Work Prophet

Jude led his men along the riverbank for a while in pursuit, but they couldn't find any trace of Gray and eventually had to return the same way they came.

Thomas happened to be patrolling nearby when the incident occurred, the arrow that struck Gray's left shoulder was shot by him, said the Guard Captain.

"He must be seriously injured and was swept away by the river. Is it possible that you couldn't find him because he's already dead?"

"Don't underestimate the survival instinct of a beast, especially when it's near death," Jude replied.

"But even if he survives, he probably won't be able to reach Rune City before us."

This small incident midway didn't cause much disturbance. With Black Hand dead in battle, the conflict unfolding on this land had already been decided.

Miss Rabbit dispatched a cavalry force of two thousand ahead to Rune City, initially intending merely to intimidate the people there, to prevent them from leaving easily, until the army arrived to take the city in one fell swoop.

But unexpectedly, as soon as the cavalry arrived, the gates of this famous stronghold in the northern Golden Valley opened wide, and the Nobles inside offered no resistance, simply surrendering it.

It was said that this was due to the decision of Black Hand's wife, Tamara. On the night before the cavalry arrived, the Nobles in the city were still endlessly quarreling, some wanted to resist longer, thinking even if they eventually surrendered, they could gain more bargaining chips.

Others advocated fleeing Rune City to find Allister and plea for revenge for Black Hand.

Tamara sat behind a long table holding her three-month-old son, expressionless as she listened to the arguments.

Her father was a minor Lord in the Northern Territory but wasn't much regarded by the Duke, until Allister came to the Northern Territory and discovered the thin blood of the Vespasian Family flowing in her veins, thus acknowledging her as a sister.

Afterward, with Allister's arrangement, Tamara married Black Hand, who was one hundred and forty years her senior.

This political marriage could strengthen the trust between Black Hand and Allister.

Tamara bore no resentment towards this; the children of Noble Families rarely had a say in their marriages anyway, and despite Adela being somewhat older, he was a significant member of the Campbell Family.

In Allister's plan, Black Hand would eventually become the master of Golden Valley, and Tamara, whose father was just a Knight, seemed to have benefited from this marriage.

After the marriage, Tamara followed her husband back to the Golden Valley and had a period of good life.

With the Vespasian and Campbell Family ties, combined with his military prowess, Black Hand managed to secure a foothold in this land, his territory expanding and seemingly drawing closer to his ultimate ambition.

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last, and this expedition brought Tamara news of her husband's defeat and death.

Yet, she wasn't overly saddened, not only because she hadn't spent much time with Black Hand but also due to more pressing matters at hand, leaving her no time for mourning.

Tamara glanced at the child in her arms who had been awakened, gently patting his back and humming a lullaby until he fell asleep again, then raised her head to find all the Nobles in the hall looking at her.

"Although Lord Black Hand is gone, his widow is still here. We should follow her orders," an aging Noble spoke up.

His name was Wood, one of those who had strongly advocated abandoning Rune City and leading the remaining forces to New Moon Land to join Allister; his mention of Tamara was not due to any particular respect for her, but rather because she bore the bloodline of the Vespasian.

Wood thought Tamara would side with him, but surprisingly, Tamara said, "Sir Wood, if you want to go to New Moon Land, you can go yourself. My son and I will stay here."

Wood was taken aback, "Forgive me, madam, you may not fully understand our current situation; with the forces we have, it's very difficult to hold Rune City."

"I know," Tamara replied, "But en route to New Moon Land, we must pass through Elk Valley and Red Plain, those are Conley's and the Wing Tribe's territories, far too dangerous."

"We can protect you and your child," Wood said solemnly.

"You're truly considerate, but Sol and I will not leave. As for others," Tamara glanced at the Nobles in the room, "I've said before, those wishing to leave are free to do so."

Wood was still unwilling to give up, "I understand you are mourning your husband's loss, but it's not time to give up yet, His Majesty will surely ensure justice for you and your son."

"How well do you know Allister, Sir Wood?" Tamara suddenly inquired.

Wood was slightly embarrassed, "I…I once saw His Majesty from afar at the tournament, though I couldn't speak with him then."

"So regarding Allister, I should have more authority to speak than you. Trust me, he values Duke Schroder's opinions very highly, especially concerning politics and military matters.

"And Duke Schroder has little interest in ensuring justice for us. His previous concern for my husband was only because my husband could potentially offer him the Golden Valley, but now Adela has failed, do you think we have much use to him anymore?"

Wood was speechless.

"Let me tell you what could very likely happen if we truly flee to New Moon Land; Schroeder is likely to detain my son, using him as a hostage, compelling us to return to Golden Valley to fight against Ireya.

"And my husband has already proven how foolish it is to go against the Divine Chosen King."

The Nobles in the hall were stunned, as if seeing Tamara for the first time; in their eyes, this newly married wife of Black Hand had nothing besides youth and the thin blood of the Vespasian Family.

Since she had her child, she only seemed to focus on him, knowing nothing of politics or military affairs.

It was only today they realized they were wrong.

Tamara disregarded the astonished looks from the men, continuing, "I plan to surrender to Ireya. I have heard she is a merciful person.

"Moreover, Sol carries the blood of the Campbell Family, and since Lilania and Lord Pibo have no children, I believe... They will surely be kind to this child.

"This land has already seen much bloodshed, it's time to restore peace."

Tamara's words completely dispelled the Nobles' thoughts of continuing resistance in the city.

Also allowing Miss Rabbit to peacefully reclaim Rune City, and with the help of the Nobles inside, they even located Gray's mysterious companion hidden in the city.