kscans

1

Bard bid farewell to Count of Linz and headed north. Count of Linz said, “If you’re heading north, you might pass through the Mageia territory. The lord of the land, Godon Zarkos, is my nephew. He’s a good man. He’s been wanting to meet the “Knight of the People” for some time now. Be sure to drop by.” He gave Bard a letter of introduction.

Bard traveled north along the Ova River for a while, then entered the mountain trail. As usual, he walked with his luggage on the old horse Stavros. Since leaving Linz, Stavros seemed to be in poor health. Nevertheless, he carried the luggage without faltering. One day, as he was preparing for an early camp in the mountains, Stavros crouched down and refused to eat the grass. He died quietly that night.

Barban, the long-eared wolf, appeared, aiming for the corpse. Bard wrapped his cloak around his left hand as a shield and attacked with his sword in his right hand. He was wounded in several places by the wolf’s claws and fangs, but was able to defeat it by stabbing it in the heart.

However, the attack did not end there. Three long-eared wolves appeared after that. Bard did not think about running away. If he used Stavros’ corpse as bait, he could buy some time. In fact, he had used a friend’s horse as bait when it had died in battle before. While wild beasts and demonic beasts ate the horse’s corpse, he reorganized his position. He had even deliberately used it as bait to lure them in.

But he really didn’t want to do that. The love that a knight has for his horse is difficult for those who do not stand on the battlefield to understand. To a knight, a horse is a partner and family. It could even be said to be half of himself. Bard, who gave heartless orders, was looked at with resentful eyes by his subordinates.

That’s how he had continued to protect his subordinates and the people. At least at the end of his life, he wanted to protect the horse’s corpse and die with it, even if it was a foolish behavior. This was truly a foolish act. Ultimately, the old horse’s corpse had to be left to nature’s care. Nevertheless, even if it was only for the short time when the soul parted from the body, he wanted to protect its peaceful sleep.

As he fought, the fire’s strength weakened, and he was no longer able to fend off the long-eared wolves. His leather armor had many scratches, and blood was oozing from his left hand, which was wrapped in a cloak. Still, he managed to defeat one and seriously wound another. The wolf that had been seriously wounded jumped at him.

He quickly thrust his sword. It flew into the wolf’s mouth.

He thought, “Oh no,” but it was too late. The wolf bit the sword hard with its fangs. He knew that if he let go, the sword would break, but he couldn’t let go.

The sword broke with a snap. The wolf that had swallowed the tip of the sword died. However, there was no longer any way to fight the last one. Bard resigned himself to death.

At that moment, something flew from behind Bard. It was an axe. A heavy axe that seemed to have considerable weight pierced the wolf’s head as it spun around. The wolf died. Bard turned around to see his benefactor.

It was not human.

It had a large body, a large gaping mouth, and teeth growing out of it. Its green skin looked hard. It was a Gerkaast. They were a sub-race of humans with sharp claws and fangs and armor-like skin.

Among the sub-races, Gerkaasts were particularly aggressive. However, unless there was a special reason, they would not attack humans. Apparently, there was a legend that a human king who once ruled over all humans and sub-races existed among them. Even now, they avoid fighting with humans as much as possible in order to protect that king’s command. They created settlements far from the humans. Bard had never actually met one before.

Bard straightened his back, placed his right hand on his left chest, and bowed to the Gerkaast warrior. The Gerkaast warrior accepted it silently. Gerkaasts were naturally larger than humans, but this one was particularly large. It was more than a head taller than Bard, who was quite large for a human. Its arms, which extended from its large, bulging shoulders, were so long that they almost touched the ground, and they were full of power. If the Gerkaast used its arm strength, it could crush a human’s head. The Gerkaast looked at the horse’s carcass and said, “It’s an old horse.” It was that Gerkaasts understood human language. Bard replied that he was 31 years old.”That’s quite a long life he has lived. Did you treat him well?”

Bard nodded. When asked what he wanted to do with the horse, he replied that he wanted eat as much as possible and take some of his hide with him if possible. The Gerkaast took out a mountain knife from his pouch and handed it to Bard. Then, he began to skin the wolf with an axe. Bard skinned Stavros. But his body was covered in wounds, and there were only a few usable parts left.

