… I'll investigate then…" Then Duran nodded. "Fifty. But next time, it's double."
Silas handed over the coin purse without another word.
Just like that, Hayden learned something important… Even bandits followed a certain rule. They may be considered lawless individuals but they weren't entirely evil.
Soon, the bandits retreated back into the cliffs. Hayden simply watched them go, while his Ocularis Lens recorded every detail—from their movements, their gear, and the way they communicated with hand signals.
'This wasn't just a bandit gang. This was a private army in exile.' Hayden thought as he considered whether this would be his life if he somehow ended up offending some high-ranking nobles or becoming a target of organizations wanting to exploit his Ocularis Lens.
Hayden immediately shook his head at this to erase his random thoughts. 'I'll just change my identity if something like that happens.'
Farah, on the other hand, showed her disappointment. "Cowardly bandits."
Silas sighed. "Don't be too bothered about them. They won't be staying as a bandit forever... Duran's got ambitions. Mark my words—one day, he'll carve out his own territory, and it won't be as a bandit."
Silas said as if he knew a lot about Duran's plans.
'Ahh…'
Now that Hayden thought of it, Silas was indeed in charge of this route so it wouldn't be too surprising if he had sat down with Duran for a conversation and learned various things about his plans.
In any case, Hayden no longer cared about this matter as he believed that he had a low chance of meeting these bandits again.
***
The rest of the journey passed without incident.
They were able to find a town to ensure Lady Clarisse and her handmaiden's safety.
The physician didn't find any issues with them and believed that they just needed some rest to completely recover in a couple of weeks or so.
Of course, Silas didn't leave them behind as they all continued on their way to Silvercrest City.
The caravan reached Silvercrest City by dusk on the third day and it was definitely a more prosperous city compared to Dawnspire City.
Of course, Silas had once again urged Lady Clarisse and her handmaiden to be swiftly taken to a reputable physician. After all, the small town's physician may not have better equipment to find hidden injuries in their bodies…
Silas then gathered all the mercenaries and students who had accepted the mission and paid them their wages.
Well, this escort mission was only one-way after all. Their return to the Academy was already their own concern. However, they could just easily do another escort mission, going back to Dawnspire City…
"Ahem… Hayden, if you ever tire of the Academy, look me up. I could use someone like you. Payments would always be negotiable. Just let me know." Silas said as he believed that Hayden was definitely an asset he wouldn't regret to have.
Hayden smiled at this as he confirmed that the man was indeed a business-minded person. "I'll keep that in mind."
The mercenaries, meanwhile, parted ways after some time.
"Try not to die before we meet again," Farah said, clapping Hayden on the shoulder.
If Hayden was a bit older than he was now, she would surely invite him to join her team. However, he was simply too young at the moment.
"I'll do my best," Hayden replied as he also planned to explore the city before leaving...
However, it was this time that he sensed a killing intent aimed at him.