The Devouring Knight

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Alright. I'll follow you."

Satisfied with her answer, Lumberling stood tall, scanning the field one last time. Liraeth, regaining her composure, straightened and called her remaining soldiers.

"Clean the ground," she ordered. "Gather the bodies and burn them."

The men moved quickly, grim-faced but obedient, piling corpses and setting them alight. Flames licked the air, carrying smoke and ash toward the fading horizon.

Once the work was done, the two of them mounted up and turned away from the carnage, leaving only fire and silence behind as they continued their journey.

…...

A month later, the banners of Liraeth's territory finally came into view. The weary company passed through the familiar stone gates, where waiting to receive them were two figures who had stood as pillars of her household for decades.

"Welcome back, Lady Liraeth," Sorrin greeted with a deep bow, his weathered voice carrying warmth. Then his eyes shifted to Lumberling. "And Baron Lumberling." He lingered there a heartbeat longer, pride shining in his gaze. The boy he once guided was now a man who carried his own weight, his own name.

At the gate, Gordon's face darkened as he counted the returning soldiers. There were fewer than he had sent. His brows drew together, and his voice came out hard.

"Did something happen?"

Liraeth's expression soured, memories of that night flashing across her mind.

"Torvald and his men ambushed us."

"What?" Gordon's voice thundered with anger. His hand went to his sword hilt as his teeth clenched. "That bastard, I'll cut him down myself when I see him."

Sorrin's jaw tightened, his composure still intact though the sharpness in his eyes betrayed his fury.

Liraeth raised a hand to calm them. "Don't worry. He's already dead. Lumberling killed him." She turned her head, smiling faintly at the man beside her.

Both old Knights exchanged a quick glance, surprise flickering across their faces. But knowing the young Baron's strength, it was not difficult to believe.

Lumberling gave a small shrug, his tone steady. "He asked for it. And truth be told… I'm grateful for the gifts he gave me."

"Right," Liraeth agreed softly, her smile lingering just a little longer than needed.

That small exchange did not escape the two veterans. Sorrin and Gordon had served her since she was a child, they needed no words to recognize change in her. The way her eyes lingered, the way her tone shifted around the young Baron… it told them enough.

But neither spoke it aloud. It was her choice. And in their hearts, both men admitted, the match was not a poor one.

Then, as if recalling something urgent, Gordon's frown deepened.

"Baron Torvald's lands… they were attacked by Vikings. By the time we arrived, it was too late. Half the people were dead or taken, the rest fled here seeking shelter."

Sorrin's voice followed, edged with disdain. "What troubled us most was that the resistance was thinner than expected. We discovered why, Baron Torvald abandoned his people, fleeing with his wealth before the attack even began."

"That idiot," Liraeth frowned, her face hardening.

Lumberling's gaze sharpened. "We should still inspect his territory, see if anything can be salvaged."

Gordon shook his head grimly. "We already did. The raiders stripped it bare, then burned what remained. The land is ash and ruin now."

Silence fell for a moment, heavy with the weight of the news. Then Sorrin spoke again.

"And it isn't only Vikings. Attacks have grown fiercer, not just from them, but from the Sengolio as well. Their roaming armies are larger now, and worse, they march with more mages at their side."

Gordon's jaw tightened. "Two baron territories west of here have already fallen. Another was emptied overnight, even their wells poisoned, as if no survivors were meant to remain. The danger isn't far anymore, it's closing in."

At that, both Lumberling and Liraeth exchanged a sharp look.

"Why? Has something happened?"

The two old Knights both shook their heads.

"We don't know," Gordon admitted, frustration on his face. "But more territories are falling, faster than before. It feels as though something greater stirs behind all this."

Sorrin inclined his head toward Lumberling. "You must check on Baron Roland's lands. And the men you left stationed there, if trouble spreads that far, they may already be in danger."

"They're fine," Lumberling said, though his brows furrowed. "I've had no urgent messages from them."

"Even so," Sorrin pressed gently, "send a message, just to be certain."

Lumberling exhaled, then gave a curt nod. "No need. I'll go there myself."

Liraeth's lips pressed thin, but she did not protest. She only looked at him, a quiet worry in her eyes.

...

The next morning, Lumberling was already fastening his gear, preparing once more to set out, this time toward Drosvain City.

At the courtyard, Liraeth stood watching him, her arms folded though her eyes betrayed her worry.

"Are you certain you don't want me to come with you?" she asked softly.

He glanced back, his tone reassuring. "Don't worry about me. Focus on your training and meditation. You've only just stepped onto your path, you need to build your foundation."

Liraeth exhaled through her nose, reluctant but nodding. "Alright then…" She pulled out a small pouch and held it toward him.

"What's this?" he asked, raising a brow.

She smirked a little. "Platinum coins. My people have already started selling your goods. They're selling fast, faster than I expected. I'll give you more once the rest are gone."

Lumberling accepted the pouch, weighing it in his hand, easily more than fifty coins. He gave her a small nod, approval flickering in his eyes. "Efficient. I'll count on you, then."

There was a pause, then his lips curved into a teasing grin.

"Aren't you going to give me a good luck charm before I leave?"

Her eyes blinked in confusion, until realization dawned. Her cheeks reddened instantly. With an embarrassed huff, she rose on her toes and quickly pressed her lips to his cheek.

Lumberling chuckled warmly, the smile reaching his eyes. "Now I feel like I'll be safe no matter what happens."

"Just… go," Liraeth muttered, her face still crimson. "And be safe out there." She turned briskly on her heel, but the tips of her ears gave her away.