The Devouring Knight

Baron Roland exhaled in relief, then rose from his chair. "Then I'll excuse myself, to allow the two of you to discuss the details. Since Lord Lumberling has already agreed, the rest is between you."

He gave them a polite nod before leaving the chamber with Derrek in tow, the door closing softly behind him.

Lumberling leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze steady on the Viscount. "How many Knights do you have under your command?"

Vaelora's expression didn't waver. She gestured to the silver-armored man standing behind her. "One by my side. Uncle Gordon here, he is a Knight of the First Stage."

At her words, the older Knight gave a short bow, his weathered face softening with a small, respectful smile before he straightened again.

"And," Vaelora continued, "I left another Knight of the First Stage behind to guard our territory."

Lumberling nodded, his voice calm but pressing. "How about their soldiers? And yours?"

"The Sengolio force numbers around two thousand," Vaelora answered evenly. "I command a little over a thousand. But numbers are not the real issue." She leaned forward, her green eyes sharpening. "The true threats are their Knights."

The room grew quiet, only the faint crackle of the fireplace breaking the silence. Lumberling thought for a moment, then spoke with a steady resolve.

"Then let me change the condition." His words cut through the stillness. "Instead of merely guarding your territory… we'll help you kill every last one of those Sengolio soldiers."

The Viscount blinked, caught off guard. Her lips parted slightly, surprise breaking through her composure. Even Gordon's expression hardened, a faint frown forming as he shifted his weight, like a man not sure if he had heard recklessness or raw confidence.

When she finally spoke, her tone was careful. "Pardon me, Lord Lumberling, but let me repeat what Baron Roland said. The enemy has four Knights of the First Stage… perhaps more. All I ask of you is to help us hold the line until I can recruit additional Knights."

"And how long will this recruiting take?" Lumberling asked without hesitation, his eyes narrowing slightly.

For the first time, the young Viscount hesitated. Her hands stilled over her teacup, and silence lingered between them. In these times of war, every True Knight was hunted after like gold. If it had been rare to recruit one before, now it was almost impossible.

Lumberling broke the silence. "We can't keep guarding your territory. We have our own mission to see through."

The Viscount's brows knit together. "Are you declining our offer now? I've made it clear, I only ask that you help us hold the line for a while. I will recruit more Knights."

"That's not what I'm saying," Lumberling replied evenly. His voice carried no hesitation. "I gave you my word, and I'll honor it. We'll help you. But…" He leaned forward slightly. "Mobilize your soldiers and Knights, and I'll rally mine. Together, we strike the Sengolio head-on."

The room grew heavier. Vaelora's frown deepened, and behind her, Gordon's jaw tightened. The old Knight finally spoke, his tone sharp. "My Lady, this is reckless…"

But Vaelora lifted her hand, silencing him. Her gaze stayed fixed on Lumberling. In that moment, she studied him carefully. A man who insisted on attacking instead of defending could only fall into two kinds, madmen who sought death, or leaders with power enough to change the odds.

Her green eyes locked with his, searching.

"Very well," she said at last, her voice calm but firm. "But before we act, I want to see your forces with my own eyes. If I find them lacking, the contract ends here."

Lumberling arched a brow. "Didn't you say earlier you'd already heard of us?"

"We're risking our soldiers and our Knights in this plan, Lord Lumberling," she replied smoothly. "Rumors are not enough. I need to see them myself."

He gave a short nod, accepting her words without protest.

Vaelora's expression softened slightly as she placed her teacup down. "My name is Liraeth Vaelora. I trust you'll understand our position, and that we can work together."

Lumberling stood, bowing his head just enough before turning to leave.

As the door closed behind him, Gordon leaned toward his lady, his voice low but edged with concern. "My Lady, are you certain we can trust them? This man may not grasp the gravity of what we face. His plans are too reckless."

His hand lingered on his sword, then dropped. "I served your father before you, and I've seen how much you've bled to hold this land together. Forgive me, but I would rather be branded overcautious than see that effort undone."

Vaelora looked at him, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "He is reckless, yes. But let's see for ourselves… whether it's empty bravado, or if he truly has the strength to back his words."

...

The next morning, Liraeth arrived with Gordon and a handful of her soldiers to see Lumberling's forces for herself. The training yard buzzed with movement, kobolds clashing with shields, hobgoblins swinging axes, and goblins sparring in pairs under the sharp cries of their captains. Overhead, golden eagles circled, their wings casting fleeting shadows across the ground.

The humans stopped in their tracks. Their eyes widened as they took in the sight.

"It's true," one soldier whispered, gripping the hilt of his sword. "They really are… monsters."

Another swallowed hard, his voice barely audible. "And they fight like soldiers…"

At the far side of the yard, Skitz stepped forward, his tall, lean form radiating calm authority. The goblin leader's presence alone silenced the yard for a moment. Gordon's eyes narrowed as he instinctively reached for the hilt of his blade. The old Knight's aura flared, clashing faintly with Skitz's own.

"…That one," Gordon muttered under his breath, "is no ordinary monster."

Skitz tilted his head slightly, a faint grin tugging at his lips, but he said nothing.

Liraeth stood still, her green eyes sweeping across the assembled warriors. She could feel the strength in their movements, the discipline that was rare even among human militias. There was no denying this was a fighting force.

She finally broke the silence, her voice carrying both recognition and caution.

"Your group is indeed strong, Lord Lumberling. Stronger than I expected…" She paused, her tone tightening as her gaze met his. "But as I said before, strength alone is not enough. Against True Knights, we need warriors of the same level. Discipline and strength… you've made them more than monsters. But even that may not be enough."