The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 84: Two Truths!
After leaving the castle, Henwell returns to the inn. As night falls, someone slips in through the window—it's Ayla, Henwell's attendant. Anticipating this, Henwell has been waiting.
Upon receiving the task from Baron Lawrence to investigate, Henwell had sent Ayla away from the baron's territory under the guise of purchasing supplies.
As instructed, Ayla changed clothes and returned to the town, blending in with the vagrants. The territory has its share of bankrupt freemen, and the baron expels a group of them each year. Since these wanderers are generally overlooked, Ayla's identity remains concealed for the time being.
Henwell hands over a plate of food, "Eat while you talk!" After listening to Ayla's , Henwell ponders for a moment, "You don't need to investigate here anymore. I need you to look into someone else."
After sending Ayla off, Henwell gazes at the distant castle, its lights flickering in the night, and a cruel smile tugs at his lips.
The next day at noon, when Lynd hears Henwell's request, he frowns, "Master Arius, this might not be appropriate."
Henwell gestures to Bode, who stands nearby with a scowl, "The baron has authorized me to investigate, granting access to all resources. Do we really need to bother him with every little thing?"
That afternoon, the group heads to the cemetery, where a team of farmers is busy digging up several graves. The onlookers cover their mouths and noses, stepping back with uneasy expressions.
Henwell wraps a towel soaked in alcohol around his face and begins examining the somewhat decayed bodies. Those in coffins are in slightly better condition. However, the bodies of those who couldn't afford coffins are a gruesome sight and emit a stench that challenges the limits of human endurance.
After half an hour, Henwell waves his hand, signaling for the bodies to be reburied. Rawkins pours out some spirits, and Henwell cleans and disinfects his hands. Lynd approaches to inquire about the findings.
"Master Arius, have you discovered anything?" Lynd asks.
Henwell replies, "I've found some clues, but not much. We need to keep investigating."
Henwell then visits some outsiders and local residents to gather more information about the deceased, gaining a deeper understanding of the town's affairs in the process.
On the seventh day after receiving the task, Ayla returns with a . That evening, Henwell knocks on the door and calls out Bode, "Let's go! I've set a trap, and the culprit will show up tonight!"
Despite his reluctance, Bode follows along, accompanied by Sheriff Lynd. On the way, Lynd expresses his concern, "Master Arius, shouldn't we bring more people?"
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Henwell responds, "What’s there to fear? We have Knight Bode with us, don't we?"
In truth, Bode feels a bit anxious; though he holds the title of a knight, he lacks the corresponding skills. Yet, with Henwell's confidence, he's too embarrassed to ask for additional help.
The group leaves the town and arrives at the cemetery they visited before. Henwell points to a figure drinking in front of a grave, "There’s the murderer!"
Lynd draws his sword and approaches, exclaiming, "How is this possible? How could it be old Potter?"
In the moonlight, a limping man rises, leaning on a tombstone. Knight Bode looks puzzled, "This man is the murderer?"
Old Potter, dressed in tattered clothes with a gaunt face, holds a standard long sword of the duchy, struggling to stand firm. Henwell chuckles, "Don’t underestimate him. He’s an old soldier who’s fought on the battlefield, skilled in killing, and not worse than you!"
Bode wants to argue but holds back, remembering past events. "Why did he kill those people?"
Henwell sighs, "Let me tell you the first version of this case. It’s a tragic story. Old Potter had a daughter named Shire, a well-known beauty in the town at just fifteen. During the War of the Six Kings, rumors ran wild. Potter's wife, believing him dead, had to sell herself to survive. When Potter miraculously returned from the brutal battlefield, he didn’t blame her. But she couldn’t face him and soon passed away in despair."
"Potter raised his daughter alone, barely making ends meet. Just as he was planning for her future, fate dealt him another cruel blow. His only reason for living, his daughter, was violated by a group of brutes and lost her life. Though I haven’t examined her body, I can only imagine the horrific things that poor girl endured. What followed is simple—a father who lost everything, an enraged veteran—it's no surprise he did what he did."
Knight Bode grips his sword hilt, "How could a cripple kill so many people? Some of them were veterans, and the tax officer was once a retainer of the lord. He wouldn't stand a chance against him! I remember there was even an incident where two people were killed at once. How could he manage that?"
Henwell turns to look at Lynd, who is holding a sword, "Of course, he had help. Like Sheriff Lynd here, who’s also a hardened veteran. They’re comrades, Bode. You’ve never been to war, so you can’t understand the bond between men who entrust each other with their lives. Sheriff Lynd is quite skilled, and with the element of surprise, few could withstand their assault."
Bode suddenly draws his sword, "Then what are we waiting for?"
Lynd steps beside old Potter, "Master Arius, you’re truly clever. How did you figure it out?"
Henwell points to the graves of the murdered, "Though their bodies were mutilated, each had only one fatal wound. My experiences allowed me to recognize the distinct nature of those wounds instantly. They were caused by military combat techniques—swift and deadly, coupled with an old soldier’s habit of ensuring the kill."
Lynd pauses, then smiles, "Master Arius, you’re quite an intriguing person. To know such things, I can’t say I’m surprised, but I won’t go down easily!"
Knight Bode shouts, "Let’s take them down together!"
Henwell waves a hand, "Hold on! I have a second version of the crime. Would you like to hear it?"
Without waiting for a response, Henwell continues, "Knight Bode had an affair with the baroness. They conspired with the tax officer to embezzle a large amount of the baron’s wealth. The tax officer, deep in gambling debt, began blackmailing them for more money."
"In a fit of rage, Knight Bode killed him. Then, to eliminate all evidence and create confusion, more people were killed. When a new tax officer took over, fearing discovery of the embezzlement, they killed him too and burned the records."
Bode’s eyes widen, "You’re spouting nonsense! How could the baron believe such absurdity?"
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Chapter 84: Two Truths!
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