The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 149: I Will Inherit Your Name
As Henwell and his men cross the border into the duchy, still shaken from their encounter with Catherine's army, a cavalry force of over a thousand riders follows closely behind. Seeing the royal guard's banner, Henwell turns his horse and moves to the rear of his group.
The royal guards halt just outside the border, and their leader rides forward, throwing a bloodied figure to the ground. Henwell's eyes narrow; it's the young gladiator who had stayed behind to distract the pursuers for him. The boy's armor is shattered in several places, his body covered in wounds, many of which are fatal. Even if Henwell tries to save him now, it's too late.
Henwell addresses the leader of the royal guards, "What will it take for you to give him back to me?"
The guard leader lifts his visor, "Did you kill Parrish?"
"That Battle Knight?"
"Yes, he was my brother. I'm Esinko."
"In the chaos of battle, it was kill or be killed. Blades have no mercy. All I can say is, I'm sorry for your loss."
Esinko nods slightly, "To fall in battle is our fate when outmatched. But as his brother, I must claim something in return. As for your question about releasing this young man, I also can only say, I'm sorry for your loss."
With that, Esinko thrusts his lance forward, piercing the chest of the young gladiator.
Henwell dismounts and approaches the border, staring at his fallen partner just within reach. He remembers the young man’s nickname, "Beast." During meals, Beast fiercely guarded his food, as if he had been starved in a past life. He always grabbed food with his hands, making it look far from elegant, which led everyone to jokingly say he ate like a beast.
Now, hanging from the lance, Beast is at death's door, sustained only by his warrior's endurance and final will. He coughs up a mouthful of blood, "The Flash... I... I don't... owe you anymore!"
Henwell speaks softly, "Brother, your death won't be in vain. What's your name?"
"Ru... Rudolph..."
Rudolph can’t manage any more words, but Henwell knows what he wants to say. Henwell smiles, "I’m known as the Flash. But my real name is Henwell."
Rudolph manages a weak smile before the light fades from his eyes. Henwell kneels, drawing his sword, "Brother, my life was bought with yours. I will carry your name forward. I’ll live for you."
Henwell stands, "Esinko, may I reclaim my brother's body?"
Esinko shakes his head, "No. If you want it, you'll have to earn it. You're a worthy opponent, so I won't take advantage of you. Mount up and return to your men. Prepare them; I'm about to launch a charge."
With that, Esinko tosses Rudolph’s cloak to Henwell, "Next time, don't let others impersonate you!"
Catherine suddenly speaks up, "Esinko, you cannot cross the border!"
"Oh? The Vorry Duchy has declared war on us! Why shouldn't I cross?"
Catherine replies, "The two nations aren't at war, and there are treaties in place! The battlefield is in the north, not here! My father has ordered that the southern border is for defense, not attack!"
Esinko frowns, "My orders from the king are to bring back Arius at any cost! If we have the opposing prince in our hands, the impact on the situation is something I'm sure you're aware of."
Catherine looks puzzled, "But Arius isn't here! This man is Henwell! Well, he was known as the Flash before. Regardless of his name, he's not Arius! As far as I know, Prince Arius of Vorry Duchy is already in Tyran City. If you must complete your mission, I suggest heading north. Break into Vorry from there and capture Prince Arius, who is guarded by thousands of elite soldiers in the city."
Esinko's brow furrows, "Your Highness, I hope you know what you're doing. Letting this man go is not beneficial for the kingdom."
Catherine responds calmly, "I will explain my actions to my father. You don't need to worry about concealing my stance and behavior."
Ultimately, Esinko refrains from crossing the border. As both sides begin to retreat, Henwell turns to Catherine, "Your Highness, I ask you to gather the bodies of my comrades. Once the war between the two nations ceases, I will return to reclaim their remains, and I promise a generous reward."
Esinko quickly rejects, "No! I will take these bodies back as proof of my mission. They will be hung on the walls outside the capital for everyone to see the fate of traitors!"
Henwell smiles calmly, "Fine! If that's the case, I accept it. But I can tell you, I have more men back at my base. When I return with them, I will personally come to claim their bodies. You better preserve them well."
Esinko sneers, "I look forward to it!"
Henwell doesn't press the matter further. He mounts his horse and bows to Catherine, "Farewell, my queen!" With that, he laughs heartily and rides deeper into the duchy.
Catherine watches Henwell's retreating figure, a small smile playing at her lips. She then notices Esinko's gaze on her and shoots him a fierce glare.
Esinko looks away, "Your Highness, don't take it to heart. He's trying to sow discord."
Catherine narrows her phoenix-like eyes, "Oh? Esinko, do you think a woman is unfit to sit on the throne?"
Damn! This woman is tough to deal with! Esinko quickly turns his horse, eager to avoid this sensitive topic, and leaves with Rudolph's body.
Back with his troop, Henwell's expression is grim. Chick tries to comfort him, "We've been living on borrowed time. Compared to those who died miserably in the arena or on sickbeds, Beast was lucky enough."
Henwell looks up at Chick, "I'm the Flash. But my name is Henwell!"
"We heard you!"
Henwell scans the group and shouts, "My name is Henwell! From now on, it's Rudolph-Henwell!"
Everyone nods in acknowledgment. Henwell takes a deep breath, "Let's go home."
The group heads to the southeastern city of Liverpool. Chabri and others choose to leave, heading north to join Arius. But Henwell doesn't follow; instead, he leads his men towards Peace Haven.
Princess Catherine also heads north to support the battlefield, specifically mobilizing troops to block Henwell. Initially, she intended to kill him if he didn't swear allegiance to her. However, after speaking with Henwell, she realizes keeping him alive is more beneficial.
Daniel, her trusted aide, questions her decision, "Your Highness, just letting them go? It's hard to explain to the king! You know Esinko supports the crown prince!"
Catherine retorts, "How do you think Henwell feels right now?"
"Escaping with his life, he must be happy!"
"No, he's angry! Very angry!"
Catherine continues, "Henwell was right about one thing. He and I are alike; we're both chasing power! He's ambitious and capable, and the strength he's amassed might exceed our expectations. Such a person, after all he's been through, returning to his territory filled with rage—do you think that's really good news for Vorry Duchy?!"
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Chapter 149: I Will Inherit Your Name
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