In the first place, horse skin is beautiful and taut, but it tears easily. When used for a drum skin, it produces a wonderful stretchy sound, but once it gets scratched, the tear becomes large and spreads easily. However, the skin of the buttocks was of a reasonable size. It is the most durable and easiest part to use.

As they continued to add more firewood, the two of them continued their work. The Gerkaast finished his work surprisingly quickly with his rough axe. The meat of the long-eared wolf was left around the camp. They were put off by the smell of blood, but weak wild animals would not come near the smell of the long-eared wolf.

The meat of the old horse was tough and not very edible, but they cut off the part of the buttocks and grilled it. The Gerkaast was pleased to be offered some and they ate it together. To their surprise, it was incredibly delicious. The fat was finely embedded in it. There was a strange texture along the fibers. The fibers pushed back against their teeth, and the flavour of the meat gradually seeped in. The unique flavor melted together with the soft fat and gradually became sweet in their mouths. It was not only a delicious meal that pleased their tongues, but also a nutritious one. Bard savored the taste of Stavros. The rich and flavorful meat soaked deep into his body. Each bite felt as if it became a part of him.

The Gerkaast didn’t say much about it, but he seemed to enjoy the meal. He eagerly drank the distilled liquor that Bard offered him. When morning came, the Gerkaast invited Bard to his hut.

Before they left, they poured liquor over Stavros’ remains and offered a prayer of condolence. Bard felt like he wanted to dig a hole and bury him, but he didn’t want to take advantage of the Gerkaast’s kindness any further. Besides, it was customary in the frontier to offer horses that died during travel to the fields and forests. They had lived by eating the blessings of the mountains, rivers, trees, and grasses, so when they died, they became food for other creatures. The Gerkaast looked at Bard intently as he pondered this.

The hut built on a ledge near the waterfall was not very comfortable to live in, but it seemed difficult to attack. They washed and tanned the skin.

Since the horse had died, he couldn’t carry much luggage. He sorted through his belongings and gave the rest to the Gerkaast, asking him to take it. He also left behind broken swords and horse gear. The sword was made of valuable steel and should be sold for a good price.

They made a sheath for the sword out of Stavros’ leather. He didn’t have a sword to put in it now, but the Gerkaast warrior showed an unexpected skill and helped him. The seams became a unique pattern, and it was a splendid finish.

The Gerkaast warrior called himself Nged Zoe Engdahl. Nged means warrior, but all adult males in Gerkaast are warriors. The middle name represents the clan. In other words, this Gerkaast was called “I am Engdahl of the Zoe clan.”

There was one more thing Bard knew about Gerkaast. Gerkaast places great importance on the bond between clans. They never settle outside of their clan except for missions. When they travel, they travel as a clan. A mission must be undertaken by two or more members of the clan. This is because the Gerkaast believe that martial arts are meaningless unless seen by members of the same clan. A dead Gerkaast reports the martial arts of the clan to his ancestors. He cannot report his own martial arts.

Only if it is recorded in the spirit of his ancestors will martial arts increase the honor of the clan. If there is a Gerkaast living alone, it is a crime and the maximum punishment is exile.

The lifespan of Gerkaast is more than twice that of a human, but even so, this Gerkaast seemed quite old. However, he was a strong warrior who showed no signs of physical decline. His body was covered in wounds, and there was a large cut from his left shoulder to his chest. Also, the upper half of his left ear was missing.

Behind his blunt demeanor, there was an incredible martial arts prowess that came and went. However, Engdahl seemed to feel the same way about Bard.

“You’re a knight, aren’t you?” he said.

Bard wondered why he was still alive. When Stavros died, he thought, “Is this it?” He had never known the meaning of the name Stavros. However, when he parted with Father Bali Toad at the lake, he asked, “How is that romantically named horse doing?” The priest smiled and explained the meaning of the name. There is a fairy tale called “The Princess and the Knight of the Forest” set in medieval times. The knight and the princess overcome hardships and fall in love. The knight always wants to be by the princess’s side, and the princess always wants to keep the knight close. However, many people need the knight’s help, so he has to travel throughout the country. Only by helping people can he be the knight the princess loves. But what if the princess is in danger while the knight is away? The princess gives the knight a horse. If she chants a spell, the horse will bring the knight back immediately no matter where he is. The secret spell to summon the horse is “Stavros.”

