Chapter 85 Fire In Szazki
Chapter 85 Fire In Szazki
?In Naharog County, specifically in the town of Szazki which belongs to Szazki Barony. Two soldiers were doing their night patrol as usual. Their job is to make a round on the wall. A simple yet a well paid job.
But tonight is not going to be an uneventful night like always.
"Hmm?"
Their movement was halted when they noticed swathes of people approaching the town in uniformly manner.
Panic gradually grows within their heart.
'The enemy is coming.'
There is no plausible answer other than that. Their ten years of experience is strongly telling them so.
"You newcomer, get the commander for me! Get the commander! Hurry up!" One of them shouted.
The newcomer moves his feet despite being clueless about the current circumstances. His senior panicking face is all he needs to guess the dire situation that is about to come.
He keeps running to the centre of the town where their HQ is located.
*Bang*
The commander was startled by the sudden entrance. There is no one else except for him as all the guards are doing their rounds.
"What's wrong?" said the commander. He didn't bother to ask the newcomer to introduce himself.
A panting newcomer tries his best to reply to the question, "T-There is an emergency situation on the northern side. The detail is unknown. I was just sent here to get your presence there."
The commander examines the facial expression of his newcomer and deduces it is genuine, not an act by some spy. The guards are very tense these few weeks due to the king's statement. Baron Szazki has personally ordered him to keep an eye on the possibility of espionage from Count Naharog.
He hastily grabs his swords and armour before following the newcomer from behind.
As soon as he arrived, he was greeted by the person who presumably called him there.
"What's the problem here?"
"Sir, over there."
The commander stares at the horizon. In distance, an unknown force is approaching this little town with an estimation of 5,000 men.
He looked closer to search for any banners or flags that can be used to identify them. To be a commander, he is required to memorize the coat of arms of every noble family in the kingdom including the neighbouring one. It is an arduous task but he goes through it for the sake of an increment in his salary.
Before long, he found only one flag which left him dumbfounded.
"Naharog. Don't tell me..." He muttered under his breath but didn't manage to finish his sentence. He was interrupted by the explosive sound.
The soldiers reflectively took a step back. They are familiar with this sound and the infamous story about the weapon this sound originated from. Fear and shock are clearly visible on their face. After all, some of them are survivors of that war.
"Why? Why? Why is it here? I thought the war was over." One of the survivors keeps questioning. His face was appalled. Clearly, he is traumatized.
Before long, all the cannons opened fire. The town gate was bombarded continuously. The attacker's intention couldn't be any more apparent.
Without waiting for any instruction, the soldiers rush down the shaking wall for stability and protection.
"Soldiers, distance yourself from the wall and take defensive formation. I am going to inform Baron Szazki about the situation." said the commander before fleeing the scene.
Meanwhile, Count Naharog is watching his soldiers destroy the wall.
"Shoot the gate first, we need to enter the town as soon as possible."
"Yes, milord."
The Szazki citizens wake up from their dream after hearing a loud commotion outside. Those who are quick to react immediately run for their life. But most of them have an unfortunate fate.
"Where is the commander? I thought he was here?" said one of the soldiers anxiously. They have evacuated the town wall but still receive no further instruction.
"The commander said he is going to inform the baron." replied the newcomer.
"F*ck! That coward just fled. He is saving his own ass." curse the soldiers. They are in the guard team long enough to know their superior's personality.
*Boom*
"Damnit! The wall has been breached. What the hell should we do now?"
None of them is capable of commanding a team. They were only trained to follow orders.
"Seniors, let's surrender. The attacker is Count Naharog. He probably has beef with Baron, not us."
Hearing those words, the soldiers look at each other. They feel guilty about committing such an act but their life is more important than their pride. No way they are going to die because of the conflict between the two nobles.
"Alright, everyone drops your weapon and raises your hand in the air."
Count Naharog enters the town and is greeted by the scene of soldiers kneeling down.
"What should we do with them, milord."
"Nothing. Stick to our objective, eradicating the Szazki family."
The count can simply conduct the assassination on Szazki's family if he wants to take over the barony for himself but he chooses not to.
This is the best stage to test the Mezorin-manufactured cannons. He needs to make sure it is well functioning before directing it toward the royal family.
Proceeding to the Szazki Mansion, the Naharog soldiers ignore the cries and wailing of people. There were deaths among the people as a result of being crushed by the rubble of the collapsed wall.
Not like he cares or is affected about losing one or two idiotic lambs.
"Clear the path for me." Instruct the count.
The gate of the mansion was destroyed, Baron's private guards were killed and servants that were unable to escape in time were cut down.
The path to the second floor was clear of any obstacles but painted with blood.
In the main bedroom, the Szazki family members were hugging each other, shivering in fear.
Naharog soldiers have gathered them into one place, leaving the baron no chance to grab his weapon.
"Nelson!! Why are you doing this?" Baron Szazki barked. He no longer used any honorifics toward the count.
"Szazki, you should talk to your superior with respect."
"You don't deserve any respect at all!! Now, you better tell me your reason!" said Baron Szazki.
"Look, I know you're confused and mad at me but you need to die for my sake. Please understand, all I want is to ensure the stability of my territory. Do you think I don't know your half-cooked plan with other barons?"
Baron glared at him. He didn't know how their plan leaked but he is in deep trouble right now.
"Do not glare at me like that. This is the fate of the weak and unfortunately, you're included."
"Please, at least let my family go. They're innocent in this matter." Baron Szazki pleaded to the count.
"I'm sorry, Szazki. Although I know you speak the truth, I still can't let go. Would you guarantee they won't plot against me in the future?"
Baron Szazki was left speechless.
"Just die while I'm speaking politely to you."
On Count's signal, the soldiers beheaded the Szazkis.
*Thud*
*Thud*
*Thud*
*Thud*
*Thud*
Five heads dropped to the floor. Blood spurted from their bodies. It smells permeated the entire room. Another one noble family perish.
Letting out a long exhale, the count speaks inaudibly "One down, another one to go."