Bard also knew about this famous fairy tale. However, he only remembers the parts about defeating monsters and fighting multiple enemies at once. He didn’t even know about the spell to summon the horse. According to the priest, this part of the story only appears in very old manuscripts that ordinary people don’t know about. But after being told this, Bard thought it was good idea to bring this old horse with him.

When Princess Idola calls, this horse will die. At that time, he will also be taken along, he thought. But Stavros died, and he is still alive. What should he do?

There’s nothing he can do. As long as he’s alive, he’ll live until he dies.

After a few days, when he was about to leave, he was told to wait a little. A merchant he knew would be coming soon. Bard wondered what a merchant was doing in such a remote mountain area, but he didn’t say anything. If this man says he’s coming, he must be coming. Frankly, crossing the mountains alone and without weapons is almost suicide.

Bard spent about a week in Engdahl’s hut. Engdahl seemed to really like the rock salt Bard brought with him. Although both Bard and Engdahl were quiet people, they gradually talked about each other’s habits little by little.

On the seventh day, white smoke rose over the forest. When Engdahl burned the grass he had prepared for the fire, white smoke also appeared. After a while, the smoke turned yellow. Engdahl extinguished the fire completely and said, “Let’s go.” Engdahl had a mountain of luggage. There was a road deep in the forest, and a wagon was parked there. There was a merchant and a man who seemed to be a guard. Engdahl greeted the merchant and said, “Torri Bard Rowen is going to the human city.” It’s a strange expression, but the proud Gerkaast warriors do not ask humans for help or advice. The merchant seemed to understand this and nodded silently. Engdahl lined up the goods he had brought.

There were about forty pelts, about thirty animal fangs and horns, some raw gemstones, a few rare medicinal herb roots, and a broken sword that belonged to Bard.

While the merchant examined the goods, Engdahl stood with his arms crossed, staring into the depths of the mountain. Eventually, the merchant lined up the items for payment. There were five jars of distilled liquor, two large jars of salt, one sewing needle, and three fishing hooks.

That was all. The exchange was so unfair that Bard frowned. Engdahl said nothing and put the exchanged goods away. “Nged Bard Rowen. May the grace of the God you serve be with you on your journey,” he said goodbye and went back to his own place. After saying goodbye to Engdahl, Bard asked the merchant where he was from and where he was going. Judging by the names of the towns and villages he mentioned, this place should be quite a detour. Bard asked how much it would cost to be taken to that village.

“No, I’ve already received it from mister Engdahl’s,” the merchant replied. He was told to get on the wagon , so he did. The guard walked.

That night, they camped by the river. The merchant’s name was Coinshill, and the guard’s name was Moritas. Moritas looked at Bard’s face for a long time when he heard his name, as if he was thinking about something, but he didn’t say anything.

“Master. You probably think I’m just a mediocre merchant,” said Coinshill.

Bard shook his head. “Is that so? At first, yes. You gave me exactly what I needed. Then that green guy left with nothing. I don’t know what he didn’t like, but it would have been nice if he’d said something. Well, I learned that men like the green guy don’t get involved in the lowly things like bargaining or negotiating. I learned that later on. But that Engdahl guy is a real eccentric. He needs to work on his stubbornness,” Bard thought.

Bard asked Coinshill why he started going there.”It was a long time ago when I was young. I got lost on the road and was attacked by a wild beast, but that mister saved me. Oh, that green mister was so, so strong. They say that if there were thirty of them, they could even take down a castle. That’s no joke. Well, that’s how we met.” (t/n: he called him danna, just like Jurchaga call bard also danna. somewhat polite, usually mean Master, but didn’t feel nice to my english)

From the way he spoke, Bard felt a fondness for that eccentric Gerkaast and changed his impression of the merchant.

“But still, this mister. Are you some kind of benefactor to that green mister?”

“On the contrary, I was rescued from a dangerous situation just like you,” Bard replied.

“Oh really? Well, that unsociable green mister gave a farewell blessing. I was surprised. I can’t imagine it. I’ve known him for over twenty years and he’s never said anything like that to me.”

According to the story, this merchant has a shop in town. If the story is true, he seems to have a wide range of businesses and employs five people. He may be a reliable man, since he can afford to hire guards. He may also be a man of duty, since he made a detour for a small transaction.

On the third day, they arrived at the village and Bard parted ways with the merchant.